Government Accountability Reporter
Born and raised in San Mateo, Erika spent many summers driving over Highway 17 to visit Santa Cruz with her grandfather, parents, and older brother. Over the years, she developed a deep appreciation for the town and its community, and knew that one day, she wanted to write about it.
As Santa Cruz Local’s government accountability reporter, Erika brings detailed, accountability-driven reporting to the people of Santa Cruz County. Her work focuses on dissecting major government decisions, tracking the promises of elected officials, housing and more.
Erika earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism in 2025.Before joining Santa Cruz Local, she spent two years reporting at UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program. Her capstone project was on a child welfare facility that involved 100+ public records and 50+ interviews.
In her free time, Erika enjoys finding the perfect matcha latte, spending time with her family and hanging at the beach.
Recent stories by Erika Zaro
PVUSD Superintendent Heather Contreras leaving for another role
Contreras to take a new superintendent job in San Luis Obispo
Watsonville Hospital leaders say they must shutter their maternity ward or face imminent closure
Day-to-day operations still fall short of covering operating costs
A candidate running for a PVUSD seat arrested for alleged fraud, but still on the ballot
Another withdraws, all three candidates to appear on the ballot
Santa Cruz to build a new type of mental health care center for youth
County leaders eye a short-term residential center to keep kids closer to home
Watsonville NICU closure approaches two months with no opening in sight
Watsonville Community Hospital nurses protest nursery closure