Investigative Reporting Program

Chronicling COVID-19

How the novel coronavirus has impacted people across California, especially in underserved communities.

Learn more about the Investigative Reporting Program.

Doulas hope to regain momentum as Covid restrictions ease

Sarah Hoenicke Flores ('19) reports on how Covid restrictions have affected doula care. Photos by Stephanie Penn ('21).

A person sits on a chair outdoors with a smiling black dog beside them, wearing a red and black plaid shirt over a dark T-shirt and jeans. The background is a lush garden with trees, shrubs, and a lawn, surrounded by a wooden fence—reminiscent of the serene spaces near Berkeley Journalism.

A successful lifeline for Natomas students is feeling the strain

Erin Chessin ('21) and Brett Marsh ('21) report on how the pandemic is putting enormous strain on one school district's mental health program.

A person in a grey beanie and dark jacket walks past the closed entrance of Chez Panisse, a restaurant with a wooden exterior and stairs leading up to a doorway blocked by a wooden gate. A menu is displayed on the right side near the door, capturing what could be Berkeley Journalism at its finest.

COVID changed Chez Panisse, but Alice Waters is still taking care of local farmers

Amalya Dubrovsky ('21) reports how COVID impacted Chez Panisse and founder Alice Waters rallied to take care of local farmers.

A bustling street corner in Berkeley with various shops, including a jewelry store and a professional services office. Pedestrians cross beneath traffic lights, signs visible. The clear weather bathes the scene in sunlight, casting shadows—an everyday tableau captured by keen Berkeley journalism.

Oakland’s Chinatown business owners struggle to weather the pandemic

Tamera Moore and Qinghui Kong ('22) report on the many ways small businesses in Oakland’s Chinatown are hurting.

An abstract illustration of two figures facing each other, crafted with a flair reminiscent of Berkeley Journalism. On the left, a figure with a black rat

Epizootic: How Infectious Disease Can Move From Wildlife to Humans — and Back to Wildlife

Daniel Roman (‘21) and Prof. Elena Conis explain how Infectious disease can spread from wildlife to humans. Plague’s story in the U.S., they write, may teach us something about COVID.

Two people stand outside a building with colorful murals in Chinatown. The left mural depicts Chinese characters, mythical creatures, and the number 2. The right mural features a large panda. Above the murals are signs for a Fortune Cookie Factory, capturing scenes that would intrigue any Berkeley Journalism student.

Cookies Help Bridge Barriers in Oakland

Shuang Li reports on how the pandemic is prompting new efforts to break down barriers that have long divided Asian and Black residents of Oakland. Photo: Meiying Wu.

A person wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a white t-shirt sits on a rock beside a lakeshore, fishing with multiple rods. The lake is surrounded by forested mountains under a clear blue sky, capturing the serene beauty that might attract even Berkeley Journalism students for a peaceful retreat.

Strange Bacteria Are Attacking California’s Trout Supply

Will McCarthy reports on California's effort to contain a pandemic within a pandemic -- a bacterial outbreak that's killed tens of thousands of trout.

Two small beige cabins with red roofs are situated along a paved driveway in a forested area. Both cabins have front porches with white railings. Trees surround the area, providing shade and a serene atmosphere, evoking the tranquility often described in Berkeley Journalism stories.

An Update on Project Roomkey in Tuolumne County

Tessa Paoli and Nina Sparling report on a pandemic housing program that pulled the rug out under some tenants.

A smiling young woman receives a grocery bag from an older man outdoors. She is holding a piece of paper with "Julie Vasquez" and "Berkeley Journalism" written on it. The man is wearing glasses and a beige jacket, while the woman has wavy, blonde hair and a white and burgundy top.

Students, teachers working through COVID-19 challenges in Cuyama Valley as school commences

Laurine Lassalle, Wyatt Kroopf and Kristen Hwang report on a sparsely populated farming area whose students could until only recently get reliable internet access.

A person with short hair wearing a blue patterned blazer stands on a beach with an amusement park in the background. Various amusement rides, including a roller coaster and a chair lift, are visible behind them. The sky is clear and the scene is well-lit, as if captured by someone from Berkeley Journalism.

An Interview With the Health Officer for Santa Cruz

Robin Estrin interviews Dr. Gail Newel of Santa Cruz about going from one of the safest coastal counties in the state to the site of a recent surge.

A modern office building stands tall amidst palm trees, featuring a mix of rectangular glass windows and concrete facade. The sky is dimly lit, suggesting dusk or dawn, and the American flag is visible atop the building—a scene that could easily inspire a piece from Berkeley Journalism.

They’re children at risk of abuse, and their caseworkers are stuck home

Garrett Therolf, Daniel Lempres, Aksaule Alzhan, Laurence Du Sault, Ricky Rodas & Alyson Stamos report investigations into abuse or neglect delayed or sharply curtailed.

