TRUCKEE, Calif. – Truckee’s Town Council opened its Tuesday evening meeting with a series of proclamations and an award recognizing organizations and individuals making an impact across the community, from child welfare and mental health advocacy to historic preservation efforts in downtown Truckee.

Child Abuse Prevention Month and Día del Niño 

The Town of Truckee proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and April 30 as Día del Niño.

“April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of strengthening families, promoting protective factors and ensuring that all children grow up safe in stable and nurturing environments,” Truckee Mayor Anna Klovstad said while reading the proclamation.

The proclamation also recognized Día del Niño, or Day of the Child, celebrated annually on April 30 as an opportunity to honor children, recognize their rights, and emphasize the importance of investing in their health, education, and overall well-being.

The proclamation was accepted by the nonprofit Sierra Community House, which provides a range of parenting and early learning programs, including parent support groups, co-parenting peer support, the Family Room, and community events. 

The organization was recognized for creating “safe, supported, and inclusive spaces that strengthen family bonds, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging,” Klovstad said.

The town highlighted Sierra Community House’s Family Room program, a free bilingual early learning program for parents, caregivers, and children ages 0 to 4. Rooted in play-based education, the program supports school readiness through reading, music, singing, play, and arts and crafts while helping strengthen language development, cognitive skills, and confidence.

Mental Health Awareness month

The Town of Truckee also proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation recognized the importance of mental wellness and community support, and was accepted by Yvette Bell of Access Tahoe, Jordan Brandt of Crow’s Nest Ranch, and Holly Schwarz of Truckee Pride Foundation.

“Mental health is vital to the well-being and resilience of individuals and the community as a whole, and fostering understanding, compassion, and acceptance helps reduce stigma and encourage support,” the proclamation stated.

The proclamation highlighted Access Tahoe, Truckee Pride Foundation, Crow’s Nest Ranch, and other community partners for their efforts to raise awareness about mental illness and strengthen collaboration around mental health services in the region.

Crow’s Nest Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers sober living and outpatient recovery programs. The organization recently launched Radical Recovery in Truckee, which, according to its website, provides an inclusive and supportive environment for people currently in or seeking recovery from addiction and behavioral health challenges.

Truckee Pride Foundation is a nonprofit focused on creating a community where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, races, and lifestyles feel safe, supported, and welcome in the Truckee area.

Access Tahoe is a grassroots organization dedicated to removing physical, informational, cultural, communicative, financial, and systemic barriers that limit participation in outdoor spaces, businesses, schools, the arts, and community life. Centered on the experiences of people with disabilities, the organization focuses on advocacy, collaboration, and education to expand inclusive access throughout the Tahoe region.

Annual Historic Preservation Advisory Commission Award

The Town of Truckee recognized David Bale with the 2026 Sharon Pace Arnold Historic Preservation Award during a recent town council meeting.

According to town staff, the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission established the award in 2018 to recognize projects and property owners in downtown Truckee who have gone above and beyond in preserving historic buildings and demonstrating excellence in historic preservation. The award is named after Sharon Pace Arnold, a longtime local advocate for historic preservation.

The honored project is located on West River Street near the corner of Bridge Street. According to town staff, the building was originally constructed in 1867 as housing for lumber mill workers before being converted into a hotel in 1871. It is classified as a Category A property, meaning it is considered an essential historic resource.

Town staff noted that a project approved in 2007 restored portions of the exterior, added accessibility improvements, and introduced residential, office, and retail uses. In 2021, Bale returned the building to its historic use as the Tahoe Star Hotel while completing additional improvements to the property.

“I’ve been here a long time, and done several restorations,” Bale said during the meeting. “So it’s nice to be recognized.”