Nina Sparling
Contributing Reporter
Nina Sparling is a journalist and audio producer based in San Francisco, where she covers inequality, politics, and the environment. She got her start in journalism covering food, agriculture and technology in New York. Her writing has appeared in outlets including the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Paris Review. Her radio work has been featured on KQED, Alaska News Nightly, and NPR.
Nina is an alum of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She cooks a lot, sometimes writes poems, and is at work on a project about the deep sea.
California Now Has A Futures Market For Water. Some Farmers Are Skeptical
February 12, 2021
A water futures market has opened up speculation on the price of water in California. But farmers and advocates alike are raising questions about how effective it might be, and who is likely to participate.
California Needs More Storms, Groundwater To Avoid Prolonged Drought, Experts Say
February 3, 2021
Over the past week Northern California was walloped by winter’s first big storm. But experts say more storms are needed to ward off drought this year
As Californians Rack Up $1 Billion in Water Debt, Advocates Fear Relief Could Come Too Late
January 22, 2021
California has a big water debt problem — and it’s having a disproportionate impact on Black and Latinx households.
COVID-19 Tensions Boil Over In Shasta County During Vote Over Virtual Board Meetings
December 16, 2020
The Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to keep meeting virtually as long as the COVID-19 cases continued to rise. Many residents saw in the vote as an opportunity to comment on how the county has been managing the pandemic
Much Of California’s Water Wells Are Contaminated With Chromium-6. Could A Costly Fix Be Coming?
December 10, 2020
Thousands of drinking water wells in California are contaminated with a dangerous chemical called chromium-6. It’s a problem the state has been trying to solve for decades.
Community, Workers Strained As COVID-19 Surge Hits Rural Northern California
December 4, 2020
With COVID-19 cases skyrocketing across California rural areas are getting hit hard. And the increase in cases is taking a toll on frontline workers, public health officials, and community well being.
El Dorado County May Consider Protections for Mobile Home Park Residents
November 27, 2020
Dozens of counties and cities across California have passed regulations to keep the mobile home industry in check. El Dorado County may soon join them.
As Pandemic Balloons Statewide, Some Rural Counties Explore Making Their Own Rules
November 19, 2020
Some elected officials in northern California met weeks ago to discuss gaining more regional autonomy in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. One idea is to pass resolutions at the county level asserting power over decision making.
California Is Making Progress On Safe Water For All, But Work Remains
November 12, 2020
Some 1 million Californians lack access to safe drinking water. A new state report found there has been progress towards changing that, but a 2019 state program could benefit from funding and legislative oversight.
Despite Well-Funded Opposition, Republicans Maintain Stronghold in Rural, Northern California
November 5, 2020
Early results looked unusually strong for two Democratic challengers running in deeply conservative and rural parts of northern California. But as more ballots get counted, the gap is widening.