Sharon McNary Politics Reporter
- @KPCCsharon
- Phone: (626) 583-5126
Sharon McNary is a Politics Reporter for Southern California Public Radio. She uses public records, public engagement sourcing and other methods (like good old fashioned shoe leather) to help draw stories from the experience, expertise and concerns of our communities as well as from political agendas.
In her first three years at KPCC, Sharon launched KPCC’s Public Insight Network, a group of several thousand people who — by sharing their experiences and expertise — help the newsroom cover Southern California. People who respond to Public Insight Network questions have been included in many KPCC award-winning news reports, including investigative coverage of prison conditions, long-form narratives, and talk show segments.
A military veteran, McNary was a computer programmer before she was a journalist, so she has always sought out tech-savvy and creative ways to cover news.
McNary has worked in TV news and documentaries, radio, wire service and newspapers in the Southern California news market, developing award-winning investigative and computer-assisted reporting projects.
Following a mid-career public service break with the Peace Corps in Bolivia, McNary returned to print and multimedia reporting. She has covered disasters, government corruption, growth and immigration, often using databases, mapping and other technology tools to break news.
McNary is an avid cook, seamstress and knitter while her outdoor pursuits are competing in marathons and triathlons
Stories by Sharon McNary
CalPERS challenges San Bernardino on pension plan debt
The Inland area city has been missing more than $1 million per month in payments, using the money instead to make payroll and provide services.
Tight vote count continues for Westside Assembly seat
The Santa Monica mayor has a 888-vote advantage over the Assemblywoman in the contest between Democrats. The next update is Wednesday.
Cracking L.A.'s ceiling on mayor's race spending
A GOP strategist plans to raise $4 million to independently support a mayoral candidate, spending that would also lift limits on other hopefuls.
Butler-Bloom ballot count margin a narrow 79 votes
Two weeks after the election, Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom maintains a slim lead over incumbent Betsy Butler by just a few dozen votes.
From City Council to Congress: Tony Cardenas
He's primed to work on policy issues, especially changing immigration laws, but faces a steep learning curve as he acclimates to life in Congress.
Troubled San Fernando city council gets overhaul
Three new members take office on Dec. 3, replacing predecessors who were enmeshed in small-town sexual and political intrigue.
Gen-X politicos boost L.A. Central American issues
Latino Coalition of Los Angeles seeks to get Central Americans into positions of political power and is making endorsements in city races.
Westside: Butler-Bloom Assembly race remains close
Santa Monica mayor Richard Bloom has widened his lead over incumbent Betsy Butler to 218 votes as mail-in ballots continue to be counted.
LA's black voters voiced support for tax, justice proposals
Loyola Marymount University's exit poll of local voters found high support for Prop 30's higher taxes among all groups, and highest among black voters.
Which Californians stayed home most on Election Day?
While overall voting numbers were down this year, voters of color – especially young ones – were a larger percentage of the electorate in California.
UPDATE: Southern California State Senate election
The big question in the Senate race: Would Republicans lose two seats in the Senate and their ability to block Democratic budget proposals?
Southern California Assembly races — slam dunks to squeakers
Updated results on some of Southern California's most competitive and bitterly fought Assembly races. Democrats seek a two-thirds majority.
Soda tax Measure H in El Monte falls flat
Would you have voted for a tax adding 12 cents to a can of soda or $1.28 to a gallon of sweetened juice drink to raise revenue for health and law enforcement?
Bloomberg money bomb drops in Ontario Congressional race
Independence USA focuses on candidates who are tough on gun control and education policy, but its TV ad goes after Baca on an environmental issue.
NYC Marathon canceled — Was this the right decision? (Poll)
The New York City Marathon has been canceled, though reports indicate it may be rescheduled. The announcement came as power came back on in many parts of lower Manhattan.
