Don Sanchez, veteran anchor and reporter for KGO, the San Francisco ABC owned station, is calling it quits after 49 years in television.

“It has been quite a ride,” Sanchez told Bay Area media blogger Rich Lieberman.  “I have several things I want to do, but nothing concrete yet. Just a little ‘r and r’ to start.

Sanchez joined KGO in 1972 as a general assignment reporter.  His tenure includes covering the Patty Hearst kidnapping and subsequent trial and being part of the station’s heyday during the 1970s and 80s.  Recently, Sanchez had been working as KGO’s Arts and Entertainment reporter.

Known for his eternally youthful look, Sanchez began his television career at KSBY the San Luis Obispo NBC affiliate.

For those in the San Francisco Bay Area market, the station will air a tribute to Don in tonight’s 6 p.m. show.