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
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San Diego is not only the home for Comic-Con, but for also some of the comic book industry's most influential artists and writers. -
This year’s Pride is taking place in a contentious political climate. In San Diego County, controversy erupted leading up to Pride month about raising Pride flags and in parts of the country efforts to ban books continue. -
KPBS would like to hear from you about your awareness and participation in cultural arts in the South Bay. -
The Chula Vista Elementary School District voted Wednesday in favor of a resolution to raise the Pride flag at the district office. -
A sign prohibiting cruising in National City was taken down to mark a symbolic end to a nearly 30-year ban on lowrider cruising, and the start of a long-awaited community celebration. -
Educators in San Diego and around the state say that diversity should be reflected by teaching ethnic studies in California high schools.
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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. -
Border Investigative Reporter Gustavo Solís breaks down the impact of Mexico's upcoming election in our region during KPBS' first virtual bilingual conversation with politics experts.
- Big hike in fees for San Diego sports leagues leaves players on the bench
- More than 200,000 Afghan allies without options as resettlement ends
- El Cajon police chief disagrees with attorney general over sanctuary law
- State Democrat lawmakers move forward with plans for redistricting vote
- Downtown special event parking prices draw backlash from San Diego groups