Hi reader,
Local news matters — and so do the people who report it. As a nonprofit, public-service newsroom, The Mendocino Voice is accountable to readers, not investors.
Meet the journalists bringing you fact-checked, community-rooted reporting:
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Lin Due, Editor
Veteran editor and award-winning journalist with decades of experience covering wildlife, education and the environment. When not reporting or editing, residents can find Lin working in her Laytonville high tunnel, walking her dog along Mulligan Lane, or sampling the best Mexican food in the county at La Casona del Cielo.
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✏️ In my own words:
“My parents planned to retire in Navarro, and I fell in love with Mendocino County as a young teen. I’ve lived part-time in Albion, at Cherry Creek and since 2001 in Laytonville. I love the deep connection that Mendocino residents have with plants, animals, and community. It is truly a blessed place both in beauty and in spirit.”
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Sydney Fishman, Reporter
Full-time multimedia journalist focused on harm reduction, mental health, cannabis policy, local government, and immigration. You’ll see Sydney around town in Ukiah, often chatting with sources at Black Oak Coffee and walking her corgi, Coco. Sydney loves music and can be seen foraging for vinyl records and DJing once a month at the local radio station.
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✏️ In my own words:
“I report on issues and policies that impact the local community of Mendocino County. Born and raised in Garberville, in Southern Humboldt, I’ve seen how the stories of people in rural areas are often underrepresented in the news. I believe deeply in sharing the voices of those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to tell their own stories.”
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Susan Nash, Reporter & Columnist
Covers legal issues, art, and longevity. Former attorney and Stanford Fellow who has traded writing briefs for writing about digital literacy for older adults and all things Mendocino County. Susan lives in a historic home in Mendocino and enjoys spending her free time walking the headlands, looking for thrift store bargains and trying to write that novel.
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✏️ In my own words:
“Older people reliably turn out to vote. Making sure people of all ages have access to digital technology and can tell fact from fiction is what an informed electorate requires these days. Reporting on how we can do this is one small way I can make a difference.”
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Sarah Stierch, Reporter & Columnist
Award-winning journalist covering breaking news, weather, food and fun across the county. Her work keeps people safe in a storm and entertained on the weekends. On the weekends, you can find her browsing galleries in Fort Bragg, attempting to conquer the trails at Cow Mountain, and searching for the best tacos in the county.
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✏️ In my own words:
“I find inspiration in knowing that local stories truly do make a big difference here — and every time a reader tells me my work helped them, it reminds me why I do this.”
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Jerome Sagcal, Web Producer & Newsletter Editor
Manages our website and weekly newsletter, supporting digital access and engagement across Mendocino County.
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✏️ In my own words:
“Effective journalism, and any form of communication for that matter, rests on the fact that the sender and their audience operate on the same channel. So we work to meet people where they are. Whether through our website, email or social media, we aim to make it easier for you to find and engage with our work — just don't expect us to report news via TikTok dance trends.”
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With our core staff and many local freelancers, we’re proud to be the largest independent newsroom focused on Mendocino County — showing up at meetings, verifying facts and telling stories that strengthen our communities.
If you value this work, please support us during NewsMatch — a national fundraising campaign that helps triple donor dollars.
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Thanks for reading — and for believing in local news.
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Sincerely,
The Mendocino Voice team
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