Jamie Speka

Journalist

United Kingdom

I am a multi-award-winning journalist with published works in the US and UK.

Recipient of the Student Publication Association’s “Best Journalist in the Southwest" and "Most committed" in journalism in the Southwest.

Portfolio

Investigations

The Ukiah Daily Journal
04/17/2020
Coronavirus: Planned Parenthood in Ukiah providing only essential services

While states across the nation turn out the lights, what are considered non-essential services join them. Due to California's shelter in place order, Planned Parenthood, which serves millions of Americans annually, reluctantly must deny imperative services to Ukiah citizens."The majority of our services are essential and time-sensitive," says Gloria Martinez, the Planned Parenthood chief of [...]

Features

Exeposé Online
10/07/2022
A new era of Conservatism

Jamie Speka reflects on the key features of conservative ideology, the effects of its rising political dominance around the world, and the future of the new era of conservatism.

Exeposé Online
12/29/2022
Exploring the American housing crisis

Jamie Speka delves into the complex issues behind the American housing crisis and the resulting state migration phenomenon.

News

The Ukiah Daily Journal
03/14/2020
Ukiah High history square by square

"It just appeared!" Rosemary Eddy, a Ukiah High School English teacher exclaims while standing in front of a framed, vibrant and varicolored quilt.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
01/11/2020
'Schools of Hope' tutors work to elevate the county's literacy rates

In a classroom at Nokomis Elementary, a young student smiles as she practices sounding out the words of a story closely assisted by her tutor, who has also become her friend. This illustration of unwavering support is brought by the volunteers from the "Schools of Hope" program; a service implemented by the United Way of [...]

Exeposé Online
03/06/2024
EUCA comments on alleged connections to dead deer - Exeposé Online

Following the anonymous source claiming the two freshers responsible for carrying the dead deer through campus have links to the Conservative Association, a spokesperson for EUCA comments that the action was not in connection to the society. Editor-in-Chief, Jamie Speka, reports on the incident.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
01/24/2020
One hundred years of Ukiah's history

In 1968, the United States was in the midst of the Vietnam War, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, the Cold War loomed, youth culture coupled with free-spirit and individualism exploded, and now in the Ukiah High School Library, there is a yearbook that depicts life in Ukiah during such a shifting year.Marvin [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
12/20/2019
Mendocino Toys for Tots in need of toy donations

Boxes contain a mix of transformers, to puzzles, to Barbie dolls and stuffed animals, in the brightly lit room of the Mendocino Toys for Tots center in the midst of organizing Ukiah's distribution day. The only focus: providing toys to every child."They say that the Toys for Tots motto is that every child deserves a [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
11/23/2019
Ice Breaker: Construction begins on Ukiah ice rink

As the month of December approaches, so does the grand and ever-so-anticipated ice rink. Sprouted out of School Street next to Alex Thomas Plaza, the rink has become an ongoing treat for Ukiah residents. The project began construction Wednesday and is set to open on the 30th of November."It is basically creating a small glacier [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
09/29/2019
Telling Tales: The Power of a Story

Nestled in downtown Ukiah stands a home adorned with colorful pictures, framed photographs of jolly people, a homemade concoction of iced tea, and a pleasant, plush sofa. Within these walls is Ellen Weed's home, the meeting place for "Finding Common Ground: A Women's Writing Circle" and the "Girl Power Writing Circle" both with an emphasis [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
10/08/2019
Community walks populate the rail trail

The early Autumn sun consumes the valley as individuals and dogs, gather at the corner of Mason and Norton street on the morning of Sunday, October 6, to embark on a walk down the railroad pass. The forty-five-minute trail, equipped with murals, fascinating art pieces, intriguing conversations, new ideas, and baby Oak trees all contribute [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
11/25/2019
Ren Riley's Fiber Artwork and the Contemporary African-American Quilts that Inspired Them

Distinct and arbitrary patches exploding into the vibrant notions that make up the captivating quilts in Ren Riley's collection."I've been collecting quilts for more than 35 years now," says Riley. Her interest in traditional quilts began back at the Art Institute in Chicago where she became captivated with contemporary-looking paintings.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
09/13/2019
The unparalleled Park(ing) Day: Sept. 19 in Ukiah

These temporary "mini" or "pop-up" parks, created by local businesses, organizations, classrooms, clubs or individuals will redesign Church, Perkins and Standley streets into displays of artistic e...

