Marking the beginning of a new era, the Vanguard this week announces it has hired two reporters – Nicholas von Wettberg and Sarah Abfalter. These mark the first paid reporters for the non-profit online news site that covers Davis and the Yolo County courts.
Nicholas von Wettberg brings eight years of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area ethnic news media, covering issues concerning local and state government extensively, dating back to 2008. He previously served as the sports editor and correspondent reporter for Philippine News and FilAm Star, a Filipino-American publication.
Mr. von Wettberg will be assigned to covering School Board meetings, beginning with tonight’s meeting where the future of the AIM program may be decided.
Sarah Abfalter has been hired to be the Vanguard’s primary court watch reporter. Ms. Abfalter graduated in May from the University of Oregon School of Law where she was executive editor of the Oregon Law Review. She brings a unique combination of a law degree combined with a background in journalism that is a perfect fit for the unique position of court watch reporter.
These two reporters will help bring the Davis Vanguard to the next level in terms of professional news reporting in Davis and Yolo County. They will help expand our coverage and our reach.
As a small and emerging non-profit, we are extremely excited by this new opportunity. So far, we have secured funding to fund these positions for six months.
To help the Vanguard maintain funding for these positions:
Purchase tickets for the November 14 Dinner on “Preventing Wrongful Convictions”
Become a Vanguard subscriber at $10 a month and receive the Vanguard Morning Newsletter
Congratulations! I look forward to this.
Vanguard: Nicholas von Wettberg brings eight years of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area ethnic news media, covering issues concerning local and state government, is extensive, dating back to 2008.
Does he have (school-age) kids of his own?
Vanguard: Nicholas von Wettberg was hired to report on the DJUSD School Board
Will he being doing any DJUSD stories that don’t involve the school board or board meetings?
He lives in Elk Grove, and I don’t believe he has children at this point.
Not to start, but hopefully eventually if we can bump up his hours.
David, are you paying at least $15/hour with benefits?
It’s a quarter-time position, but they are in effect getting more than $15 an hour.
In effect?
I believe such personnel matters should be confidential. The Vanguard is not a public agency and under no obligation to disclose this information.
;>)/
Was just curious because we have many advocates in Davis that are pushing for minimum wage pay of at least $15/hour which the Vanguard has written about many times.
probably not paying an hourly rate?
Congratulations David, and welcome to Nicolas and Sarah, I look forward to meeting you, and following your coverage.
This is fabulous news! I, too, am looking forward to your coverage.