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Sarit Laschinsky’s Journalist Portfolio

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Hilton, Becerra battle in rare gubernatorial debate. But was the focus on California?

Hilton, Becerra battle in rare gubernatorial debate. But was the focus on California?

CapRadio — The Republican and Democratic candidates had not shared a stage since the primary elections in June. It was the only scheduled debate ahead of the midterms next month.

Gov. Newsom signs Esparto-inspired fireworks bill aiming to close state loopholes

Gov. Newsom signs Esparto-inspired fireworks bill aiming to close state loopholes

KPBS-TV (San Diego, CA) — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill aimed at closing loopholes in California's firework regulations in the wake of last year's deadly explosion in Esparto.

Gov. Newsom signs Esparto-inspired fireworks bill aiming to close state loopholes

Gov. Newsom signs Esparto-inspired fireworks bill aiming to close state loopholes

CapRadio — The legislation was authored by State Senator Christopher Cabaldon in the wake of the deadly July 2025 explosion. It aims to bolster state licensing requirements and regulations around fireworks and pyrotechnics.

Rep. Ami Bera lays out plans to represent new constituents in Congressional District 3

Rep. Ami Bera lays out plans to represent new constituents in Congressional District 3

CapRadio — The Democratic congressman was first elected in 2013 in District 6, covering much of urban Sacramento County. Bera is now looking to be reelected in District 3, which stretches out to Lake Tahoe.

A 'super El Niño' may be on the horizon. How could it impact Sacramento?

A 'super El Niño' may be on the horizon. How could it impact Sacramento?

CapRadio — Forecasters say there is more than a 90% chance of a "very strong" El Niño cycle this year, which could bring significant rain, flooding and snow. A water policy expert says these impacts could be strongly felt outside the capital city.

Rocklin Congressman aims to chart an 'independent' course if reelected in District 6

Rocklin Congressman aims to chart an 'independent' course if reelected in District 6

CapRadio — Congressman Kevin Kiley was first elected as a Republican in 2022 to represent District 3. But he says he wants to put partisanship aside and work on commonsense solutions if voters in a new district send him back to Congress.

Insurance Commissioner candidate Jane Kim says the current system is 'a disaster'

Insurance Commissioner candidate Jane Kim says the current system is 'a disaster'

KPBS-TV (San Diego, CA) — California is home to the largest insurance market in the country-one that's become increasingly strained amid an affordability crisis, increasing wildfire risks, and insurance companies pulling back from writing policies in the state.

Insurance Commissioner candidate Jane Kim says the current system is 'a disaster'

Insurance Commissioner candidate Jane Kim says the current system is 'a disaster'

CapRadio — The former San Francisco supervisor touts her list of progressive reforms including the creation of a Natural Disaster Insurance for All program.

Why is former CapRadio GM Jun Reina's case taking so long? A legal expert weighs in

Why is former CapRadio GM Jun Reina's case taking so long? A legal expert weighs in

CapRadio — Former CapRadio General Manager Jun Reina's case has been continued until January, nearly one year after he was charged with multiple felonies.

Republican candidate for governor Steve Hilton on why California needs 'common sense practical ch...

Republican candidate for governor Steve Hilton on why California needs 'common sense practical ch...

CapRadio — The Republican entrepreneur is fighting an uphill battle in the reliably Democratic state. But he thinks his "Califordable" and "Califuture" policy priorities can reach voters outside of his party.

An ACE in the hole? How a proposed train station could help revitalize North Sacramento

An ACE in the hole? How a proposed train station could help revitalize North Sacramento

CapRadio — A new train line called Valley Rail aims to connect Natomas to San Jose starting in 2031. Other stations have been confirmed in Midtown and Elk Grove, but a fourth stop near Del Paso Boulevard may also join them.

Former CapRadio GM returns to court, case continued until January 2027

Former CapRadio GM returns to court, case continued until January 2027

CapRadio — Former General Manager Jun Reina made his first in-person appearance since he was initially arraigned in February on multiple felony charges. He must return to court in-person again early next year.

