Johanna Bejarano
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
Northwest Public Broadcasting,
Oregon Public Broadcasting,
AL DÍA News,
KSFC-FM (Spokane, WA),
palabra.
Covers:
Immigration, Hispanic and Latino Communities
Central Washington Reporter at @NWPBroadcasting. I am always looking for extraordinary stories to voice communities. Opinions here are my own RTs ≠ endorsement.
Articles by Johanna Bejarano
City of Sunnyside appoints new interim city manager
Sunnyside City Council appointed Jim Bridges as the new interim city manager during the regular meeting on Monday. Bridges is taking over the position while City Manager Mike Gonzalez is on paid administrative leave, pending an investigation. Council members voted four to three to appoint Bridges, with Mayor Dean Broersma and council members Julia Hart and Vicky Frausto voting against.
Sunnyside city manager placed on paid leave pending investigation
The City of Sunnyside is expected to have a new interim city manager appointed after placing its current one on administrative leave, citing an investigation. The city council voted 5-2 to put Mike Gonzalez on non-disciplinary, paid administrative leave during a study meeting on Monday, June 2. The Council upheld its decision two days later during a special meeting Wednesday. Gonzalez’s leave lasts 30 days.
Concejo de Richland apoya carta acerca de la participación de atletas transgénero en el deporte femenino
En el sureste de Washington, el Concejo de Richland aprobó la firma de una carta sobre la participación de deportistas transgénero en el deporte femenino. El Concejo debatió la carta a petición de Jerrod MacPherson, administrador del condado de Benton. MacPherson envió un correo electrónico el mes pasado a los alcaldes de Richland, Kennewick, Pasco y West Richland, así como a los comisionados del condado de Franklin, solicitando su apoyo.
Richland City Council supports letter addressing transgender athletes' participation in girls' sports
In southeastern Washington, the Richland City Council approved signing a letter addressing the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.The council discussed the letter at the request of Jerrod MacPherson, a county administrator for Benton County. MacPherson emailed the mayors of Richland, Kennewick, Pasco and West Richland as well as the commissioners of Franklin county, asking for their support last month.
May Day protests held throughout the Northwest
By Johanna Bejarano, Renee Diaz and Phineas Pope https://www.nwpb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/050225_JB_MP3_MayDay-in-Yakima_WRAP.mp3 May Day in Yakima In Yakima, hundreds gathered at Miller Park for a May Day event. A rally and a march were held, which brought together families, workers and advocates. It commemorated International Workers’ Day, but people also expressed dissatisfaction with the Trump administration.
Today's Headlines: Central WA Head Start programs suspended; lawmakers hear testimony on tax bills
|
Federal funding cuts cause Head Start suspensions More than 400 children in Central Washington are without educational support services after federal funding never arrived. Inspire Development Centers is located in Sunnyside, Washington. The organization offers early childhood education programming to low-income children through various centers in Central Washington. They receive federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
By Johanna Bejarano Verified, Doug Nadvornick Verified, Steve Jackson Verified, Owen Henderson Verified
|
KSFC-FM (Spokane, WA)
Verified
Astronauta de la NASA José Hernández inspira a estudiantes durante visita a Tri-Cities
Rodeado de estudiantes en busca de autógrafos y fotografías, el astronauta José Hernández terminó una de sus conferencias en la Escuela Secundaria de Pasco. Hernández, quien en el pasado fue trabajador agrícola, logró vincularse a la NASA. Era sólo un niño cuando decidió perseguir su sueño de ser astronauta.
NASA astronaut José Hernández inspires students during visit to Tri-Cities
Surrounded by students seeking autographs and photos, astronaut José Hernández finished one of his conferences at Pasco High School. Hernández, a former farmworker who went on to work for NASA, was just a child when he decided to pursue his dream of being an astronaut. He visited Eastern Washington and shared his story of resilience and determination with local students at Pasco High School and Columbia Basin College.
Lawsuits draw attention to role of local authorities in enforcing federal immigration policy
Two lawsuits filed against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office have drawn attention to the role of state and local authorities in enforcing federal immigration laws. The Washington state Attorney General sued the Adams County Sheriff’s Office earlier this month. The complaint said their deputies have detained people solely because of immigration status. It also said the agency allowed federal immigration agents to interrogate those detained while in local custody.
Mount Vernon may create committee to address concerns from immigrant communities
People in Mount Vernon, Wash. are asking the city council to pass a resolution committing to the Keep Washington Working Act. The request comes after community members expressed concerns about discriminatory comments made by a council member in January. During a council meeting when discussing feral cat problems, council member Navor Tercero alluded to false claims about immigrants eating pets in Springfield, OH.
