Ayla Burnett

My degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish at the University of Oregon helped shape my intention as a journalist: to tell the stories of underrepresented individuals, engage communities often at political odds, and in doing so, fight for social and environmental justice. I am particularly interested in the relationship between politics and environmental justice, Indigenous rights, climate change and ecology. I have experience in urban and rural farming, environmental, investigative and local beat reporting and political narrative.

I am came to Berkeley to learn how to tell stories through a variety of different mediums, though long form narrative writing and investigative reporting are personal favorites. I have experience in music writing and radio broadcasting, as well. I seek to combine my interests in culture and the environment to tell a wide range of intimate and representationally diverse stories about the human experience.

Published Work:

Locals call for change in PG&E tree removal Point Reyes Light, May 2022

PG&E bewilders with projects in Lucas Valley Point Reyes Light, July 2022

Neighborhood pushes back on PG&E work Point Reyes Light, August 2022

Major West Oakland housing development remains in limbo The Oaklandside, December 2021

Major West Oakland housing development delayed again The Oaklandside, April 2022

East Oakland foundry pollution spurs two lawsuits to protect community Oakland North, Feb. 2022

What’s next for workers, city after century old foundry moves to Texas? Oakland North, March 2022

Will Oakland get federal rescue dollars for anti-violence measures? Oakland North, November 2021

The Environmental State is in Danger. Here’s How We Can Fight Back The Trouble, October 2020