Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 12/02/2025, Staff Report

The Tahoe region offers some of the best winter outdoor recreation in the world, but parking availability, snow removal, and limited trailheads often make the backcountry difficult to access. To help the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance tackle these issues, the Tahoe Fund is launching a new $10k matching challenge to the community. 

The first 100 people to donate $35 or more by December 31, 2025 will unlock a $10,000 gift to Tahoe Backcountry Alliance (TBA) in celebration of their 10th anniversary. Donors to the challenge will also receive a TBA membership that corresponds to their gift level. Membership tiers are $35, $150, or $500, and include the following benefits:

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Photo: TDT

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/28/2025, Staff Report

Pet Network Humane Society announced sponsorship, made possible through the incredible generosity of the Gately Family Foundation. All adoption fees for animals are waived for the entire month, ensuring that deserving shelter pets find loving homes just in time for the holidays.

This heartwarming promotion doesn’t stop at simply finding homes—it also prioritizes health and safety for new furry family members. Each adoption includes a fixed-rate voucher for one year of veterinary care at the Pet Network Community Hospital. Additionally, every dog adopted will come equipped with a Fi GPS collar, offering pet parents peace of mind and an extra layer of protection for their new companions. New this year, each adopted pet will also go home with an emergency “go” bag courtesy of Pet Evac Pak!

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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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Originally published by Tahoe Community Foundation, 11/3/25

Across the Tahoe Basin, a growing challenge threatens the well-being of our neighbors: food insecurity is becoming a more urgent reality and the number of families and individuals who are in need continues to increase. Since its inception, the Community Foundation has continuously supported nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to address food insecurity in our region, reinforcing its commitment to a stronger, more resilient community.

During the 2025 cycle of our Community Impact Grants, we observed a significant increase in applications from local nonprofits requesting support for their efforts in food assistance, signaling that food insecurity is not only persisting but deepening within the region. Organizations reported increased demand and growing concerns about families who were previously stable and are now struggling to meet basic nutritional needs.

Compounding this already escalating crisis, as of November 1, 2025, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) benefits have been reduced due to the ongoing government shutdown. This cut means that low-income families who once relied on these benefits to supplement their grocery budget are now facing empty cupboards and difficult choices.

In this moment of uncertainty, the Community Foundation continues to keep our finger on the pulse of the urgent needs of our neighbors, and the ways you can step forward with compassion and resolve to make a difference.

Photo Courtesy Sierra Community House

Supporting the Tahoe region’s most pressing needs

Tahoe Community Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Community Impact Grants, a cornerstone of its commitment to strengthening the Lake Tahoe region. These grants support a diverse array of nonprofit organizations whose work uplifts local communities through innovation, compassion, and resilience.

The Community Foundation’s Community Impact Grants allow nonprofit organizations to request the support they need to better serve the region through an application process. The grants are determined by the Community Impact Committee (CIC), composed of volunteers from the community, who review each grant proposal and reward the most impactful opportunities. Summaries of each grant are also provided to the Community Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund holders, inviting them to co-invest in the Community Impact Grants, expanding collective support, and awarding over $300,000 to the greatest needs in the region. 

Through the grant application process in 2025, the Community Foundation identified clear and pressing themes in the Tahoe region: the need for greater support in mental health services and expanded after-school programs. By observing the priorities expressed by local nonprofits and community partners, the Community Foundation was able to direct funding to address these critical areas, ensuring resources reached both North and South Lake Tahoe. These grants are helping to strengthen access to mental health support and expanding opportunities for youth enrichment while offering support to working parents to build a healthy and resilient community across the entire region.

“In awarding these grants each year, we’re able to respond directly to the most pressing challenges facing our community,” said Laura Roche, Programs Director at Tahoe Community Foundation. “The applications we receive offer a window into the greatest needs across our region—needs that affect individuals and families every day. This year, we noticed powerful themes emerge, and we were proud to address them through meaningful support that helps ensure the Tahoe region remains strong and thriving.”

