John Donegan, Reporter, Long Beach Post
My background: I grew up abroad and worked at daily papers across the East Coast after I finished school in Virginia. I am trained as a writer and photographer, working in both roles professionally at a number of newspapers and magazines across the nation, including the Associated Press, PBS and the Bakersfield Californian before joining the Post in 2024.
What I do: As the government reporter, I make sense of messy, complicated topics on a daily basis. When a massive city project is underway, I’m there every step of the way. When a defense company sets up in your backyard, I’m reviewing their finances. When the city passes a $3.7 billion budget yet your street is still full of potholes, I’m there measuring the hole. If it affects your daily life and involves powerful decisionmakers, it’s my beat. I’m also, unofficially, the snack steward for the newsroom.
Why Long Beach: While I’m still a diehard New York fan — go, Knicks and Mets — the two years I’ve spent here have been nothing short of a pleasure. This is a city that deserves so much, at the very least some strong local news coverage.
The best way to contact me: John@lbpost.com
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