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.
MORE STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR
-
Quinceañeras are pricey, averaging almost $30K, but for many parents, it’s an important milestone marking a transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s also an opportunity to connect with culture, friends, family and faith. We spoke to families in San Diego to find out how they are affording them. -
On Monday, a graduation ceremony will be held for students who participated in the United Lowrider Youth Leadership Bike Club. -
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.
MORE STORIES FEATURING WORK BY THIS AUTHOR
-
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.
- In Mount Rushmore speech, Trump veers from U.S. exceptionalism to warnings about communism
- 'Cautiously optimistic': Swing voters describe their view of America at 250
- Move over Chutes & Ladders: Schisto & Ladders has educational value plus worms
- Cape Verde's historic World Cup ride ends after pushing Argentina to the brink
- China's military promotes 2 new generals after anti-corruption purge thins ranks