Antonio Sierra
Antonio grew up in the Los Angeles area but has spent nearly his entire journalistic career working in rural areas. After stints in California and New Mexico, he moved to Pendleton in 2014 to work at the East Oregonian. Antonio became OPB's first rural communities reporter in 2022. He is especially interested in Eastern Oregon's emerging communities and changing demographics, and the resource gap between the region and its urban neighbors.
Latest Stories
Business-led group wants to ban new homeless services in downtown Pendleton
An Oregon state official is among well-connected residents pushing to change city zoning.
Harney County reels from ‘slap in the face’ FEMA denial
Feds say the rural county doesn’t meet damage threshold days after approving disaster relief in Southern Oregon
US Rep. Cliff Bentz touts GOP budget wins as protests continue outside in Eastern Oregon
During his first visit to his district since voting for federal budget cuts, the state’s lone Republican congressperson spoke of his “incredible power” to influence national policy.
State attorney general alleges Morrow County officials enriched themselves in broadband deal
Defendants include longtime Republican state Rep. Greg Smith
Oregon lawmakers passed governor’s groundwater bill, but not without defections
Gov. Tina Kotek’s attempt to provide the first major update to Oregon’s groundwater law in more than 35 years made it through a challenging legislative session, but not before sacrificing support from environmental groups.
Nuclear energy push stalls out, but opponents sense a ‘shift’ in Oregon
Legislation to allow small modular nuclear reactors comes as the tech industry has growing power needs for data centers.
Friends of the Children mentoring program expands to Eastern Oregon
At a time when many social services are contracting, La Grande is getting a new program to help kids
Pendleton powers wastewater plant with ‘solar canopy’
The Eastern Oregon city hopes solar energy will eventually supply electricity to all plant operations.
Grant County moves to cut funding for its only public library
One of Oregon’s most sparsely populated counties has seen a contraction of public services in recent years. The county's library director said losing county funding could close the library.
Frustrated with perceived disrespect, Umatilla mayor sues his own city
Mayor Caden Sipe says the city violated his First and 14th amendment rights by censuring him, among other accusations.
