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Sammy Caiola
Healthcare Reporter
Sammy Caiola has been covering medical breakthroughs, fitness fads and health policy in California since 2014. Before joining CapRadio, Sammy was a health reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She has degrees in journalism and gender studies from Northwestern University.
In 2015 Sammy completed a data fellowship at the University of Southern California, which led to a three-part series on black child death in Sacramento County. She has also reported extensively on autism spectrum disorder, reproductive health care, LGBT health, and conjoined twinning.
Sammy is a ZUMBA instructor and an avid hiker. She hails from Long Island, New York, but much prefers the fine wine and stunning scenery of the West coast. In her spare time, she plays with her black Labrador, Pepper, and performs in local community theatre productions.
California Wants To Increase Vaping Taxes, But Experts Say There Could Be Unintended Consequences
January 22, 2020
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing a $2 tax for every 40-milligrams of nicotine in an e-cigarette. This would on top of the existing tax on the device itself, which is currently taxed as a tobacco product.
Sacramento MLK Marchers Call For Unity, Collaboration And Change
January 20, 2020
Three different marches were planned for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Sacramento. While walking, many attendees called for racial justice, community collaboration and better opportunities for black youth.
Here’s What The State And Advocates Have In Mind To Change CA’s Mental Health Care System
January 16, 2020
A string of newly introduced bills and budget proposals could change the way Californians get mental health services, both in the public and commercial sectors.
Here's What's In Governor Gavin Newsom's $222 Billion California Budget Proposal
January 10, 2020
California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced his 2020-2021 budget proposal Friday, including a new fund to address the homelessness crisis, more money for Cal Fire to fight wildfires, and a plan to create a generic drug label for the state.
Roughly Half Of Children On Medi-Cal Aren’t Getting Screened For Lead Poisoning, New Audit Shows
January 9, 2020
California toddlers are supposed to get tested for lead poisoning around their first and second birthdays. But a new state audit shows about half of kids on Medi-Cal don’t receive either screening.
Amid Vaping Controversy, California Schools And Health Officials Want To Teach Kids How To Quit
January 7, 2020
California health officials have put a lot of focus on making sure teens don’t get hooked on vaping. But now they’re trying to solve another problem: how to help young people who are already addicted.
Regardless of Immigration Status, All Low-Income Californians Up to Age 26 Can Now Sign Up for Medi-Cal
January 6, 2020
California is the first state to offer Medicaid benefits to undocumented young adults. The policy change took effect Jan. 1, 2020.
David Stern, NBA Commissioner Who Helped Keep Kings In Sacramento, Dies At 77
January 1, 2020
Stern spent 30 years as the NBA's commissioner and oversaw its growth into a global power. He also played a key role in keeping the Kings in Sacramento.
What You Need To Know About California’s New Domestic Partnership Law
December 26, 2019
All Californians will be eligible for domestic partnerships as an alternative to marriage beginning in January 2020. This option was previously reserved for same-sex couples, and opposite-sex couples over age 62.
California Will Ban Hair Discrimination Starting In 2020
December 24, 2019
A new California law forbids schools and workplaces from discriminating against students, workers or job applicants based on hairstyles historically associated with race.