The Ukiah Daily Journal
10/12/2019
Music to Mesmerize: Ukiah Pumpkin Fest lineup announced

A simple melodic tune is decorated with dazzling instruments and lavish displays of colorful lights that shine upon the mustachioed, sunglass-wearing '80s-fashioned faces of the men and women who form "Mustache Harbor," a soft-rock '80s cover band performing at Ukiah's Pumpkin Fest come Saturday. In addition to the spiffy individuals dressed in Hawaiian shirts, "Royal [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
12/05/2019
Ukiah Garden Club's Holiday Tea and Cookie Walk set for Dec. 8

In 1956, the donation of a home became the walls of the Ukiah Garden Club. Within 1203 W. Clay St., wreaths have been ensembled, flowers arranged, speakers have communicated wisdom, and community has come together.The Annual Holiday Tea and Cookie Walk on Sunday will contribute to keeping the Ukiah Garden Club's historic home up and [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
12/10/2019
Mendocino Ballet's 35th production of "The Nutcracker" coming soon

One of ballet's most layered works of art will be presented for the 35th year in Ukiah. Trudy McCreanor, the artistic director, will once more bring the traditional story to life, with the help of her new assistant director Piper Faulk. The fantastical ballet has developed continuously through the years, in 2019 the assistant director [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
12/18/2019
Elliott's Christmas Trees in Ukiah opens for its 42nd year

The month of December fills homes with tremendously dazzling and gloriously green trees. In Ukiah, some of the Christmas decorum that flourishes comes from an annual tree lot: Elliott's Christmas Trees.Steve and his wife Kay Elliott have been harvesting Christmas trees since they were both in high school.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
11/18/2019
The Redwood Empire Woodturners add to Ukiah's rural community

A table laid with decorative bowls and plates, another, featuring pieces of wood for a raffle, and a third crowded with members of the Redwood Empire Woodturners Association as they are fervently engaged in a wood designing demonstration.Woodturning, the craft of using tools to cut a shape or design into the wood, dates as far [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
03/20/2020
Coronavirus: Ukiah Senior Center persists

'There are exceptions to the shelter-in-place that allow for essential services. We are a part of that,' says Diana Clarke, the executive director of the Ukiah Senior Center.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
02/10/2020
French students experience Ukiah

There are the classical, rich, familiar murmurings of American English, sounding through the group. Entertwined with it, the euphonic fluidity of the French language - consonants strung tightly together and a lack of syllabic stress that babbles gently along. To non-French speakers, this is what one hears, however to the students in Ukiah High School's [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
10/04/2019
"Awakening to Wildfire" Released at the Ukiah Library

On October 8, 2017, a frantic phone call awakened Jannah Minnix's husband Joey with instructions to find safety from the flames. Minnix was about 5,700 miles away and on her way home from Spain when she received a mandatory evacuation warning from where she resided in Redwood Valley.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
03/07/2020
Ukiah Teachers Association gifts books to students

In 1937, "And To Think That I Saw That on Mulberry Street" by Dr. Suess, was introduced to children across the globe. Before his death, Dr. Suess went on to publish 46 children's books; some allegorical with teachings of real-world issues that permeated Suess's time.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
10/18/2019
Jody Gehrman's play 'Wild Fire' opens at Mendocino College

A gigantic wall populated by vibrant clippings of plays and musicals stands within the confines of a little office located at Mendocino College. These are the walls that surround Jody Gehrman, a novelist, professor and playwright who has recently presented the world premiere of her most recent play "Wild Fire."To correspond with Mendocino College's Phoenix [...]

The Ukiah Daily Journal
09/23/2022
Corner Gallery in Ukiah redefines itself with new showings

The first Friday Artwalk offers a fresh look at the ongoing redevelopments of the Corner Gallery. Vibrant, unique, displays sprawl around the gallery walls, forming the "Salon D' Automne" that captures the perspectives of never-before-seen artists of Mendocino County."The idea was that we should invite people who don't ordinarily share their work.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
02/22/2020
Ukiah Senior Center wants its Bus Service to stay

When Mary Waters comes into town she makes stops at doctor appointments, pharmacies and grocery stores. Since her car was recently wrecked and her illness made it difficult for her to walk to a bus stop, she would not be able to leave her house without help.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
07/17/2020
Covid-19: Ukiah Teachers Association urges continued distance learning

Despite dozens of UUSD teachers arguing for a purely virtual return at the start of the new school year due to fear for public health and spiking case counts, Monday's school board meeting ended with the belief that schools need in-person instruction.

The Ukiah Daily Journal
09/07/2019
MendoLake Complex Fire Relief Center strives to stay open

Walls stocked with an abundance of clothing donations, household items, toothpaste, books, foods, and shoes, the MendoLake Fire Relief Center is always ready to help.Northern California has endured the largest and most destructive wildfires in state history within the last two years. Leaving homes in ruins, lives turned around, and families at crossroads, local community [...]

Op-Eds

Socialist Party
03/26/2025
Private health shareholder Darzi advised privatising Labour

Lord Ara Darzi’s recommendation of NHS reforms, as laid out in his September report, conveniently omitted an “oversight” in not disclosing over $1 million in shareholdings from US-based private healthcare companies.

Personal Substack