Meet the Team

Dara Joan Dela Cruz

Accounting & Finance Assistant

Dara Joan Dela Cruz formerly worked in the KPBS newsroom as an assistant and call screener for Friday's Midday Edition. Dara attends San Diego State University where she plans to graduate with a business degree in accounting. She is a current member of the University Honors Program, which has encouraged her to also pursue a minor in interdisciplinary studies. After graduation, she later hopes to obtain an MBA, become a certified public accountant, and eventually manage her own firm. Before coming to San Diego, Dara lived in the Silicon Valley, where she grew up and graduated from Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California. In her spare time, Dara likes to explore the city, watch films, and play the flute, as she is also a member of the university's wind symphony.

RECENT STORIES ON KPBS

Politics

The White House sets a swath of new tariff rates — and a new date — for dozens of countries

NPR Washington Desk

An executive order says most of the tariffs will not take effect for at least a week, despite an earlier assertion that new rates would take effect on Friday. Some goods from Canada would get a new 35% tariff rate beginning Friday, though.
Education

UC San Diego accepts more international students, expects fewer to say yes

Katie Anastas

University leaders expect recent federal policies to cause a lower percentage of accepted international students to enroll.
Health

First community-owned grocery store in San Diego’s South Bay to open this fall

Jacob Aere

Some Imperial Beach residents said the new store means they won't have to travel outside of their city for nutritious food options.
Health

She had to fight for help with medical bills. A new California bill could make it easier

Ana B. Ibarra

A proposal advancing in the legislature would require California hospitals to pre-screen patients for charity care before sending out medical bills.
Economy

The places in San Diego meeting their housing goals will blow your mind

Will Huntsberry / Voice of San Diego

Encinitas, shockingly, is closer to meeting its state-mandated housing number than any other city in San Diego County.
Politics

How popular podcasts became a political must-stop, even in an off-election year

Stephen Fowler

Juana Summers

In 2024, President Trump popped up as a guest in a number of popular podcasts. Now, even in an off-election year, politicians are taking to the same non-political podcasts to reach a new audience.