Bilingual reporter / assistant editor
As someone who grew up in Downtown Santa Cruz, I find it odd when people call it a “small town” — we face many of the challenges of a big city. Complex problems deserve nuanced attention and as Santa Cruz Local’s bilingual reporter and assistant editor, I strive to bring that level of attention to all of our reporting.
I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American and Latino Studies in 2023. My journalism background is in radio, data and open-source research. Some of my reporting interests are climate, migration, housing, health care and incarceration. I live in Oakland and visit Santa Cruz County often.
Featured stories by Nik Altenberg
Driscoll’s CEO steps down amid growing activist pressure on company for use of pesticides
World’s largest berry company now helmed by Brie Reiter Smith
This PVUSD consultant is paid $4,000 per day. Some trustees want more oversight
Leading Literacy Consulting contract renewal tabled to Aug. 26 meeting
PVUSD hired a bond facilities consultant last year with prior violation for bidding fraud
Consultant paid $50,000 to settle 2016 administrative order
Why is PVUSD paying a consultant $200,000 for advising amid budget troubles?
Contract approved by board without discussion
Inside Renaissance High: students photograph their school amid threat of closure
Students share why the continuation school is critical to their success
Palomar Inn tenants to receive a three-month reprieve from rent hikes
Rent hike notices to be reissued as required by state law
‘Nowhere to go’: Palomar tenants decry rent hikes, cockroaches
Tenants Association says landlord failed to give required notice
Tenants set to be displaced by new affordable housing in Downtown Santa Cruz
102-unit building approved by planning commission
As Watsonville Hospital relies on loans to stay afloat, long-term fix still unclear
Plus: Hospital moves to limit immigration enforcement access
Mental health clinicians at PVUSD speak out: cuts will be ‘devastating’ for students
As layoffs loom, some clinicians are leaving the district early
Watsonville Hospital lost $24 million last year. 2026 isn’t looking much better
Plus: ICU staffing agreement extended through March 7
Exclusive: Tenants of UC-owned apartments in Santa Cruz sue over alleged harassment, habitability issues
Hilltop renters demand $1.75 million
Former tenants sue landowner of proposed Ocean St. redevelopment alleging illegal evictions
Owner may sell properties after 389-unit proposal scrapped
Watsonville Hospital seeks to add Mixtec doulas, but challenges remain
Doulas could bridge language barriers in care
Santa Cruz Planned Parenthood clinic closure leaves residents scrambling
Plus: Where to find care