KCRA Weather

If you watch KCRA constantly, then you probably have noticed a few unfamilar meteorologist's. Jeff Martinez is the newest member to join the Weather Plus team. He currently appears on the weekend morning editions and will fill in during the work week. He freelanced for KCRA back in 2005 for a while, and recently came from ABC in San Francisco where he freelanced as well.

Late Night Talk Show Host visit's KCRA

Photo: KCRA.com

Brian poses with reporter Tom DuHain.

Conan O' Brian stopped by the KCRA Studios Thursday afternoon to talk about his move to his new show. Brian will be the new host of The Tonight Show starting June 1st from the NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif. Brian took plenty of pictures with KCRA staff that are posted on their website under the sideshows section. If you missed the interview with anchor Gulstan Dart, it's posted online.

http://www.kcra.com/entertainment/18920089/detail.html#

How does he do it?

Walt Gray not only anchors the morning newscast on KCRA from 4:30-7am, but also anchors the evening newscast for a half an hour at 5 p.m. Sounds like a long day at work, huh? Well not so much for him.

"I'm up at 3am....I get to work at 4am...I'm on the air from 4:30-7am and I leave work about 9am. The rest of my day is spent chasing my kids...picking them up from school...running errands and trying to stay on the good side of the wife. Pretty normal day! I'm back in from 3:30pm-5:45pm (the 5pm newscast). In bed by 8pm to do it all again."

Actually, doesn't sound pretty bad at all!

KCRA Update

Political reporter Kevin Riggs is now anchoring the morning editions of KCRA on the weekends and still reporting three days a week.

Teo Torres is general assignment reporting three days a week and anchoring the evening weekend editions.

Not sure how he does it, but Walt Gray is now anchoring the 5 p.m. newscast along with Edie Lambert AND anchoring the 5-7 a.m. broadcast.

Also reporters Leticia Ordaz and Sharokina Shams are now reporting weekday mornings rather than in the afternoon/ evenings.

And Anchor/ Reporter Pamela Wu will be leaving KCRA to work for the Dean at UC Davis School of Law as a Director of Marketing and Communications... She starts next week!

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.

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.

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. :)

One World, One Night...

Today KCRA and Cal Expo sponsored an event for the opening day of the Olympics from Beijing, China. The event started at 5 p.m. with diverse opening acts at the race track in Cal Expo. Teo Torres and Edie Lambert hosted the special broadcast event that aired at 7 p.m. KCRA is expected to broadcast at various locations for this special event. Deirdre Fitzpatrick was the only local reporter to be sent covering interesting topics and the Olympics coverage in China, she normally goes every time it occurs. These are photos I took while at the event and next to the KCRA crew.

Lt. Governor John Garamendi also made an appearance to thank people for coming and greeting them to this event in Sacramento.

Los Angeles mini Earthquake

The Los Angeles earthquake wasn't as bad as what it could have been but it did cause trouble mainly in the East Los Angeles County of Chino Hills Tuesday morning. Sacramento's only reporter to report from the 5.4 earthquake scene in Los Angeles County near Diamond Bar was Pamela Wu from KCRA 3 and she had a series of reports for the 10 and 11 p.m. show. Only CBS13 and FOX40 carried live reports from reporters of the LA market during the late night newscast. You bet reporters from Los Angeles were doing tons of reports for other affiliates statewide and possibly across the country. The last time Los Angeles was struck was in 1994, and the governor says this is just a wake up call for residents to always be prepared.

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.

New Time Slot...

Walt Gray is now anchoring the 11 p.m. newscast along with Edie Lambert, It's strange to see him anchor the 11 because he normally anchors the noon newscast from Arden Fair Mall... But he still anchor's 5-7 a.m. along with Deirdre Fitzpatrick, so yes he is working overnight.
"I'm on with Edie until further notice at 11pm.we'll see how it goes.... i think that's the line.so far..it's been going very well". So who's anchoring the noon newscast? It varies but mainly Adrienne Bankert is.

Sad News for Long time KCRA Viewers...

