Local news matters — and so do the people who report it. Meet the journalists behind our fact-checked, community-rooted reporting and find out why this work matters to us.
Lin Due, Editor
Veteran editor and award-winning journalist with decades of experience covering wildlife, education and the environment. When not reporting or editing, residents can find Lin working in her Laytonville high tunnel, walking her dog along Mulligan Lane, or sampling the best Mexican food in the county at La Casona del Cielo.
✏️ In my own words:
“My parents planned to retire in Navarro, and I fell in love with Mendocino County as a young teen. I’ve lived part-time in Albion, at Cherry Creek and since 2001 in Laytonville. I love the deep connection that Mendocino residents have with plants, animals, and community. It is truly a blessed place both in beauty and in spirit.”
Sydney Fishman, Reporter
Full-time multimedia journalist focused on harm reduction, mental health, cannabis policy, local government, and immigration. You’ll see Sydney around town in Ukiah, often chatting with sources at Black Oak Coffee and walking her corgi, Coco. Sydney loves music and can be seen foraging for vinyl records and DJing once a month at the local radio station.
✏️ In my own words:
“I report on issues and policies that impact the local community of Mendocino County. Born and raised in Garberville, in Southern Humboldt, I’ve seen how the stories of people in rural areas are often underrepresented in the news. I believe deeply in sharing the voices of those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to tell their own stories.”
Savana Robinson, Staff Reporter
Mendocino County-based staff writer who has worked in TV, radio and print as well as digital publication. Born and raised in Mendocino County, Robinson enjoys bringing stories that matter to the community.
✏️ In my own words:
It’s an honor to report on stories that matter to my local community. Reporting is more than telling stories, it connects communities and disseminates important information.
Susan Nash, Reporter and Columnist
Covers legal issues, art, and longevity. Former attorney and Stanford Fellow who has traded writing briefs for writing about digital literacy for older adults and all things Mendocino County. Susan lives in a historic home in Mendocino and enjoys spending her free time walking the headlands, looking for thrift store bargains and trying to write that novel.
✏️ In my own words:
“Older people reliably turn out to vote. Making sure people of all ages have access to digital technology and can tell fact from fiction is what an informed electorate requires these days. Reporting on how we can do this is one small way I can make a difference.”
Jerome Sagcal, Web Producer & Newsletter Editor
Manages our website and weekly newsletter, supporting digital access and engagement across Mendocino County.
✏️ In my own words:
“Effective journalism, and any form of communication for that matter, rests on the fact that the sender and their audience operate on the same channel. So we work to meet people where they are. Whether through our website, email or social media, we aim to make it easier for you to find and engage with our work — just don’t expect us to report news via TikTok dance trends.”
Mandela Linder, Freelance Reporter
Freelance contributor who covers stories rooted in her hometown. Born and raised on the Mendocino Coast, Linder brings deep regional knowledge to her reporting. She previously wrote front-page stories for The Sonoma State Star and worked in the newsroom at NBC Bay Area, covering the pandemic, protests, wildfires, climate change and more.
✏️ In my own words:
Born and raised in Mendocino County, I’ve done journalism in the Bay Area for both small and large publications. Being back in my hometown reporting on issues that matter to the people I consider my people is far more meaningful than chasing clicks and likes. I value the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the history and future of this place through each story I report.
Mary Rose Kaczorowski, Freelance Reporter
Freelancer reporter who covers a wide range of topics. An interdisciplinary professional based on the Mendocino Coast in Northern California, she is recognized for her work as a journalist and artist, with experience ranging from grassroots advocacy to the United Nations in policy analysis, environmental issues, climate change and human rights.
✏️ In my own words:
I cover the local news beat because community stories matter deeply to me. I focus on local events, issues, and the people shaping our community, giving their stories the care and attention they deserve and helping ensure they’re seen and heard.