Author: Member Submitted

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In The News – The Sally Fund launched to provide local housing assistance, prevent homelessness

November 12, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally Published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/12/2025, Staff Report

 St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Incline Village, announces the creation of The Sally Fund to generate support for our housing-insecure neighbors in North Tahoe-Truckee. Using part of a generous bequest from a longtime member as seed money, St. Patrick’s invites our community to add to this fund–and help prevent homelessness.

Donations will flow to those in need through two outstanding partners—Sierra Community House and Tahoe Family Solutions—who serve individuals and families struggling to enter housing or to stay housed.

As Connie Skidmore, St. Patrick’s Senior Warden states, “When Sally Jane Hammel willed her Incline condo to her church family on her passing in 2020, St. Patrick’s leadership intentionally made a decision to spread her spirit of generosity. The legacy of her home, where Sally shared warmth and hospitality, as well as Sally’s known desire to help others, inspired us to launch a housing assistance fund in her name.”

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In The News – Severe Geomagnetic Storm dazzles Tahoe skies with Northern Lights

November 12, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/12/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh

The internet is flooding with images of last night’s Northern Lights, visible from Lake Tahoe with the naked eye. A long exposure photo can capture even more of the aurora activity.

The storm was strongest between the hours of 5-10 p.m. with values between 8 and 9-minus on the Kp index, which values geomagnetic activity based on magnetometers around the world.

According to NOAA that makes it a G4 or Severe geomagnetic storm. Storms of this magnitude can be seen from northern California. Had it reached a Kp 9, it would have been considered a extreme storm, potentially visible from places as low as Florida and Southern Texas.

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Photo: TDT

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In The News – An Extreme Tree Hunt in the Sierra Nevada

November 11, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/11/2025, Staff Report

After University of California, Davis, forest ecologist Hugh Safford stumbled upon California’s highest tree, a Jeffrey pine, in the High Sierra in 2024, he vowed to return. He wanted to learn more about what this unlikely species is doing in the Sierra Nevada’s highest places, and how it got there. 

This summer, he and a team of UC Davis researchers hiked more than 240 miles and climbed 24 peaks in search of high-elevation Jeffrey pines and what their presence may reveal about our warming planet. 

A UC Davis storyteller accompanied them for four days, documenting their journey through writing, photos, audio, videos and watercolor sketches. The resulting feature story, “An Extreme Tree Hunt in the Sierra Nevada,” reveals the lengths some scientists will go to understand the wonders and changes of the natural world.

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In The News – Tahoe landmark could see new life

November 11, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/11/2025, Written by Petra Molina

A long-vacant gas station at the gateway to Lakeshore Boulevard — one of the most exclusive streets in the Lake Tahoe Basin — may see new life after more than two decades of inactivity.

Known as the Orbit Station, the structure at 560 Lakeshore Blvd. has stood unused for more than 20 years. Still, to some, the building is an unmistakable historic landmark along the North Shore.

“It’s a midcentury modern building from a time when Tahoe was still developing,” said architectural historian Alan Hess. “This building echoes and represents the character of the area at the time.”

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Photo: Petra Molina – Sierra Sun

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Mountains of Gratitude: Thanksgiving Feasts in Tahoe-Truckee

November 8, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally Published by Tahoe.com, 11/08/2025, Written by Kirsten Alexis

There’s a lot to be grateful for in life, and here in the Tahoe-Truckee region we have an abundance of it. From dynamic landscapes to an endless supply of outdoor recreation opportunities to a diverse and vibrant community, we truly have it all. 

Autumn brings many changes to the region. It’s a short window between the busy summer season and the magic of winter and holiday spirit. Beyond the foliage and crisp mountain air, there’s a moment to pause and reflect, to ground your spirit and give thanks to the blessings around you. 

Thanksgiving isn’t just a turkey dinner. It’s a chance to spend quality time with loved ones. From a shared meal to a stroll through the towering pines to laughing around a warm bonfire, lasting memories are made here.

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Introducing Classical Tahoe’s New Board Chair: Rafael Pastor

November 6, 2025 | Member Submitted

We’re delighted to announce that Rafael Pastor has been named Chair of the Classical Tahoe Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2025. A seasoned executive, intrapreneur, and lifelong advocate for the arts, Rafael brings a dynamic vision and deep commitment to Classical Tahoe’s mission.

After 11 years as Classical Tahoe’s Board Chair, Marna Broida is stepping down and will continue to serve on the Board as a Director.

