The Sierra Sun operates out of The Lift at 10266 Truckee Airport Rd., in Truckee, Calif. Serving the Truckee community since 1869, the publication remains one of the region’s longest-standing sources of local news and history.
A Legacy of Local News in Truckee
The Sierra Sun, formerly known as the Truckee Sun, and its predecessors have been published in Truckee since 1869. According to some fact and a little fiction, the paper debuted as the Truckee Tribune in 1869 by N.W. Ferguson, with E. B. Boust serving as its first editor.
The paper saw a long succession of owners and editors until the early 1930s, when publisher Stanley Bavieer — an ardent Democrat — merged titles into the Truckee Republican and The Sierra Sun. Bavieer later died in an automobile accident while serving as both publisher and editor.
In 1936, Walter Barrett purchased the paper and maintained ownership until March 21, 1967, when it was acquired by Scripps League Newspapers. During this period, the Sun transitioned into a twice-weekly publication.
“One of California’s longest-running local newspapers, rooted in Truckee since 1869.”
In 1980, ownership transferred to Mount Rose Publishing Company, led by Philip Swift of Swift Newspapers Inc. and James McClatchy. The Tahoe World also became part of this group. By 1998, Swift Communications became sole owner after McClatchy’s interest was bought out.
Prior to relocating in 2014 to the Pioneer Center in Truckee, the Sierra Sun operated from Deerfield Drive for 15 years, and before that, from the Westgate Center on Donner Pass Road.
In 2022, Swift Communications — including the Sierra Sun and its sister publication, Tahoe Daily Tribune — was acquired by Ogden Newspapers.