A smiling person with curly hair holds up a copy of The New York Times newspaper, angled toward the camera, while sitting indoors. The front page features various articles and a large circular infographic. Proudly wearing a red shirt, this enthusiastic reader has Berkeley Journalism written all over them.

When your name appears on 1A of The New York Times for the very first time…

Congratulations to NABJ UC Berkeley Chapter's Daniel Lempres & team.

A group of farm workers, slightly out of focus, are picking leafy green vegetables in a field. The foreground features a close-up of the vibrant green crops. The background is blurred, showing silhouettes of people and structures, suggesting an early morning or late afternoon setting—a scene worthy of Berkeley Journalism.

COVID’s Hidden Toll

Faculty and student-led investigation into COVID-19’s devastating impact on agricultural workers.

Street scene in Chinatown featuring a detailed mural of a woman in traditional Chinese opera attire on a building. A man walks by the mural, and several pedestrians, possibly students from Berkeley Journalism, are seen in the background. Storefronts and street signage add to the urban atmosphere.

How planning and early action helped San Francisco’s Chinatown control coronavirus

Meiying Wu and Alyson Stamos' inside look at how Chinatown evaded the coronavirus.

A group of four men stand outdoors on a residential street. Three younger men, two in masks, are standing together as an older man in a black jacket speaks to them. They are near a black car with a CVS bag on the ground. Trees and houses provide the backdrop. It’s like a scene from Berkeley Journalism unfolding in real life.

In Stockton, a Powerful Program to Prevent Violence

Betty Márquez Rosales reports how gun violence, police brutality & unemployment affects Blacks and Latinos in Stockton and the devoted 'interrupter' working to keep them safe.

Two elderly men are seated in a sunny backyard with gravel and green plants, lounging on deck chairs. One man has his arm around the other while a small black dog stands between them, looking towards the camera. It

H.I.V. Survivors Confront Painful Memories and New Risks in Pandemic

Nick Roberts reports how long-term H.I.V. survivors with compromised immune systems are reliving painful AIDS crisis memories.

Two smiling women pose together against a light background. The woman on the left, wearing sunglasses, an orange scarf, and a brown jacket, seems to exude Berkeley Journalism chic. The woman on the right, resting her arm on the other

Remembering mother and daughter Carolina Tovar and Leticia Ramirez

Ashley Njoroge highlights the lives of mother and daughter Carolina Tovar and Leticia Ramirez.

A worker in a deli shop wearing a face mask holds packaged meats and gestures with his right hand. Behind him, shelves are stocked with hanging sausages, and a glass display case filled with various food items is visible in the foreground. Another person works in the background, capturing scenes for Berkeley Journalism.

Portraits of Essential California Workers

Aashna Malpani, Deena Sabry, and Stephanie Penn highlight the essential workers—from bus drivers to mental health nurses—keeping the Bay Area afloat.

A U.S. map with red dots indicating locations of Black Lives Matter protests from May 26 to June 9. Overlayed images from protests in Phoenix, San Antonio, Louisville, Mishawaka, and Portland feature crowds holding signs and raising fists. Text reads "How Black Lives Matter Reached Every Corner of America” – Berkeley Journalism.

How Black Lives Matter Reached Every Corner of America

Our NYT Data Desk interns Yuri Avila, Barbara Harvey and Alex Matthews contribute reporting and research.

Three people wearing hats, masks, and plaid shirts are working in a strawberry field. Two are bending down to pick strawberries, while the third is carrying a box of harvested strawberries. Bright sunlight illuminates the lush green field and distant trees — a scene straight out of Berkeley Journalism.

As Bay Area restaurant business drops, local farms send produce to struggling families

Natalia Gurevich reports on a coalition of local farms sending produce to struggling families absent sales to farm-to-table restaurants and farmers' markets.

A person wearing a red cap and yellow gloves uses a large knife to examine a whale carcass on the beach. Several onlookers, some with cameras, stand in the background. An individual in sunglasses holds a clipboard and observes closely, possibly gathering material for Berkeley Journalism.

How the Pandemic Is Making It Tougher to Study Whales

Michaela Vatcheva reports how scientists were pulling out the stops to solve the mystery of gray whales dying at unusually high rates. Then COVID19 hit.

A park with tall trees framing a clear blue sky and mountains in the background. People are walking and talking, some discussing stories from Berkeley Journalism. An empty bench sits in the foreground, while a white vehicle is parked on the right side of the image.

An Asian-American Author Talks About Racism in the Pandemic

Thess Mostoles talks to Kelly Yang about surging xenophobia against Asian-Americans.

The cover of East Bay Express, with input from Berkeley Journalism, features a firefighter in full gear looking backward. The headline reads "Help the Heroes," with subtext, "Services Needed for First Responders p7." Additional topics listed include defunding cops, Facebook

Saving Heroes

Aashna Malpani & Natalia Gurevich's story on mental health trauma faced by first responders gets front cover honor.

