News10 Cuts...

For so many years covering breaking news, and bringing sunset views for the closing of the 5pm newscast, News10 is no longer using their helicopter anymore due to the economic times. If you watched a lot of News10, then you probably notice in 2007 they slowly used their helicopter... every morning they used to have traffic updates with Angel Cardenas or Julie Durda, or just nice views during the weather segment's, but that has all changed. No word if air10 will return. Now, KCRA can say they their the only ones in the sky in HD.

Also there are talks that "Big Red", News10's Satellite truck maybe sold! Another sign of the troubled economic times. And News10 staff have been told to take furloughs or 5 days of unpaid leave between now to March 2009. News10 is not the only station doing this, Gannett, the owner of News10 has forced TV stations and newspapers across the country to do the same. I recently notice one of their live trucks is just plain red without any logos... could mean a money issue as well.

No More News at the Mall...

After broadcasting live from the Arden Fair Mall for about 4 years... KCRA decided not to renew their contract with the mall to keep their building. Now the news at noon is broadcast from their HD studios in Downtown Sacramento. Now the place is owned by Verizon Wireless selling cell phones. October 2008 was their last broadcast.

Obama's Inauguration

Today President Elect- Barack Obama held his Inauguration in Washington D.C. with over 2 million people witnessing history in the making in front of the nation's capital. Two local TV Journalists Dale Schornack, News10 and Louisa Hodge, FOX40 attended the ceremony with reports throughout the past few days. Our very own Mayor Kevin Johnson also attended the ceremony, as a matter a fact Kevin Johnson was asked by Larry King to be on his show Sunday night as part of Larry's inauguration coverage. Full reports throughout today including specials from a few networks tonight.

Chat with the Mayor!

Photo: News10.net

You can now chat weekly Live_Online with mayor Kevin Johnson on news10.net. This is a great feature that makes the community more connected with questions or concerns on the hours topic. He appears normally during the 11 am or 5 pm broadcast

In & Out

While my time off blogging we had a few surprises join and leave us... here's the list

Checkey Beckford is one of the newest members at CBS 13 News. She comes from the ABC affiliate in Champaign, IL

Nick Janes also comes from the ABC affiliate in IL, he now serves as a reporter for Good Day Sacramento and CBS 13 morning/ noon newscast.

Julie Watts, former weekend morning meteorologist was laid off in December after KCRA made cuts by eliminating their staff. Byron Miranda was replaced and currently fills-in.

Now in HD

CBS 13 News debuted in High Definition in October 2008 along with new CG graphics and with a new backdrop. The graphics slightly remind me of KPIX. They also added a new feature to the newsroom that streched along the back wall which brings color to the newsroom on air.

FOX40 Changes...

Photo: Fox40.com

So much has happened to FOX40 in the past few months. Slowly people started to come and go during FOX40's renovation... In fact former CBS13 executive producer Brandon Mercer became the news director after Tom Burke was fired.

Former weeknight anchor Thomas Drayton started a new path at FOX29 in Philadelphia as the 5 and 10 p.m. anchor.

FOX40 hired then former Sacramento reporter Jaime Garza (early-mid 90s w/ News10) as Donna Cordova's new co-anchor weeknights. Garza had been with CBS 2/ KCAL 9 as a reporter and anchor for over 10 years after he was laid off when CBS made cuts throughout the country.

FOX40 got a new set with kitchen cafe center for FOX40 Live. The new set looks small and everything seems crammed. But they needed a new one after it felt like forever they broadcasted from the same previous set. And they got live trucks with stickers which was nice touch to it too.

Sarah Gardner Returns...

Sarah Gardner is back anchoring! This time at CBS 13 News, from 5-7 a.m. with Ron Hyde (former KCRA employee) and the news at noon with Nick Toma. According to a local source Gardner is only temporarily anchoring until Lisa Gonzales returns back from maternity leave which should be sometime this spring. After a year off TV, one of Sacramento's best Journalist is back on air.

Sac News Legends: Dave & Lois sign off...

Photo: SacBee.com

Dave Walker and Lois Hart signed off on their final newscast on November 26th, 2008. The whole 6:30 p.m. newscast was dedicated to highlight Dave and Lois's years on TV. They plan to stay locally and do a lot of traveling in the coming years.

January 2008 Interview with Leticia Ordaz

Name: Leticia Ordaz
Hometown: Galt, Ca
Height: 5'3"
Birthday: March 14th

1. Leticia, what interested you in becoming a TV Journalist?

Ever since I was old enough to talk I would ask my mom and dad questions about every subject. I was always a curious child in search of answers. I enjoyed watching the news and learning about political events. My family says they knew journalism was my calling since I was about two.

2. If you weren't working in this industry, what would you be doing today?

This is the career of my dreams. I really can't imagine choosing a different path.

3. What was one of your most embarrassing moment's on air?

Luckily, it wasn't live TV, but I remember doing a stand-up with a big boa constrictor at the Fresno County Fair. It wrapped itself around me so tight, I could barely breathe. Luckily, its trainer was right next to us and helped me get free. I'm so glad it wasn't Live TV.

4. What's a memorable story you were covering in your broadcasting career and why?

The Scott Peterson murder trial is by far the most memorable story I've covered in my career. It's a story that captivated people everywhere, and attracted media from not just the nation, but the world. Working for KCRA 3, we were able to bring our viewers the best coverage from the search for Laci Peterson, to the verdict, and the sentencing phase.

5. What type of music do you like? Any artisit's people in particular?

I like all types of music. Some of my favorite artist's are Gwen Stefani, Pink, Nelly Furtado, and One Republic.

6. What is your favorite restaurant in Sacramento?

I can't choose just one. I love Sushi Cafe, and Zocolo, and Bistro 33.

7. What do you enjoy to do on your own time when not at work?

I enjoy spending time with my husband, and my family and friends when I'm not at work.
I also love to travel to Cabo San Lucas, and Maui. Some of my favorite outdoor activities are horseback riding, ATVing, zip lining or just relaxing on the beach.

8. What is an interesting/ unique fact about you people don't really know?
People may not know that I started my career in Elko, Nevada as a one man band reporter.
I carried about 60 pounds of gear through the desert, covering everything from wildfires, to the release of a bald eagle that was nursed back to health.

9. What was you're first job before becoming a Journalist in you're early years and what did you do?

While I was in college I was a student assistant for the Dean's office at Sacramento State.
After college, I immediately went to Elko, NV to start my first job as a journalist.

10. And lastly, what advice do you have for someone getting ready to graduate college or still in school wanting to be a TV reporter?

I would say you have to believe in yourself and be willing to work long, hard hours in a small market. If it's something you really want to pursue, go for it and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Internships are a great way to see if you really want to get into the business. Make sure to network with professionals and ask a lot of questions. Your reason for being a journalist has to go beyond just wanting to be on TV. I wish all of you future journalists the best of luck. :)

I'm Back!

After a few months off I've decided to come back and start writing! Looking forward to it. Any tips e-mail me! I have a lot to write about.