Janelle Salanga
Northern California Reporter
The Central Valley is something that is incredibly personal to me. Having grown up, studied and worked in the valley, I’ve learned that there are stories in every corner of every city here: stories about intergenerational organizing, environmental (in)justice and the labor that feeds much of California, among others.
I see journalism as a tool for record-keeping and nuancing “stereotypical” or “sensational” narratives. I want to see media act less transactionally, meet people where they are and ground my reporting in a deep understanding of regional context. Through being in the valley, which lies at the core of Northern California, I’ve learned a little bit about that context — but I am always learning more, and your stories play a huge role in that.
As CapRadio’s Northern California reporter, I operate from an understanding of the breadth of perspectives here and the societal and structural inequities between the communities within the region. I’m particularly passionate about covering stories about groups of people that have been disempowered by current social structures.
If there’s something I should be covering about Northern California — whether a topic or a specific story — let me know! This region is one we share.
'Disability rights are workers’ rights': Disabled UC Davis workers on strike advocate for greater accessibility on the picket and in the university
November 28, 2022
Many disabled workers and students are participating in the UC strike. Though not all may not be on the physical picket line, they’ve shaped union proposals on accessibility and fought for a cost of living adjustment.
Nearly 50,000 University of California graduate student employees launch open-ended strike
November 14, 2022
UC Davis workers are among the thousands across the UC system withholding their labor and canceling classes. They’re calling for wage increases, disability justice and fair working conditions, among other things.
Early election results show local, state appetite for investing in youth
November 9, 2022
Both Sacramento County’s Measure L, which creates a Sacramento Children’s Fund, and California’s Proposition 28, which increases K-12 arts education funds, look to pass by large margins.
Voting by mail, drop box a big part of turnout on a rainy midterm Election Day
November 8, 2022
According to election officials across the greater Sacramento area, vote centers and polling places have been hotspots for people to drop off already filled out vote-by-mail ballots.
Sacramento-area voters say barriers still cloud elections despite efforts to make them more accessible
November 8, 2022
First-time to long-time voters in the Sacramento area share what’s bringing them out to vote and what changes they’d like to see in future elections – from increased political action to more straightforward logistics.
Haven’t registered to vote yet? In California, it’s not too late. Your last-minute voting questions, answered
November 7, 2022
Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re registered and can vote on Election Day, including what to bring to a vote center, where to find polling places and how to find more information on the candidates and races local to you.
Sacramento’s Measure L explained: Here’s what you should know about the proposed youth fund
November 2, 2022
Also known as the “Children and Youth Health and Safety Act,” Measure L is the third measure in the past six years aiming to secure dedicated city funds for Sacramento youth programs.
Filipino contributions to state history honored in new California Museum exhibit
October 28, 2022
The exhibit, California is in the Heart, is a multi-organization collaboration celebrating Filipino towns throughout the state, highlights Filipinas’ role in the community and honors past and present labor rights struggles.
Here’s how students in the Sacramento area and beyond can apply for student loan relief
October 21, 2022
Groups at UC Davis, Sacramento State and beyond are sharing information about the application with students and alumni through social media, newsletters and conversations about paying for college.
New Malcolm X Academy in Oak Park continues tradition of Black Panther liberation schools
October 11, 2022
The K-8 school, which opened Oct. 3, will encourage hands-on community learning through farming, athletics, food preparation, performing arts, reading and more.