Lyanne Melendez
In 1999, Melendez won an Emmy and RTNDA for "Nicholas' Gift of Life," the story of a Bay Area boy whose organs were donated to seven Italian recipients. In 1992, she received the Latina Media Person of the Year Award from New York University, the Asociación de Cronistas de espectaculos Award for Reporter of the Year and the Outstanding Person in Communications Award from the Puerto Rican Institute of New York.
Melendez came from CNN-SPANISH in New York where she worked as a senior correspondent and substitute anchor. She's also worked at television stations in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She began her broadcasting career in 1984 as a production specialist at WTMJ in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Melendez received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Alabama and a Master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Melendez has traveled to Somalia, Iraq, Central and South America, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on special assignments.
Melendez covers the AIDS and education beat in the Bay Area.
Lyanne's Stories
New AI cameras providing Bay Area researchers insight into gray whale behavior
More gray whales are entering San Francisco Bay, delighting spectators but increasing the risk of deadly encounters with ships, prompting scientists to deploy new AI technology aimed at protecting the animals.
Civil grand jury report warns of wildfire risk at SF's Glen Canyon Park
A recent Civil Grand Jury report has identified wildfire risks in San Francisco's Glen Canyon, warning that vegetation management is needed to reduce the potential for a fire in an area not typically associated with wildfire danger. The report focuses on the canyon's large population of Blue Gum eucalyptus trees, an invasive species originally imported from Australia.
Downtown San Mateo's revival is a playbook for other California cities
San Mateo made the year-round pedestrian-only closure permanent in 2021 as part of an effort to revitalize downtown and support local businesses. Since then, the area has experienced steady growth, with new businesses, public events and increased foot traffic helping fuel its success.
Wiping Whippets: SF considers nitrous oxide sales ban amid reported uptick in use
San Francisco Supervisor Danny Sauter is proposing a ban on the retail sale of nitrous oxide in the city as health officials worldwide are reporting a significant increase in the use of 'Whippets,' particularly among young people.
Illegal dumping in Berkeley a 'nightmare' when students move out: How Cal program aims to curb it
Thousands of University of California, Berkeley students graduated last month, and for the city, May is also when student move-outs bring a spike in illegal dumping. "It's like a huge mess everywhere."
Pacifica businesses launch 'Project 1334' in response to last-place ranking in WalletHub study
It's called "Pacifica Project 1334," and it's in response to a recent WalletHub study that placed Pacifica dead last among small U.S. cities for starting a business. Here's how the campaign initiative leans into the criticism with humor.
San Francisco reassessing public monuments of past and future: Here's a look at city's art history
San Francisco is re-examining its monuments and memorials as officials and residents alike question whether the city's public art reflects its history and values. The reassessment comes after years of political and public pressure that has prompted changes to how the city presents its history.
San Francisco turns to AI to avoid collisions between ships, whales searching for food
The system, called WhaleSpotter, scans the bay around the clock for whale blows and heat signatures up to 2 nautical miles away, alerting mariners to slow down or reroute when whales are nearby.
A look at SFPD's new drone program and how it's reshaping the department's response to incidents
ABC7's data team is tracking surging police drone use in San Francisco, where more than 600 flights each month are reshaping how the department responds to incidents.
Here's why a large number of gas stations have closed in Bay Area
Finding a gas station in the Bay Area has become more difficult in recent years as many stations have closed, driven in part by the high costs of removing potentially dangerous underground storage tanks and complying with state law.