A message from Marna Broida: 

“Classical Tahoe is an extraordinary arts organization with the strongest, most dedicated team it has ever had. Now is the perfect moment for new leadership. Keep your eye on this artistic gem! With our visionary executive director, David Pratt, new board chair, Rafael Pastor, new vice chair, Michael Blaszyk, and our partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno, we will continue to expand our mission and vision, delighting audiences, educating students of all ages, and transforming lives. “ 

Thank you, Marna for your dedication and many years of service to Classical Tahoe. And please join us in welcoming Rafael Pastor as our new Board Chair.

ABOUT RAFAEL PASTOR

Referring to himself as “actively repurposed” (rejecting “retired”),  Rafael currently serves or recently served as a Director on the Boards of Ensight (as Chairman, continually helping to guide its growth as an insurance-sales facilitation company), RosettaBooks (as a Founder of one of the first e-book publishers), and Experience Investment Corp. (a SPAC that merged with Blade, the passenger and organs air-transport company). He also serves as an Advisor to a major international private equity firm, and is a limited partner and advisor in several investment partnerships.


Rafael is also: Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego (UCSD); Trustee of the UCSD Foundation; Member of the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Rady School of Management at UCSD. As a Board Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors/Pacific Southwest Chapter (which covers Southern California, Nevada and Arizona), Rafael has produced, moderated and been a panelist on several webinars focused to what Board Directors need to know and do.


Rafael is also: Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego (UCSD); Trustee of the UCSD Foundation; Member of the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Rady School of Management at UCSD. As a Board Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors/Pacific Southwest Chapter (which covers Southern California, Nevada and Arizona), Rafael has produced, moderated and been a panelist on several webinars focused to what Board Directors need to know and do.

Rafael is also: Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego (UCSD); Trustee of the UCSD Foundation; Member of the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Rady School of Management at UCSD. As a Board Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors/Pacific Southwest Chapter (which covers Southern California, Nevada and Arizona), Rafael has produced, moderated and been a panelist on several webinars focused to what Board Directors need to know and do.

Rafael is also: Chairman of the International Advisory Board of the School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego (UCSD); Trustee of the UCSD Foundation; Member of the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Rady School of Management at UCSD. As a Board Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors/Pacific Southwest Chapter (which covers Southern California, Nevada and Arizona), Rafael has produced, moderated and been a panelist on several webinars focused to what Board Directors need to know and do.

Over the years, Rafael has served as a Trustee of several humanitarian, educational, and cultural  organizations. These include: the International League for Human Rights (based in New York as Board Vice Chairman); the Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School (in New York, NY) and the Pacific Ridge School (in Carlsbad, CA); the Old Globe Theater (in San Diego, CA on the Board’s Executive Committee); and the La Jolla Music Society (in La Jolla, CA as Board Vice Chairman while it raised $80 Million and built the exquisite Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center). 


Rafael started his career at the Wall Street law firm of Hawkins, Delafield and Wood and then as Associate General Counsel at CBS Inc. Born in Israel to Hungarian parents, he speaks Hungarian and French and (less fluently) German and Hebrew. 


In addition to his experiences as a Board member of corporate and not-for-profit entities, Rafael has participated in Board meetings and deliberations as a CEO, investment banker, and attorney.
Rafael has loved (but has no talent in) classical music ever since he was inspired by one of his childhood heroes, Leonard Bernstein. He and Marina are also avid about theatre, dance, art, humor, and all forms of excellent creativity from around the world. He has been a proud and admiring member of Classical Tahoe’s Board since 2024.

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Help Feed Our Neighbors This Season – You Can Help

November 5, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally Published by Sierra Community House

Beginning November 1st, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) benefits will be delayed until the federal government reopens and funding resumes, leaving many of our neighbors without critical support to put food on the table. We are already hearing from families who don’t know where their next meal will come from—and we expect that number to rise sharply in the coming days.

As the only food pantry in our region, currently serving over 700 families a week, we’re mobilizing every resource we have to bridge this gap. We are anticipating a 30% minimum increase in demand. Food insecurity is already one of our community’s greatest challenges, and this loss of benefits will push even more families to the edge.

Saturday’s 35th Annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival was a beautiful celebration of community and compassion focusing on hunger needs in our community. The outpouring of support renewed our commitment to continue meeting the growing needs of local families every day.

