Luis Melecio-Zambrano
@lost-steno-pad.bsky.social
California Local News Fellow at The Mercury News covering South Santa Clara County and Beyond. Venez-riqueñe. Proud UCSC SciCom alum. Send tips to [email protected]
Se habla español. Signal @luismz.60
Se habla español. Signal @luismz.60
The city in the Bay with the highest unhoused population per capita isn't SF, Oakland, or San Jose. It's Gilroy, a town better known for its Garlic Festival. I spent the last three months trying to understand why: www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/24/g...
Does this small city have the Bay Area’s worst homelessness problem?
Gilroy has the highest homelessness compared to its population in the region, but lacks the resources to help it deal with that problem.
www.mercurynews.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:05 PM
The city in the Bay with the highest unhoused population per capita isn't SF, Oakland, or San Jose. It's Gilroy, a town better known for its Garlic Festival. I spent the last three months trying to understand why: www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/24/g...
It's not just Dire wolves, Bay Area scientists are looking at ways to bring back species -- or their roles from beyond the brink. Plus the Bay Area scientist who led the "Dire wolf" experiment chimes in. www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/18/d...
Is there life after extinction? Some Bay Area scientists and conservationists are trying to find out
Local thinkers are pushing for de-extinction, and the slate of tools and tricks that accompany it, but others say it’s a dangerous distraction.
www.mercurynews.com
May 22, 2025 at 2:57 AM
It's not just Dire wolves, Bay Area scientists are looking at ways to bring back species -- or their roles from beyond the brink. Plus the Bay Area scientist who led the "Dire wolf" experiment chimes in. www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/18/d...
Reposted by Luis Melecio-Zambrano
In these 4 Bay Area counties, being ‘low-income’ means earning $100K a year
In these 4 Bay Area counties, being ‘low-income’ means earning $100K a year
That’s according to the latest state eligibility limits for affordable housing.
www.mercurynews.com
April 29, 2025 at 10:53 PM
In these 4 Bay Area counties, being ‘low-income’ means earning $100K a year
Built last year, California's first Turbo roundabout takes a Dutch design proven to be safer in Europe, but my data analysis showed that it sent crashes skyrocketing. Read to find out why experts - and even some commuters - like it better. for @mercurynews.com
The Bay Area’s first turbo roundabout sent crashes soaring. Commuters and experts say it’s still a better intersection
The turbo roundabout saw crashes quadruple in its first year, but some commuters like the new intersection.
www.mercurynews.com
April 9, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Built last year, California's first Turbo roundabout takes a Dutch design proven to be safer in Europe, but my data analysis showed that it sent crashes skyrocketing. Read to find out why experts - and even some commuters - like it better. for @mercurynews.com
Didn't expect to add "convo with NASA scientist studying astronaut sleep" to my to-do list last week.
Also didn't expect to hear multiple sleep scientists get so riled up about daylight saving time, but often, work is surprising.
Also didn't expect to hear multiple sleep scientists get so riled up about daylight saving time, but often, work is surprising.
Daylight saving time is bad for you. Here’s what you can do to soften the blow.
Daylight saving time is bad for you. Here’s what you can do to soften the blow.
Scientists agree that Daylight Saving Time is bad for us, but they may also have suggestions to make things a little better.
www.mercurynews.com
March 10, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Didn't expect to add "convo with NASA scientist studying astronaut sleep" to my to-do list last week.
Also didn't expect to hear multiple sleep scientists get so riled up about daylight saving time, but often, work is surprising.
Also didn't expect to hear multiple sleep scientists get so riled up about daylight saving time, but often, work is surprising.
Reposted by Luis Melecio-Zambrano
Have you bought or sold a home in the past month or two? A reporter would love to speak with you! Reach out to housing reporter Kate Talerico at [email protected]
February 19, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Have you bought or sold a home in the past month or two? A reporter would love to speak with you! Reach out to housing reporter Kate Talerico at [email protected]
Carmen saved others from government persecution in Nicaragua. Because of that, she was forced to flee, and came to the US legally for safety. Under the Trump administration, she may be at risk again. “Don’t close the door, don’t kick me out," she said. "I am going to die. They’re going to kill me.”
They entered the country legally to flee desperate conditions. Now, they could be deported
They entered the country legally to flee desperate conditions. Now, they could be deported
The Trump administration is moving to take away legal immigration pathways, leaving some who fled desperate situations at risk.
www.eastbaytimes.com
February 10, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Carmen saved others from government persecution in Nicaragua. Because of that, she was forced to flee, and came to the US legally for safety. Under the Trump administration, she may be at risk again. “Don’t close the door, don’t kick me out," she said. "I am going to die. They’re going to kill me.”
One of the best parts of my job is bearing witness to the small joys and acts of service of others and trying my best to bring them to life on the page. @mercurynews.com
New South Bay home for disabled adults offers spark of hope amid shortage of care
The Bay Area has a care shortage for disabled adults. A new Morgan Hill home helps address that with a touch of community.
www.mercurynews.com
February 4, 2025 at 6:57 PM
One of the best parts of my job is bearing witness to the small joys and acts of service of others and trying my best to bring them to life on the page. @mercurynews.com
Went out with Molly Gibbs to speak with parents and students in mixed-status families in San Jose. There's a lot of fear, but there's also a lot of resilience among the immigrant community.
Bay Area schools, families worry about potential ICE activity under Trump law
Bay Area schools, families worry about potential ICE activity under Trump law
Fears are intensifying after President Trump announced Wednesday that federal immigration agencies will be allowed to make arrests on schools and other sensitive locations – a policy that’s been pr…
www.mercurynews.com
January 27, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Went out with Molly Gibbs to speak with parents and students in mixed-status families in San Jose. There's a lot of fear, but there's also a lot of resilience among the immigrant community.
"Rage-giving" buoyed immigrant-serving non-profits through Trumps first four years in office. Now some are worried about flagging support as Trump releases a flurry of actions to limit immigration.
‘Rage-giving’ bolstered migrant nonprofits through Trump’s first term. How will they fare in the next?
‘Rage-giving’ bolstered migrant nonprofits through Trump’s first term. How will they fare in the next?
Trump’s first term saw an uptick in funds to migrant-serving orgs, according to a UCSC study. Nonprofits say they need more than ‘rage-giving’ to help immigrants.
www.mercurynews.com
January 21, 2025 at 11:35 PM
"Rage-giving" buoyed immigrant-serving non-profits through Trumps first four years in office. Now some are worried about flagging support as Trump releases a flurry of actions to limit immigration.
My analysis of census data showed what south county residents already knew to be true: Jobs are up north, but affordable housing is south of Silicon Valley, squeezing commuters and their communities alike.
Being a ‘bedroom community’ comes at a cost for those south of Silicon Valley
This region is becoming the “bedroom” of Silicon Valley, local leaders says that comes with a cost.
www.mercurynews.com
January 8, 2025 at 7:08 PM
My analysis of census data showed what south county residents already knew to be true: Jobs are up north, but affordable housing is south of Silicon Valley, squeezing commuters and their communities alike.