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 [email protected]
Let's uncover the most fascinating and inspiring stories together!
Lauren's Stories
Advocates demand change after latest dog death at SJ Animal Care Center
The most recent death was Lola, who was found by a San Jose Animal Care Center employee tangled in her IV catheter and leash. The employee who found Lola believes proper protocols were not followed.
Waymo gets green light for San Jose amid South Bay expansion
Waymo announced Monday that state regulators approved its plan to offer the first-ever robotaxi rides in San Jose.
Special education students left out of Cal State East Bay's commencement
"Everyone should feel like they belong, that they are included," said Vogel-Campbell from CSUEB's Center for Disability Justice Research.
New red-light, speed traffic cameras coming to San Jose
Intersections with a history of crashes and red-light running drivers are slated to have these systems. San Jose has mapped out four locations for red-light cameras and 33 locations for speed cameras.
Thousands of fans 'honored' to watch Messi play in draw between Earthquakes and Inter Miami
It was a sellout crowd at the packed 18,000-seat PayPal Park in San Jose, with local and traveling fans saying it was a "dream come true" and "truly special" to get to watch their idol Messi play.
San Jose teen dies by suicide after falling victim to 'sextortion' scheme: What parents need to know
Four men from are facing criminal charges for their role in an international sextortion case. One of their victims was a Bay Area teenager who took his own life after being exploited online. And his mother is speaking out, with a warning for other parents.
San Jose State students throw 'pope reveal party' and record their reactions to Leo XIV announcement
So many students we spoke with at Catholic Newman Center, near SJSU's campus, were just happy they witnessed a historic moment.
San Jose rolls out stricter abandoned shopping cart rules for large retailers
Large retailers with over 76 carts will now be required to invest in one of three prevention plans in San Jose. The pilot program runs through July.
DNA found on cigarette carton leads to major break in 1977 San Jose cold case murder
In 1977, 24-year-old Jeanette Ralston was found strangled to death in the back seat of her Volkswagen Beetle. The San Mateo resident was last seen alive at a bar in San Jose.
Crews focusing on possible gaps in search for missing 79-year-old San Mateo Co. hiker
As the search for missing hiker Elaine McKinley enters Day five, her partner said she talked to a psychic who told her to search the area near Highway 92 off of Skyline so she's also encouraging search crews to check that general area.