Amanda del Castillo
With unwavering interest, she grew up and ventured to faraway lands seeking experience and wisdom. Years had passed, and apart from the lessons, she also found love. After all the time spent removed from home, she knew the Bay Area was where she was always meant to be.
So she returned home a TV news reporter. And in true Disney fashion, she lived happily ever after.
OK... enough with the third person! HA! Outside of the newsroom- my loving husband, my sweet son and daughter, and my entire, extended, large and loud Filipino family call the Bay Area HOME.
I'm a proud (former) Crocker-Amazon Tiny Tot, Epiphany Eagle, a Mercy SF Skipper, and a San Jose State Spartan! I graduated from SJSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism.
During my college graduation, the director of the program offered a piece of advice that I took to heart: "Remember, there's a life outside of California."
I joined the ABC7 News team as a freelance reporter in June 2018. In October 2018, I officially became a full-time reporter for the 11 p.m. news- with a focus on the South Bay. In March of 2023, I moved to ABC7 Mornings.
As a San Francisco native, I take such pride in local coverage and understand that responsibility. From Super Bowl LIV coverage to reporting on major regional tragedies like the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting, the VTA shooting and Half Moon Bay shooting - I've not only been witness to celebration, but also the shock.
Before coming home, I was a resident of the Rocky Mountain region, working as a reporter in Denver, Colorado. I covered the Taylor Swift trial, the terribly cold winters, and other issues impacting one of the most beautiful states I've ever called home.
I won an Emmy Award for my contribution to the station's breaking news coverage on one of the most difficult assignments I've ever worked on as a journalist. In the early morning hours of New Year's Eve Day, a deputy down call turned deadly.
Before Denver, the industry took me to Waco, Texas where I worked as a weekend anchor and multi-media journalist. I did it all, reporting, editing, producing and anchoring. The Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Association was kind enough to award me for my reporting in Waco.
I covered developments stemming from the West Fertilizer Plant explosion, Twin Peaks biker shootout, and contributed to the station's live coverage on Baylor University's alleged sexual assault cases.
Going back even farther to my first on-air job- after college I moved to Casper, Wyoming. Fun fact: more people fit into Candlestick Park, than lived in the small city. While in Casper, I wore many hats. I reported, edited, produced and anchored. I fell in love with the "Cowboy State" and culture. I also fell in love with my husband, who worked at a competing station.
My wildest dream has come true. I'm back to where it all began.
I'm thrilled to be working among journalists I've admired my entire life. I'm grateful I get to tell stories about the people and places I'm so incredibly passionate about.
I'd love to tell your story. Feel free to reach out on X, Facebook or through email: Amanda.L.delcastillo@abc.com.
Amanda's Stories
OJ Simpson leaves behind complicated legacy in San Francisco
O.J. Simpson grew up in a Potrero Hill housing project and was often in trouble with the law. But a chance meeting with Willie Mays helped turn his life around and he played football at Galileo High School and the City College of San Francisco.
SF supervisors overrule Mayor Breed, uphold restrictions on housing development in historic area
This veto overrule is technically putting the brakes on the construction of high-rise developments along the northeast waterfront and in Jackson Square -- two historic areas in the city.
A look back at Bay Area's most impactful bridge disasters
A container ship hit the Bay Bridge back in 2007, ripping open its hull and spilling thousands of gallons of oil. But that wasn't even the area's worst bridge disaster. Following the devastating Baltimore bridge collapse, here's a look at some of the Bay Area's most impactful incidents involving bridges.
Hayward police officer injured in crash following car chase, early morning burglary
Hayward police say an early morning burglary, chase and crash sent one of their own to the hospital.
Super Tuesday live updates: Incumbents Nancy Pelosi, Eric Swalwell advance to general election
ABC News has projected winners for key races including the presidential and senate races. Get live updates on local, statewide and national Super Tuesday races here:
Super Tuesday live updates: Incumbents Nancy Pelosi, Eric Swalwell advance to general election
ABC News has projected winners for key races including the presidential and senate races. Get live updates on local, statewide and national Super Tuesday races here:
East Oakland community leaders launch major initiative to invest $100 million into the 40x40
The 40x40 runs from Seminary Avenue to the Oakland-San Leandro border and from MacArthur Boulevard to the Bay and is home to the largest concentration of Black Oakland flatlands residents.
Hundreds rally for judges to remove injunction blocking SF from clearing homeless encampments
"We have found dead bodies, we have found a dead baby in these tents. We have seen people in really awful conditions and we are not standing for it anymore!" Mayor London Breed exclaimed at the rally.
Road to Paris Olympics begins in San Jose with 2023 US Gymnastics Championships
Some of the best gymnasts in history are heading to the South Bay this week. The men and women competing in the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships have collectively won 12 Olympic medals, 50 World Championship medals and 46 national title and they're taking over the SAP Center in San Jose in a matter of days.
4 Martinez officers placed on leave following fatal shooting of unarmed burglary suspect: officials
Four Martinez Police officers have been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of a burglary suspect who was unarmed, according to the California Department of Justice.