Lauren Martinez
My love for journalism sparked by a suggestion from my dad in high school. It led me to pursue a degree in Broadcast Electronic and Communication Arts from SFSU.
My career spans from being a morning producer in Bend, Oregon, to an evening anchor in Chico. During those three years, our small newsroom covered some of the biggest stories out of Northern California, including the Camp Fire in 2018. To this day the Camp Fire remains California's deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state's history.
I worked briefly in Sacramento in 2019 before joining ABC7 as a freelance reporter. There, I covered the pandemic's impact on the Bay Area.
I experienced the COVID-19 shutdown in one city, and the reopening in another.
In November 2020, I moved to FOX5 in Las Vegas as a weekend anchor and reporter. It was there I covered the city's reopening and economic recovery.
Throughout my career, I have been honored with an Edward R. Murrow Award and two Emmys.
Now, as a full-time member of ABC7's news team, I feel incredibly grateful.
I will be based in our South Bay bureau.
I can't wait to report on the most innovative companies and groundbreaking technologies in Silicon Valley, as well as the vibrant and diverse communities of the South Bay.
I'm excited to share my work with you on social media, where you can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.. And if you have a story idea, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at at lauren.b.martinez@abc.com
Let's uncover the most fascinating and inspiring stories together!
Lauren's Stories
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez sentenced to 5 years in prison for attempted murder
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez on Monday has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder. In February 2022, Velasquez was accused of shooting at a man during a high-speed car chase in Morgan Hill. The person he chased was accused of molesting Velasquez's relative.
Unhoused South Bay commuters impacted tremendously from ongoing VTA strike
With no buses or light rail trains running, simple errands are not possible for the unhoused, especially across a sprawling San Jose.
Tesla vehicles targeted around the Bay Area amid anti-Elon Musk protests
Swastikas at charging stations and cars keyed. Bay Area Tesla owners say they're concerned as their cars are being targeted. Some are even buying stickers that say "I bought this before Elon went crazy."
Fremont takes out 'aiding and abetting encampment' part out of city's homeless camp ban
However, Fremont still passed the camping ban into law. Any violations of this ordinance could result in six months in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, or both.
Longtime Los Altos Hills family faces eviction from home in open space preserve
For decades, the Girouard family has maintained the Rhus Ridge Trailhead in the Los Altos Hills under an agreement that allowed them to continue living there. Now, their future in the area is uncertain.
$15M grant will help hundreds of kids access child care in Santa Clara Co.
A massive new investment in the South Bay will help hundreds of families access child care during a time of critical need.
SJ police officers under investigation after video shows them punching, restraining unhoused man
San Jose police are investigating after video shows some of their officers punching and holding down an unhoused man who was accused of indecent exposure.
Here's a look at damage after Bay Area storm brought heavy rain, strong wind causing power outages
A Level 2 storm brought heavy rain, strong gusty winds to the Bay Area causing power outages and downed trees in the Bay Area.
PG&E addresses fires at Vistra's Moss Landing battery plant amid lawsuit from businesses
In a virtual town hall, PG&E reiterated the battery plant fires broke out at Vistra's Moss Landing facility and not their own as both companies are included in a lawsuit by more than 60 business owners and residents.
San Jose's PayPal Park could become new concert venue
The amendment would allow for PayPal Park's 18,000-seat venue to host 15 concerts a year.