Zach Fuentes
I come from a very diverse background and was taught at an early age just how important freedom of the press is. My dad is Afro-Cuban, coming to this country from Communist Cuba. My mother is Puerto Rican and Irish, and raised by my Italian-American grandfather. I was born and largely grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada with a lot of other kids from similar, diverse backgrounds. Through that my interest in people and other cultures was born!
When I was a teenager, my parents moved us to a town about an hour away from Vegas called Pahrump. At the time, leaving a big city for a small one was not easy for me but it led to my first job in broadcasting as a teenager at a very small TV station.
My time at KPVM started as a summer volunteer position, answering phones and doing other tasks that no one else wanted to do! It was there that I discovered I could be paid to go places, write, meet new people and talk! Most of all, I saw firsthand, the critical role journalists play in informing people and holding those in power accountable. I decided journalism was for me and went back to Vegas to pursue my degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During my time in college and after, I worked at the Las Vegas ABC affiliate both in front of and behind the camera.
After that, California called and I gladly answered! I worked at KION in Monterey-Salinas as an anchor/reporter and most recently at KXTV in Sacramento. While there I covered COVID from the beginning, the protests following George Floyd's murder, the state's EDD crisis, and wildfires. They were heavy times for the community but also an opportunity to showcase the true strength people have when coming together.
I am so grateful to work from the South Bay bureau, continuing to tell stories of diverse people, and important events. Feel free to shoot me an zach.j.fuentes@abc.com and connect with me on social media to send story ideas, or, just say hi!
Zach's Stories
San Francisco landlord pleads not guilty in connection of shooting death of tenant
A landlord and retired dentist accused of fatally killing his own tenant in San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood two weeks ago went before a judge Friday to answer to murder charges. In court, 68-year-old Philippe Chagniot entered a not guilty plea.
Final bell rings for 5 San Jose elementary schools permanently closing
It was the end of an era Friday for several schools in the San Jose Unified School District, as teachers and students entered classrooms for the final time before multiple campuses permanently close.
Los Gatos mom sentenced to nearly 36 years for hosting drunken teen sex parties: 'I am ashamed'
Shannon O'Connor, a Los Gatos mother convicted for hosting drunken sex parties involving teenagers, has received the maximum sentence. She apologized to the victims and their families following several days of their emotional statements, detailing profound, lasting impacts.
DHS considering plans to stop customs processing at sanctuary city airports, including SFO: Mullin
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Fox News the department is considering a plan to halt customs processing for international travelers at airports in sanctuary cities, a threat that could cripple SFO and the Bay Area economy.
California seeing spike in rattlesnake bites, 3 deaths reported so far in 2026
California is seeing an unusually early spike in rattlesnake encounters, with 77 calls and three deaths reported. Experts urge hikers and pet owners to keep their distance and take precautions as investigations look at possible environmental causes.
Final weekend of repaving work closes lanes on 19th Avenue in SF during Memorial Day weekend
Caltrans is finishing its third weekend of repaving 19th Avenue. Residents say the road is smoother, but the 75 hours of work is causing delays. One lane stays open, and drivers are urged to use Junipero Serra or Sunset.
Man killed by fallen branch as strong winds leave damage across Bay Area
Strong winds caused widespread damage and power shutoffs across the Bay Area Sunday into Monday, leaving hundreds without electricity, with at least one death reported after a branch snapped off a tree in Santa Rosa.
California Fans First Act would cap how much concert tickets can resell for amid soaring prices
"This bill will restore access to affordable tickets for fans," Assemblymember Matt Haney said in San Francisco, promoting new legislation aimed at cracking down on ticket resale prices.
2nd weekend of repaving work closes lanes on southbound 19th Ave in SF
Southbound lanes of 19th Avenue in San Francisco are closed Friday through the weekend because of a major repaving project, expected to create traffic delays on the busy stretch of roadway.
Drivers frustrated as some Bay Area gas prices reach nearly $8: 'Every day...it's going up'
One South San Francisco gas station was charging $7.89 a gallon Tuesday. During peak commute times, the only people ABC7 Eyewitness News saw filling up there said their employers were covering the costs, and that they would never buy gas there with their own money.