In the charming Gold Rush town of Placerville, California, a towering coastal redwood has stood as the heart of holiday celebrations for nearly 100 years. Inspired by the Nation’s Christmas Tree (the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon), this living landmark on Main Street and Bedford Avenue has been lighting up the community every December since the late 1920s. But who planted it? Was it Fire Chief O.N. Hirst in 1928? A memorial by Mrs. Lena Rantz for her late husband? Or a joint effort by the A

After more than 23 years of honorable service, Officer Chris Husse (ID 17320) is 10-10 and is officially off duty. Officer Husse entered the CHP Academy in 2002 and proudly served the motoring public throughout his career at the Santa Cruz Area, Gold Run Area, and Placerville Area, providing the highest level of safety, service, and security on California’s roadways. More than two decades working the road is no small feat. The Placerville Area command staff and his fellow beat partners thank Off