Ama Daetz
I began my career as a writer, producer, and editor in Fresno, California, where I learned about California's top agriculture community and the plight of its farmworkers. I traded the Central Valley heat for that of the Texas panhandle and worked behind the scenes for my first on-air position in Amarillo as an anchor and reporter. My next adventure took me to Michigan, anchoring and reporting in both Kalamazoo and Detroit. While I enjoyed meeting new people and living in different parts of the country, the Golden State was calling me back. I made the long, cross-country drive to California (did you know there's a corn palace in South Dakota and a statue of the Jolly Green Giant in Minnesota?), working in our state's capitol before coming home to the Bay. It is truly an honor to be able to bring the news that matters to my friends, family, and everyone who calls the Bay Area home.
I won't pretend it's always easy to report on what's happening in the world. Some of my most memorable stories have tragic roots. In 2013, I covered the Boston Marathon bombing that claimed three lives and injured hundreds of runners and spectators alike. While I will never forget hearing the gunfire in Watertown as police brought the hunt for the bombers to a close, what really stood out to me was the way the neighborhood cheered for authorities as they drove out of town, announcing to the crowd that had gathered, that they were turning the town back over to its residents. It was an emotional moment, and it's those moments in time that are never lost on me. I saw the same sense of community in Aurora, Colorado, in the days after the movie theater shooting in 2012. Those are the moments-witnessing humanity, compassion, and unity - that I try to hold onto.
My experience hasn't been limited to journalism; I've also had the pleasure of acting in a primetime TV series.
I believe in balance and have a conviction that having personal interests is crucial for my growth and mental and physical well-being. For me, that includes movement, music, nature, and family. I love to cycle, hike, and see all the Bay Area sights!
Ama Daetz is the weekday co-anchor of ABC7 News at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Ama's Stories
Black women at higher risk of dying from breast cancer: How new study hopes for better health equity
The American Cancer Society is urging Black women to use their voices to help fight breast cancer. "African American women are doing worse than any ethnic group and they have about 40% higher risk of dying from a breast cancer, compared to white women overall," said one Kaiser Permanente doctor.
Bay Area Black history museum gets a permanent home: How it's taking a closer look at rich past
A $2 million grant is giving a museum a new place to call home in Redwood City. Here's how the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum and Learning Center is taking a deeper look at the rich history of Black culture.
Younger women who have never smoked are at increasing risk of lung cancer, research shows
Lung cancer carries the stigma of smoking. But, as ABC7 News anchor Ama Daetz explains, new research shows young women who have never smoked are increasingly at risk.
'Amazing': Monarch butterflies return in huge numbers to California after almost vanishing last year
After almost disappearing from overwintering sites in California last year, monarch butterflies are back this year in huge numbers, but environmentalists caution they are still endangered.
Expert shares tips on how to navigate post-pandemic parenting
"I have been encouraging parents to think about what also works for you...that your needs just can't be completely at the bottom. That we have to think about our kids and our own needs moving forward."
Bay Area cancer survivor to be honored at virtual Make-A-Wish gala
HOPE AND HARMONY: Christian Ramos wished for a home music studio and Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area delivered. Here's how you can buy tickets to their gala and make a donation to help these wishes come true:
Here's why some families are hesitant to send kids back for in-person learning
"The majority of families honestly are still choosing to keep their kids in distance learning even when in-person learning has been an option now for two months at my school," said Krooss.
Bay Area teachers discuss learning loss with distance learning amid pandemic
Is it obvious when a child is falling behind? How difficult is it to get a child caught up? We talked to Bay Area teachers about how they've had to adapt to distance learning during the pandemic to keep students on track.
Falling behind while distance learning isn't just an academic issue for students, families
"It's really hard to see when your child is struggling with something and falling behind. You feel almost powerless."
South Bay teacher documents 1st day back in class for in-person learning
Several South Bay teachers went back to school Monday, with kids in their classrooms. Here's how it went for one of them.