My name is Joe Little. I’m a television news reporter with NBC San Diego. I’ve covered San Diego County for a couple of TV stations since I moved here in 2002. I’m a proud father of two amazing sons, I’m incredibly lucky to be married to an amazing woman, and I love sharing creative stories about our community. I was a Navy brat and moved to the typical Navy towns. I attended George Mason University where I played basketball (career points: 2) and got my BA in Speech Communication. I got my Masters at Syracuse before heading out into the real world.
About Joe Little
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m a father of two teenage boys and married to fellow NBC 7 Reporter Audra Stafford. This is my second marriage, but I’m still good friends with my ex-wife. In fact, we have quite the modern family. My ex and her husband and my wife and I celebrate holidays together. We’ve been on vacations together. We celebrate milestones together. It’s the best way to raise kids. People look at us like we’re insane. Ha!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started my TV News career as a reporter in Hagerstown, Maryland. My second station was in Johnston, Pennsylvania. I moved to San Diego in 2002 and have worked for NBC 7, a small cable station in Carlsbad, 10News, and NBC (again) since.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Set a goal for yourself. Then put every possible tool in your toolbox that can help you reach that goal. Do not be afraid to ask for help or advice along the way. I didn’t because I was stupid.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
God willing, I will still be telling stories for the people of San Diego at NBC 7 while also teaching and helping others reach their goals as well.
Joe Little & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
El Pollo Grill in Otay Ranch has a lot of my money. Audra and I really like Monarch in Del Mar’s happy hour. And, not gonna lie, I love me some Rubio’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
22 years now.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Most interesting? In our community? I’ve been doing this so long, I couldn’t pinpoint just one. The Highwayman Thomas Weller is great. CVPD Chief Roxana Kennedy is a favorite.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love Mr. Frostie in Pacific Beach. My dad took me there all the time when I was a kid. I miss Love’s in Mission Valley. The Love’s Delight was a killer meal.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love “The Lake”. I love being a part of the Eastlake High School community, rooting for my boys and their friends, wearing my “Lake” gear.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Magic Johnson and Tony Gwynn were my athletic idols growing up. I’ve met Tony, God rest his soul. I’d love to meet Magic. I’d have a hard time not fanboying him.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The West Wing is easily at the top of my list, although Ted Lasso is a very close second. I could never name a favorite movie, even broken up into genres. I will say I prefer blockbusters and sci-fi. I loathe most “films” nominated for the Best Picture by the Academy Awards.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I wear my heart on my sleeve and don’t do a good job of staying private. It’s hard to think of things people don’t know. I think most people would be shocked to know I have a tattoo and have become an avid reader.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My wife. She’s a 10. From her heart to her soul, from her eyes to her mind, Audra is a 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My bosses. It sounds like such a kiss-up thing to say, but I love working hard for someone. I love making my producers happy. I love making my bosses happy.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I love the people who make lives better. I love the Horses of Tir Na Nog. They save lives no one ever thinks about: Horses, sheep, goats, you name it. It’s a retirement home for abused animals.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Do news.” Hub Brown, Syracuse Professor, 1998.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
I LIVE in Eastlake. I sleep near Santa Luz, near Rancho Penasquitos. It’s a long story. My heart is always in Chula Vista, but the housing market really screwed us and we can’t get back to Eastlake. I spend as much time as possible in Eastlake.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Eastlake, Otay Ranch, and Chula Vista are all I know as a father. “Dad” is my favorite name. Raising my kids here has given me some of the fondest memories about almost every block. I can look at almost anything and recall a memory with my boys in Chula Vista.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
My ideal San Diego weekend would always include a good night’s sleep. A lazy morning with my wife and boys could include an outing or a game of basketball. Dinner at home and lazy hours on the couch. I don’t need much. I just need my wife and boys.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Audra, Mason, and Tyler.