Farmworkers drive agricultural innovation in Pasco, Mexico
Eleven farmworkers from Washington state and Mexico were honored recently for their ideas to improve the apple industry. They responded to the challenge “Our Ideas Matter: Manzana 2024,” organized by Semillero de Ideas, a nonprofit that empowers farmworkers to drive agricultural innovation. Workers showcased innovations in organic pesticides, safer ladders and harvesting equipment during simultaneous events in Pasco, Wash., and Jocotepec, Mexico.
Immigration enforcement concerns farmers and farmworkers in WA
Immigration policies and measures are causing concern among farmers and farmworkers in Washington. Leonardo Flores, a farmworker in Central Washington, has been working in the fields for about 25 years. He said comments about immigration enforcement’s presence are very loud throughout the region. “All the workers are afraid, mainly the local ones,” Flores said in Spanish. He said he has heard from co-workers who have seen immigration enforcement organizations near their homes.
Joven futbolista de Washington, ahora en la Liga MX
Chris Aquino, un joven futbolista de Tri-Cities, está jugando en México. El ex centrocampista del Tacoma Defiance forma ahora parte del FC Juárez Sub-23, que juega en la Liga MX, la liga mexicana de fútbol. Salvador Valero es el nuevo entrenador de Aquino. Valero dijo que el FC Juárez se considera un equipo binacional, porque incluye jugadores mexicano-estadounidenses. Algunos jugadores viven en El Paso, Texas, y otros en Ciudad Juárez, México.
An exhibition in Richland highlights the Latino contributions at Hanford
The REACH Museum in Richland is featuring a new exhibition called “Migration to Community,” which highlights the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos at Hanford. The exhibit showcases photographs, historical documents, and stories about the Latinos who worked on the Manhattan Project — a top secret project for producing plutonium used in the world’s first atomic bombs during World War II.
FIFA fan zones excite communities in Tri-Cities, Yakima
Junior Reyes, center, takes a shot on goal during tryouts for the Tri-Cities Badgers FC semi-pro soccer team at Fran Rish Stadium in Richland, Wash., in March 2024. Seattle is one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the soccer party will extend to local communities, with fan zones coming to parts of Washington state. According to the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee, the fan zone may include live entertainment, interactive fan activities and food.
FIFA fan zones excite communities in Tri-Cities, Yakima
Seattle is one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the soccer party will extend to local communities, with fan zones coming to parts of Washington state.According to the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee, the fan zone may include live entertainment, interactive fan activities and food. Yakima and the Tri-Cities are among the nine Washington cities designated as fan zones ahead of the World Cup. The announcement is already exciting soccer followers.
Autoridades locales de Sunnyside confirman operaciones del ICE en la ciudad
Autoridades municipales de Sunnyside, Washington, confirmaron que agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos están llevando a cabo operaciones en la ciudad. El lunes, las autoridades locales realizaron una rueda de prensa para discutir las preocupaciones de la comunidad en torno a las operaciones de inmigración. Funcionarios de Sunnyside dijeron que se enteraron de la situación a través de llamadas de la comunidad y publicaciones en las redes sociales.
Nuevo centro de aprendizaje STEM se creará en el valle de Yakima
La Universidad Heritage remodelará su edificio Kathleen Ross Center. La institución de educación superior ubicada en Toppenish, Washington, invertirá más de dos millones de dólares en mejorar su biblioteca y añadir un nuevo centro para ayudar a los estudiantes a acceder a carreras STEM. El dinero procede de una subvención de un millón y medio de dólares del Departamento de Educación de EE. UU. y de una donación privada de un millón de dólares.
NWPB ya está en WhatsApp: Sigue nuestro canal
Si eres parte de la audiencia de Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB), la Radiotelevisión Pública del Noroeste, y quieres seguir los acontecimientos más importantes del noroeste en tu teléfono móvil, súmate a nuestro nuevo canal de WhatsApp. Desde ya, en el canal de WhatsApp de NWPB encontrarás noticias y contenidos educativos, principalmente en español. También podrás acceder a algunas de nuestras historias e información en inglés.
