FOX San Antonio - NEWS TEAM

Alex Garcia: Chief Meteorologist

Alex Garcia is the Chief Meteorologist for KABB-TV's News at Nine. Alex is a multi-disciplined individual with professional experience as an educator and broadcaster. He holds several degrees and certifications, that include a B.S. in Education, a Masters in Education with Certification as an Educational Administrator, and Broadcast Meteorologist. Alex has taught elementary school and at the University of Houston. In addition, he has more than 2 decades of broadcast experience as news director, assignment editor, meteorologist and reporter. The last two broadcast positions were lead meteorologist for KENS-TV and news director for KAVU-TV. Alex has received the AMS Seal of Approval and has been the recipient of six Associated Press Awards for Best Weathercast. He is a member of the American Meteorological Society, National Weather Association, Knights of Columbus and an inactive member of Rotary International.

He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Incarnate Word. He teaches meteorology, oceanography, astronomy and science for elementary teachers. He is also active in science education programs for teachers and students across the state.

He is married to his high school sweetheart Eva and has a daughter Angelique and a son Alejandro. He is a proud grandfather and enjoys spending time with his grandson Michael and grandaughter Jayla.

E-mail Alex Garcia: avgarcia@foxsanantonio.com

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Andy Cunningham: Reporter

Andy Cunningham comes to FOX San Antonio from the Bluegrass State, where he worked as a reporter for WKYT-TV in Lexington, KY. While there, Andy had the amazing opportunity to work the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby. He highly recommends everyone experience the Derby at least once in their lives.

Before Lexington, Andy worked as a one-man-band reporter at two stations in his home state of Iowa. That included FOX 18 in his hometown of Davenport, IA, and at another station in Lancaster County, PA, his first job out of college (University of Northern Iowa).

Andy has never been camera shy; but the desire to become a television journalist didn't really take hold until he enrolled in media classes at UNI. Then he took on several internships in the biz, including one at Dateline NBC in Los Angeles, where he was assigned to cover the death of President Ronald Reagan with Correspondent Keith Morrison. It's an experience Andy will never forget.

On his last day in L.A. Andy stayed up all night to attend a taping of the "Price Is Right." It paid off--he was the third contestant urged to "come on down."

Unfortunately he didn't win the trip to Spain. But he did win a miter saw (which he may have called a "meter" saw) and he did get to spin the big wheel.

Growing up in Eastern Iowa, Andy has always supported the Iowa Hawkeyes and his alma mater, Northern Iowa Panthers. His experience in Bluegrass country has also made him a huge University of Kentucky basketball fan. But what he's really looking forward to, is Texas football--from high school games in San Antonio to watching the Longhorns in Austin. Which he's told is the best place in the country to watch a college football game.

E-mail Andy Cunningham: acunningham@foxsanantonio.com

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Anthony Pittman: Sports Anchor / Reporter

I attended all levels of school in S.A. -- graduating from John Jay in 1982. I then spent the next four years in San Marcos -- graduating from Southwest Texas State in 1986. My first tv job was in 1987 as a general assignments reporter and anchor in Greenville, Mississippi.

After "waiting" for the chance to do sports, I eventually got a shot and started my sports career toward the end of '87. That's when I really started to love *every* single day in this business.

In what's very typical of this business, I moved around. I landed in Beaumont, Texas, for four years before accepting a sports anchor/reporter job in West Palm Beach, Florida. After seven years in Florida, I was blessed with the opportunity to work in my hometown. Returning to San Antonio has been even better than I expected.

That's the nuts and bolts of my career. Personally, I take life as it comes -- completely accepting what God has to offer. I know talking about your faith is not common practice in this business, but it is a very important part of my life.

E-mail Anthony Pittman: apittman@foxsanantonio.com

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Chuck Miketinac: Sports Director / Anchor

Chuck Miketinac has been the Sports Director/Anchor for KABB's "Maximum Sports" since 1999 and has worked in various capacities in the sports department at KABB since 1995. Before that, Chuck was a weekend anchor/sports reporter for 5 years at San Antonio's CBS affiliate. Chuck's broadcasting career began at KVTV in Laredo, Texas, as a one-man sports department back in 1988. The son of a retired Army General, Chuck was born at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He spent his childhood moving around the country, wherever his father was stationed. Even though he's been to 44 of the 50 states, Chuck decided to take-up roots in San Antonio because, as he says, "it's the only place that ever felt like home."

