Ashley Zavala
Ashley Zavala is KCRA 3's California Capitol Correspondent. She began covering California politics and government in 2018 and has been the first to report several developments out of the state capitol. Ashley has covered major political stories, including Gov. Gavin Newsom's decision to end California's historic statewide stay at home order in response to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as extensive reporting on California wildfires and wildfire response. Prior to joining KCRA, Ashley was the state capitol bureau reporter for Nexstar Media Group's seven California TV stations between San Francisco and San Diego. She has received several journalism honors, including two regional Edward R. Murrow awards. Ashley is the president of the Capitol Correspondents Association of California and serves on the board of the Sacramento Press Club. She is originally from the Philadelphia area with family roots in Mexico City and enjoys yoga, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her two dogs when not working.
82%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
86%
Examples:
- The author presents Gov. Newsom's decision as a response to the coronavirus pandemic, without providing context on the actual situation and its impact.
- The author uses biased language to describe certain companies as 'national fast-food chains' in order to imply that they should be exempt from California's new labor law.
Conflicts of Interest
83%
Examples:
- The author does not disclose any personal conflicts of interest.
Contradictions
81%
Examples:
- In one article, the author states that a measure requires voters to have final approval on future taxes and fees imposed by state and local governments, while in another article they mention that the new fast-food labor law in California will require major fast-food chains to start paying their workers at least $20 an hour on April 1.
- The author claims that Gov. Newsom signed a transgender parental notification ban in schools, but later contradicts himself by stating that he canceled the plan to put a competing crime measure on the ballot.
Deceptions
77%
Examples:
- The author uses Gaby Campbell's quote to suggest her employees can make more than $20 an hour during warmer months when they may not be.
- The author writes 'It's unfathomable that somebody would think that a business like ours should be lumped in with fast food,' without providing context or evidence to support this claim.
Recent Articles
California Governor Signs Laws Protecting Transgender Students' Privacy in Schools
Broke On: Monday, 22 May 2023California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed three bills into law on July 15, 2024, protecting transgender students' privacy and rights in schools. The new laws prohibit staff from disclosing a student's gender identity or sexual orientation without permission and provide resources for LGBTQ students and their families. Opponents argue these policies infringe on students' privacy and could jeopardize their safety if parents don't approve of their gender identity. The bills sparked heated debate in the state legislature, with some sharing stories about coming out to families. These laws mark a significant victory for LGBTQ advocates in California. 
California's Criminal Justice Reform Battle: Proposition 47 vs. Newsom's Aborted Measure
Broke On: Monday, 01 July 2024Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to toughen penalties for repeat shoplifters and drug dealers through a ballot measure was canceled due to lack of coalition support and necessary amendments. Meanwhile, another crime-related ballot measure backed by law enforcement groups will decide the fate of Proposition 47, a 2014 criminal justice law that downgraded certain non-violent felonies to misdemeanors, leading to overcrowding and a state of emergency. 
Former President Trump Raises Over $12M at San Francisco Fundraiser Amidst Divided Political Landscape
Broke On: Thursday, 06 June 2024Former President Donald Trump attended a fundraiser in San Francisco on June 6, 2024, following his conviction of 34 felony charges in New York. The event at entrepreneur David Sacks' Pacific Heights residence drew supporters and opponents alike. Trump supporters rallied at Marina Green with songs and horns, while high-dollar attendees gathered for a private meeting. The fundraiser aimed to raise over $12 million for Trump's campaign, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
California Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Controversial Ballot Measures Altering Taxation and Budgeting Processes
Broke On: Wednesday, 06 December 2023The California Supreme Court will hear arguments on two controversial ballot measures: one requiring voter approval for new taxes and the other repealing a mansion tax. These measures have sparked intense debate, with supporters arguing for checks and balances and opponents claiming they would limit state funding. The outcome could significantly impact California's political landscape and budgeting process. 
California Fast Food Workers Brace for Mass Layoffs as Minimum Wage Law Takes Effect on April 1st
Broke On: Tuesday, 26 March 2024California fast food workers are facing mass layoffs ahead of the new minimum wage law that will award them a 25% hourly raise, increasing their pay by four dollars. Several franchises have already begun laying off workers in anticipation of this legally mandated hike set to take effect on April 1st.