![Luis Melecio-Zambrano is a reporter for the Bay Area News Group](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Luis-Melecio-Zambrano-.jpg?w=85)
South Santa Clara County Reporter
Luis Melecio-Zambrano
Luis Melecio-Zambrano is a California Local News Fellow reporting for The Mercury News in south Santa Clara County. Luis previously wrote for Science News, Science, The Monterey Herald and the Santa Cruz Sentinel, among others. Before shifting to journalism, Luis was a research chemist. Luis holds master’s degrees in science communication and chemistry from UC Santa Cruz and Cornell University, respectively, as well as a bachelor’s in chemistry from Stetson University.
Location: South Santa Clara County
Language: Spanish
Expertise: Science, environment
All Stories
![Some local farm workers face overcrowded conditions or homelessness, but a new California bill seeks to pave the way for more farmworker housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Some local farm workers face overcrowded conditions or homelessness, but a new California bill seeks to pave the way for more farmworker housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-FARMHOUSEBILL-07XX-2.jpg?w=132)
Housing shortage has led South Bay farmworkers to live in desperate conditions; a new bill aims to help change that
Some local farm workers face overcrowded conditions or homelessness, but a new California bill seeks to pave the way for more farmworker housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
![As it enters its 15th year, the Kneaded Culinary Academy celebrates teaching 3,000 students, and looks forward to growing to serve more. As it enters its 15th year, the Kneaded Culinary Academy celebrates teaching 3,000 students, and looks forward to growing to serve more.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-KNEADED-28.jpg?w=132)
Kneaded culinary academy cooks up solutions for struggling South Bay youth
As it enters its 15th year, the Kneaded Culinary Academy celebrates teaching 3,000 students, and looks forward to growing to serve more.
![Morgan Hill city council narrowly approved a deal to bring a 4-star luxury hotel and restaurant into the heart of its downtown, complete with a spa, pool and event spaces. Morgan Hill city council narrowly approved a deal to bring a 4-star luxury hotel and restaurant into the heart of its downtown, complete with a spa, pool and event spaces.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SJM-L-SOCOCITYHALLS-11.jpg?w=132)
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Luxury hotel with restaurant by Michelin-star chef to come to Morgan Hill after council approves tax rebate deal
Morgan Hill city council narrowly approved a deal to bring a 4-star luxury hotel and restaurant into the heart of its downtown, complete with a spa, pool and event spaces.
![A man performs an ASL interpretation infront of a red background, with his hands multiplied by a long exposure photo effect A man performs an ASL interpretation infront of a red background, with his hands multiplied by a long exposure photo effect](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SLM-L-SIGNMUSIC-1.jpg?w=132)
Sign language interpreters help Deaf fans rock out at historic Music in the Park concert
As Latin rock legends El Tri play Music in the Park this Saturday, their performance will feature American Sign Language interpreting for deaf concertgoers -- a first in the 35...
![Gilroy City council moved forward with a ballot measure on a quarter cent sales tax increase meant to combat a decade of stagnant staffing, increased call volume, and aging infrastructure that have plagued the fire and police departments. Gilroy City council moved forward with a ballot measure on a quarter cent sales tax increase meant to combat a decade of stagnant staffing, increased call volume, and aging infrastructure that have plagued the fire and police departments.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SJM-L-SOCOCITYHALLS-6.jpg?w=132)
Facing firefighter and police shortages, Gilroy moves forward with ballot measure for quarter-cent sales tax
Gilroy City council moved forward with a ballot measure on a quarter cent sales tax increase meant to combat a decade of stagnant staffing, increased call volume, and aging infrastructure...
![Sutter Health announced this Tuesday the lease of a medical center in Morgan Hill slated to offer internal medicine, family medicine, and imaging services by end of 2024. Sutter Health announced this Tuesday the lease of a medical center in Morgan Hill slated to offer internal medicine, family medicine, and imaging services by end of 2024.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-SUTTERMOHI-01.jpg?w=125)
New Sutter Health medical center coming to Morgan Hill
Sutter Health announced this Tuesday the lease of a medical center in Morgan Hill slated to offer internal medicine, family medicine, and imaging services by end of 2024.
![After a life fighting for Mexican-American communities, veterans, and human rights, Victor Garza died this morning in San Jose, leaving behind a national legacy of advocacy in his wake. After a life fighting for Mexican-American communities, veterans, and human rights, Victor Garza died this morning in San Jose, leaving behind a national legacy of advocacy in his wake.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-VICTORGARZA-1.jpg?w=132)
Victor Garza remembered as “giant” force for human rights in Santa Clara County
After a life fighting for Mexican-American communities, veterans, and human rights, Victor Garza died this morning in San Jose, leaving behind a national legacy of advocacy in his wake.
![Vandals burned a flag at a veterans memorial in Morgan Hill, leading to an outpouring of outrage and support by community members. Vandals burned a flag at a veterans memorial in Morgan Hill, leading to an outpouring of outrage and support by community members.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SJM-L-SOCOCITYHALLS-11.jpg?w=132)
Morgan Hill Veterans Memorial vandalized, flag burned
Vandals burned a flag at a veterans memorial in Morgan Hill, leading to an outpouring of outrage and support by community members.
![Festival La Onda draws crowds and top Latin performers to the Napa Valley grounds that also host the BottleRock festival. Festival La Onda draws crowds and top Latin performers to the Napa Valley grounds that also host the BottleRock festival.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-LAONDA-0603-1.jpg?w=132)
La Onda fest brings good vibes, Latino pride to Napa Valley
Festival La Onda draws crowds and top Latin performers to the Napa Valley grounds that also host the BottleRock festival.
![A new report by the city of Morgan Hill highlights a stark picture of economic inequality, especially for Latino and Spanish-speaking residents of the city who disproportionately face issues with housing, have lower income and more often face food insecurity. A new report by the city of Morgan Hill highlights a stark picture of economic inequality, especially for Latino and Spanish-speaking residents of the city who disproportionately face issues with housing, have lower income and more often face food insecurity.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SJM-L-SOCOCITYHALLS-11.jpg?w=132)
Crowded housing conditions, racial inequalities detailed in Morgan Hill report
A new report by the city of Morgan Hill highlights a stark picture of economic inequality, especially for Latino and Spanish-speaking residents of the city who disproportionately face issues with...