Chuck is a 1982 graduate of Madison High school in San Antonio and also received his degree in Broadcast Journalism from Texas State University in San Marcos (the artist formally known as Southwest Texas State). Chuck is an avid baseball fan who enjoys playing "Madden" in his spare time. His great uncle Nick Miketinac was a lineman for the Green Bay Packers back in the 1930's. Chuck is married with three children. And he hates beets.

E-mail Chuck Miketinac: cmiketinac@foxsanantonio.com

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Ernie Zuniga: Anchor

Ernie Zuniga is a Morning News Anchor and co-host of FOX San Antonio's morning show, Fox News First. He previously spent 9 years as a sports anchor and reporter, including four and a half years in the FOX San Antonio Maximum Sports department. Zuniga also serves as the play-by-play announcer during live high school football telecasts of Kia Thursday Night Lights on MY35.

Ernie was born and raised in Victoria, Texas and began his career there at KAVU-TV. In addition to Victoria and San Antonio, Ernie has previously worked in Phoenix, Arizona.

Zuniga attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Ernie enjoys spending his spare time with his wife and daughter.

E-mail Ernie Zuniga: ezuniga@foxsanantonio.com

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Grace White: Reporter

Grace White joined the FOX San Antonio news team in August of 2009. Whether she's reporting live from the coast as a hurricane comes ashore or watching Air Force One land, Grace is always up for an adventure! She's a Texas girl, born and raised in Houston, but the last few years Grace tracked down stories and occasionally sat behind the anchor desk in several gulf coast cities.

Grace came to San Antonio from WEAR-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pensacola, Florida. She was the first reporter on the scene when Byrd & Melanie Billings, the parents of 17 children, many with special needs, were gunned down in their home. Grace also reported live for CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 when a man went on a shooting spree in South Alabama killing 10 people. Before she left Florida, Grace had the honor of flying with the U.S. Navy Blue Angel's C-130 Hercules, affectionately known as Fat Albert.

Grace got her start in television in Lafayette, LA. There she enjoyed all things Cajun and Creole! At KLFY-TV, she reported live from the coast as Hurricane Humberto came ashore. Grace also had the chance to interview former President Bill Clinton during the 2008 Presidential Campaign and Governor Bobby Jindal on his state-wide ethics reform. Her stay in Louisiana was complete with her first real Mardi Gras. Grace rolled through the streets of Acadiana tossing beads and reporting on all the festivities.

Grace graduated from The University of Mississippi with a degree in Journalism. During college she interned at KTRK-TV in Houston and at The White House. After college, she traveled internationally with the White House Advance team coordinating movements for the White House Press Corps.

Grace is thrilled to be back in Texas! She considers it a privilege to bring San Antonians stories that will help them make better decisions for their lives. When she's not chasing stories, she's enjoying her favorite food (Tex-Mex, of course) and exploring the Hill Country. If you have a story idea, she'd love to hear it.

E-mail Grace White: gwhite@foxsanantonio.com

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Hector Ledesma: Sports Anchor / Reporter

Born and raised in San Antonio, Hector is thrilled to be back home. Growing up on the west side, Hector is proud to say he knows what San Antonio is all about. From the love for family and faith, to the taquerias, to the "mom and pop" mechanic shops, he believes what makes San Antonio unique can be found where he grew up.

Hector is a graduate of Central Catholic High School and of Syracuse University. While at SU, Hector not only got to cover Orange football, basketball and lacrosse, but also got the chance to study abroad in Spain - one of the best experiences of his life. He earned a dual degree in Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication in 2001.

The Sports Director position at KLST in San Angelo, TX followed before he moved across the state to the Tyler CBS Affiliate. While there, Hector realized he wanted to come back home to get involved in the community. You can catch Hector on Maximum Sports, where his goal is to tell the stories that make San Antonio the great sports town it is. Since joining KABB in 2005, he has covered several NFL and NBA playoff runs, including co-anchoring the live broadcast of the Spurs team arrival following their championship in 2007. Recently, Hector was honored by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters and in 2008, he received first place for Best Television Sports Feature from the Houston Press Club.

