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
San Francisco Unified begins school year facing enrollment challenges
As thousands of San Francisco public school students prepare to return to class Monday, district leaders say they are entering the new school year with a balanced budget but still face long-term challenges tied to declining enrollment.
Report finds weak oversight may put San Francisco supportive housing residents at risk
A recent San Francisco Civil Grand Jury report found that weak oversight within the city's homeless services system may be putting residents of supportive housing at risk, raising questions about accountability, safety and the management of taxpayer-funded programs.
CA ruling making it difficult to keep repeat nonviolent offenders in custody before trial: SF DA
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins argues the ruling could lead to more defendants accused of nonviolent offenses being released pending trial. She pointed to a recent case involving a man accused of torturing a kitten in San Francisco who was released and later failed to appear for a court proceeding.
New pharmacy planned in SF's Bayview District as neighborhood struggles to retain businesses
Community leaders and residents in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood say a planned independent pharmacy represents a significant step toward restoring services in an area that has long struggled to attract investment and retain essential businesses.
Study highlights wildfire evacuation risks on Bay Area coast
A new study from researchers at UC Santa Barbara is raising concerns about wildfire evacuation safety, finding that some Bay Area communities have a significantly better chance of avoiding fatalities during a wildfire.
Civil Grand Jury concludes San Francisco lacks clear emergency alert strategy
A San Francisco Civil Grand Jury report is criticizing city officials for failing to decide the future of the city's aging emergency warning siren system, which has been offline since 2019 and has fallen into disrepair.
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.
