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Monica Vaughan
Reporter
I am a freelance investigative reporter based in Fresno, where I focus on community engagement and watchdog journalism. I've reported on rural communities in California for nearly a decade as a local newspaper reporter. I covered water for Fresnoland at The Fresno Bee, county government for The Tribune in San Luis Obispo and criminal justice for the Appeal-Democrat in the Sacramento Valley. While at The Tribune, I investigated the link between air pollution and a State Park as a Center for Health Journalism California Fellow. Last year, my team won first place for Public Service Journalism from the California News Publishers Association and the George F. Gruner Award for public service for a series of stories about contaminated drinking water. I went to school in Oregon, earning a master's degree in communication and society from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and an undergraduate degree in media studies from Southern Oregon University.
Articles
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This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Monica Vaughan, a participant in the 2019 California Fellowship....
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This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Monica Vaughan, a participant in the 2019 California Fellowship....
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Topics
This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Monica Vaughan, a participant in the 2019 California Fellowship....
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation could face sanctions or forced closures at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, after the state agency failed to follow scientists’ recommendations to reduce dust emissions from the popular park.
Topics
This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Monica Vaughan, a participant in the 2019 California Fellowship.
Other stories in this series include:
Oceano Dunes stays open to off-roading. But California still says big changes must be made
Health alert: Air quality warning issued for
This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Monica Vaughan, a participant in the 2019 California Fellowship.
Other stories in this series include:
Health alert: Air quality warning issued for Nipomo Mesa advises residents to stay inside
Live updates: Will off-roaders be banned from Oc
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Topics
This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Monica Vaughan, a participant in the 2019 California Fellowship.
Other stories in this series include:
Live on or near the Nipomo Mesa? We’re investigating air quality and need your help
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Topics
This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Monica Vaughan, a participant in the 2019 California Fellowship.
Other stories in this series include:
Oceano Dunes stays open to off-roading. But California still says big changes must be made
Live updates: Will off-roaders be banned from O
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Topics
Do you live or work on the Mesa? Did you know the air quality is sometimes unhealthy? It can trigger a persistent cough, asthma attacks, and even lung disease after prolonged exposure.
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In the midst of my reporting on the health effects of bad air quality downwind of an off-road park along the California coast, our newsroom was confronted with another pressing public health tragedy.