Kristin Scharkey is a storyteller based in California who focuses on news and culture, with a particular interest in long-form narrative. She is currently a senior content strategist at Tribune/MediaNews Group. Previously, she served as as top editor at Sunset and DESERT magazines as well as Hearst Newspapers; she also led an award-winning team of reporters at The Desert Sun in the USA Today Network.
Kristin has served in editorial and publishing roles for nearly a decade, and her work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, ESPN, USA Today and more. A former Division I softball player at Northwestern University, she’s been honored by the California News Publishers Association for her writing and editing.
GEt IN TOUCH
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The WEstern wellness revolution
sunset magazine, 2022
Forward-thinking spas are redefining what it means to rejuvenate in the West. For those looking to restart and refresh, I offer an inside look at Castle Hot Springs resort in Arizona plus other next-level wellness getaways, plus other retreats that cater to sleep. Finally, I break down the new spa food, which is centered on garden-to-table dishes.
Lost ship of the desert
desert magazine, usa Today network, 2019
I reported this project over two years, alongside photojournalist Omar Ornelas and a documentary film crew. We traveled across Southern California to capture how the legend of the lost ship evolved and also made multiple trips to Mexico to learn how oral tradition shaped the legend in Baja. *1st place, Writing, California News Publishers Association
Is the Instagram generation filtering Joshua Tree’s true character?
desert magazine, 2017
As a record-breaking number of visitors pass through Joshua Tree, I interviewed dozens of residents who are torn by nostalgia and hopes for the future. With increased water use, a burgeoning housing market and an explosion of short-term vacation rentals, the town itself is at a crossroad: Is it possible to balance nostalgia and reality in a national park gateway over time? *Listen to my interview about the story on 89.3 KPCC's "Take Two."
Integratron sound bath a ‘transformative’ experience
desert magazine, 2017
“A sound bath is something between a lovely crystal bowl concert and a profound steep incline to the inner landscape,” Integratron co-owner Joanne Karl told me. About 1,000 spiritual seekers each month make the trek out to this white dome in the middle of Landers. So I went in search of the experience, and was surprised at what I found.
Additional clips
WRITING
The Next A-Frame? These off-Grid Cabin Kits Can Be Built in a Week, 2021
As Joshua Tourism booms, nearby creatives seek to serve locals, 2018
As California fires rage, Idyllwild residents seek to protect their town – and forest, 2018
Palm Springs' hottest bar is in the most unexpected of places, 2018
What would Noah Purifoy do? 2017
EDITING
Project Roomkey funding ends soon. Over 11,000 Californians could become homeless, again, 2020 *4th place, Enterprise News Story, CNPA
This hidden Salton Sea birder oasis burned in the Niland fire. Its owner vows to rebuild, 2020 *1st place, Writing, CNPA
'This is a war': A look at Mexicali's efforts to respond to COVID-19 calls, 2020
Survey: One in six women say they were sexually harassed at Coachella and Stagecoach, 2019 *2nd place, Investigative Reporting, CNPA
A weed campus the size of 8 football fields is coming to Cathedral City. Here's how it happened, 2018 *1st place, Business News, CNPA
Appearances
Kristin has made appearances on CBS News Radio, KCOD, KPCC, NBC and a variety of other media. She’s been interviewed about her work by USA Today and her softball career by Northwestern Magazine and OC Register. She launched a magazine events series that was highlighted by INMA. She also served as a coach for the Coachella Valley Storytellers Project, and told her story of moving to the desert for the series. Her work has been cited by such books as such as The Invention of the American Desert: Art, Land, and Politics of Environment and Women’s College Softball on the Rise: A Season Inside the Game.
Testimonials
“… masterfully written.”
“The excellent reporting, writing and presentation carry the reader through and craft an engaging, informative article that leaves the reader wanting more.”
“I loved reading through this newspaper — the writing and photography are especially strong.”
Awards
California News Publishers Association
General excellence - 4th place, 2021
writing – 1st place, 2020
investigative reporting – 2nd place, 2020
arts & entertainment coverage – 1st place, 2018
lifestyle coverage – 2nd place, 2017
USA Today Network Journalism Awards
digital storytelling – 1st place, 2020
writing – 2nd place, 2020