Asheville radio reporter covers Helene's impact for Spanish-speaking communities toggle caption Gerard Albert III/BPR ASHEVILLE—Nearly six weeks after Hurricane Helene slammed into Western North Carolina, people in and around Asheville are still piecing together their lives. News anchor Jose Sandoval's daily Spanish-language broadcasts have been an essential lifeline for the small but growing Latino community in Western North Carolina, providing information about public services and dispelling misinformation. The broadcasts can be heard on Blue Ridge Public Radio, the Asheville-based public radio station for the far western part of the state.
Originally from Elgin, Ill, Sandoval joined Blue Ridge Public Radio about a year ago. He said he was drawn by the "southern hospitality" when he moved to Asheville. Sponsor Message "I showed up during the Fall time.
It is one of the most beautiful times in Western North Carolina to see the leaves changing. The climate was amazing." Sandoval said.
During a casual stroll downtown, he realized Asheville differed from the other cities he lived in. " I didn't see that many people that looked like me. There weren't too many other Latinos and Hispanics walking around downtown," he said.
toggle caption Gerard Albert III/BPR While the Latino population in the Asheville area is small but growing rapidly, Sandoval knew he had to do something about the hurricane victims - mainly those with language barriers...
Rolando Arrieta.
