Jillian Smith
InternJillian Smith graduated from California State University Monterey Bay with a degree in Humanities and Communication, focusing on Journalism and New Media. Her love for storytelling took root in school creative writing clubs, where she first discovered how powerful words can be in bringing people together.
With a background spanning digital media, film, and journalism across multiple states and countries, Jillian has spent her time covering topics from local events to community health. She’s developed a sharp eye for multimedia production and interviewing, but what really drives her work is a deep sense of curiosity and a commitment to learning how stories can really make an impact.
When out of the office, you can usually find Jillian traveling, exploring something new with friends, or working on her latest creative project. She's passionate about using journalism as a tool to build stronger community bonds and to make sure a wide range of voices are heard.
Email: jillian@kazu.org
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Our round-up of the week's news includes a preview of tomorrow's Obon Festival, the Monterey County crop report, an update on the western snowy plover's recovery, and more. -
Local Tibetan leader responds to self-immolation death of a human rights activist outside the United Nations last week. And, Monterey County’s annual crop report shows agriculture remained strong in 2025. -
The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury makes housing recommendations, a new mural celebrates community in Seaside, employees protest at Dominican Hospital, and more. -
Salinas is temporarily putting the brakes on new tobacco retailers while city leaders consider stricter rules to prevent children from accessing tobacco products. And, the Fourth of July holiday weekend begins tomorrow for many, and communities throughout the region are planning events. -
A new mural at Lupita’s Bakery in Seaside is honoring the founding family’s roots while celebrating the community they’ve built over the past nine years. And, Santa Cruz wants more people to bike to work. Now, it’s offering bigger incentives for e-bikes.
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A group of Watsonville children met players from soccer's biggest stage, an international art instillation coming to Salinas, and organizers speak out against data centers in Gilroy -
California schools are more divided between rich and poor than in 40 other states in the country. And, a new international art installation is coming to Salinas this July. -
Hotter weather brings on fire preparation discussions, local actions related to gender identity and on Saturday a bike event in Santa Cruz and a protest in Santa Clara County. -
Three Monterey County school districts will be reviewed by federal authorities for classroom instruction and bathroom policies related to gender identity and sexual orientation. And, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s first live sports broadcast is a World Cup watch party later this month. -
Santa Cruz County will put offshore drilling and seabed mining protections to voters this fall, and California State Parks week begins.
