North Bay Vanguard is an independent online newsroom covering the North Bay through a working-class lens focused on news for everyday people.
We report on the stories that shape everyday life in our communities: housing, labor, local government, education, climate, protests, and the people organizing to make change.
Portions of the North Bay are often portrayed through wine country tourism campaigns and real estate listings. But the people who keep this region running: teachers, nurses, farmworkers, service workers, students, artists, and families trying to build a life here, deserve journalism that is focused on their needs and interests.
Founded by a group of recent Sonoma State University graduates, North Bay Vanguard was created from a belief that local journalism should be accessible, accountable, and rooted in the communities it serves. We believe readers deserve reporting that goes beyond headlines and official statements to explain not only what happened, but why it matters and who it affects.
We approach local stories with an understanding that the North Bay does not exist in isolation. National policies, economic trends, climate change, and global events shape life here every day. Our goal is to connect those dots and provide context that helps readers better understand their community and the forces shaping it.
What We Cover
- Housing and the cost of living
- Labor and workplace issues
- Local government and public accountability
- Education and student life
- Climate and environmental justice
- Protests, organizing, and civic engagement
- Arts and culture that reflect the communities of the North Bay
Our Values
Independence
We are not swayed by corporate donors or political parties. Our responsibility is to our readers and our community.
Accessibility
Our journalism is free to read because access to information shouldn’t depend on income. No paywalls. No problem.
Accountability
We seek accuracy, transparency, and fairness in our reporting. When we make mistakes, we correct them.
Humanity
The people most affected by a story deserve to be heard. We believe journalism is strongest when it centers lived experience alongside facts and evidence.
Support Our Work
If North Bay Vanguard has informed you, challenged you, or helped you better understand your community, consider supporting our work by donating.