Popular California television anchor Erin Heft is leaving KCRA 3 in Sacramento for a newssome for a new role in Dallas, Texas. Heft announced her departure on Thursday, describing the move as a "filled with thrill and grief" as she closes a significant chapter in Northern California.
Heft, who won an Emmy for her and her newsroom’s reporting on a Sacramento shooting in 2023, stated that she is thrilled about her new opportunity in Dallas but grieves leaving a place she adores. "Thrilled because I can’t wait to go, but grief because it’s the closure of the chapter of Northern California, and I really do just adore it here," she told The Sacramento Bee.
Her career with KCRA began in 2018 as an intern, an experience she described as a privilege and her first professional newsroom. After her internship, she moved to Waco, Texas, where she worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor for three years. However, her goal remained to return to KCRA, which she did in 2021 as a reporter and anchor.
Heft characterized Northern California as a dynamic news market with diverse events. She expressed gratitude to the community and her colleagues for shaping her experiences. "This region has challenged me, shaped me, and changed me in ways I never could have imagined. Some of the most meaningful moments of my life happened right here, alongside an incredible newsroom and an unforgettable community," she said. She added, "While it’s time for a new adventure, a piece of me will always remain with you."
While the specifics of her new role have not been disclosed, Heft indicated that it is in the Dallas-Fort Worth market and will bring her closer to her family. She concluded by calling her time serving Northern California the "privilege of a lifetime."