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.
Historic California Reparations Task Force Discusses Community Engagement, History of Slavery
September 24, 2021
The group, designed to examine what reparations might look like and compile educational resources about slavery and its impact, met on Thursday and Friday.
As Sacramento Opens New Navigation Center For Unhoused People, A New Lawsuit Threatens To Block Other Shelters From Moving Forward
September 22, 2021
A navigation center on X Street opened Tuesday to welcome homeless people, their pets and partners. It’s one of the shelters the city is hoping can address a growing homelessness crisis. But there’s still some criticism and concern.
California’s Community Colleges Divided On Vaccine Mandates For Students
September 2, 2021
Students returning to California’s publicly-owned four-year college and university campuses this fall will be required to show proof of vaccination. Most students attending community college in the state won’t have the same safeguard.
How To Track Caldor Fire Evacuations And Help People Evacuated
August 31, 2021
As the Caldor Fire grows, here’s what you need to know about evacuations, evacuation centers and resources for evacuees.
Sacramento’s Plan To Build 20 New Shelter Sites For Homeless Residents Gets Approval, Draws Criticism
August 13, 2021
It greenlights 20 sites for various housing options meant to serve Sacramento’s unhoused population. But Sacramento community members want the plan to emphasize safety and prioritization of affordable housing.
Sacramento Region, California Show Increased Diversity In 2020 Census Results
August 13, 2021
While California showed an increase in Latino and Asian populations along with a decrease in white and Black residents, researchers say additional information can better clarify and contextualize demographic changes and their effects.
River Fire Prompts Evacuation Order For Colfax, Destroys Structures In California’s Sierra Nevada Foothills
August 5, 2021
The fire ignited just after 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon and has grown to more than 2,600 acres. At least 50 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
Sacramento Mayor Releases Plans To Shelter Homeless Residents At 20 Sites
August 5, 2021
The plan would expand Sacramento’s housing capacity for unhoused people through a variety of options. But questions remain about the equitable distribution of sites and what happens after people cycle through temporary housing.
Sacramento Police Stop, Search, Use Force Against Black Residents At Much Higher Rate Than White People, Report Says
July 28, 2021
Between 2014 and 2019, police were 4.5 times more likely to commit acts of force against Black residents, according to a report by the Center for Policing Equity and released Tuesday.
As Sacramento Summers Heat Up, Community Members Help To Keep Neighbors Cool
July 28, 2021
The city’s cooling centers have been underutilized during past heat waves, but some community members say that’s because the centers don’t cast a wide enough net around outlying neighborhoods. They’re stepping up to run their own.