Beth Thornton
Freelance Reporter/Contributor to Issues & IdeasBeth Thornton was a freelance reporter for KCBX, and a contributor to Issues & Ideas from 2019 to 2024. She was selected as a 2021 Data Fellow with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism to create a series about aging and healthcare, and was accepted by the Center to receive a 2024 California Health Equity Impact grant for her climate series The Heat Beat. Beth has contributed reporting to KQED's statewide radio show The California Report.
Before radio, Beth worked in print and video for newspapers, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. She was the editor of Connections, a monthly e-newsletter published by the Center for Media Literacy that included research and media activities for K-12 educators.
Beth received her BA from UC Santa Barbara, where she wrote for the college paper, and also has a certificate in creative writing from UCLA Extension Writers' Program. She listens to public radio at every opportunity, and enjoys cycling on the Central Coast.
-
Girls Inc. in Carpinteria is a girls’ leadership program and a place for after-school care. Now, it’s a climate resilience hub for the neighborhood, too. The non-profit is prepared to serve as a community gathering space during extreme heat events. -
As extreme heat becomes more frequent on the Central Coast, a local non-profit is working to make homes more weather resilient at no-cost for low-income residents. -
State Street in downtown Santa Barbara used to be a hub of local activity. But today, that’s not the case. Economists have ideas on how to bring businesses back to the area. -
A team from Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) just released a free video game for ocean enthusiasts and community scientists. -
Climate scientists expect more heat waves to hit the Central Coast in the coming years, which could put people’s health at risk. Medical experts say taking precautions can minimize visits to the ER. -
In the coming decades, the Central Coast is projected to have more days of extreme heat. Our weekly series, The Heat Beat, examines how the region is preparing for higher temperatures. -
The City of San Luis Obispo is partnering with the County to provide interim supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. Community members are invited to learn more about the project. -
In a 3 - 2 vote, San Luis Obispo County Supervisors approved the Dana Reserve housing development plan in Nipomo. The meeting lasted two full days with several hours of public comment. -
Santa Barbara City Council capped the number of cruise ships that can visit Santa Barbara at 20 per year. Other environmental recommendations were also approved. -
A large housing development proposed for Nipomo comes before County Supervisors for a vote. The Dana Reserve project has garnered support and opposition from community members.
