Maria Arcega-Dunn FOX 5 San Diego | Biography, Age, Husband

Maria Arcega-Dunn Biography: Emmy-Winning Anchor & Reporter at FOX 5 San Diego

Maria Arcega-Dunn is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist with over 25 years of experience in local, national, and international television news.

Currently, she serves as a weekday news anchor at KSWB-TV (FOX 5 News) in San Diego, California, appearing on broadcasts at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Her career includes significant roles at major news organizations such as CNN International, ABS-CBN News Network, Global Canada, CBS, and FOX News, where she has reported on major events like the Hong Kong turnover, the East Timor Civil War, the Haiti earthquake, and Southern California wildfires.

She was the first female Asian reporter and anchor for CISA news, part of Canada’s Global News Network, based in Alberta.

Born and raised in Canada, Maria holds a college diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), where she studied broadcast journalism and broadcast technology in film, radio, and television.

Beyond journalism, she has acted in films, including Rampage (2018) and Me, Masi & Mr. Clean (2007), the latter addressing beauty ideals for minority women.

She also served as the Director of Media Relations for the City of National City, California, earning the State of California Public Information Officers Communications Award in 2005.

Maria is a colon cancer survivor, having undergone surgery in 2018, and she has spoken publicly about her experience.

Maria Arcega-Dunn is believed to be in her late 40s or early 50s. She was born on March 3, making her zodiac sign Pisces. Maria is of Filipino descent and holds Canadian-American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Maria Arcega-Dunn was born in Canada and raised in a close-knit family that deeply valued education, resilience, and cultural pride.

She is of Filipino descent and has often spoken about how her heritage shaped her identity and worldview.

Her father played a pivotal role in her upbringing, encouraging her to be confident, assertive, and unafraid to pursue opportunities traditionally dominated by men.

She credits him with instilling in her the importance of having a voice and standing tall in both her skin and her gender.

Maria’s mother, who passed away in 2019, is remembered fondly for her infectious laugh, candid nature, and exceptional cooking.

Maria has shared emotional tributes to her mother, highlighting the profound impact she had on her life.

While Maria has not publicly shared details about any siblings, her reflections on family suggest a strong foundation of love and support that continues to influence her both personally and professionally.

Maria Arcega-Dunn: Husband & Son:

Former Marriage

Maria Arcega-Dunn was previously married to Bernardo Dunn, a voice actor and fitness trainer.

While their marriage eventually ended, Maria has spoken with deep appreciation for the bond they share as co-parents.

Despite their separation, both have remained committed to raising their son with love and mutual respect.

Current Relationship

Maria is currently in a relationship with Jeff Kelley, an American-Mexican partner who celebrates his birthday on December 29.

While it’s not publicly confirmed whether they are married, Maria has shared affectionate posts and tributes to Jeff on social media, expressing gratitude for his presence in her life.

Son: Nicholas Dunn

Maria is a proud mother to her only child, Nicholas Dunn, born on October 5, 2000.

• Nicholas is a collegiate athlete who played football at the University of Oregon.

• He previously attended Coronado High School, where he also played football.

• He stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall and weighs around 160 lbs.

• Maria often shares how Nicholas is the “best thing that ever happened” to her, reflecting a deep and loving bond between mother and son.

Height:

Maria is estimated to stand around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall and weighs approximately 125–135 lbs (57–61 kg).

Her estimated body measurements are around 34-26-36 inches, reflecting a slim, athletic build.

Career and Background:

Maria’s career began in radio and transitioned to television news, where she held roles as an anchor, correspondent, and bureau chief.

She has worked in various markets including Vancouver, Portland, Las Vegas, and the Philippines, where she reported on major events in Southeast Asia.

She joined FOX 5 San Diego in 2010 and currently anchors weekday evening newscasts. Her work has earned her multiple awards, including an Emmy, for excellence in journalism and community service.

Career Timeline & Stations

Current Role

• FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV) Position: Weekday Anchor (1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM newscasts) Tenure: Since December 2007 Location: San Diego, California

Previous Roles & Stations

• Q13 FOX News (KCPQ-TV) Role: Main Anchor Location: Seattle, Washington Notable: Anchored for 6 years before returning to San Diego

• CNN International Role: International Correspondent Coverage: Major global events including the turnover of Hong Kong and the East Timor civil war

• CTV Network (Canada) Role: Reporter and Anchor Location: Canada Focus: National and international news coverage

• Global Canada Role: Broadcast Journalist Location: Canada Focus: National reporting and special features

• ABC News Role: Reporter (freelance and affiliate roles) Coverage: U.S. and international stories

• FOX News Channel Role: Correspondent Coverage: Breaking news and special assignments

• City of National City, California Role: Director of Media Relations Note: Briefly stepped into public service before returning to journalism

Notable Coverage & Achievements

• Covered the turnover of Hong Kong to China

• Reported from war zones in East Timor

• On-the-ground coverage of the Haiti earthquake and Southern California wildfires

• Interviewed U.S. Presidents, world leaders, Olympic athletes, and Grammy-winning artists

Maria Arcega-Dunn’s Colleagues at FOX 5 San Diego

• Phil Blauer – Longtime friend and co-anchor; Maria has known him for over 20 years and is the godmother to his youngest son

• Kristina Audencial – Anchor

• Andrew Luria – Anchor

• Raoul Martinez – Anchor

• Shally Zomorodi – Anchor

• Zara Barker – Anchor/Reporter

• Elizabeth Alvarez – Anchor/Reporter

• Mark Mathis – Meteorologist

• Megan Healy – Weather Anchor

• Brad Wills – Weather Anchor

• Chrissy Russo – Meteorologist

• Diane Tuazon – Weather Anchor

• Heather Lake – Reporter/Weather Anchor

• Delaney White – Reporter/Weather Anchor

• Dominique LaVigne – Reporter/Weather Anchor

Net Worth and Salary:

Maria Arcega-Dunn is estimated to earn an annual salary between $40,000 and $90,000 as of 2025, with projections suggesting it could rise to as much as $120,000 depending on her contract and additional responsibilities.

Her income primarily comes from her role as a weekday anchor at FOX 5 San Diego, where she leads multiple newscasts.

Over the course of her career—which includes international reporting, anchoring, and a stint in public relations—Maria has built an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million. T

his figure may grow to between $1.5 million and $6 million in the coming years, reflecting her continued presence and influence in the media industry.

Is Maria Arcega-Dunn Married?

Maria Arcega-Dunn was previously married to Bernardo Dunn, with whom she shares a son. She is currently in a relationship with Jeff Kelley, though it’s not publicly confirmed if they are married.

How Old Is Maria Arcega-Dunn?

While her exact age is undisclosed, she is estimated to be in her late 40s or early 50s. She celebrates her birthday on March 3rd.

Where is Maria Arcega-Dunn Working?

Maria Arcega-Dunn is currently working as an evening news anchor at FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV).

She anchors the weekday newscasts at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 7 PM, delivering trusted coverage to viewers across Southern California.

Maria Arcega-Dunn is active on social media:

• Instagram: @fox5newsld – Shares news updates, behind-the-scenes, and family moments.

• Facebook: Maria Arcega-Dunn – Posts FOX 5 content and personal reflections.