Rachel began reporting in 2017 at her community college publication in San Luis Obispo, California, where she covered stories about the city, including a hit-and-run that killed a college student and devastated the community.
She then transferred to California State University, Long Beach, working as news editor and later managing editor of the university's publication, the Long Beach Current. In Long Beach, Rachel covered several local interest stories, including breaking a story before city publications about illegal dumping on sacred Native American land, known as Puvungna, located on campus.
In college, Rachel was awarded first place for Best News Series at the California College Media Awards for her coverage of a shooting threat that impacted CSULB in 2019. She was also awarded second place at the California Journalism Awards for her enterprise news series "Behind the Scenes" that showcased lesser-known aspects of CSULB.
Just before her graduation in 2020, Rachel joined EdSource's first-ever student journalism corps and was part of a three-person team that published the first student-reported news story on the publication's website. The story detailed how the COVID-19 pandemic hit homeless and housing-insecure students in Los Angeles County hard and what unique struggles they faced during the tumultuous time.
Rachel started working at Patch in 2022, covering Los Angeles County's South Bay region and Long Beach. During her time as a Los Angeles reporter, Rachel covered a variety of topics, including a form of plastic pollution impacting the California coast called Nurdles. Rachel also featured on PBS show "Sustaining US" to inform the larger community about nurdles.
In Spring 2025, Rachel transferred to Patch's team of reporters in Illinois and now covers communities in Chicago's North Shore, including: Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest and Highland Park.
Outside of reporting, Rachel enjoys attending concerts, reading and playing Dungeons & Dragons. She has two cats named Bug and Beans, who are a general terror to society but are also incredibly lovable.
Pitches are welcome over email at rachel.barnes@patch.com. Please be respectful.
According to reports, the man is considering legal action after he claimed he was stung in his testicles by a scorpion at A Las Vegas hotel.
According to reports, the man is considering legal action after he claimed he was stung in his testicles by a scorpion at A Las Vegas hotel.
According to police, the suspect confessed to multiple mail thefts within Palos Verdes Estates.
Community members will be able to discuss recent crimes in Belmont Shore at upcoming meetings with City Councilmembers and LBPD.
"Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people."
Police are investigating a vehicle crash that left a person dead Monday morning in Seal Beach.
California 2024 primary election for scores of local, state and national races takes place March 5. Here's what to know.
California 2024 primary election for scores of local, state and national races takes place March 5. Here's what to know.
California 2024 primary election for scores of local, state and national races takes place March 5. Here's what to know.
California 2024 primary election for scores of local, state and national races takes place March 5. Here's what to know.
California 2024 primary election for scores of local, state and national races takes place March 5. Here's what to know.
The babies join the very exclusive club of those with the rarest birthday a person can have.
Firefighters were able to rescue the resident of a Long Beach apartment on fire and prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent units.
Four suspects were arrested in connection to a series of smash-and-grab burglaries at the Manhattan Beach BevMo that occurred this month.
The weekly crime summary covers incidents in Manhattan Beach from Feb. 22 to 28.
The Palos Verdes Estates Police Department said an officer caught the suspects fishing for personal checks inside a USPS drop box.
Southern California Edison crews are working to replace a power pole on southbound Aviation Boulevard, which will impact traffic.
Rescuers spent several weeks trying to rescue one-year-old Baxter after she was discovered on the Redondo Beach barge.
After decades, forensic researchers were able to identify the body found in Ventura County, but her story remains a mystery.
After decades, forensic researchers were able to identify the body found in Ventura County, but her story remains a mystery.