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.
A history of underfunding: North Sacramento residents call for investments in community
August 10, 2022
Some District 2 residents described years of underfunding and inadequate representation at City Hall. They called for more basic resources like grocery stores.
Sacramento County declares monkeypox a local public health emergency in response to rising cases
August 9, 2022
The emergency declaration allows the county to access funding and be more proactive in its response to the outbreak.
New variants, wastewater data, long COVID: What Sacramento region experts are watching
August 5, 2022
Experts and public health officials in the Sacramento region share how their approach to COVID-19 is changing as new variants emerge and new tools, like wastewater data, become more important.
What to know about monkeypox’s spread and finding a vaccine in Sacramento
August 1, 2022
As the virus spreads, here’s what to know about how it’s transmitted, how to identify symptoms and what local resources can help if you have it.
California declares state of emergency as monkeypox outbreak grows
August 1, 2022
The announcement comes three days after the state said it continued to review data about the virus. San Francisco made a similar declaration last Thursday.
California not declaring monkeypox a health emergency, despite growing concern about spread
July 29, 2022
San Francisco declared a state of emergency over rising cases of monkeypox Thursday. State health officials say they’re taking the outbreak “very seriously” and expecting thousands of vaccine doses from the federal government.
After 2 years, the California State Fair returns to Sacramento. Here’s what you need to know.
July 18, 2022
This year’s state fair is taking place at the Cal Expo and runs from July 15 to 31. New attractions include the first-ever cannabis exhibit.
At 23 years old, the volunteer-run Lavender Library continues to build community, history for LGBTQ+ Sacramentans
June 30, 2022
The library’s catalog is comprised solely of queer literature, films, children’s books, erotica and archival materials. Co-founder Gail Lang, a lesbian, called it a “library for our community.”
Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.
June 24, 2022
Find answers to questions about California’s protections for abortion access for both in and out-of-state residents, what abortion options exist in the state and more.
Long COVID patients struggle as medical community learns more about the condition
June 22, 2022
With a growing cohort of patients experiencing persistent symptoms of COVID-19 weeks after initial infection, many say the condition impairs their capacity to participate in activities they used to enjoy.