FOX40 Update...

It's been confirmed that FOX40 Morning News anchor Evan Michael has left the station to find different opportunities elsewhere. If you remember he joined the station in June 2007 from the NBC affiliate in Colorado Springs/Pueblo in Colorado. Its unknown as to what he's doing now, but I will definitely get an answer.


Fox40.com
And Rosemary Orozco is currently helping out with the morning show by demonstration report's and co-anchoring when needed.

Also I notice FOX40 has recently had weather and sports beat talent co-anchor on the news. For example they had Kristina Werner in for Donna co-anchoring and Mark Demsky (Weekend sports anchor) co-anchor with Terri Cox.

And not sure if it was the news director's idea, but now reporters have been asked not to sign off air anymore which is what CBS 13 does, from what I heard its to save time wasted on-air. Personally I think reporters should be allowed to sign off. But everyone has their own idea for a reason.

In the Healing Process...

Yet another TV personality breaks their arm, but this time it wasn't hanging out with friends like what happened to Eileen Javora from KCRA 3... It was riding a bike. Angel Cardenas News10 Traffic reporter/ anchor was riding his bike at 19 mph when he fell off and dislocated his shoulder, he tried to used his hands to keep from scratching up his 'million dollar face' according to Kelly Jackson, but still landed on his shoulder... It's been a slow healing process for him, and is still recovering. If you watched News10 Good Morning the past few weeks he has been wearing an arm supporter. Get well Angel!

New on the News!

Cristi Jessee is one of the new Multi-Media Journalist at News10 which means she edits, shoots and reports her own stories also known as a one man band. Jessee came to News10 in 2005 as a assignment editor from Los Angeles where she was an entertainment producer for the CBS affiliate which she field produced red carpet events and award shows, screening movies, and interviewing celebrities. Prior to that she has worked as photographer, reporter, assignment editor and production assistant throughout her career in Minnesota, Arkansas, and North Dakota and knows the business inside out. In fact she is still a Line Producer for Hollywood Close-ups inc. a local TV show from Los Angeles hosted by film critic David Sheehan. You can catch Jessee primarily weeknights on News10.

Vintage Videos!

Photo from www.Fox40.com
FOX40 News has recently posted videos of their old newscast dating back from 1974 till the first morning newscast in June 2005 anchored by Jennifer Parker who came from Washington and now runs a family business ''Parker Development Company''. I would like to see newscast from the late 90s. If you would like to watch visit the link below

http://fox40.trb.com/news/ktxl-video-vintage,0,4237853.videogallery

Bye, Bye For Now...

After working nearly 10 years at CBS 13, Dennis Shanahan has decided to step down from his current position. His last day will be in July when his contract ends, he decided not to renew it and is ready for something different or possibly in another shop. I will try to feature Shanahan in the July interview of the month.

Hazy Skies Across Northern California...

Sunday June 22nd, 2008 would have been a good day to stay indoors and cool off as the sky was very unhealthy for sensitive groups, people who suffer from allergies. Over 500 wildfires were burning across Northern California that were sparked by lighting on Saturday. As you can imagine many firefighters from across the state came to help calm down the fires before they get out of control. Just to name a few fires were sparked in Napa County quickly moving into a mostly rural area of Solano County, the on going Santa Cruz fire which started on Friday, some parts in Placer County and the Tuolumne-Calaveras area as well. Even though the fires were sparked miles away from Sacramento, it was very hazy which reminded me of Los Angeles during the summer when it gets extremely polluted. The picture above was taken southbound on Interstate 5. Besides the fires we saw very warm temperatures Friday and Saturday that reached over 100 degrees.... very hot and humid across Northern California as the first day of summer rolled on in.

Attention High School Students...

If your a high student interested in the reporting side of TV news or enjoy editing videos... then KCRA is calling for you to apply. The requirements are that your in high school and have access to high speed Internet and certain software's to upload videos from home to the playbook website, most of the equipment will be provided for you. The duties included as the sideline reporter for KCRA is interviewing fellow high school students and coaches, shooting video footage of sports practices and games, and writing and editing your work, of course KCRA will also provide hands-on training. This is a great opportunity to get exposed to a TV News station and get connections with people in the field.

For more information and to fill out the application online, click on the link below

http://www.kcra.com/sports/16429758/detail.html

CBS 13 to Broadcast Digtially Soon...

