Melanie Woodrow
I have a passion for digging into stories and following them all the way through, sometimes for years. While at ABC7, I've covered the kidnapping of Denise Huskins that Vallejo police mistakenly called a hoax. I broke several stories around the case including the lead detective being named Officer of the Year. In Vallejo, I also extensively covered the police shooting of Sean Monterrosa by an officer who fired from the backseat through the windshield of an unmarked police vehicle. I exposed that the Vallejo Police Department waited 38.5 hours to announce Monterrosa's death, even though he was pronounced dead one hour after the shooting.
More recently, I've investigated the Fire Victim Trust, which was created to pay PG&E victims of the 2015 Butte Fire, 2017 North Bay Wildfires and deadliest 2018 Camp Fire. At the time the report aired, the Trust had spent more than $51 million, including hefty salaries for those in charge of the Trust while only 334 fire victims, less than half of 1% of fire victims had received a 30% partial payment of their total claim.
Prior to joining ABC7 News, I worked as an investigative reporter for KTVU. I moved to the Bay Area from Los Angeles where I was an investigative reporter and producer for the nationally syndicated daytime medical talk show "The Doctors." I've also worked at CBS Newspath in Los Angeles. Before making the move west, I was a reporter/weekend anchor at Wavy News 10 in Norfolk, Virginia and a morning anchor/reporter at WHAG in Hagerstown, MD. I got my start in the business as a production assistant at MSNBC. Previously I worked at an investment bank in NYC. Sept. 11, 2001 was my first day of work at the bank. Shortly thereafter I realized I wanted to be a reporter and after finishing a 2-year analyst program at the bank I made the career switch. I graduated from Cornell University where I was Valedictorian of Cornell's College of Human Ecology.
When I'm not reporting, you can usually find me practicing or teaching yoga. I'm thrilled to be a member of the ABC7 News I-Team. My best story tips come from you! You can reach me on Facebook, Twitter or over email at melanie.woodrow@abc.com.
Melanie's Stories
Alcohol being illegally sold outside SF Oracle Park despite enforcement, I-Team uncovers
Despite enforcement including an operation held earlier this month, the ABC7 News I-Team discovered the booze is flowing outside the Oracle Park.
Bay Area woman reports seeing antisemitic bumper stickers on possible Uber driver's car
A Bay Area woman says she was disturbed to recently see a vehicle not far from San Francisco International Airport with an Uber sticker and bumper full of 15-20 antisemitic stickers.
When not landing a Birkin bag lands luxury brand Hermès a lawsuit: Here's a closer look at the case
With so much happening in the world, it may seem frivolous to be talking about handbags. But experts say this Hermès lawsuit is novel and could become a landmark case for retailers.
2 Bay Area cities had most postal robberies in California in 2023, data shows
Across the country, mail carriers are increasingly being held up at gunpoint while on their daily delivery routes. In California, two major Bay Area cities had the greatest number of postal robberies and attacks in 2023.
Hundreds call into CPUC hearing as AT&T proposes end to CA landlines
AT&T tells ABC7 News it is not removing landline service, but will be upgrading to newer technologies. Still, there are strong opinions on both sides regarding whether the CPUC should approve the proposal.
Bay Area residents outraged over possibly losing landlines: Here's more on effort to save them
Do you still use your landline? The ABC7 News I-team has an update on the push from AT&T to end the service for thousands of Californians. San Mateo County officials are meeting with representatives from the utility to talk about the proposal.
SF officials, business owners disagree on Powell St. Promenade Refresh plan
Not everyone agrees the multi-million dollar Powell Street Promenade Refresh is the way to go when it comes to revitalizing San Francisco. For some, this is a question of where to spend money and what will make the greatest difference in changing San Francisco's reputation.
Defense in Cash App founder Bob Lee fatal SF stabbing says it hasn't been given all evidence
The man accused of stabbing and killing Cash App founder Bob Lee in San Francisco was back in court Thursday.
Vallejo kidnapping survivors speak out on 'Tamron Hall Show' after release of Netflix series
In their first interview since "American Nightmare" was released on Netflix, Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn are re-telling the painful story of their kidnapping and experience with Vallejo police, who mistakenly said they staged an elaborate kidnapping hoax.
Uber drivers protest unfair wages, deactivations at San Francisco HQ
These drivers say Uber has increasingly claimed a greater share of their earnings without offering information on fare calculations.