If you missed it, please take a moment to watch this short video highlighting the impact your support makes: Watch: Sierra Community House 2025 Impact Video.

Now, we need your help more than ever to meet the growing demand for food assistance. Here’s how you can make an immediate difference:

  • Join the 2.38 Plate Club – Become a monthly donor and sustain our Hunger Relief program.  It costs us about $2.38 to provide a meal to a community member.  Because of our strong partnerships and food rescue efforts, your donated dollars go much further.  Your monthly contribution will help sustain the growing needs of our community.
  • Start a Virtual Food Drive- Help us spread the word and invite others to support our efforts by creating our own Sierra Community House – Virtual Food Drive
  • Make a one-time gift. – Every dollar counts.
    We also accept gifts of stock and from donor advised funds.
    Checks may be mailed to:
    Sierra Community House, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451
    Tax ID: 94-2985554
  • Volunteer – Help us pack and distribute food to local families. Sign up here
  • Advocate – Share our mission and raise your voice for policies that protect food assistance.

Managing individual food drop-offs can be challenging for our small team. While we deeply appreciate the community’s desire to help by donating food, monetary donations go even further.  They allow us to buy fresh, healthy food in bulk and reduce waste and storage challenges. For this reason, we are not currently accepting food donations, but your financial gifts and volunteer time make a huge difference.

Read a blog from Patrick Kratzer, our Director of Hunger Relief, which includes details on local food rescue efforts, here.

Thank you for standing with us during this critical moment. Because of you, our community is stronger, more connected, and better nourished.

Paul Bancroft

Executive Director

Sierra Community House

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In The News – Incline Village Main Street launches Dancing With Daffodils

November 4, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/23/2025, Staff Report

 IVCBA is asking businesses and residents to help cover Incline Village and Crystal Bay next spring with daffodils by planting bulbs this fall. It is part of Inclined to Bloom, the project that brought hanging flower baskets and terra cotta pots to Incline commercial areas last summer. IVCBA will supply FREE BULBS to participating businesses and landscapers.

Dancing with daffodils is what we will be doing next spring if we all plant bulbs this fall! This is a pilot project, a grassroots campaign to beautify Incline in the spring. Daffodils are the first flower (yellow) to peak out through the snow in April/May and are hardy enough to survive an unexpected snowstorm. Once the bulbs are planted, the flowers come back every year. And they multiply! Any business, group, or individuals willing to plant bulbs, reach out to Linda@IVCBA.org to receive free bulbs.

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In The News – IVCBA Workforce Housing Series presents ‘Housing Insecurity in Paradise: A New Solution to a Chronic Problem’

November 4, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/4/2025, Staff Report

Its easy to see the housing crisis escalating in our region: not only in the headlines, but in the stories of friends and neighbors who’ve been priced out or pushed out of their homes, jobs, schools, and communities by rising financial pressure. Housing insecurity is a reality the Incline Village Crystal Bay Association are called to address in North Tahoe-Truckee.

Come to this engaging community presentation–part of National Homelessness Awareness Month–to better understand this problem and also its solutions. New collaborations are forming among local faith-based organizations, social services, civic organizations, and philanthropies to make a difference.

You’ll learn about The Sally Fund to support our neighbors with housing assistance and rapid rehousing funds. Launched by St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, this fund will be distributed to those in need by Sierra Community House and Tahoe Family Solutions. Representatives from the church and these vital social service agencies will explain the fund’s inspiration by long-time resident Sally Jane Hammel–and its power to change lives.

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In The News – Going Deeper for Tahoe: Clean up the Lake completes Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project

November 3, 2025 | Member Submitted

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/3/2025, Staff Report

Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) has completed its Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project, an ambitious research and cleanup effort exploring litter accumulation and aquatic health between 35 and 55 feet beneath the surface of Lake Tahoe. Using Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) and Nitrox, the team tested advanced deep-water methods to increase diver efficiency and safety while gathering critical data to guide future large-scale underwater cleanup operations.

THE STATISTICS

From February through July 2025, CUTL conducted 14 cleanup days totaling 29 dives, engaging 26 unique volunteers who filled 80 volunteer positions and contributed 480 hours both underwater and onshore. The team removed 1,933 pounds of litter, consisting of 1,042 individual items, from 6.1 miles of lakebed and 4.75 miles of Placer County shoreline. Commonly recovered materials included 248 glass bottles, 21 anchors, and a range of metal, plastic, and recreational debris.

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Photo: Clean up the Lake

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