The Sacramento Bee makes sweeping layoffs

The Sacramento Bee makes sweeping layoffs

CapRadio — The Sacramento Bee's parent company, McClatchy, has instituted layoffs at the Bee as well as in newsrooms across the country.

Judge denies bail for one Esparto defendant, sets $400,000 bail for second

Judge denies bail for one Esparto defendant, sets $400,000 bail for second

CapRadio — Gary Chan and Jack Lee are among the defendants charged with seven counts of second-degree murder in connection to last year's disaster, and were described by prosecutors as being heavily involved in the illegal fireworks business.

Students' lawsuit alleges security failures during 2024 Oroville school shooting

Students' lawsuit alleges security failures during 2024 Oroville school shooting

CapRadio — The lawsuit was filed on behalf of four students that attended the Feather River Adventist School, including two that were critically injured in the shooting.

California to phase out paraquat over health concerns. What does this mean for farmers?

California to phase out paraquat over health concerns. What does this mean for farmers?

Jefferson Public Radio — Studies have linked the widely-used herbicide to serious health conditions like Parkinson's disease, birth defects and thyroid problems. But the California Farm Bureau says the move leaves growers with fewer tools and more costs.

Federal officials want to repeal the 'roadless rule.' What could that mean for California?

Federal officials want to repeal the 'roadless rule.' What could that mean for California?

Jefferson Public Radio — Nearly half of California's land is owned by the federal government, and for years a federal policy known as the roadless rule has protected millions of acres across the country. But those protections could soon come to an end.

Federal officials want to repeal the 'roadless rule.' What could that mean for California?

Federal officials want to repeal the 'roadless rule.' What could that mean for California?

CapRadio — The USDA says repealing the decades-long policy will help with wildfire mitigation and public safety. But critics say the move could open up millions of acres to development, logging, and increased fire risk.

California to phase out paraquat over health concerns. What does this mean for farmers?

California to phase out paraquat over health concerns. What does this mean for farmers?

CapRadio — Studies have linked the widely-used herbicide to serious health conditions like Parkinson's disease, birth defects and thyroid problems. But the California Farm Bureau says the move leaves growers with fewer tools and more costs.

Lessons from the Caldor Fire: The 'Christmas Valley Miracle' and forest management

Lessons from the Caldor Fire: The 'Christmas Valley Miracle' and forest management

Jefferson Public Radio — Two communities escaped destruction during the 2021 Caldor Fire due to significant, successful fuel reductions. Five years later, what lessons can be taken away from Christmas Valley and Meyers to protect forests elsewhere?

Lessons from Caldor: The 'Christmas Valley Miracle' and forest management

Lessons from Caldor: The 'Christmas Valley Miracle' and forest management

CapRadio — Two communities escaped destruction during the 2021 Caldor Fire due to significant, successful fuel reductions. Five years later, what lessons can be taken away from Christmas Valley and Meyers to protect forests elsewhere?

Fire and Forest Management 5 Years After Caldor | Company Fined After Deadly Avalanche | Epic Fai...

Fire and Forest Management 5 Years After Caldor | Company Fined After Deadly Avalanche | Epic Fai...

CapRadio — We'll learn which policies were most successful at defending Christmas Valley from the Caldor Fire, and how forests are growing back. Plus, a deadly avalanche leads to a Cal/OSHA fine. Finally, why epic failures make for such great stories.

'The cavalry is not coming': Lessons learned from the Dixie and Caldor fires

'The cavalry is not coming': Lessons learned from the Dixie and Caldor fires

Jefferson Public Radio — In recent years, people who live in the fire-prone landscapes of Northern California and Southern Oregon have had to confront new realities and risks created by changing climate conditions.

That sinking feeling: How excessive groundwater usage is damaging the Sacramento Valley

That sinking feeling: How excessive groundwater usage is damaging the Sacramento Valley

CapRadio — A new study shows that areas from Woodland to Redding experienced subsidence, or sinking, after groundwater was extracted during major droughts from 2020-2022. Scientists warn that damage is irreversible.
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