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

International

Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles for permanent ceasefire

The Associated Press

Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end fighting in eastern Congo that commits them to a permanent ceasefire to be signed in one month.
Environment

Muddy boots and AI are helping this threatened frog to make a comeback

Nathan Rott

How do scientists monitor the populations of the threatened California red-legged frog? With careful listening and a little help from AI.
Health

Are high-protein snacks worth the hype? Here's how to assess

Reyna Gobel

Protein has taken over the packaged-snack aisles at the grocery store. But do you need extra protein in your chips and muffins?
Politics

The USDA wants states to hand over food stamp data by the end of July

Jude Joffe-Block

The USDA has set a deadline of July 30 for states to hand over the sensitive data of tens of millions of people who applied for federal food assistance, while a lawsuit is trying to stop the collection.
Economy

Should you buy it? If you answer 'yes' to these questions, probably not

Marielle Segarra

Malaka Gharib

Sometimes we want to buy things we want, not what we need, and that's OK. When you're unsure whether to swipe that card or walk away, this guide can help you make a mindful decision you won't regret.
Quality of Life

San Diego County sees unemployment leap percentage point to 4.9% in June

The San Diego County unemployment rate was 4.9% in June, up from 4% in May, and above last year's 4.4%, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.