It's been confirmed that CBS 13 and CW 31 in Sacramento will be broadcasting in High Definition in February 2009. The set would probably get tweaked for some minor changes but you never know, personally I would like to see a new morning set for CW 31 after they had the same one since they first started the show in the mid-late 90s. Now we have to wait and see when News10, FOX40 and Univision 19 will be making the change.

Yolo County Mourns Deputy...

Yolo County Sheriff Deputy Jose Diaz died on duty when he stopped a driver on suspicion of drunk driving in Dunnigan, California north of Sacramento. When Diaz stopped the driver they were near a dead end, interestingly the driver turned the car facing the police officer. When Diaz walked up to the car, he notice there was no driver and found a four-month old girl in the back seat. Seconds later someone shot at Diaz when he tried to cover himself at his patrol car as it shows on the dashboard camera according to officers, luckily he was able to call for back up on his radio despite being wounded. According to the Sheriff's department Diaz was shot by a rifle either on his shoulder or chest where his bullet-proof vest didn't protect him and was taken to Woodland Memorial Hospital in critical condition where he died early Monday morning. As for the baby in the car was not hurt and was takin into child protective services and is reportedly the suspect's daughter. The suspect was later arrested after an officer spotted him in the brush near the freeway. They also found a caliber assault rifle gun lying outside a restroom near where the suspect was found. The suspect is known to have a criminal record, but his family says he was trying to leave a previous life he lived after getting out of prison. The suspect has been placed in the Sacramento County jail on murder charge with other charges pending as wll.

Local Father Beats His Son to Death...

On Saturday, June 14th just after 10 p.m. the Stanislaus County 911 Call Center received calls from residents of an area where a man was beating a young kid at a rural intersection in Turlock, California. According to the phone calls people were reporting that a pickup truck was on the wrong side of the road parked and witnesses saw the suspect brutally abusing the young boy by throwing him to the ground, witnesses also said that people tried to stop him but it didn't help because they were also being thrown to the ground as well by the suspect. Finally the Stanislaus County sheriff's helicopter arrived to the scene where they landed at a cow pasture... A police officer who was on the helicopter told the suspect to step away from the baby with his weapon drawin at him... the suspect didn't comprend and the officer was force to shot, killing the suspect, the 2-year-old boy was takin to a local hospital where he died shortly. The officer who shot at the suspect has been placed on administrative leave until the outcome of the investigation is solved.

Phase Two of FIX I-5

Friday June 13th, 2008 was the second phase to continue fixing Interstate 5 after a week off. I was there for about a few hours and it actually took a while to get set up and cars to get off the Interstate. I got there 5 minutes before 8 p.m. and cars were still going by 10 minutes later until about 8:30 p.m. the southbound lanes were finally shut and crews came in with their equipment.

A new look was added along I-5 to spice things up in Sacramento which the county wanted... they are suppose to be colors that represent the city of Sacramento, so we can expect a few minor changes when the project is complete in early July.

Only a few media crews showed up, however that was not the case one week ago when the first 10 minutes were devoted to the Fix I-5 project. Probably because most of us already knew what to expect from it and have our own routes to get through it.

Cal Trans work crews started tagging the roadway, I must say it was a bit odd to see someone out in the middle of the Interstate walking, its normally something we don't see everyday.

And finally they start drilling the ground and starting the project nearly an hour later than expected. A few on lookers watching along the highway taking photos, people watching from the hotel windows along the tower bridge and shoppers from Old Sacramento. Either way it was a great experience to see how they were starting the project. The second phase will be done by Monday morning June 23rd.

NBC Washington Bureau Anchor Dies...

Sadly one of America's well known TV Journalist passed away Friday, June 13th, 2008 after collapsing at the NBC Washington bureau preparing voiceovers for his weekly broadcast. Russert had been with NBC since the early 90's commonly known for hosting "Meet the Press" that aired every weekend and his reports during the nightly newscast with Brian Williams. Russert had just returned from Europe on vacation where he celebrated his son's graduation from Boston College. Russert was 58...

New Website on the Block...

Another new look for News10.net as the finishing touches were completed June 12th, 2008 with brand new features and ways for viewers to create their own profiles. You can now be a member of News10.net that allows you to upload pictures, write blogs, share comments with users, and communicate with News10 people provided by SiteLife. Everything is redesigned and more changes are possible in the future... A lot of comments from viewers saying too much advertisement and small text on the new website, so we'll have to see what goes on from there. A reason why News10 decided to go with SiteLife was because the previous site they were with (Topix) had some users abusing their privilege by hiding behind their anonymity... and they hope this will stop and make it pleasant for everyone else. News10 has also been voted best TV website in Northern California in 2005 and has won many awards.

Live_Online Now At 5 p.m.

When Live_Online was first conducted just over one year ago by Sharon Ito, it was only produced during News10 Midday for an hour, to half an hour, then to late breaking news and now to ever weekday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Live_Online was first introduced because News10 wanted to connect with their online and TV viewers to get questions answered and to get an experienced guest to chat about the hours topic that gets a better understanding to viewers. Below are people who normally conduct Live_Online

News10 Midday: M, W, F Sharon Ito, Tues and Thurs by Kelly Jackson
News10 at 5 p.m.: Various anchors, normally Jennifer Smith

June 2008 Interview with Kristina Werner

Kristina Werner is no stranger to northern California, she joined FOX40 News in December 1999 after working for NBC in Chico, California for a couple of years as a morning meteorologist. In fact she graduated from Sacramento State University in 1997 and is originally from Vacaville. Werner came to FOX40 as the weekend weather anchor and weekday reporter until 2006 when she became the full time meteorologist after Pam Hambright left to anchor for ABC in Reno, NV. Werner can be contacted at kristina.werner@tribune.com

Name: Kristina Werner
Hometown: Vacaville, Ca
Height: 5'6''
Birthday: August 30th

1. Tell us what interested you in getting into the meteorology side of broadcasting?
I had a great internship at Channel 31 when I was in college at Sac state. I worked with Lloyd Lindsay Young and his enthusiasm for weather just rubbed off on me. I became obsessed with weather and forecasting. I loved it so much I went back to school and never looked back.

2. Where was your first TV job and what did you do?
I worked at KNVN in Chico. I first did weekend weather/reporting then I moved on to the morning weather position.

3. What are your duties as a Meteorologist at FOX40?
I'm basically responsible for everything weather each weeknight

4. If you weren't working in the TV news business, what would you be doing today?
I'd be a very happy stay at home mom!!

5. What is an interesting unique fact about you?
I'm a huge sports fan! I grew up playing everything and wanted be a sportscaster originally.

6. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happen to you while on-air?
Oh there's been plenty of things, but I remember a bug flew into my mouth right before a live shot and I got caught spitting it out on the air. Not my prettiest moment!

7. What kind of music do you listen to? Favorite singer or band?
I love it all...hip hop, alternative, pop and country. My favorite band has to be Green Day though!

8. Where is your favorite restaurant to eat at and what do you normally order?
Mikuni and I always order the Michi roll.

9. What types of movies do you enjoy watching? Favorite actor or actress?
I love movies period and you can bet I'll always go see a Will Smith flick.

10. Finally, If you could give advice to a future meteorologist, what would you say? If you already know you want to be a meteorologist then you're one step ahead of where I started. Seriously, get your degree in meteorology and then look for an internship. When you get your first on-air job make sure you do some research and learn about the area you will be forecasting for. If you show up with knowledge of the market already you'll in good shape. Best of Luck!

Grass Fires Across Sacramento...

The windy day has caused random grass fires across the Sacramento region Tuesday with gusts up to 30 miles an hour and temperatures in the mid to lower 80s. A breaking news fire occurred just after 10 a.m. in Stockton at the Quail Lakes area near March Lane and I-5 destroying many homes and condominium's in the surrounding area. Fire crews believe that the fire started by embers carried by the wind, and neighbors reporting drivers throw cigarettes out the window along the Interstate constantly.
Another fire that broke out was in East Sacramento County near Bradshaw and Elder Creek road that injured a fire captain from the Sacramento Metro Fire Department on scene and burned over 1,000 acres and many rural homes in the area. And a fire in Butte County also burned 1,000 acres off of Highway 70, about 160 fire fighters were called in to calm down the fire.
Grass fires also broke along I-5 and Del Paso Blvd in Natomas where a small fire was causing visibility problems for drivers, and the CHP had shut down northbound lanes of I-5 for nearly half an hour.

So obviously another busy day at the assignment desk gathering and receiving information, and the first 10 minutes in each newscast was about the various fires in the area...the destruction hit the most was in Stockton again, many homes burned and threatened.