Autoridades de salud y agricultura recomiendan protegerse de la gripe aviar
Los casos de gripe aviar entre trabajadores agrícolas suscitan preocupación en el Noroeste. El Departamento de Salud del Estado de Washington ha notificado más de una docena de casos de gripe aviar entre trabajadores en los últimos meses. Según el sitio web del DOH estatal, se han confirmado 11 casos. Hasta el 6 de noviembre se habían notificado otros tres casos probables de gripe aviar relacionados con la exposición a aves de corral. “Este es el primer caso registrado de transmisión humana.
Health and ag leaders remind people to protect themselves from avian flu
Cases of avian flu among agricultural workers are raising concerns in the Northwest. The Washington State Department of Health has reported more than a dozen cases of avian flu among workers in recent months. According to the state DOH website, 11 cases were confirmed. Three other probable cases of avian flu connected to poultry exposure were reported as of Nov. 6. “This is the first recorded case of human transmission.
Residentes de Sunnyside, preocupados por posibles recortes presupuestarios
El gobierno de Sunnyside está considerando recortes significativos en su presupuesto de 2025. La ciudad pretende hacer frente a un déficit previsto de 1,5 millones de dólares. Pero algunos dicen que estos recortes afectarán servicios cruciales para la comunidad. En las últimas semanas, el Concejo de la ciudad ha discutido alternativas para mantener el presupuesto a flote el próximo año.
Agencias de Washington le ayudan a continuar su educación
La Oficina de Equidad del Estado de Washington y el Consejo de Logros Estudiantiles de Washington (WSAC, por sus siglas en inglés), apoyan el acceso de las personas a la educación a través de becas y financiación. La Oficina de Equidad del Estado de Washington y WSAC llevarán a cabo un seminario web gratuito en inglés y español el martes, 3 de diciembre, de 6 a 7 p.m. vía Zoom. Durante el evento, explicarán cómo acceder a becas. Un formulario en línea está disponible para inscribirse al seminario.
Sunnyside residents concerned about potential budget cuts
The Sunnyside City Council is considering significant cuts for its 2025 budget. The city aims to address a projected $1.5 million deficit. But some say these cuts will impact crucial community services. Over the past few weeks, the City Council has discussed alternatives to keep the city’s budget afloat next year. Suggestions have included closing the city pool, senior center and museum. “We have the budget for the pool and community center along with other cuts.
Washington agencies help students continue their education
The Washington State Office of Equity and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) want to improve people’s access to education through grants and funding. The Washington State Office of Equity and WSAC will hold a free, joint webinar in English and Spanish on Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. During the webinar, they’ll explain how to access grant funding. An online form is available to register for the event. Yaslin Torres is with the WSAC.
Incendios controlados ayudan a proteger los bosques del Noroeste
Las camionetas se alinearon en una carretera destapada a unos 50 minutos de Robinette Mountain Road, cerca de Dayton, Washington. Las cuadrillas estaban listas para quemar más de 37 acres en el Área de Vida Silvestre de Rainwater. A medida que disminuye la temporada de incendios forestales, grupos de manejo de incendios realizan quemas controladas en Washington y Oregón.
NWPB’s listeners ask, US House candidates for Washington's 4th Congressional District respond
As part of NWPB’s elections coverage, we surveyed our audience and asked them to submit questions they would like our news team to ask candidates in our region. Here are the responses. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Incumbent Dan Newhouse, a Republican, and candidate Jerrod Sessler, a Republican, are running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington’s 4th Congressional District. Newhouse and Sessler were both contacted for this interview.
NWPB’s listeners ask, Washington state House candidates respond
The 2024 election is underway, and the candidates’ campaigns in central Washington are moving forward. As part of NWPB’s elections coverage, we surveyed our audience and asked listeners to submit questions they would like our news team to ask candidates. Here are their responses. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Candidates Chelsea Dimas, a Democrat, and Gloria Mendoza, a Republican, are running for Washington state Representative in the 14th Legislative District, Position 1.
NWPB's listeners ask, Washington state House candidates respond
The 2024 election is underway, and the candidates’ campaigns in central Washington are moving forward. As part of NWPB’s elections coverage, we surveyed our audience and asked them to submit questions they would like our news team to ask candidates. Here are their responses. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Candidates Ana Ruiz Kennedy, a Democrat, and Deb Manjarrez, a Republican, are running for Washington state Representative in the 14th Legislative District, Position 2.
NWPB's listeners ask, Washington state Senate candidates respond
The 2024 election is underway, and the candidates’ campaigns in central Washington are moving forward. As part of NWPB’s elections coverage, we surveyed our audience and asked them to submit questions they would like our news team to ask candidates. Here are their responses. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Incumbent Curtis King, a Republican, and candidate Maria Beltran, a Democrat, are running for Washington state Senate in the 14th Legislative District.