An only child, Hector is very close to his parents. They are his heroes. He loves spending time with his entire family and friends. Away from work, Hector is involved with AVANCE, a nonprofit organization for at-risk parents. He is also on the Alumni Association Board of Directors for Central Catholic High School, an Alumni Representative for Syracuse University, and on the Nursing Advisory Council for the UT Health Science Center. Among other things, Hector also teaches Catechism class at his parish, St. Timothy, writes a monthly column for the Westside/Southside Sol, and volunteers as a mentor through the Communities In Schools Program. Hector loves meeting people; so when you see him around, please say hi.

E-mail Hector Ledesma: hledesma@foxsanantonio.com

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James Keith: Anchor / Reporter

James is an anchor and reporter for Fox News at Nine. He came to KABB in January 2006 from News 8 Austin in Austin, Texas. James started his career at KAVU in Victoria, Texas.

In 2008 and 2009, James was named one of the best reporters in Texas by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters. His reporting from New Orleans in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina helped earn News 8 Austin an Edward R. Murrow Award. James has also received several other awards from the T.A.P.B. and Houston Press Club.

James is a graduate of Sam Houston State University. He was born in San Antonio and raised in Pearsall and Victoria. In his spare time, James volunteers as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. He's a member of First Baptist Church San Antonio, where he helps lead the College Singles Ministry. James is also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and a lifetime member of the Sam Houston State University Alumni Association.

E-mail James Keith: jkeith@foxsanantonio.com

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Jessica Toumani: Reporter

Jessica Toumani is a reporter for Fox San Antonio. She is glad to be back at home in the Lone Star State after a couple of years in the Midwest. Hot summer days are very welcome after two winters of ice, snow and below-freezing temperatures!

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jessica was a reporter/fill-in anchor at Indiana's NewsCenter (WPTA/WISE). She covered everything from the state's "tiebreaker" Democratic primary race to severe flooding in the area that received national attention. Outside of work, she has been involved with such organizations as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Girl Scouts of America.

Jessica can't wait to jump into more volunteering and community involvement in San Antonio, not to mention catching a few Longhorn games in person! Jessica graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Like many Longhorns, she bleeds burnt orange. She was in Pasadena the day the Horns won that unforgettable Rose Bowl game and will never forget the sheer joy. It was at UT where Jessica's love for journalism first developed. During her first two years of school, she switched from engineering to pre-med, until finally she met her match. She served as the Executive Producer of Texas Student Television's weekly newscast. While at UT, Jessica interned at KXAN and News 8 Austin.

Jessica is always looking for new story ideas and interesting angles. Feel free to email her if anything catches your eye!

E-mail Jessica Toumani: jtoumani@foxsanantonio.com

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Karen Martinez: Anchor / Reporter

Karen Martinez is an anchor and reporter for FOX News at Nine. She also reports during the week and hosts the station's weekend public affairs show, "Focus on South Texas." Karen is a native San Antonian who grew up on our city's south side, graduating from St. Francis High School. She later earned her bachelor's degree in communications from UTSA, where she was also a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. In May of 1999, Karen came to FOX San Antonio and has worked her way up from editor, associate producer and reporter to her current status as an anchor.

Karen has produced several thought-provoking stories, including a series of reports taking viewers through the pain and triumph of U.S. soldiers burned in battle in Iraq. Her heart-wrenching stories on animal overcrowding on the streets of San Antonio and at the local pound helped triple adoptions at Animal Care Services in the days following her pieces. She was also recognized by the National Marrow Donor Program at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center for her commitment to raising awareness about the need for blood and bone marrow donors--particularly the need for minority donors.

Karen's weekends on Focus on South Texas are spent tackling such issues as elections, domestic violence and child abuse prevention - a subject close to her heart. Plus, she was right there with the fans when the San Antonio Spurs took their fourth NBA championship in 2007.

Karen is proud to call San Antonio home. When she's not working, Karen spends time with her husband Joseph and three kids - Joshua, Miranda and Mitchell.

E-mail Karen Martinez: kmartinez@foxsanantonio.com

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Michael Valdes: Anchor

Originally from Del Rio, Texas, Michael Valdes has called San Antonio home since 1987. He attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and received a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy. He also received an Associates degree in Radio-TV-Film from San Antonio College.

