Marielena Castellanos
South Bay Engagement ProducerMarielena Castellanos is the South Bay engagement producer at KPBS. She brings experience in outreach and engagement, politics, and communications as well as radio, print, broadcast, and multimedia journalism.
Prior to joining KPBS, she produced a daily radio newscast for San Diego’s Jazz 88.3 FM KSDS. She also wrote community-focused stories for the local bilingual community newspaper, La Prensa San Diego.
Marielena was born in Chula Vista and raised along the border in the South Bay/Tijuana region. Her education includes attending both Southwestern College and San Diego City College. She is a first-generation college graduate from UC Berkeley with degrees in ethnic studies and English.
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Planning a quinceañera (also known as fiesta de quince años) can be a special time for a family. KPBS wants to know: did you have a quinceañera? If you didn’t have one, was cost a deciding factor? Did you do an alternative celebration like a trip to Disneyland instead? -
It was hugs, smiles and joy on the faces of the children that attended the 25th anniversary of the Teddy Bears for Kids event at Ocean View Hills School in San Ysidro. -
Eleven cooks at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center in National City earned international recognition as certified Cocineras Tradicionales, or experts who preserve ancestral Mexican recipes and techniques. -
The KPBS Day of the Dead Digital Altar is back this year. Submit a memory or message to a loved one who's passed with a photo, video or audio. -
If you're honoring your loved ones this upcoming Day of the Dead, planting cempasúchil for your ofrenda might be easier than you think. -
Interest in the race is high because the outcome of the election will impact which political party gains control of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
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The annual Día de Muertos altar at Mercado Hidalgo is a beloved Tijuana tradition honoring the deceased. -
A look back at SDCC 2025's highlights and tips for celebrating pop culture all year long. -
Indigenous people across North America are demanding sustained responses to violence in their communities. In San Diego County over the weekend, a summit was held to raise awareness about indigenous people missing and murdered in the region.
- San Diego mosque shooting victims identified
- Experts: Mosque shooters followed familiar path of far-right radicalization
- San Diego City Council will repeal Balboa Park parking fees, roll back trash fees
- Tusil Fire: Evacuation orders for some residents in Campo
- San Diego Islamic Center Shooting: Where victims and community members can find support