Melissa Mecija – ABC 10News San Diego Anchor & Reporter Biography
Melissa Mecija is an accomplished American journalist, currently serving as a weekday morning anchor and reporter for ABC 10News (KGTV) in San Diego, California.
She joined the 10News team in July 2010 and has since become a prominent figure in San Diego’s media landscape, known for her versatility and dedication to storytelling.
Early life and Education:
Born and raised in Southern California, Mecija’s roots are in Orange County, where she cultivated an early interest in journalism. She pursued her education at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine), earning an honors degree in political science and an additional degree in psychology.
Career:
Mecija’s journalism career began in the Desert Southwest at KYMA in El Centro, California, and Yuma, Arizona, where she worked as a reporter and weekend anchor.
Her time there included memorable assignments such as skydiving with the U.S. Army Golden Knights and covering high-profile events like former President Gerald Ford’s funeral services.
She earned an Arizona Associated Press Award for her live reporting during this period, marking an early recognition of her talent.
Before arriving in San Diego, Mecija honed her skills at several stations. She worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor/weather forecaster at KSBY in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, where she covered significant stories, including wildfires, the conviction of Jesse James Hollywood, and the death of Michael Jackson.
Later, she joined KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles, working as a video journalist and web reporter in her hometown of Orange County, further sharpening her multimedia expertise.
At ABC 10News, Mecija has held various roles, showcasing her adaptability. She initially served as a general assignment reporter and traffic/weather anchor before contributing to the station’s investigative unit, Team 10.
Significant Reports and Awards:
Her investigative work has focused on consumer issues, a passion of hers, as well as education stories related to the San Diego Unified and Sweetwater Union High School Districts.
She also covers the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, reflecting her commitment to diverse representation—an interest tied to her active membership in the Asian American Journalists Association.
Mecija’s reporting has earned her accolades, including regional Emmy Awards for health science reporting and team coverage, as well as multiple honors from the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists and the San Diego Press Club.
Personal Interest:
Beyond her on-air duties, she engages with the community through initiatives like the “If You Give a Child a Book: Storytime” campaign, where she reads to students and promotes literacy across San Diego County schools.
In her personal life, Mecija is an avid writer and pianist, she balances her professional commitments with personal interests, maintaining a strong connection to her Southern California heritage.
Age:
Melissa Mecija’s exact age and date of birth have not been publicly disclosed. However, she appears to be in her 30s. She is of Filipino descent and proudly embraces her Asian-American heritage. She holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Melissa Mecija was born and raised in Orange County, Southern California. Growing up in a diverse region sparked her early interest in journalism and community storytelling.
She is the daughter of Filipino immigrants and has shared glimpses of her close relationship with her parents on social media. However, she keeps most family details private. There is no public information confirming whether she has siblings.
Husband:
Melissa Mecija is married to Eric Hernandez, a firefighter. The couple reportedly met while she was working at KSBY News in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
They tied the knot in 2013, surrounded by loved ones, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. Eric’s profession as a firefighter suggests a demanding career.
While Melissa occasionally mentions her husband in social media posts or interviews, she keeps specifics about his life private, focusing instead on her own work and family moments.
For instance, she has shared lighthearted glimpses of their life together, but details like his birthdate, background, or specific firefighting assignments remain undisclosed.
Melissa and Eric have three children. While she shares family moments on social media, she keeps her kids’ names and ages private.
The family lives in San Diego, where Melissa balances motherhood with her career at ABC 10News.
Height:
Melissa Mecija is estimated to stand at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm), with a weight of approximately 125–130 pounds (57–59 kg). Her body measurements are speculated to be 34-26-35 inches (Bust-Waist-Hip).
Career and Background:
Melissa graduated with honors from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she studied communication.
She also earned a master’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, one of the most prestigious journalism programs in the country.
Before joining 10News San Diego, Melissa worked in Hawaii and the Midwest, covering everything from tropical storms and presidential visits to local community issues.