Tomatoes off the Shelfs and Menu's...

The Salmonella outbreak have concerned grocery stores and restaurant managers to pull off tomatoes from their menu and shelfs after cases were discovered in 16 states across the country. So far there have been 145 cases of people infected with salmonella. Restaurants like Boston Market, McDonalds, Outback Steakhouse, Taco Bell, Burger King and other local and national companies have decided to play it safe until federal health officials trace the source of tomatoes that led to the illnesses. The Food and Drug Administration have said the raw red plum, red roma and red round have been linked to the salmonella infection. If you have to eat your tomatoes the FDA is reporting to cook them in water at 145 degrees that will kill salmonella. If you happen to be exposed to this infection symptoms range from fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea lasting about a week and can occur in 1-3 days after consuming it. If you think you have eaten tomatoes with salmonella, you are urged to visit the hospital immediately.

18 Seniors Banned from Participating in Graduation Ceremony

Monday morning angry parents and students showed up at John F. Kennedy High School in Sacramento with lawyers hoping to change the school's administrative minds of letting students to participate in their graduation ceremony after they were supposedly involved in a senior prank. The prank caused thousands of dollars according to the Sacramento City School District spokesperson, the students were caught in the act on the schools surveillance video system that showed evidence they dyed the school's swimming pool water green, and teepeed trees on campus. This was enough for the school to ban them from participating in the ceremony, most students who were banned still attended the ceremony but on the audience side of the auditorium and were not reconize. However students will be able to pick up their high school dipolma's Tuesday morning. A lot of mixed opinions on this issue in Sacramento.

.46 Cents A Gallon Gas Mistake

How would it feel to pay .46 cents a gallon for gas? That was the case for a few lucky drivers Monday afternoon at the Shell Gas Station in Elk Grove off of Laguna Blvd and I-5. Apparently the station's clerk mistakenly posted .46 cents instead of $4.63 for premium gas. The .46 cents gallon of gas lasted nearly four hours and Elk Grove Police was called in to brake the crowd of cars wanting to fill up. According to a local news website drivers were reportedly filling their tanks up for about $7 and gas guzzlers filling up for $11. Definitely some happy faces out there that will last for hopefully a week.

New Direction

This blog site will go in a slightly different direction than what I normally blog about...This time I will be focusing on expanding my news writing skills by reporting to you local big/ Interesting stories that happened in the Sacramento region. I look forward towards your feedback! In this business or not.

Thank you

And the Winner is...

Tuesday, June 3rd was election day for mayor of Sacramento County and local propositions. And there was none stop live team coverage on local stations, especially for KCRA 3 going on air a 7 p.m. ending their coverage at midnight, so obviously busy times in newsrooms gathering information on the national and local elections, an earthquake that hit Solano County and a massive tree limb falling down on Heather Fargo's rally held at Vallejo's restaurant in Downtown Sacramento injuring one person. Below are the precincts report for Sacramento Mayor. However Johnson is the leader in the precincts, but a run-off is expected because both candidates did not reach 50% or more and the rest of the votes were split among third-party candidates, so officially the new mayor has not been confirm yet, there is a lot to come fourth.

Johnson 47%
Fargo 40%
Padilla 6%
Eldredge 3%
Strand 3%
Jones 1%
Daniel 1%

FOX40 Update

Reggie Kumar is back in the business after a while off from CBS in Sacramento... He's now freelancing for FOX40 News weekdays and you can catch is his reports nightly at 10 p.m.

Also FOX40's Matt Skryja who came from Fresno in January 2008 is no longer with the station. He is now in San Francisco, working for AAA auto insurance in the Public Relations department.

SURVIVE 1-5, FIX I-5, THE BIG FIX

Anticipate major delays on local roads and highways throughout the Sacramento area during the Fix I-5 project. Every station has their own phrase for the construction site that runs along the Sacramento River and downtown skyline. On Friday evening the first top story on every newscast was the closure of northbound I-5 that shut down at 8 p.m. Starting tomorrow morning at 4:30 a.m. ALL stations in Sacramento except Univision 19 and FOX40 will begin their newscast for people out there who will be traveling early in the morning. The closure for the northbound side of the Interstate will be shut until the middle of June, then the same scenario goes for the southbound lanes of I-5. For alternate routes log on to www.fixI5.com