After interning at both KSAT-TV and KMOL-TV (now WOAI) in San Antonio, Valdes got his first on-air position at KMID-TV, the ABC affiliate in Midland, Texas in the fall of 1994. He was there for four months before getting a chance to return to the Alamo City.

Valdes is one of the original members on the FOX News at Nine team that made its debut in March of 1995. Hired as a reporter, Valdes was named the weekend anchor six months later. He was then promoted to weekday anchor in March of 2000.

Michael spends most of his off time with his wife Laura, and two young sons, Isaiah and Elias. He also owns a small business and remains a life-long fan of the Cowboys, Longhorns, and Spurs.

E-mail Michael Valdes: mvaldes@foxsanantonio.com

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Mileka Lincoln: Anchor / Reporter

Mileka Lincoln is the newest addition to Fox News First. Every morning she helps San Antonio commuters "Beat the Traffic" with tips on accidents and closures to make sure they get to their destinations safely and on time. She also regularly contributes as a reporter for Fox News First and Fox News at Nine and produces the station's weekend public affairs show, "Focus on South Texas."

Mileka was born and raised on the Big Island, Hawaii. Growing up in the islands, Mileka enjoyed surfing, dancing hula and dreaming about traveling the world some day.

Mileka graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California (Go Trojans!) with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Communication Law. The highlights of her college-days include traveling through Europe after studying abroad in London, cheering on the Trojans at the Coliseum, and anchoring Annenberg TV News.

While living in L.A., Mileka helped cover award shows and movie junkets as a production assistant for CNN's Entertainment Department. She also worked at ABC News, where her fondest memory was helping behind the scenes with an interview of Mel Gibson.

Prior to joining the Fox News morning team, Mileka worked along the border in Laredo, TX, as a morning news anchor. While there, Mileka interviewed former President Bill Clinton who was in the Gateway City to campaign for his wife, but her favorite assignment was covering the federal and district courts.

When she's not working, and not watching the news, Mileka enjoys adventuring around San Antonio, trying new places to eat, and learning how to knit. And thank goodness for video chat, because she gets to "see" her family at least once a week!

E-mail Mileka Lincoln: mlincoln@foxsanantonio.com

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Monica Taylor: Anchor

Monica Taylor is a Morning News Anchor and co-host of FOX San Antonio's morning show, Fox News First.

Prior to joining the Fox News First team, Taylor made countless appearances on FOX 29 as the face and voice of the San Antonio Spurs and is now happy to call the station her new home.

She loves having the chance to connect to the San Antonio community through the lens of the camera. When people ask her why she left the Spurs, Monica just simply says "working at FOX 29 was an opportunity I just couldn't pass up."

Monica was born in Madrid, Spain and moved to San Antonio when she was just two years old. She is a San Antonio native that graduated from Judson High School and the University of Texas at San Antonio where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Before graduating from UTSA, she completed an internship at KMOL-TV (now WOAI) in San Antonio.

Monica will tell you that TV has always flowed through her veins. Her family still has recordings of her as a child delivering the news of the day to whoever would listen.

When she is not working, Monica loves to watch professional sports (basketball and football are her favorites), workout, travel, listen to music and dance.

Monica is married and has two Cairn Terrier dogs (yes, they are the same breed as Toto from the Wizard of Oz).

E-mail Monica Taylor: mtaylor@foxsanantonio.com

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Shaun Stevens: Meteorologist

Shaun can be seen every weekday morning on Fox News First. He loves his morning schedule. It gives him chance to have fun out in the community and forecast the weather all at the same time. Shaun joined Fox San Antonio for the debut of Fox News First in January 2006. He left the snow and cold of Spokane Washington for the warmth of San Antonio, and he loves it here.

Shaun's love of weather started early. It was in the second grade, when a local meteorologist visited his class, that?s when Shaun first knew what he wanted to do when he grew up. Shaun spent the summers of his youth living and working on his grandparent's farm in Eastern Washington State. While farming he realized how important an accurate weather forecast is to people.

Since moving to San Antonio in 2005 Shaun?s been blessed with a wife, new baby son and Bond Dog (his yellow Lab adopted from the Pets on Fox show). When away from work Shaun loves to get outdoors and enjoy what South Texas has to offer. You may catch him on his frequent walk through the nature park with Blond Dog and son Conner.

