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
Family of 4, including 2 kids, killed in Pleasanton crash on Foothill Road, police say
Police said that one car was involved in the crash that claimed the lives of the family of four, which happened around 9 p.m. Wednesday on Foothill Road near Stoneridge Drive.
CA's District 16 congressional race nears end on unusual ballot recount
The recount process is winding down in the Silicon Valley congressional race that ended in a tie. Three candidates are moving on to the general election unless the recount finds different results.
Sale of late South Bay teacher's sneaker collection to fund San Jose State University scholarship
A beloved South Bay teacher known for her fierce dedication to students is still giving back to her community, even after her unexpected death.
Here's how much a recount costs in tied District 16 congressional race and who requested it
The recount process started Monday in the Silicon Valley congressional race that ended in a tie for second place between Evan Low and Joe Simitian. It's expected to take a week or two but at a costly price tag.
Dangerous disease-spreading mosquitoes detected in Santa Clara County
The invasive mosquito was found in the East San Jose foothills. Residents in the area are being asked to dump standing water on their properties so that the mosquito can't breed.
Eclipse 2024: Stargazers flock to Bay Area watch parties for rare celestial event
Sold-out eclipse viewing parties at several locations around the Bay Area offered livestreams of the total eclipse from other parts of the country.
Man convicted in 1993 Polly Klaas kidnapping, murder asks for death sentence to be overturned
Attorneys for Richard Allen Davis, the man convicted of kidnapping and murdering 12-year-old Polly Klaas in 1993, is asking for his death sentence to be overturned.
Rare 2nd place tie moves both Joe Simitian, Evan Low forward in CA District 16 Congressional race
"A wild ride, a rollercoaster, a cliffhanger." Here's how candidates, onlookers are describing one of the tightest races in Bay Area politics, coming to a close with a rare second place.
Rain to cancel convoys for stranded tourists, locals after Hwy 1 road collapse in Monterey Co.
Expected rain will halt convoys Thursday and Friday across a crumbled portion of Highway 1 near Big Sur in Monterey County. The road collapse led to many tourists and locals being stranded, eventually being led out by convoys.
Who will take 2nd place in District 16 congressional race and be Sam Liccardo's opponent?
The importance of every vote could not be more true than in the District 16 race to replace Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, with only five votes separating Evan Low and Joe Simitian for the second candidate spot.