The 2025 Community Impact Grantees are: 

• Boys and Girls Club Lake Tahoe
• Boys and Girls Club North Lake Tahoe
• Bread and Broth
• Classical Tahoe
• Encompass Youth
• Incline Education Fund 
• League to Save Lake Tahoe
• National Forest Foundation
• Pet Network Humane Society
• Send It Foundation
• Sierra State Parks Foundation
• SOS Outreach
• South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center
• Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids
• Tahoe’s Connection for Families
• Tahoe Family Solutions
• Tahoe Food Hub
• Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue
• Tahoe Rim Trail Association
• Tahoe Truckee School of Music
• Tahoe Youth and Family Services
• Vista Rise Collective (formerly Live Violence Free)

To learn more about Tahoe Community Foundation and to see full descriptions of grants awarded in 2025, visit www.TahoeCF.org 

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About Tahoe Community Foundation 

Tahoe Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating community philanthropy, serving as a resource for donors to make confident and meaningful investments in their community, and offering nonprofit organizations support, insight, and strategy. Tahoe Community Foundation is a pillar in the community, serving to create meaningful and lasting impact, and to Elevate Generosity in Tahoe and beyond.

Photo: Boys and Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe

It’s almost time to don your finest black-tie attire—with a Spanish twist—and raise a glass (and a paddle!) for a cause that’s close to all our hearts. Pet Network Lake Tahoe invites you to the 27th Annual Fur Ball Gala: Tails & Tapas, taking place on Friday, May 31st at Bowl Incline’s fresh, new event space!

This year’s gala promises an unforgettable evening of Spanish-inspired elegance, vibrant flavors, fine wine, signature cocktails, and live music, all in support of shelter pets who deserve a second chance. Tails & Tapas is Pet Network’s biggest fundraiser of the year—and your ticket is more than just entry to a fabulous night. It’s a lifeline for animals in need.

Proceeds from the evening benefit Pet Network’s lifesaving medical, rescue, and adoption programs. With your support, we can continue to provide care for vulnerable pets—from life-saving surgeries to the daily essentials that help animals heal and thrive.

In addition to the delicious cuisine and festive atmosphere, the night will feature a live auction filled with unforgettable experiences, a fund-the-need paddle raise to help bring a CT scanner to Pet Network (¡ole!), and a few surprises you’ll have to see to believe.

Tickets are on sale now at www.petnetwork.org/furball and are expected to sell out. So grab your seat at the table, bring your appetite (and your dancing shoes), and help us toast to compassion, community, and the incredible pets we serve.

Together, we’ll turn tapas into transformation—one tail at a time.

Originally published with TNTNV

In early 2024, we at Travel North Tahoe Nevada developed a new three-year Strategic Plan for our organization. During that process, we reached out to stakeholders who are part of North Tahoe’s tourism industry to gather your views on issues that would help inform our planning activity. Now that it’s a year later, we’d like to get your input once again to get your help in assessing our progress.
 

We ask that you please complete the survey by 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 23.

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Originally Published at www.sierracommunityhouse.org – 03/05/2025

In honor of Women’s History Month, we at Sierra Community House want to shine a spotlight on two remarkable women who make a difference every day in the lives of the families and children we serve—Miss Irene and Miss Conchita, the dynamic co-teachers at The Family Room. Their unwavering dedication, patience, and collaborative spirit embody the essence of women supporting and empowering one another. 

At The Family Room, Miss Irene and Miss Conchita create an inclusive, nurturing environment where each child’s unique personality is celebrated. Jamie, a caregiver of a child at The Family Room, shared the impact in a beautiful way: 

“My child has a cautious personality, and Miss Irene and Miss Conchita have such a wonderful co-teaching relationship. They include her in the class but also give her the space to participate in the ways she feels comfortable.” 

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Photo: Sierra Community House