After a brief stint as a freelance reporter, Marcy Valenzuela returns to CBS 5 as the morning traffic anchor and brings with her 20 years of TV news experience.

Before coming to Phoenix, Marcy spent 13 years working at KOVR-TV in Sacramento, Calif. She started there as a weekend anchor and general assignment reporter, and was eventually promoted to anchor for the 5 and 6 p.m. weekday newscasts. Marcy was also an anchor in El Paso, Texas, and reported in Midland, Texas, before that.

Marcy began her career as a reporter for her junior high school newspaper, and today she has a special interest in training journalism students. Marcy has been a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the California Chicano News Media Association. She served as Vice President of CCNMA's Sacramento chapter for two years and helped lead their efforts to raise scholarship money for future journalists, as well as organize weekend journalism boot camps for high school students.

Marcy gives much of her time to various charities and organizations. She frequently emcees events and visits schools to talk about the importance of education. Because she's bilingual, she does much of her outreach work in the Latino community.

In the course of her journalism career, Marcy has covered Mexico's political and economic turmoil and made several trips to the country. Marcy reported on events during the 1990s that became part of Mexico's history, such as the uprising of rebels in Chiapas, the much-criticized presidential election process, immigration and the changing economy.

Marcy holds a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from New Mexico State University, which is near her hometown of La Mesa, N.M.

When she's not working at CBS5 Marcy runs a small side business doing faux painting and custom murals. She also enjoys singing karaoke and spending time with her husband, Tony, and daughter, Marisa Mae.

Share your story ideas with Marcy by e-mailing her at mvalenzuela@kpho.com. Be sure to check out Marcy's blog!