Christien Kafton
Christien has been reporting for KTVU since 2009. In his time at KTVU, he has worked every shift, from 4:30am working for "Mornings on 2" to the "Ten O'Clock News."
In his time at the station he has reported on hard-hitting stories including his Emmy-nominated reporting on the morning of the deadly Ghost Ship fire, and the Tubbs fire. Christien has also covered lighter human interest stories including the iconic Bay to Breakers, numerous San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors Championships.
Christien is a Bay Area native who grew up watching KTVU Channel 2 News when legendary anchor Dennis Richmond was on the anchor desk. Christien was born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley. He attended Maybeck High School, and UC Berkeley before leaving the state for graduate school at Northwestern University. His first reporting job took him to Plattsburgh, NY, from here he moved on to Toledo, OH and Phoenix AZ before returning to the Bay Area; first working at NBC Bay Area before joining the Channel 2 News team.
Christien currently heads up KTVU's San Francisco bureau covering stories from City Hall to Chase Center. When he's not working you're likely to find him riding his bike through Golden Gate Park with his family or on the baseball diamond, trying to keep up with his son.
The latest from Christien Kafton
Trial in brutal San Francisco shoving death of 'Grandpa Vicha' winds down
Attorneys are wrapping up closing arguments in the high-profile trial of a man accused of killing an elderly San Francisco man, affectionately known as Grandpa Vicha, five years ago in a brazen attack.
San Francisco could allow involuntary medication for those with mental illness
San Francisco leaders are working on a new bill they say would allow the treatment of those battling mental illness even if they don't want the help. The bill would allow the courts to authorize involuntary medication for some people with serious mental health conditions.
San Francisco PG&E customers express frustration
Pacific Gas & Electric customers in San Francisco had a chance to tell the power company about their ongoing frustration following the holiday power outage. Customers say they're still struggling through the claims process and were eager to meet with the power company to talk about their concerns.
Bay Area immigrants' rights groups react to Minnesota ICE shooting
While the nation grapples with the shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Good at the hands of an ICE agent in Minneapolis, immigrant rights organizations in the Bay Area are reacting.
Decimated San Francisco immigration court to close at end of year
The San Francisco immigration court building — where nearly two dozen judges have since been fired or retired – is set to close in January 2027.
San Francisco crime fell 25% in 2025; homicides hit lowest level since 1954
San Francisco reported a 25% overall decline in crime in 2025, including an 18% drop in violent crime and a 27% decrease in property crime, according to police data.
San Francisco preparing for NYE celebrations
Crews in San Francisco are already preparing for a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration.
SF residents, business owners say PG&E bill credits are 'not enough' after blackout
The power outage occurred Dec. 20 after a fire sparked that afternoon at a PG&E substation at 8th and Mission streets.
San Francisco power outage: What caused fire at PG&E substation?
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie on Monday voiced frustration with Pacific Gas and Electric after a massive power outage left about 130,000 customers without electricity over the weekend and the utility shifted its restoration timeline.
Women's volleyball professional team headed to San Francisco
Pro volleyball will soon be coming to San Francisco and this latest team is part of a surge of women's sports.