Submitted by 10News Acting News Director, Sean Kennedy.
Breaking news, spot news, investigative stories, health news, consumer news, weather, sports… That’s what we do at 10News. Of course we do, but the other stations in San Diego do, too. Some less, some more. What’s different at 10News? It’s the connection — a connection to each other and a connection to community.
The 10News team is a family. I know it’s corny to say, but it’s true. What you see of Carol, Kim, Hal, Steve, Loren, Bill, you name the person, that’s what you get. Actually they may be nicer and more approachable and more caring in person than the people you welcome into your living rooms via a box of electronics, nuts and bolts. Beyond the folks you see on TV, there are dozens of folks behind the scenes. They shape what we do and how we serve San Diego every day. I wish you could meet all of them. Over my 20 year career I have never worked with a more caring, committed, passionate group of people. All of that comes from their drive to serve you and everyone in San Diego with their very best every day. Over the next few weeks and months, I’d like to introduce you to at least a few of them.
I want to start with one of our photojournalists. In the spirit of full disclosure, you won’t read anything here, that he has not heard from me directly. Additionally, he was not allowed to proof this or edit this post. He can post a response if he wants. To protect privacy, I did clear with this photojournalist that I wrote about him and the subject.
Off the top of my head, I can’t recall exactly how long David Villegas has been at 10News. Trust me it’s a LONG time in a profession that is not terribly kind or forgiving of the meek and mild. David himself can seem not terribly kind or forgiving at times too (same for me). As you might expect, David and I have had our share of run-ins. David is good people. One thing David and I have come to agree on is the passion he brings to what he does. David will go to extremes to make sure we provide the best coverage for San Diegans. One of those extremes includes climbing buildings like the US Grant and The Westgate Hotels in downtown. All of it in an effort to ensure 10News can provide live coverage of the two front runners in San Diego’s recent mayor’s race.
There are other examples I can offer up too, but that’s just part of really knowing David Villegas. It’s a big part yes, but this past Monday David came into my office rather abruptly shutting the door behind him. I figured he was here for a rant or idea, but it was neither. I wish it had been. David shared with me that the cancer is back. My heart sank. My blood ran cold. David’s wife Maria has fought a long tough battle with cancer. Now it’s back. It’s back in the liver again. It’s back, and that means chemo again. I thought I knew David Villegas. To an extent I did, but not like I do now
Those who know us both and have some history with our relationship may be shocked to read this next statement. David Villegas is one of the most positive people I know. While I choked up, David remained strong and resolved. I won’t forget his words. “Don’t worry,” David said. “We’re not worried. We caught it early, and my wife is a strong woman,” he explained. After a few minutes, our conversation went to the television networks planned project planned for September to shed a light on cancer detection and research. David and I, both touched personally by cancer, vowed the day the network program was announced that we, through 10News and Azteca America San Diego 15 and their websites, were going to make the most of that opportunity to profile and spotlight local cancer research and programs for treatment and detection. We renewed that vow during our talk Monday. David summed it up saying, “you know Sean, my wife and your mom are lucky. They have means and resources. Think about the people who don’t. How do we help them?”
That’s the connection Photojournalist David Villegas brings to you and all of San Diego!
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