Consider This from NPR From utility man to one of California's foremost journalists
May 9, 2024
Louis Sahagún, a retired journalist from the Los Angeles Times, shares his journey from utility worker to renowned storyteller. He reflects on how his childhood on a wildlife-rich ranch shaped his reporting on California's diverse communities. Sahagún discusses his deep connection to the L.A. River, intertwining personal stories with themes of gentrification and urban development. He also touches on the surprising impacts of human growth on local wildlife, along with insights on balancing passion and professional storytelling in journalism.
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Sahagún's LA River Adventures
- Louis Sahagún, known for covering California's untold stories, chose the LA River as our meeting point.
- He recounted kayaking down it for a story, falling in multiple times.
Sahagún's Childhood Ranch
- Sahagún grew up on a ranch by an LA River tributary, where his family were farmworkers.
- He recalls abundant wildlife, including tadpoles, frogs, and waterfowl they hunted for dinner.
Chasing Diminishing Scenes
- Sahagún's nature-filled upbringing shaped his career, driving him to seek remnants of those scenes.
- For 43 years, he chased those diminishing memories, observing the impact of development.