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
Bay Area coffee company staying positive despite two break-ins in 24 hours
Even before the cafe's grand opening, Silicon Valley Coffee's Mission Bay location was targeted twice in one day. But with an outpouring of support from the community, the founders are not letting back-to-back break-ins get them down.
Milpitas police identify family of 4 killed in apparent murder-suicide
Investigators say each victim, a married couple and their two children, was found inside their Milpitas apartment with a single gunshot wound. A VTA spokesperson confirmed the husband and wife were both employees.
Longtime San Jose soup kitchen looking for new location to serve community
Martha's Kitchen executive director Bill Lee says they're seeing more families in need of ready-made meals because they're struggling with finances and energy.
Outreach crews working to relocate 1,000 unhoused people living along San Jose's waterways
San Jose has started counting how many people are living along waterways in preparation for next year when encampments will be cleared due to an ordinance from Valley Water.
San Carlos safety advocates place 'ghost bike' to honor bicyclist killed while riding on overpass
A fatal bike accident in San Carlos is bringing safety advocates together and renewing their push to make this busy overpass safer.
Symphony San Jose returns to play in a local holiday classic, San Jose Nutcracker
"Symphonic music provides the soundtrack of our lives and you know the Nutcracker is this incredible story." It's a South Bay spin on a holiday classic, and for the first time in more than ten years, Symphony San Jose is performing along New Ballet's The San Jose Nutcracker.
How Bay Area cities are bracing for statewide 'Daylighting' parking law starting January 1st
Come 2025, parking in the Bay Area will be a little more challenging with the statewide "Daylighting Law" making it illegal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk. Here's how cities across the Bay Area are handling the rule change.
San Jose Toy Drive looking for donations; hopes to distribute 30,000 toys to families
A South Bay tradition is getting so big, that they're taking over the Santa Clara County fairgrounds and turning it into one enormous toy store. Here's how you can help them meet their goal of donating 30,000 toys to families.
Bay Area company collecting climate data using AI satellites to better understand weather events
When it comes to understanding weather, better forecasts and extreme events, satellites are collecting critical climate data.
Hearing for South Bay murder convict's death penalty resentencing continued to March 2025
The Santa Clara County DA is seeking to have Farley's death sentence changed to life without parole. However, the judge hearing the case decided to allow more victims to speak out against the resentencing before making a ruling.