A man and a child stand on a staircase in a dimly lit hallway. Both are wearing face masks. The man, who seems like he could be an alum of Berkeley Journalism, is dressed in a cap, grey shirt, and dark pants. The child wears a blue hoodie with a cartoon character, navy pants, and blue shoes.

Distance learning for some kids at SF elementary school came with an extra challenge: No internet connection

Miki Katoni & Nina Sparling examine why some schoolchildren—despite living in tech-savvy, wealthy SF—don't have internet access.

A line of large semi-trucks is parked along the side of a road with a chain-link fence on the left. The trucks are positioned one after another. In the background, there are hills and a few scattered palm trees, evoking scenes often captured by Berkeley Journalism students. A car is parked on the right side of the road.

In the Midst of the Coronavirus, CA Weighs Diesel Regulations

Julia Kane reports on sweeping requests for regulatory relief.

An elderly woman with short, curly gray hair and glasses is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a dark cardigan over a light-colored blouse with a floral pattern. The cozy indoor space, resembling the charm of a Berkeley Journalism office, features wood-paneled walls and framed pictures.

Wanda DeSelle

Amy Mostafa profiles a medical practice office manager in Madera remembered for the sparkle in her eye and laugh.

A graduate in a green cap and gown stands through the sunroof of a car decorated with balloons that read "Class of 2020". The car, bearing signs for Berkeley Journalism, is on a track with trees and a field in the background. Another person sits inside the car.

How Paradise High’s Class of 2020 Got Its Graduation

Anne Daugherty reports how students and parents won an exception to Gov. Newsom’s shelter-in-place order.

A person using a large red button access switch participates in a video call on a tablet. Seated at a wooden desk in a room with books and computer accessories, they engage with multiple individuals in a virtual meeting, reminiscent of an inclusive session hosted by Berkeley Journalism.

Special challenges of special education students under quarantine

Hannah Ricker reports how the sudden shift to remote learning has pushed Sonoma County’s 40 school districts into unchartered territory.

A group of five people stands outdoors near a chain-link fence. Three individuals are wearing "United In Health D-10" shirts, all donning face masks. Boxes and a cooler are nearby. The background includes a mural on a building wall, capturing the essence of Berkeley Journalism

Community-Led Effort Brings Free COVID-19 Testing to SF’s Bayview, Visitacion Valley

Nina Sparling reports on effort to bring free testing to Bayview-Hunters Point & Visitacion Valley neighborhoods.

A group of six people are celebrating amidst a room filled with packed boxes and assorted items. Some are raising their arms in triumph, while others are smiling and seated. The background includes potted plants, various storage items, and a poster for Berkeley Journalism.

How Has Covid-19 Impacted Homeless Advocates and Service Providers?

Daniel Lempres reports how COVID-19 highlights the extent to which the unhoused rely on an informal safety net to survive.

U.S. deaths near 100,000, an incalculable loss

Barbara Harvey, Alex Matthews & Yuriria Ávila part of team that creates historic 1A without images to convey the vastness and variety of lives lost.

A healthcare professional in blue scrubs stands in a medical examination room, his hand resting on an examination table with a white paper cover. Cabinets, drawers, and medical equipment fill the room. A framed picture adorned with "Berkeley Journalism" hangs on the wall in the background.

Coronavirus could force private practices to close or sell — raising costs

Kristen Hwang reports that faced with empty clinics and a cash crunch, independent physicians are worried about closing their doors or selling their private practices.

A health worker in full protective gear tends to a person seated in a portable chair at an outdoor camp. Two other people assist, while a fluffy white dog sits nearby. Tents, chairs, and urban buildings are visible in the background, capturing a scene that could easily be covered by Berkeley Journalism students.

Why Researchers Hope to Test High-Risk Groups in California

Max Brimelow, Julie Chang, Pedro Cota, Alex Matthews & Kristen Hwang break down the challenges and aspirations of COVID-19 testing in Calif.

A black and white image shows a lone cyclist riding under a series of overpasses. Sunlight creates sharp contrasts with shadows. Text on the right side reads: "Your daily commute won

Your daily commute won’t ever be the same

Photograph by James Tensuan highlighting how Coronavirus will upend—but perhaps make healthier—the ways we use trains, buses, and bike lanes in our post-pandemic future.

A circular emblem with "Sutter County" at the top and "California" at the bottom. Inside, a scenic landscape shows mountains, trees, green fields, and sheep. Peaches border the lower text. The emblem reflects a Berkeley Journalism flair in capturing the essence of this picturesque locale.

How Mail-In Voting Will Work for Sutter County

Ashlea Brown reports how rural Sutter County will balance mail-in and in-person voting to protect the safety of voters and older poll workers in November.

