Monday Essentials for Banning, Beaumont and the Pass

Here are a few things to know about what's going on this week in Banning, Beaumont and the Pass area, and elsewhere in Riverside County.

1. Remember this is essentially a three-day week for schools and government offices. Thursday is Turkey Day and Friday is your day to recover, shop or whatever.

2. High pressure is expected build over SoCal the first part of this week, with dry and warmer conditions prevailing, according to the National Weather Service.

Another storm system is expected to approach Southern California on Thanksgiving. This could change if the system retrogrades over the Pacific.

3. New Creation Church volunteers in Banning are offering free, hot meals on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday Nov. 28 at 1170 W. Ramsey St.

Organizers say "This will be a full Thanksgiving meal, so invite your family and friends!" Click here to RSVP.

4. Want to enjoy your turkey with a view? The Peaks Restaurant at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will serve dinner from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 28. Cost of dinner is $28 adults and seniors. Tram admission, gratuity and tax are not included. Reservations are recommended please call (760) 325 4537. Peaks Thanksgiving Menu.

There's also Ride 'n' Dine at the Pines Café from 11:30 a.m. Nov. 28. Tickets for the combination are $36 adults and seniors and $23.50 children ages 3-12. Pines Thanksgiving Ride 'n' Dine Menu.

4. For skiers and snowboarders there's a Black Friday Special at Mountain High in Wrightwood: "Stock up November 29th through December 2nd, 2013, and save up to 40% on lift tickets." Click here to learn more.

5. Coming up Friday Dec. 6 and Saturday Dec. 7 is the 21st Annual Winterfest at Cherry Valley Grange Community Center. Click here for more info.

Other upcoming events in the next few weeks include the Beaumont Senior Center Craft Fair and the Beaumont 16th Annual Christmas Light Parade, both on Dec. 14. For more info click here.