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. These days, she is covering the built environment around Southern California -- sidewalks, water and sewer systems -- to find out what's working, what's broken, and who's fixing it.
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
San Bernardino won't seek to outsource firefighting services
The bankrupt city is looking for ways to save money, but a proposal from a city council member didn't get enough votes to proceed.
San Bernardino may look at outsourcing fire service
A similar proposal to ask outside agencies to bid on taking over fire service failed two weeks ago, but the resignation of a council member may change the vote.
Former LA mayor, Texas mogul back pension overhaul campaign
Richard Riordan and a former Enron executive are among the donors backing an effort to place a public pension initiative on the 2014 California ballot.
UPDATE: San Bernardino councilman pleads guilty to perjury
Mayoral candidate Chas Kelley resigns his council seat after pleading guilty to perjury. Counclman Robert Jenkins faces stalking and identity theft charges in a separate case.
Mayors: Let cities cut current workers' pensions
Half a dozen California municipal leaders want a measure on the November 2014 ballot that would let cities cut current workers' pensions.
Shutdown: In this district, Democrats and Republicans agree
In the 36th Congressional District that bisects Riverside County, members of both parties lament the machinations going on in Washington.
Robert Rizzo, former Bell city manager, pleads no contest in corruption case
If called, Rizzo would testify at trial of his onetime assistant. He faces 10 to 12 years in prison when sentenced in March.
Santa Monica Airport crash revives shutdown campaign
After the deadly incident, a coalition of community groups calls on residents to envision a different airplane-free future for the busy general aviation facility.
Santa Monica crash: No fatalities on ground, NTSB says (updated)
Accident investigators said it could take the rest of the day to determine how many people were on a plane that crashed at Santa Monica Airport, though no one was killed on the ground.
Congresswoman wants Angeles National Forest part of new recreation area
A U.S. Parks Service study recommended not including the forest and San Gabriel Mountains, but Chu pledges to write a law to include the vast area.
$10-an-hour minimum wage bill headed to Gov. Brown's desk (Chart)
Under a bill approved by the legislature, California's minimum wage would rise to $10 an hour within three years, giving the state one of the highest rates in the nation.
Voters will decide fate of Public Records Act
The constitutional amendment on next June's ballot will require local governments to provide access to documents and foot the bill.
Activists ask Congress to 'get back to work' on immigration
As Congress returns to D.C. with Syria and the debt ceiling on the agenda, activists are trying to keep immigration reform on the front burner.
Diana Nyad inspires swimmers at her Pasadena training pool
Nyad's message to the crowd on that Florida beach -- that you're never too old to chase your dream -- resonated with younger swimmers.
Free kayaking on Elysian Valley portion of LA River ends
The pilot project to allow free fishing, riverbank hiking and kayaking on a 2.5-mile stretch of the river south of Fletcher Drive ends at 5 p.m. Labor Day.
