July 2008 Interview with Teo Torres...

Teo Torres has been with KCRA 3 since January 2008, prior to that he came from San Francisco where he worked as a morning anchor for KRON 4, an independent TV station since 2001. Teo can be seen on the nightly 10 p.m. newscast of KCRA on the My58 Channel weeknights and occasionally fills in anchoring when needed in the evening and reports for the 6 p.m. show.

Name: Teo Mate' Torres
Hometown: Buhl, Idaho
Height: 5'9"
Birthday: September 27th

1. What interest did you have in becoming a TV Journalist?
I was raised by a very politically active mother. She made sure I knew about the world around me. I guess my interest in current events came from her and my upbringing. She is an incredible woman and to this day is a hero of mine. I remember as a child recording funny newscasts into my tape recorder, so I guess you could call that practice.

2. What was you're most embarrassing moment on live TV?
Wow, that is a tough one. I guess it would have to be sneezing during a live shot. For some reason I've always sneezed in threes....and yes, that translated to about 15 seconds of me sneezing live on the air. ALLERGIES!!!

3. What type of music do you listen to? Do you have a favorite singer or band you particularly like?
My favorite group of all time has to be Stone
Temple Pilots, although I really love the Indigo Girls as well. These 2
bands are about as different as you can get. My tastes run the spectrum.
I also love classical, Dave Matthews, Frank Sinatra, Def Leopard...you name
it.

4. What is an interesting/ unique fact about you most people don't know?
I think I sing pretty well. Back when i was a much younger newsman in my first news market I used to sing in and often win Karaoke contests. The prize was my spending money. You don't make much at your first job.

5. What was you're first job before working in the broadcasting news industry?
My first job was a stockboy at "Save-Mor" drug store in Buhl Idaho. I was 14 years old at the time. I grew up in the kind of town where everyone knows the pharmacist and hangs on his every word. Everyone wanted to be a stockboy at that store. I lucked out and got it.

6. What do you think of Sacramento so far in the few months you've lived here? Any difference from San Francisco where you came from?
I absolutely love Sacramento and plan to make this my families home. The people here
are so friendly, everyone really cares about each other. I also love the location. You can't beat the beautiful rivers, the mountains to the north, wine country all around and the Bay Area a short drive away. As far as San Francisco, of course it is an incredible city but there soooo many
people. Honestly I won't miss the lines for everything and driving around and around to find a parking place. I also won't miss the chilly weather there.

7. What do you normally watch on TV on you're free time?
Considering the fact that I have 3 children (all boys including a toddler) I don't have a
lot of time to watch TV. When I do get time I most often watch the Discovery Channel or News. I also love Entourage.

8. Found any favorite restaurants/ hot spots in Sacramento yet you enjoy?
Again, this goes back to the 3 children factor, but I am really impressed
with the sushi I've eaten in town. I'm also a big Ill Fornaio fan, try
their butternut squash ravioli it's out of this world!

9. Where can you be found on the weekends?
Usually at one of my sons baseball games or out riding bikes. During the winter we love to
snowboard. When my wife and I can get away we enjoy touring wine country.

10. Where did you attend college and major in?
I attended the University of Idaho and majored in Communications.

11. Lastly, what advice would you give to a young Journalism student in
college wanting to be a reporter in TV?
It's a tough, ultra competitive business. Be prepared to pay your dues and put in long hours for little compensation at first. While it may seem glamorous to some it really is an often difficult day to day career but can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying.