Elena Neale-Sacks
Reporter/Producer, California Local News FellowAfter freelancing for KAZU for 8 months, Elena joined the station full-time in September 2024 as a California Local News Fellow. Prior to joining KAZU, they worked as a podcast producer at The Oregonian. Their reporting and research has been featured on NPR, KQED, Netflix, Reveal, CalMatters, and more. Elena is an alum of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and UC Santa Cruz. They currently live in Santa Cruz.
When they aren't reporting, chances are they're either playing competitive ultimate frisbee, hiking, camping, playing board games, or hanging out with their cat Cheddar.
Email: elena@kazu.org
-
How local homeless service providers are preparing for a sharp reduction in federal funding for permanent housing. And, Santa Cruz County takes a baby step toward regulating new battery energy storage facilities. -
SNAP benefit upheaval coincides with the end of some local farm contracts, a film screening in Watsonville tackles masculinity, Mixtec farmworkers as doulas, and more in this week's local news roundup. -
How the federal government shutdown has impacted local universities. And, Santa Cruz County supervisors weigh whether to approve $500,000 in emergency funds for Second Harvest Food Bank amid SNAP upheaval. -
In today's newscast, ethical and legal ambiguity surrounding a recent Salinas City Council meeting. -
Monterey County wants to adopt a moratorium on new battery energy storage systems. And, local representatives condemn plans for offshore drilling and seabed mining in California. -
Two competing housing measures are on the ballot this election. Both propose using property tax revenue for affordable housing, but their specifics—and their motivations—differ significantly. -
In Santa Cruz, city voters have two competing housing affordability measures on their ballots—Measure B and Measure C. And, California will start selling its own insulin in January. -
Thousands took to the streets throughout the Monterey Bay Area this weekend to protest authoritarianism as part of nationwide “No Kings” rallies. In Watsonville, attendees got to hear from a special guest. -
On Nov. 4, California voters will decide the fate of Proposition 50, the state’s redistricting measure. Hear what it would do. And, a reminder to register in time to cast your ballot. -
Thousands of people are expected to gather across the Monterey Bay Area Saturday as part of nationwide “No Kings” protests. And, with monthly premiums for Affordable Care Act plans set to increase soon, KAZU wants to hear from local residents who get health insurance through Covered California.