Dave Walker and Lois Hart have been one of the most well known anchors in Sacramento for nearly 20 years. And towards the end of this year they are expected to retire! That's right! According to Sac Bee's 21Q says over a phone interview, Lois Hart confirmed today that they plan to do a lot of traveling once they retire. So it will definitely be sad to see these familiar faces leave KCRA, the station will definitely have another look to them with a few fresh faces possibly by next year.

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

Mayoral Candidates Debate Part. ll

This time it was KCRA's turn to interview the mayoral candidates about their feelings, opinions, and concerns are for the city of Sacramento. The debate was an hour long which took place from 7- 8 p.m. at the KCRA 3 studios in Downtown Sacramento which was hosted by Edie Lambert and Kevin Riggs. The candidates also got the chance to answer themselves questions and also questions asked from viewers and simple questions brought up from KFBK and KCRA. This debate was a bit different than the one News10 hosted earlier this month. News10 had ALL the candidates running for major lined up at the table and each candidate had 30 seconds to respond. KCRA's debate was focused on the two main candidates which have more attention in the race. Either way, very good information for voters who are not sure who to vote for. If you missed the broadcast, you can catch it online at their website at the link provided below.

http://www.kcra.com/mayor/index.html

Back From Last Month

It's been around a month since Eileen Javora broke her arm while with friends. Shes now back and on Memorial day while filling in for Mark Finan for the evening newscast she forecasted the weather with her arm supporter on. Can't think of the name for it at this moment, but I thought it was just interesting how she had it on doing the weather.

Eileen Javora

Besides Eileen's duties to just focuse on the morning weather broadcast and not the afternoon. She had accidentally broke her arm earlier this month while 'playing around with friends'. She will most likely be back in around the middle of May or sooner. KCRA has set up a page for you to leave comments and get well wishes for Eileen. How sweet. Lol


Here is Eileen during at Noon newscast talking to a puppet in December 2007.

KCRA Loses Pilot

John Hamilton who has been a pilot with the station since the 90s has now left the morning/ afternoon show after most likely not coming to a contract agreement (what normally happens at KCRA) or decided to move on from the TV industry. His son interestingly graduated from the same high school as me and I remember him being on the baseball team at Sheldon High. Below is video from a newscast of when his son's dreams came true joining at College baseball team in Nebraska.

He's Back!

After 2 years off air since early 2006, Mike Bond is now back with KTXL FOX 40 News. He will bring us some issues across the Sacramento region. Prior with FOX 40 when he left in late 2005 he was freelance reporter for KCRA 3 with the weekend team. Now he's back and keep an eye on him at the 10 o'clock news!

Sad News for long time KCRA Viewers

Sarah Gardner has been with KCRA 3 for the past 14-years, and on Friday Dec. 28th, 2007 will be her last day on-air anchoring after not coming to an agreement on her contract.

"We had hoped that Sarah would stay, but she decided for personal and professional reasons to move on," said Elliott Troshinsky, president and general manager of KCRA and My58. "We couldn’t reach an agreement that was satisfactory to both of us. We wish her all the best in the future."

"I love KCRA and love my job, getting to work with incredibly talented people," she said. "But it was one of those things where I wanted to make sure to give 100 percent to my family and 100 percent to my job, and the way things are now, it's impossible to do both." Released from the Sac Bee.

Gardner will definitely be missed on TV, but gladly will still be in Sacramento. Gardner and her husband Chuck are co-founders of the M.I.N.D institute at U.C Davis Medical Center
with the hopes of finding the cause and hopefully a cure for autism, Gardner's son was diagonsed with autism at an early age and her efforts have contributied to create an institute to find a cure.

Just a little history of Gardner, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1982 and worked at a DJ playing country music, later she moved into TV as a weekend weather anchor writer/producer at NBC-15's WMTV in Madison, Wisconsin. Gardner also spent time on the road as the local anchor of "PM Magazine" in Charlotte, N.C., traveling with the show to Europe, Egypt, Jamaica and Canada. Gardner has co-anchored with Kelly Brothers, Chris Riva and John Alston in the past. We wish Gardner the best in life!