Prescribed fires help manage forests in the Northwest
Trucks line an unpaved road about 50 minutes up Robinette Mountain Road near Dayton, Washington. Crews are ready to burn over 37 acres at the Rainwater Wildlife Area. As wildfire season winds down, crews around Washington and Oregon perform prescribed fires. Lindsay Chiono is a wildlife habitat ecologist with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. During this burn, she’s also the firing boss. That means she’s guiding the lighters — the people setting the fire.
Comunidad filipina celebra nueva designación histórica de su edificio en Wapato
Vestidos con coloridos trajes tradicionales, miembros de la comunidad se reunieron en el Filipino Community Hall of the Yakima Valley, en Wapato, para celebrar su inclusión en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos.
Filipino community celebrates building's new historic designation in Wapato
Community members dressed in colorful and traditional clothes gathered at the Filipino Community Hall of the Yakima Valley in Wapato to celebrate its designation on the National Register of Historic Places. According to a resolution from the Washington State House of Representatives, the hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 3.
Bellingham disuelve Consejo Asesor de Inmigración y crea nuevo grupo de trabajo
Esta semana, el Concejo de la Ciudad de Bellingham votó a favor de disolver su Consejo Asesor de Inmigración, IAB por sus siglas en inglés. Ahora, la ciudad creará un nuevo grupo de trabajo para apoyar el cumplimiento de la Ley Keep Washington Working. El Consejo Asesor de Inmigración había sido creado en 2019 para aconsejar a la ciudad sobre asuntos de inmigración.
Bellingham dissolves Immigration Advisory Board, creates a new work group
This week, Bellingham’s City Council voted to dissolve its Immigration Advisory Board. The city has now created a new work group to support its compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act. The board was created in 2019 to advise the city on immigration matters. In the past, the board has raised concerns about protecting people’s immigration status, federal immigration agents’ presence in the city and language accessibility during emergencies.
Programa de residencia ayuda a médicos a entender a pacientes hispanohablantes
Un programa de residencia médica en el centro de Washington busca hacer más accesible la atención en salud a las comunidades rurales hispanas y latinas/x/e. En el valle de Yakima, LIDERES-LC (Language Instruction and Dedicated Education of Residents for the Latinx Community en inglés), es un programa de residencia médica dirigido por Community Health of Central Washington.
Residency program helps physicians understand Spanish-speaking patients
A health residency program in central Washington aims to make primary care more accessible for rural Hispanic and Latino/x/e communities. In the Yakima Valley, LIDERES-LC, which stands for Language Instruction and Dedicated Education of Residents for the Latinx Community, is a residency program led by Community Health of Central Washington. The program trains physicians to understand Hispanic and Latino/x/e cultures. It serves patients with limited English proficiency.
La Ciudad de Pasco y Seattle Sounders celebran el fútbol en el este de Washington
La Ciudad de Pasco y los Seattle Sounders realizarán el domingo la All-Pasco Soccer Celebration. Con el evento, se dará apertura a dos nuevos minicampos de fútbol en el área de Tri-Cities. Los miembros de la comunidad pueden asistir a la celebración en el Parque Kurtzman el domingo 29 de septiembre de 1:00 p.m. a 4:00 p.m. El evento es producto de la asociación entre Seattle Sounders FC, la Fundación RAVE y American Family Insurance.
City of Pasco, Seattle Sounders hold eastern WA soccer celebration
The city of Pasco and the Seattle Sounders will host the All-Pasco Soccer Celebration on Sunday. The event celebrates the opening of two new soccer mini-pitches in the Tri-Cities area. Community members can attend the All-Pasco Soccer Celebration at Kurtzman Park on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is presented in partnership with Seattle Sounders FC, the RAVE Foundation and American Family Insurance.
Washington certifica resultados de elecciones primarias y se inicia recuento de votos para comisario de tierras
Tras conocerse los resultados de las elecciones primarias de Washington, las miradas siguen puestas en los principales comicios de todo el estado. El jueves, la Oficina del Secretario de Estado certificó los resultados de las primarias del 6 de agosto. También, ordenó un recuento manual de los resultados de la elección para Comisionado de Tierras Públicas. Dave Upthegrove, un demócrata, recibió 51 votos más que Sue Kuehl Pederson, una republicana que terminó tercera en la contienda.
