The Chron’s Peter Hartlaub says KTVU veteran Lloyd LaCuesta is one of the Bay Area’s most under-appreciated TV reporters. In his nearly 35 years at Channel 2, LaCuesta has covered more than his share of thunderstorms, fires, homicides and other breaking stories. LaCuesta says he likes his job but has paid the price. He tells Hartlaub:

“I have high blood pressure and other health problems. I spend a lot of time talking to young people and I also teach at a local college. I just want everyone to know there’s a cost for being that kind of reporter. I just got married but I was also divorced for 20 years. Jumping on airplanes and trying to be the first reporter on the scene wasn’t very conducive to a good family life. I was always gone. … I look at my career and I have a lot of satisfaction, but I missed my daughter’s 5-year-old birthday party. I can never get that back … It took me a long time to realize that family life is more important.

(Photo credit: KTVU screen grab from 2009)