Rachel Showalter

I'm a public radio reporter with a passion for people and telling their stories! From beavers and murals to offshore wind and wildfires, my stories have taken me across California. I have more than 7 years of experience in live television production, audio/video editing, social media management, announcing and reporting. My reporting has been featured statewide by KQED's The California Report, in a KQED California climate special and in a BBC Radio 4 documentary. I've also been awarded by the College Media Association for my multimedia reporting, TV entertainment specials and viral videos.

Articles

Dust from sand dunes, often kicked up by off-road vehicles, at Oceano Dunes in Central California contributes to poor air qualit

Hearing the lived experiences of two women transformed my reporting on poor air quality

A reporter learns the importance of telling stories for communities rather than about them.

Re-vegetation efforts on the Oceano Dunes help prevent dust and sand from blowing inland and polluting the air.

Healthcare Systems & Policy

Clouded in Crisis: The search for solutions to help Nipomo Mesa communities breathe better air

Exposure to air pollution has long been a public health issue for people in South San Luis Obispo County.

Environmental Health

Chronic Disease

Marian Regional Medical Center is the closest hospital for communities on the Nipomo Mesa.

Community & Public Health

Clouded in Crisis: The battle to access healthcare amid an ongoing doctor shortage

The more people are exposed to poor air quality on the Mesa, the sicker they become over time — dealing with allergy symptoms, breathing issues and, for some, even lung disease.

Environmental Health

Healthcare Regulation and Reform

Chronic Disease

The Nipomo Mesa is home to many agricultural fields, like this one, that employee outdoor workers.

Community & Public Health

Clouded in Crisis: The roadblocks keeping pollutant exposure high and disease prevention low

Air pollution from blowing dust on the Nipomo Mesa is hitting people of color and low-income folks especially hard.

Healthcare Regulation and Reform

Maria (left) and Soledad (right), who wish to remain anonymous, live and work on the Nipomo Mesa. Maria has asthma and Soledad e

Healthcare Systems & Policy

Clouded in Crisis: How air pollution impacts the health of marginalized communities on the Nipomo Mesa

Public health officials have known for years that air quality year-round is often poor on the Nipomo Mesa in South San Luis Obispo County. It can cause severe health issues for people in the area — especially people of color and those with low incomes.

Chronic Disease

Poor air quality and a lack of medical access: An imperfect storm in San Luis Obispo County

Off-road vehicles are slated to be phased out at a popular beach dune recreational area on California's Central Coast. Off-roading enthusiasts have filed lawsuits to halt the move.

Reporting Topics

Reporting Topics

Reporting Topics

Reporting Topics

Reporting Topics

Rachel Showalter

Articles

Hearing the lived experiences of two women transformed my reporting on poor air quality

Clouded in Crisis: The search for solutions to help Nipomo Mesa communities breathe better air

Clouded in Crisis: The battle to access healthcare amid an ongoing doctor shortage

Clouded in Crisis: The roadblocks keeping pollutant exposure high and disease prevention low

Clouded in Crisis: How air pollution impacts the health of marginalized communities on the Nipomo Mesa

Poor air quality and a lack of medical access: An imperfect storm in San Luis Obispo County