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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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. -
KPBS Midday EditionThe Chula Vista City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to divide the city into four new council districts. -
As Aztec Printing closes its doors, the pictures on its walls tell a story of struggles, protests and victories in the Chicano Movement in San Diego. -
More than 200 people attended the vigil at Balboa Park's House of France Thursday night.
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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.
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