Anser Hassan
My journalism career began in Pleasanton, for the now defunct CTV30, covering the Tri-Valley cities of San Ramon, Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton. A prestigious, peer-nominated New York Times Minority Trainee opportunity took me to the Midwest to work in the Quad Cities region, reporting from both Illinois and Iowa. I also had the incredible opportunity (although brief) to serve as a national correspondent for the Black News Channel, until it went bankrupt in 2022.
I completed my undergraduate degrees, with honors, from San Francisco State University. My first degree is in TV-Radio News. My second degree is in International Relations, with a Middle East regional concentration, and an emphasis on Islamic political movements and Islamic feminism. My master's degree is in Comparative Political Economy from the London School of Economics. I studied and speak seven languages: Urdu, English, Saraiki, Punjabi, French, Hindi and Arabic.
My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Multan, Pakistan. I was born in Michigan, where my father was completing his doctorate degree. When I was two months old, my dad got a job in San Francisco. My family has been here ever since. I grew up in Danville, so covering the East Bay for ABC7 News is truly one of those full-circle moments.
My work has earned me several awards including an Emmy in 2021 for a Black Lives Matter protest, as well as national awards from the Radio Television and Digital News Association and the National Press Foundation for my coverage of the American-Muslim community. I have also been involved in programs to train foreign journalists; most recently in conjunction with the United States State Department, and another with the Media Diversity Institute in London.
Random notes about me: My favorite color is black. I have never drank coffee. I tried to be vegetarian - it didn't work, although I haven't eaten red meat since high school. If I wasn't a journalist, I would be a fitness trainer. I have traveled to 99 countries, which leaves 98 left to visit!
This gig has been a front row to history, having interviewed President Obama, President Bush, U.S. cabinet members and governors, along with other national and state politicians. There have been numerous professional athletes (yes, even some Olympians!), actors, Silicon Valley big wigs, amazing soccer moms, spelling bee champs, and Nobel Prize winners. I have been attacked at an anti-Muslim rally in Sacramento, spit on by White nationalists, and have talked with former Black-Panthers... you get the idea.
This job is not always easy. The working is grinding. A reporter must get as many sides to a story as possible, be factual, be resourceful and be responsible. But most nights I come home and think, "Wow! This is what I get to do every day?" And I wouldn't trade it for any other job.
Anser's Stories
Oakland councilmember concerned city isn't appropriately addressing overtime pay error
The City of Oakland has found that it was overpaying overtime to some employees, totaling more than $1.5 million. Despite knowing the problem, the city is not going to fix it - just yet.
Antioch father, son charged with bribery for allegedly giving councilmember mug with $5K in cash
A father and son who run an East Bay property development company were reported to the FBI after allegedly trying to bribe an Antioch councilmember with a coffee mug full of cash for favorable treatment.
Barbara Lee holds 1st press conference as Oakland mayor-elect after winning tight race
Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee hosted her first news conference after coming out on top with 52% of the vote in last week's special election prompted by the recall of Sheng Thao.
Vigil held for 4 teenage girls killed in Marin Co. SUV crash; 2 remain in critical condition
Six teenage girls were in the SUV. Three were pronounced dead at the scene. One later died at the hospital. The driver and another passenger remain in critical condition.
Judge delays trial for San Leandro police officer charged in fatal shooting 5 years ago
It has been five years since San Leandro resident Steven Taylor was shot and killed by a police officer. But the man accused of killing him still hasn't gone to trial.
Valero may close Benicia refinery by next year, citing CA regulations and high costs
More than 400 people are employed there, and it's one of Solano County's largest employers.
Oakland Coliseum DMV temporarily closed due to damage from copper wire theft
The Oakland Coliseum DMV says staff noticed flooding in the office from a leak in the ceiling on Monday. Through further investigation, "discovered theft of wiring, among other vandalism, that rendered the HVAC system and light poles in the parking lot inoperable."
Measure A would increase Oakland sales tax if passed in Tuesday's special election
While the main focus of Tuesday's special election in Oakland is on the mayor's race, Measure A would increase Oakland's sales tax and could raise upwards of $30 million annually for a city facing a $140 million structural deficit.
Polls open in historic Oakland special election, which will name city's 4th mayor since December
Polling stations are now open in Oakland ahead of Tuesday's special election. It will include electing Oakland's new mayor and its District 2 city councilmember, and will also decide the fate of Measure A, a sales tax measure.
OUSD board member may have broken law by exposing alleged attempt to remove superintendent
One member of the Oakland Unified School District board is now admitting to possibly breaking the law by telling the public about a vote to remove the superintendent, which he says happened during a closed-door session. But the OUSD board president says no action has been taken against Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell.