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
UPDATE: No bomb found at Cal State LA; campus still closed
Students are being allowed back into dorms, though the campus is closed. The school closed at noon and was evacuated after a bomb threat was phoned in.
Compton mayor's race: Aja Brown to face Omar Bradley in June runoff
Voters rejected three-time incumbent Mayor Eric Perrodin, so the runoff will pit newcomer Brown against former mayor Bradley.
Emily's List puts $400K into pro-Greuel mayor committee
The women's political advocacy group endorsed the city controller for mayor last month and has followed up with funding for an independent committee.
Pro-Garcetti PAC focuses resources on voter contact in LA mayor's race
It's the PAC with the long name: 'Lots of People Who Support Eric Garcetti for Mayor 2013.' It's spending millions on direct voter contact, especially with Latinos.
Cedillo and Gardea to face off in bilingual debates
Both candidates in the runoff for the First District City Council seat will face off in two hour-long debates — first in English, then in Spanish.
LA County developing a voting system for the digital age (Photos)
The nation's largest voting jurisdiction is building a new system from scratch, starting with ideas from the public and designers worldwide.
LA mayor's race: Kevin James endorses Eric Garcetti
James' support could help with conservative voters, particularly in the San Fernando Valley, but Garcetti reportedly won't get hoped-for backing from President Obama.
City controller candidate accuses opponent of illegal action
Ron Galperin's campaign alleges an illegal collaboration between rival Dennis Zine and a PAC supporting him.
San Gabriel council seat goes vacant amid inquiry of winner
Chin Ho Liao, who placed second in the recent election, was barred from taking the oath of office as the council investigates his residency.
LA City Council: Cedillo, Gardea face runoff in District 1 over serious issues
From sidewalk and pothole fixes to crime and jobs, First District residents look to L.A. council candidates for quality of life improvements.
Final count for recent Los Angeles elections is complete
Former state legislator Gil Cedillo falls about 400 votes short of avoiding a runoff for the First District City Council seat against runner-up Jose Gardea.
San Gabriel voter challenges Councilman-elect's residency
The San Gabriel City Council is set to decide whether to swear in the candidate who took second place, or delay while investigating his residency.
Donors to LA campaign can push donation limits too far
LA has strict limits on campaign giving – no more than $1,300 per person or company. But some donors try to find a legal way around the limits.
UPDATE: 5 of 6 former Bell officials found guilty of misappropriation of funds
The jury is deadlocked on several counts and will continue deliberations. The judge rejects an attempt by defense attorneys to challenge the validity of the verdicts.
San Gabriel withholds election results pending misconduct investigation
Official results and the swearing in of new City Council members has been held off for a week while the D.A. and city review complaints.
