Trish Moratto Litke is a communications consultant who specializes in public relations, social media strategy, copywriting and journalism. She is an outdoor enthusiast and avid traveler, which has taken her to more than 40 countries. She is based among the pine trees in Grass Valley.
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![Stacy Caldwell is the CEO of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, which helped launch the Tahoe50 giving program in 2014.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1018-crc-tahoetruckeecommunityfoundation-fredgreaves_1.jpg?1577874530)
The Snowball Effect
Tahoe50 giving club amplifies the impact of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
North Tahoe-Truckee area resorts are typically competitive, working diligently to differentiate themselves and entice skiers to their properties. But eight resorts have set aside the competition and collaborated to raise funds for the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation through an innovative giving program.
![Inside the soon-to-open Grass Valley Brewing Co. Photo courtesy: Grass Valley Brewing Co.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0518_blog_brewing_grassvalley4.jpg?1577874530)
Grass Valley Gets First Brewery Since Prohibition
Gold Rush town planning for two new breweries to launch this year
At the end of a long day, Nevada City resident Dustin Harper likes to unwind with a cold, robustly flavored craft beer. Harper considers himself a beer aficionado and enjoys sampling brews across Northern California. This spring, he will have a new option to do so just minutes away from home. By the end of this summer, he may even have two.
![Uprooted! Japanese Americans During WWII is the California Museum’s longest-running exhibit.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/crc_feat_arts_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Touching History
At the California Museum and inside local classrooms, survivors of Japanese internment camps tell their story to a new generation
Visitors to the museum hear personal stories of internment at the permanent exhibit Uprooted! Japanese Americans During WWII.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1017_blog_philanthropy_vets_ss.jpg?1577874530)
Bringing Healing Into Focus
Image Nation connects veterans with the arts in Nevada County
As a photographer and owner of the Morrison Hotel Gallery with locations in New York, West Hollywood and Maui, Peter Blachley understands how powerful the arts can be. So when he heard about Image Nation, a local photography program to help veterans, he wanted to get involved.
![From left: Erica Henderson and Katie White co-own Gather & Mill in Grass Valley. (Photo courtesy Lydia Photography)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0817_blog_launch_gather1.jpg?1577874530)
Gather & Mill, a Boutique and Gathering Space, Opens in Grass Valley
As the sun rises on Mill Street in Grass Valley, Erica Henderson starts the opening routine in her new store Gather & Mill. She rolls out a decorative bicycle and sets up sandwich boards indicating to customers that they are welcome. The sounds of Amos Lee drift through the space as she slips kaftan-style dresses on hangers. When everything is perfectly in place, she opens the coral-colored French doors.
![W.E.T. River Trips takes guests out on the American River in the Coloma-Lotus Valley. (Photo courtesy Sierra Nevada Photos )](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0817_blog_recreation1.jpg?1577874530)
Making Waves
Coloma’s economy crests in summer months
Nick Wimsett wakes at 6 a.m., brews coffee, grabs a first aid kit, gathers rafting paddles and applies sunscreen. This is a typical day in his 11th year guiding guests down the South Fork of the American River in the Coloma-Lotus Valley.
![Jonathan Palmer (left), CTO of Autometrix in Grass Valley, with software developer Chris Campbell (right). Campbell was promoted after taking classes with the Connected Communities Academy.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0617_feat_workforcedevelopment_terenceduffy.jpg?1577874530)
Tech Crunch
Nevada County companies are in desperate need of techies — here’s how they’re cultivating a new workforce
In 2016 business and government leaders in Nevada County had an “ah-ha” moment: A report, commissioned by the Nevada County Economic Resource Council in coalition with the Northern Rural Training and Employment Council, showed stakeholders that the county’s local workforce needed easy access to tech-based skills.
![Carina Lampkin has been hired as vice president of restaurant operations at Oak Park Brewing. (courtesy photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0217_blog_food_brewery.jpg?1577874530)
Co-Owner of Blackbird Kitchen Joins Oak Park Brewing
Chef Carina Lampkin discusses her plans for the popular brand
Lampkin recently accepted a new position as the vice president of restaurant operations at Oak Park Brewing Company. We sat down with Lampkin to see what motivated her to make the move.
![(Photo courtesy Jeremy Sykes)
(Photo courtesy Jeremy Sykes)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0916_blog_development2_lead.jpg?1577874530)
M.A.Y. Building Shows What’s Old is New Again
Historic downtown building now home to mixed-use retail, residential units
About one year ago, Mayor Kevin Johnson introduced a new downtown housing initiative called “In Downtown” to develop 10,000 places to live in downtown by 2025. The privately-funded M.A.Y. Building, which includes 21 residential units, is the first project to open in downtown since the initiative’s launch.
![(Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership) (Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0616_blog_launchdreamers1.jpg?1577874530)
Oblivion Comics & Coffee Wins Calling All Dreamers Contest
Entrepreneurs will get $110,000 worth of business services
Oblivion Comics & Coffee was selected from five finalists to win a grand prize package of business services valued at roughly $110,000. As the winners, Estaris and Benson will be given $10,000 in matching start-up capital to help open the doors of Oblivion.
![The River Cats have reduced Raley Field’s carbon footprint with a 154-kilowatt solar array. (Photo courtesy of the River Cats) The River Cats have reduced Raley Field’s carbon footprint with a 154-kilowatt solar array. (Photo courtesy of the River Cats)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0616_blog_environment_lead.jpg?1577874530)
How the River Cats Became One of the Greenest Minor League Teams
Efforts toward sustainability cover transportation, food waste and energy use
When River Cats season ticket holder Jared Pane and his family lower their kickstands at the Raley Field stadium bicycle valet, he breathes a little easier. He knows their fanatic support of the West Sacramento minor-league team is not only a fun tradition, but also good for the environment.