While I spent most of my life in Ohio, I'm a California girl at heart. The ocean, wineries, and beautiful parks are my happy place!
I was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and my family emigrated to the United States when I was 8 years old, and we ended up settling in Northeast Ohio, in a small town on the shores of Lake Erie. That's when I learned to speak English (though I continued to speak my native Russian at home).
I discovered my love for journalism at a young age. My persistent curiosity, love for hearing people's stories, and passion for learning and sharing the news of world events were what made me want to become a reporter. I studied journalism and political science at Kent State University in Ohio and summers interning for C-SPAN, a U.S. senator and the Voice of America in one of my favorite cities, Washington D.C.
I began my professional career hosting a civic-focused news program on PBS. My next job as a traffic reporter at WBNS News in Columbus, Ohio was the beginning of a 15-year long career at WBNS, first working my way up to a general assignment reporter and, ultimately, to the weekday morning anchor. I truly enjoyed becoming a part of the community, and I'm particularly proud of my fact-checking stories as part of the VERIFY team's efforts to stop the spread of misinformation. I was honored to win an Emmy for the breaking news coverage of a massive train derailment, spending a total of 7 hours that day in the helicopter, shooting video and reporting on the disaster.
During my 15 years in Columbus, I loved spending time volunteering and emceeing events for a number of nonprofit organizations. I'm a proud big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters, was on the board of Columbus Fashion Council and Fairy Goodmothers. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible and had the incredible position as the Metro Parks spokesperson, helping people discover nature and all there is to do at the public parks. I'm excited to discover all of the parks in Northern California and take my paddleboard out on the water! Feel free to check out all of my fun adventures on my social media pages.
If you run into me on the street, please say hi! I'll gladly talk for hours about some of my favorite things, like traveling the world, eating delicious food (I would love to hear your Bay Area restaurant recommendations) and seeing my adorable nieces and nephews!
Karina's Stories
Old friends shocked after arrest of 21-year-old ex-UC Davis student in connection to stabbings
Before going to UC Davis, the stabbing suspect lived in Oakland and played football at Castlemont High School. His former coach says he was surprised to hear the news of the 21-year-old, as he was a quiet and intelligent student who never caused any problems.
Bay Area arborist turns fallen trees into coveted furniture
The fierce storms that battered the Bay Area gave arborist Michael Veneziano a lot of work converting toppled trees into elegant furniture.
Opening of Mt. Davidson time capsule from 1933 gives preserved look at SF history
A time capsule that was buried at Mt. Davidson in 1933 was opened 90 years later.
Former San Quentin inmate weighs in on Gov. Newsom's plan to transform the max security prison
James King is a former San Quentin inmate who says he commends Governor Newsom's plan on improving California's prisons. King now works to pass legislation to improve prisons across the country.
This could be 2nd snowiest winter in Sierra since 1983, UC Berkeley lab reports
South Lake Tahoe's fire chief says, "This is the most snow and water I've had to deal with in the last 25 years."
Tahoe resident details dangerous conditions as ski resorts close, rain expected
If you haven't left for Tahoe yet, it's probably too late, according to a local.
AccuWeather meteorologist breaks down impact of recent wild weather in Bay Area, state
This past year, residents in the Bay Area and California have experienced extremes, from record-breaking heat to rain and snowfall.
Marijuana and coffee? New bill could bring cannabis cafes to California
Customers would be able to eat or drink while they smoke in the shops, which is currently illegal.
1 dead, several injured after shooting while filming music video in Oakland, police say
One person died in the shooting. Police identified the victim as 18-year-old Mario Navarro.
Bay Area nonprofit collects holiday stockings filled with warm clothes for Ukraine
"The stockings will be filled with items many Ukrainians need to get through the harsh winter, items like blankets, gloves and thermal socks. Portable food like energy bars are also needed."