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
Watsonville NICU closure approaches two months with no opening in sight
Watsonville Community Hospital nurses protest nursery closure