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.
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.
After racist videos circulate at a Roseville high school, parents call for honest conversation about the N-word
June 21, 2022
Oakmont has been the site of other racist incidents, including one treated as a hate crime. The district says it’s attempting to encourage parent participation to prevent further incidents.
What to know about long COVID, from doctors who’ve treated it
June 14, 2022
One in 5 adults infected by COVID-19 may experience long COVID-19, according to a new U.S. Centers for Disease Control study. Physicians share what they’ve learned, what they still don’t know and how to navigate the condition.
Sacramento Filipino-American activists breathe new life into half-century struggle after Marcos Jr’s election
June 12, 2022
In the 1970s, Filipino Americans made Sacramento a site of transnational organizing, influenced by both the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines and the Civil Rights movement in the United States. Now it has gained increased immediacy.
Sacramento region likely saw low turnout in primary, election officials say
June 7, 2022
While it's too soon to know exactly what the final figures will be, registrars in the Sacramento area said Tuesday night they don't expect to match past elections based on preliminary counts.
Sacramento City Unified to require masks indoors starting Monday
June 2, 2022
The change comes after Sacramento County was placed in the highest COVID-19 risk level by the CDC, and only 45 days since the district originally dropped its indoor mask requirement on April 18, one of the last California districts to do so.
Sacramento City Unified will end current school year on time after extension talks stall
May 19, 2022
Instead of continuing discussions about this year’s extension with the teachers’ union, the district is hoping to add instructional time over two years. It faces a $47 million penalty from the eight days lost during the strike.
Sacramento-area schools seeing rise in COVID-19 cases, but don’t plan to require masks again
May 17, 2022
Despite rising cases, schools are staying away from reinstating mask mandates, instead electing to “strongly recommend” masking and urge students get vaccinated, boosted and tested.
Sacramento City Unified could extend school year a week to avoid state fine following strike
May 10, 2022
The district must make up the lost instructional time by July 1 in order for the district to avoid paying the state over $40 million.