Shaun has a B.S. in Meteorology from San José State University. He got his start as a weather producer at Telemundo in the San Francisco Bay Area. His first on air job came in Billings, Montana followed by a stay in Spokane. Shaun holds the distinguished American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval.

E-mail Shaun Stevens: sstevens@foxsanantonio.com

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Sylvia Rincon: Reporter

Sylvia Rincon was born and raised in San Antonio. Graduated from Highlands High and the University of the Incarnate Word.

She started working as a news radio reporter at KTSA. In 1999 she got a gig in Austin at KLBJ newsradio for the morning show where she also anchored. Started in television at KEYE in Austin on the assignments desk and as a writer before getting a break with ABC 15 in Phoenix. For two and a half years she worked there as a producer, reporter and morning show fill in anchor. Came back home August 2002 to work at KABB with my fellow news hounds.

I love this city and I am a die-hard for the first amendment.

In 2000 won a Texas AP award in Austin 2001 nominated for Rocky Mountain Emmy.

E-mail Sylvia Rincon: srincon@foxsanantonio.com

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Tiffany Wong: Reporter / Meteorologist

From San Francisco to Hawaii to USC to Hollywood to...Yuma? Such is the journey of Tiffany Wong, who now finds herself reporting and forecasting weather right here in San Antonio. Tiffany joined the FOX News at Nine team in June of 2008. She grew up in San Francisco's East Bay before moving to Maui where she finished high school. Her broadcasting career began after graduating from the University of Southern California with a BA degree. She gained experience at West Coast Talent Productions, Columbia TriStar Television of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Fox News Channel and LA Channel 36. For two years she produced, and hosted business shows around the Los Angeles area. Then she was hired as a one-woman band at KYMA-TV in tiny Yuma, Arizona. After a few months she was promoted to bureau chief and weekend anchor at KYMA. From there she moved to the NBC affiliate in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she worked as weekend weather anchor and reporter. She is set to get her Broadcast Meteorology Certificate from Mississippi State University in August of 2009.

Tiffany's experiences range from flying with the Blue Angels (no, she didn't pass out) to monitoring storms into the wee hours of the morning. She has also co-hosted The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and patrolled the Mexican border with the California Minutemen. An AP Award winner, she is also the recipient of a prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award. Tiffany is proud to be a member of the Asian American Journalists Association, American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.

Plus, she's excited to be in the Alamo City and always looking for new suggestions on restaurants and shopping.

E-mail Tiffany Wong: twong@foxsanantonio.com

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Yami Virgin: Reporter

"You can't know where you're going unless you know where you've been."

I was born in Panama City, Panama, and I'm proud to call myself an Army brat. This more than anything built the foundation for that need to find out more about the people around me. It also taught me how to accept others even if they aren't like me. Although I wasn't born in Texas, I consider myself a transplanted Texan and most importantly a San Antonian.

I got my start in broadcasting while taking classes at San Antonio College. A program director at a local radio station heard my show and offered me a job. I went on to U.T.S.A. where I majored in Political Science and minored in Communications. After graduating from U.T.S.A. I worked on several political campaigns. But soon my first love pullled me back to news. So I went back to broadcasting and started working for the local Telemundo station. When you're just 25 and reporting and producing for people who have over 25 years of experience under their belt, you quickly learn to grow very tough skin.

In 2000 I moved up north to follow my husband when he was accepted to medical school. I went to the land of the frozen tundra, "brats" and the Green Bay Packers. After 8 years at the CBS and Telemundo station in Milwaukee, WI, I learned a lot about myself as a reporter. I learned I could stand in 60 below zero wind chills and still talk. My friends from high school aren't too surprised since they did vote me most talkative senior. While in Milwaukee, I reported for the CBS station and anchored and produced the news at Telemundo.

Yes, I've been around for a while. That's why I have 13 Associated Press awards under my belt. But I can truly say all of them were a team effort. While you see me on TV, it's the guy on the other side of the camera who brings you the images that make you understand the joy others enjoy or the pain they sometimes have to go through. If we make you feel something, then I've done my job.

When I'm not at work I enjoy traveling. But of all the beautiful places I've been lucky enough to see, I still find Panama one of the most beautiful on earth. I thank you for letting me into your home every night and letting my stories touch you in some way.

E-mail Yami Virgin: yvirgin@foxsanantonio.com

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