Reporter / California Local News Fellow
Before I became a journalist, I researched aquatic ecology in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Now, I’m bringing that same curiosity and data-driven ethos to report on Santa Cruz County’s most complex issues, including climate change, housing insecurity and public health. As a reporter with Santa Cruz Local, I write stories that explain local issues, explore possible solutions and empower community members to get involved.
I’m part of the inaugural cohort of the California Local News Fellowship at the UC Berkeley School of Journalism. I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a master’s degree in science communication in 2020. My work has been published in Mercury News, Hakai, Audubon Magazine and other outlets.
I live in Santa Cruz with my partner, dog and cat.
Have a question you’d like me to answer? Reach me at [email protected].
Recent stories by Jesse Kathan
Paid parking, road repairs and scanter reserves: Inside the draft Santa Cruz County budget
Weigh in on draft budget in meetings Wednesday and Thursday
Eight-story Front Street proposal goes to Planning Commission Thursday
Site now occupied by Ace Hardware
Mayoral race: Coonerty leads a field of five in early count
No runoff if preliminary results hold
Nuñez inches over 50% of the vote for District 4 Santa Cruz County Supervisor
Gap between the three candidates grows
Incumbents Newsome, Golder lead in preliminary results for Santa Cruz City Council
Challengers Marin and Noack trail
It’s Election Day: here’s what you need to know
It's time to vote in the June 2 primary, we're here to help you today
The procrastinator’s guide to the June 2 election in Santa Cruz County
Who’s running and what they said
How Santa Cruz Candidates want to tackle homelessness
Ahead of the June 2 election, candidates offer diverging visions for homelessness policy
Santa Cruz to lose 20 homeless shelter beds
Housing Matters cites ongoing budget shortfalls
PVUSD school relocations are postponed, but still on the table.
Five ways to use your voice and get involved
‘Everything’s getting taken away’: PVUSD could close two schools this summer
Renaissance High could move to Duncan Holbert campus, displacing students
Four housing ideas from Santa Cruz mayor, council candidates
Build triplexes, fight the state, register rentals, consider taxes
Santa Cruz Local’s June election guide is here
You told us what to ask candidates in Santa Cruz, South County and Pajaro. Here’s what they said.
Housing development behind Peace United Church grows in size
New application now calls for 47 units
Santa Cruz could trade voting power for prettier developments
City Council to discuss Tuesday