
Elena Neale-Sacks
California Local News FellowAfter freelancing for KAZU for 8 months, Elena (they/them) 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's Code Switch, 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.
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In today's newscast, Monterey takes another step toward developing a park at the Old Capitol site and atmospheric rivers this week prompt evacuations, closures and flood risk. Plus, a conversation with Julie Packard, the founding executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium as she leaves that job after 40 years.
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KAZU’s Elena Neale-Sacks spoke with Packard after her announcement that she will be stepping down as executive director.
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Officials call Moss Landing soil safe, Rio Theater in Santa Cruz screens homelessness solutions filmIn today’s newscast, the California Department of Toxic Substances claims the soil around Moss Landing does not have elevated levels of heavy metals, despite earlier screening results. Plus, Housing Matters hosts a homelessness solutions film screening and panel at the Rio in Santa Cruz.
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In today's newscast, the recent flood of executive orders and federal funding changes has upended the work lives of many people across the country–including researchers at UC Santa Cruz. Plus, a study on cannabis advertising shows much of it is attractive to teenagers, who aren't legal customers.
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Updates on high metal concentrations in Elkhorn Slough soil, Marina Coast Water District refinancingIn today's newscast, a new preliminary dataset from Moss Landing Marine Labs provides additional evidence linking the recent lithium-ion battery fire to elevated heavy metal levels in Elkhorn Slough soil. Plus, a refinancing move by the Marina Coast Water District saves $2.3 million.
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KAZU’s Elena Neale-Sacks spoke with the filmmakers about their short documentary, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
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In today's newscast: several Monterey County hospitals are speaking out about their commitment to treating all patients regardless of immigration status. The third TEDx event at CSUMB presents stories about waves. And a conversation with the makers of The Long Valley, a short documentary that recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
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In today's newscast, a key segment of the Pajaro River levee project could be delayed until next year by PG&E. Plus, Cal State Monterey Bay announces partnerships with big tech companies that will incorporate AI into higher education.
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In today's newscast, the California Teachers Association has launched an effort to coordinate collective bargaining across school districts. Plus, Monterey County soil testing has found abnormal levels of heavy metals near the Moss Landing battery plant fire.
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In today's newscast, details on Monterey County's plan to address homeless encampments and Monterey County officials hope to make soil and water testing from the Vistra battery fire available by the end of the week.