Darlene Melendez is the 4:00 p.m. anchor for KOAT 7. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she could not be happier to be closer to her family and friends. She is also no stranger to the Southwest! Darlene started her journalism career as an anchor and reporter in Yuma, AZ. She also worked in Las Vegas, NV as a reporter. Most recently she lived on the East Coast, working as a weekend anchor for the News 12 New York news network. Some of the biggest stories Darlene Has covered include a deadly attack on a federal judge’s family in New Jersey, the initial COVID-19 crisis in the New York area, and the October 1 mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip. Her reporting that night earned a Pacific Southwest Chapter Emmy award. She also received a New York Chapter Emmy nomination for her coverage of the Jewish Deli attack in New Jersey. Although she is proud of the national stories she’s covered, some of the most memorable stories are the day-to-day stories that make an impact for individual people and communities. “I’m excited to tell the small stories that make big differences, while bringing a sense of joy and authenticity,” she says. Darlene spends most of her free time with her dog, Derek. When she’s not hiking or binging a new show with him, Darlene likes listening to podcasts and audiobooks, baking, and going to concerts. She also loves finding new coffee shops and restaurants. Do you have any recommendations for her? Reach out! Email her at darlene.melendez@hearst.com or on her social media accounts. Just look for @DarleneMelendez.