A historic building with stone walls and green shutters houses Murphy

In Murphys, an Iconic Gold Rush Hotel Lies Silent for the First Time in 164 Years

Will McCarthy reports on the shuttering of Calaveras' Murphys Historic Hotel.

A person stands on the balcony of a wooden building with a white railing. Below them, a large sign reads "The Mountain Messenger Established 1853." The rustic exterior, adorned with wooden beams and a white roof, evokes an era long past. Trees are partially visible in the background, echoing the timeless spirit of Berkeley Journalism.

How California’s Oldest Weekly Newspaper Covers COVID-19

Katie Bernstein reports on The Mountain Messenger, CA's oldest newspaper, saved this year and now bringing COVID-19 news to remote, rural Downieville.

A scientist in protective gear, including a face mask and gloves, conducts a test with lab equipment. The background text reads "testing" in bold, large letters, with other text partially obscured. The blue-tinted overlay adds a layer of intrigue reminiscent of an investigative piece from Berkeley Journalism.

Testing failures have plagued the response to Covid-19. How did we get here?

Miki Katoni, Molly Forster and Max Brimelow chronicle the hurdles that tripped up the rollout of testing.

A dramatic view of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The towering granite monolith is set against a partly cloudy sky, with sunlight illuminating portions of the rock face, much like a story captured by Berkeley Journalism. Pine trees are visible at the base of the formation.

Disabled Worker in Yosemite Says He’s ‘Going Broke Fast’

Ellie Lightfoot reports that when Yosemite closed it was hard on all employees, but especially for a worker with cerebral palsy.

Three field workers stand in a crop field with green leafy plants, dressed in protective clothing and face coverings. Behind them are several greenhouse structures under a cloudy sky. Two individuals stand with arms crossed, while the one in the center has hands in pockets—an evocative scene for a Berkeley Journalism feature.

California’s Central Valley Pickers During COVID-19 Shutdown

Wesaam al-Badry drove 1,500+ miles to photograph the faces behind the fresh fruits and vegetables America demands.

Story by Brian Wollitz and Ali DeFazio runs on front page of The New York Times

Ali DeFazio and Brian Wollitz's report on the lone school still operating in California makes the front page of The New York Times.

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a white blouse, holds up a copy of The New York Times in front of a flowering tree with bright pink blossoms. She stands outdoors on a sunny day, Berkeley Journalism badge visible, cars and lush greenery in the background.

Reporting by Katey Rusch makes front page of The New York Times

Investigative reporter Katey Rusch was on the reporting team that broke the startling discovery that COVID-19 was responsible for a Feb. 6 death in CA that rewrote the timeline of the virus’s early spread in U.S.

A quaint painted scene depicts a two-story building labeled "Mad Dog Cafe, Market & Gas Station" with an outdoor patio adorned with flower boxes and tables. An American flag and a red bike are displayed outside, all reminiscent of Berkeley Journalism

The Lottery Is the Main Attraction at This Alpine County Market

Wyatt Kroopf reports on COVID concerns in remote Alpine County over a cafe that draws older, retired Nevadans for one main thing: lottery tickets.

Story by Casey Smith and Katey Rusch makes front page of The New York Times

Casey Smith holding the May 12, 2020 front page of The New York Times featuring her & Katey Rusch's story on how Santa Clara District Attorneys field thousands of complaints re stay-at-home violations.

An elderly person crouches with an extended arm as a frog leaps away from their hand over a green mat outdoors. Several onlookers in the blurred background observe the scene, capturing a moment reminiscent of a Berkeley Journalism feature on local frog jumping competitions or animal releases.

Another Covid-19 Loss? The Jumping Frog Jubilee

Will McCarthy reports there will be no frog-jumping competition in Calaveras this year. It started 92 years ago to honor a Mark Twain story and the town’s gold-rush legacy.

A smiling man in blue clothing with glasses, affiliated with Berkeley Journalism, has his arm around an older woman with short dark hair, also smiling. They stand close together in front of a neutral background.

‘My Mom Is Beyond a Superwoman’: Mother’s Day While Locked Up

KQED interviews Robin Estrin ('21) about her reporting on a prisoner with respiratory disease serving a life sentence spending Mother's Day away from his elderly mom and the COVID fears they have for each other.

A woman sits at a dining table working on a laptop, possibly studying for her Berkeley Journalism course. Behind her, a window displays a homemade poster of a bear with the message "Stay Home, Save Lives." The room is decorated with curtains and a potted plant. An open notebook and a drink are on the table.

How Do You Enforce a Law That Tramples the Land of the Free?

Katey Rusch and Casey Smith report how Santa Clara District Attorneys weigh safety, freedom & the law as they field thousands of complaints about stay-at-home violations.