The Davis Vanguard

Overview

The Davis Vanguard (published as The Vanguard) is a nonprofit news organization based in Davis, California, focused on local government accountability and court-watch reporting across several Northern California counties.

History

David Greenwald founded the Vanguard in 2006 as a blog written from the basement of a UC Davis campus building, initially covering local Davis politics and policing issues. In January 2010, Greenwald launched the Vanguard Court Watch program, sending student interns to cover criminal hearings at the Yolo County Superior Courthouse; the program later expanded into Sacramento and San Francisco county courts. The organization became a nonprofit with an editorial board in 2012 and marked its 20th anniversary in 2026.

Notable works

Greenwald also produces "Everyday Injustice," a podcast, Facebook group and newsletter examining criminal justice issues, and the Vanguard runs a Vanguard Incarcerated Press program working with currently and formerly incarcerated writers.

Key personnel

Founder, Editor and Executive Director: David M. Greenwald

Audience

The Vanguard serves readers in Yolo, Sacramento, San Francisco and other California counties interested in court proceedings, local government and criminal justice reform, supported by more than 60 interns and reader donations.

Location and contact info

Address
Davis, California
Website
https://davisvanguard.org