Stefanie Ritoper
As producer on LAist’s early childhood coverage, I work to bring voices from parents, caregivers, and educators into our newsroom. On some days this means sharing resources with families by mail and on others it means answering questions by text about pregnancy and early parenthood. My work leading the multimedia reporting project “Child Care, Unfiltered” won multiple awards, including a regional Edward R. Murrow award for Excellence in Innovation and the Gather Award in Community-Centered Journalism from the Online News Association.
For close to 20 years, I’ve explored the intersection of media and civic engagement. I started my career in documentary filmmaking and then moved into long-form podcast audio and multimedia storytelling. I also have worked in mission-driven organizations, including the UCLA Labor Center and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy. One thing I have learned through this work is that you have to work hard to make democracy accessible for everyone.
Culver City is my hometown and one of the best things about L.A. is a backyard BBQ on a warm summer night. Also, L.A. is many cities and many countries sandwiched together. Even having grown up here, I still constantly discover new things.
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We asked for your stories, and you delivered a clear message: "Plan your postpartum better than your birth." Here's how. -
Sharpen your pencils and open your spreadsheets. We’re going to talk about pregnancy and work — from family leave to accommodations during pregnancy, and where you can pump when you return to work. -
Pregnancy is a time of transition, with so many unknowns. Your body’s changing in all kinds of ways, and you’re feeling all the feels. And there are so many questions. -
Parents are stressed and no quantity of Bluey episodes can make it better. Here are some answers to your questions about time off and sick leave for California families.
