We’re thrilled to welcome Emma Lorraine Garcia as El Tecolote’s new video journalist, joining us through the California Local News Fellowship — a state initiative run by UC Berkeley to invigorate local journalism in underserved communities. Emma will lead our newsroom’s video storytelling, producing social-first news and information that centers San Francisco’s Latinx communities.
To help our readers get to know her, we asked Emma about her inspirations, past work, and plans for covering our local community.
Have a tip or story idea for Emma? Reach her at emma@eltecolote.org.
Can you tell us about a memorable story you’ve worked on in the past, and why it was significant to you?
I was born and raised in the Salinas Valley — known as the Salad Bowl of the World — and later moved to the Bay Area to pursue my master’s degree in video journalism at UC Berkeley. Much of my past work has focused on food insecurity, pesticide exposure, veterans, and women’s empowerment.
One of the most memorable stories I’ve worked on was about Latino youth in the Salinas Valley who organized against the use of harmful pesticides near schools. These young people helped push for legislation to protect students across California from pesticide drift. That story has a special place in my heart because, while it’s easy to feel hopeless amid so much bad news, seeing Latino youth at the forefront of this fight — and succeeding — gave me hope.
It reminded me why I’m proud to be in this profession: to document moments of resilience, especially when mainstream narratives often stereotype Latinos. This generation of youth isn’t staying silent or in the shadows like past generations — many are U.S. citizens, and they’re using their voices to protect their communities.
What topics or issues are you passionate about covering within San Francisco’s Latinx communities?
I’m passionate about stories that center youth, public health, social issues, and politics. But more than anything, I want to listen and learn what the community feels is underreported — because that’s when I feel most driven to dig deeper and help get the answers people are looking for.
What do you believe is the role of a journalist?
I became a journalist to hold those in power accountable and be a listening ear for the community. Growing up low-income, I often felt that both local politicians and the media overlooked people like me. Now that I’m in this profession, my mission is to tell the stories of those who are too often ignored.
What do you enjoy doing outside of reporting?
Outside of reporting, I love going to concerts — especially indie rock and country music. I spend weekends browsing record stores for new vinyl to add to my collection. I also enjoy trying new recipes, and on Sundays, you’ll usually find me at home perfecting the art of making homemade corn tortillas. If you ever see me out in the community, please feel free to say hi!