Stephanie Sierra
From fraud and corruption to health care and public safety - her beat encompasses a little bit of everything.
Over the past four years at KGO-TV, she has been committed to exposing abuse of power and taxpayer money at every level of government. These stories have exposed well-known nonprofits, politicians, and influential billionaires.
In 2023, she won a regional Emmy for her investigation into a local county Sheriff accused of favoring campaign donors when issuing concealed carry permits. The story prompted action from the FBI's political corruption unit and the county Board of Supervisors. As a result, a local oversight organization fought to ensure accountability and transparency in future operations within the department.
Her investigations have exposed loopholes in numerous state laws that have resulted in added protections for wildfire insurance, medical billing, and regional cybersecurity practices. In April, her series on Oakland's ransomware hack revealed a pattern of oversight and negligence - causing dozens of people who had their social security numbers leaked but were never notified by the city.
In February, she exposed concerns about sex trafficking operations outside a grade school in Oakland that prompted action from local and federal authorities to install barricades and cameras to deter the crime.
Stephanie reported extensively on public health during the pandemic. Her work shed light on critical new medical technologies-including a Bay Area COVID-testing company that worked with the California Dept. of Public Health to save the State tens of millions of dollars with processing costs.
While at ABC7, her public health and consumer reporting have received multiple Emmy nominations from the Northern California Academy of Arts & Sciences and prompted action by the FDA.
She's also covered the gruesome murder trials of Chris Watts and Patrick Frazee in Colorado to the high-profile fraud trial of Elizabeth Holmes on the Peninsula.
Her passion for journalism started during her time at Mercy High School in Burlingame. "Career Day" transformed into a lifelong pursuit of storytelling. She graduated from the University of Missouri, majoring in broadcast journalism with a focus on investigative journalism.
After graduating, she braved the bomb cyclone blizzards and high altitude of the Rockies at the ABC affiliate in Colorado Springs (KRDO-TV) as an anchor and investigative reporter. Her year-long investigation uncovering the illicit massage industry in southern Colorado resulted in six women being rescued from human trafficking operations. It was honored with a regional Emmy and two National Edward R. Murrow awards. This followed years of consumer reporting on widespread contractor scams that prompted action by the Federal Trade Commission.
Stephanie is happy to be back home in the Bay Area, surrounded by the ocean views and majestic redwoods. You can often find her in San Francisco's Marina district with her 5-year-old dog Bubba!
If you have a story idea or want to say hello - contact her at Stephanie.K.Sierra@abc.com or on social platforms @StephanieABC7 & @StephanieKSierra.
Stephanie's Stories
SF homeowner spent $42K to appeal Liberty Mutual's non-renewal but it didn't work. Here's why
Consumers are getting dropped by the company due to aerial images alleging a wide range of problems that either weren't there or in other cases, residents who made the required changes still got dropped over something as simple as technical issues with trying to appeal their application.
'Mold, algae': Insurer drops SF homeowners, citing aerial footage of roof that didn't exist
After the insurance non-renewal, the couple hired a roof inspector who told them their roof is good for another 20 years. "Perfect, I don't see nothing wrong with it," he said.
What's next in California's insurance crisis? Commissioner Lara lays out plan, addresses criticism
Significant questions are being raised about promises made by California's Insurance Commissioner alleging insurers will be expanding coverage in fire-prone areas by 85%. 7 On Your Side investigates the promises Commissioner Ricardo Lara has made versus the fine print in his regulation.
Paying Meta for 'Verified' Facebook customer service still can't restore stolen account
"They're basically saying, 'Solve this yourself.' I'm paying money to get nothing," the Tracy man said of Meta Verified.
CA insurance commissioner responds to criticism over lack of transparency, accountability
California's insurance crisis is in chaos, spurring calls for the Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to step down if he's unwilling to hold insurers accountable. Here's a look at the stark criticism he's facing.
Angry CA drivers say DMV lookalike website 'NeedTags' tricks them to paying extra fees
"The Department of Motor Vehicles offers the same functions for nothing. Why is there a NeedTags?" one driver asked.
Video shows Bay Area USPS driver crashing into parked car, then driving off
The Ring video clearly shows the USPS truck hitting the car and driving away. "Then you hear a large bang... Oh my holy cow... it was the post office," the San Ramon resident said.
Bay Area man out $3.2K after IRS check stolen, cashed by thief using Wells Fargo ATM
7 On Your Side Investigation: Despite an investigation proving Yates was the victim of a crime, Wells Fargo refused to reimburse him. 7 On Your Side investigates how it happened and the lack of accountability that followed.
Facebook wouldn't remove hacker from Bay Area woman's account -- until she paid Meta for help
7 On Your Side Investigation: When a hacker took over a Bay Area woman's Facebook account, its automated help sent her in circles. She even marched down to Meta's headquarters and banged on the door. Still no help. Until she agreed to pay.
More residents return home following Oakland Hills fire after most evacuation orders lifted
Residents in three more evacuation zones from Friday's hillside fire in Oakland have been allowed to return home. Here is the latest update.