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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In this week's local news roundup: another fire breaks out in Big Sur, therapy dogs help firefighters, an endurance athlete reaches the mid-way point of a historic coastal swim, a homeowner finally finishes rebuilding after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires, and more -
The Timber Fire has now crossed the Big Sur River, and firefighters are preparing for continued growth in the Ventana Wilderness. Plus, firefighters battling the fire have found support from therapy dogs at base camp.
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In this week's local news roundup: evacuation orders downgraded to warning in parts of a Timber Fire zone, a meeting between President Donald Trump and two local families, and CSUMB has a new interim president. -
Firefighters say a challenge on the Timber Fire is getting equipment into the rugged terrain. And, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to limit utilities' liability for wildfire catastrophes their equipment causes. -
Firefighters from across California are using Cal State Monterey Bay as a staging area as they work to contain the Timber Fire in Big Sur. -
Cal Fire is now operating its response to the Big Sur Timber Fire from Cal State Monterey Bay. And, President Donald Trump has recognized a Santa Cruz teen lifeguard at the White House. -
In this week's roundup of local news: the Timber Fire grows in Big Sur, leaders address immigration enforcement concerns, Monterey Car Week makes charitable donations, and more. -
Gusty winds have hampered firefighting in Big Sur, where the Timber Fire has burned 4,245 acres. And, Car Week is more than a showcase for rare cars—various events offer fundraising opportunities. -
The Timber Fire in Big Sur has exceeded 2,000 acres, with four zones now evacuated. And, Central Coast leaders continue to oppose offshore oil drilling. -
As more people take to local roads and coastal trails on electric bicycles, transportation planners are trying to sort out a problem that can be difficult to see: not everything being called an e-bike is actually a legal e-bike.