She joined ABC 10News in 2012 and has served in various roles, including reporter and fill-in anchor. Her work has earned her regional Emmy nominations and recognition for excellence in journalism.
KYMA (El Centro, California/Yuma, Arizona)
Melissa began her journalism career at KYMA, where she worked as a reporter and weekend anchor. During her time here, she covered a variety of impactful stories, including:
- Visits by former President George W. Bush.
- Reporting on the funeral services of President Gerald Ford.
- Investigating and reporting on underground drug tunnels.
- Skydiving with the U.S. Army Golden Knights for a feature story.
Her dedication and live reporting skills earned her an Arizona Associated Press Award, showcasing her talent early in her career.
KSBY (Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties)
At KSBY, Melissa took on the roles of reporter, fill-in anchor, and weather forecaster. She covered several high-profile stories and events, such as:
- Major wildfires that impacted the region.
- The conviction of Jesse James Hollywood, a case that gained national attention.
- The death of pop icon Michael Jackson, providing coverage of the global reaction.
Her exceptional reporting during this time earned her a nomination for the Associated Press, Television and Radio Association’s Reporter of the Year.
KCBS/KCAL (Los Angeles, California)
Melissa returned to her hometown of Orange County to work as a video journalist and web reporter for KCBS/KCAL.
This role allowed her to gain experience in a major media market, where she contributed to various stories and honed her skills in digital journalism.
KGTV Channel 10 (San Diego, California)
Melissa joined ABC 10News in July 2010 and has since taken on multiple roles, including:
- Traffic/weather anchor.
- General assignment reporter.
- Investigative journalist with Team 10.
- Weekday morning anchor.
At KGTV, Melissa has been recognized for her investigative reporting and storytelling. She has received:
- Regional Emmy Awards for her excellence in health science reporting and team coverage.
- Honors from the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists and the San Diego Press Club.
Melissa Mecija works alongside a talented team at ABC 10News in San Diego. Some of her colleagues include:
- Virginia Cha: A seasoned anchor at ABC 10News, known for her professionalism and engaging delivery.
- Kimberly Hunt: An award-winning journalist and anchor, recognized for her investigative reporting and community involvement.
- Steve Atkinson: A co-anchor at ABC 10News, bringing years of experience and expertise to the newsroom.
- Jared Aarons: A sports anchor and reporter, covering local and national sports stories with enthusiasm.
- Leah Pezzetti: A meteorologist and reporter, providing accurate weather forecasts and engaging stories.
These individuals contribute to the dynamic and impactful reporting at ABC 10News.
Net Worth and Salary:
Melissa Mecija’s estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 to $1 million. Her annual salary as an experienced anchor and reporter at a major network affiliate like KGTV is estimated to be between $60,000 and $90,000, depending on tenure and responsibilities.
Is Melissa Mecija Married?
Yes, Melissa Mecija is married to Eric Hernandez, who works as a firefighter. She often shares glimpses of her family life on social media, expressing her love and appreciation for her husband.
How Old Is Melissa Mecija?
Melissa Mecija’s exact age is not publicly disclosed, but she is estimated to be in her 30s.
Where Is Melissa Mecija Working?
Melissa Mecija is currently working at ABC 10News (KGTV Channel 10) in San Diego, California. She has been part of the team since July 2010 and has taken on various roles throughout her tenure, including:
- Weekday Morning Anchor: She anchors the morning news, delivering the latest updates and stories to viewers.
- Investigative Journalist (Team 10): Melissa has worked on Team 10’s investigative unit, focusing on consumer issues and uncovering impactful stories.
- Traffic/Weather Anchor: She has previously contributed as a traffic and weather anchor, providing essential updates for commuters and weather forecasts.
- General Assignment Reporter: Melissa has covered a wide range of topics and breaking news stories as a reporter.
Her reporting specialties include consumer issues, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, and education-related topics such as the San Diego Unified and Sweetwater Union High School Districts.
Melissa Mecija is active on several social media platforms. Her profiles include Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.