Across the country, local journalism is in decline, leading to news deserts and reduced civic engagement, especially in semi-rural communities like Napa County.
In 2022, NVCF launched a Media & Democracy Fund to preserve and grow independent journalism in Napa County. One goal is to address inequities in the creation and distribution of information affecting our quality of life — on critical issues like housing, education, and healthcare.
One key investment NVCF made was to provide a three-year grant to hire a bilingual/bicultural reporter to tailor news to – and from – our Spanish-speaking residents. Since she was hired last year, Mariela Gomez has traversed the Valley writing community-centered content born from listening to the community. One story she is particularly proud of spotlights the disproportionately low rates of homeownership for Latinos in Calistoga.
NVCF also piloted a virtual “Pop-Up Journalism Collaborative Lab” to unite reporters across news outlets with the aim of expanding coverage on community-requested topics like youth mental health. Through the Lab, Napa County residents now receive critical information in both English and Spanish, connecting them to resources and one another through print, digital, and audio media across the Valley.
“I strive to amplify voices within the Valley, ensuring they’re not only heard but understood,” says Mariela. “I want to tell stories that break away from common narratives of suffering, pain, and immigration – often associated with the Latino experience. While these issues matter, the reality is so much more—it’s a vibrant tapestry of complexity, talent, creativity, and resilience.”