Johanna Bejarano, Author at Northwest Public Broadcasting
El distrito escolar de Sunnyside cambiará la forma de elegir a los miembros de su junta escolar. La medida se tomó tras un acuerdo entre el distrito escolar, la organización sin ánimo de lucro Empowering Latina Leaders and Action (ELLA), y American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), de Washington, para evitar la dilución del voto hispano o latino/e/x. Read More
Washington certifies primary election results, recount underway for lands commissioner race
With Washington’s primary election results in, eyes remain on key races throughout the state. On Thursday, the Office of the Secretary of State certified the Aug. 6 Primary results. A manual recount of the results from the Commissioner of Public Lands race has been ordered. Dave Upthegrove, a Democrat, received 51 more votes than Sue Kuehl Pederson, a Republican who finished third in the race.
Bibliotecas del Valle de Yakima conservan su historia en una cápsula del tiempo
Las Bibliotecas del Valle de Yakima celebran 80 años como distrito bibliotecario. Según su sitio web, el distrito bibliotecario del condado se creó hacia 1945. Candelaria Mendoza es la directora ejecutiva de las Bibliotecas del Valle de Yakima. Mendoza dijo que llegar a los 80 años es un hito. “Las bibliotecas son para la comunidad. Estamos muy orgullosos de que durante todos estos años, desde que empezamos, hemos sido capaces de encontrar y añadir más bibliotecas.
Yakima Valley Libraries preserves its history in a time capsule
Yakima Valley Libraries is celebrating 80 years as a library district. According to its website, the county library district was created around 1945. Candelaria Mendoza is the executive director of Yakima Valley Libraries. Mendoza said reaching 80 years is an important milestone. “The libraries are for the community. We’re very proud that for all the years since we started, we’ve been able to find and add more libraries. We are happy to serve the community,” Mendoza said.
Washington could consider heat safety rules for indoor workers
Federal rules for protecting outdoor and indoor workers from heat hazards are under consideration. Washington and Oregon already have such rules in place for outdoor workers. The U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA, or Occupational Safety and Health Administration, presented the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking. It would require employers to develop plans to evaluate and control heat hazards in the workplace.
Departamento de Trabajo de EE. UU. dice que no tiene control sobre tasas de pago de trabajadores agrícolas
El Departamento de Trabajo de EE. UU. ha solicitado a la Corte de Estados Unidos para el Distrito Oeste de Washington que desestime una demanda, según la cual el Departamento no está protegiendo los salarios y las condiciones laborales de los trabajadores agrícolas de Washington. La demanda fue presentada por Familias Unidas por la Justicia, un sindicato de trabajadores agrícolas del condado de Skagit. En ella, se impugnan las normas del Departamento de Trabajo de EE. UU.
Washington estudiaría protección contra el calor para trabajadores de espacios interiores
El Departamento de Trabajo de EE. UU. propuso normas federales para proteger a los trabajadores de los riesgos del calor en espacios interiores y exteriores. Washington y Oregón ya cuentan con normas de este tipo para quienes laboran en entornos al aire libre.
Distrito escolar de Sunnyside cambiará forma de elegir a miembros de junta escolar
El distrito escolar de Sunnyside cambiará la forma de elegir a los miembros de su junta escolar. La medida se tomó tras un acuerdo entre el distrito escolar, la organización sin ánimo de lucro Empowering Latina Leaders and Action (ELLA), y la American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), de Washington, para evitar la dilución del voto hispano o latino/e/x. La mayoría de la población estudiantil del distrito se identifica como hispana o latina/x/e.
Sunnyside School District to change how it elects school board members
The Sunnyside School District will change how it elects school board members. The move came after an agreement between the school district, the nonprofit Empowering Latina Leaders and Action (ELLA) and the ACLU of Washington to avoid diluting the Hispanic or Latino/e/x vote.The majority of the district’s student population are identified as Hispanic or Latino/x/e. The school district will change from an “at-large” election system to a district election system.
Análisis de datos ayuda a combatir incendios forestales
Predecir catástrofes naturales no es una ciencia exacta. Sin embargo, contar con datos relevantes y organizados puede dar algunas pistas sobre dónde podría producirse un incendio forestal. Investigadores de Idaho y Oregón participaron en una investigación para mejorar la base de datos sobre la ocurrencia de incendios, conocida en inglés como Fire Occurrence Database o FPA-FOD. Esa herramienta contiene datos históricos de más de dos millones de incendios forestales ocurridos en Estados Unidos.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Johanna
Contact Johanna, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack