Union-tribune adds new reporter

A new reporter joined the Union-tribune last week. In fact, a story by her appears on this page today.

Tammy Murga will cover the South Bay — Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.

She grew up in the San Fernando Valley, but also spent a lot of time traveling across the West Coast when her father worked as a cross-country truck driver.

She graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles in 2016 with a bachelor’s in journalism and new media.

After graduation, Murga worked at a community newspaper, The Signal, covering government and politics in the Santa Clarita Valley. She also was a general assignment reporter for the Lake County Record-bee in Lake County, north of Sacramento.

Her experience while growing up led to her to journalism.

“I realized early on in my childhood that my parents, who migrated from Mexico and Guatemala, valued the importance of education for their children because they were unable to fully pursue their education goals.

“I often found myself translating mail correspondence from English to Spanish or breaking down government jargon for them to the best of my ability between languages. In doing so, I really enjoyed helping them understand, and knew I wanted to offer clarity and simplicity to complex topics for others as I grew up. I see this in journalism, where we are often breaking down issues for readers so that they can more easily make informed decisions about whatever impacts their daily lives.”

She sees the current top stories as the increased vaccination efforts in the South Bay, where COVID-19 hit hard, and the area’s economic recovery.

To readers, she says: “Know that while I am an outsider of San Diego County, I am committed to investing myself in your histories and stories. Please reach out as I am eager to connect with as many as you as possible.”

Her email is tammy.murga@sduniontribune.com.

adrian.vore@sduniontribune.com