I came to the states for college as a foreign student after graduating from the American school in Japan. I attended San Jose State during the turbulent 60's. In 1964, during the height of the Vietnam War and civil rights protests, I was elected student body president. I learned a lot about politics and activism through that experience.
I started my career in journalism with an internship at the New York Times, and then joined United Press International (UPI) in 1969, where I served in Portland, Tokyo and Los Angeles.
I had some exciting assignments as a cub reporter. One was covering some of the Charlie Manson trial. I also covered President Richard Nixon numerous times when he came to the western White House in San Clemente. But the one that went ballistic was my story about Frazier, an old lion at the Lion Country Safari Zoo. Frazier suddenly and unexpectedly sired a whole lot of cubs at what I think was the equivalent human age of 90!!!
I came back to the Bay Area in 1972 when I joined KRON-TV. I traveled extensively to Asia on many incredible assignments...The Philippine Revolution, Hong Kong's handover, the Kobe earthquake, the Olympics in Korea and of course, many trips to Japan where I reported on business, education and social issues for KRON and the NBC News Channel. My most memorable and grueling trip was a month-long assignment to Sudan and Ethiopia, touring refugee camps and documenting the African Famine and Civil War.
I joined ABC7 News in January 2006 where I continue as a general assignment reporter, working with an incredible staff. Ironically, the most memorable story I've done here and the one that's received more than a million hits on YouTube is on "Dusty the Klepto Cat" who has stolen hundreds of things from neighbors in San Mateo. Just can't get away from felines....
I am happily married. My wife and I are blessed with a wonderful daughter who is a lawyer and an author. And after almost four decades, I feel my mission as a journalist is still the same&to make a difference through my stories and right wrongs.
See what story I'm following now by following me on Twitter. Like my reports? Got a good cat story for me? Connect with me on Facebook.
Vic Lee is a general assignment reporter. His specialty is enterprise reporting. You can see Vic's reports weeknights on ABC7 News at 5 and 6 p.m.. Lee's reporting has received both local and national recognition. His investigative series on the hidden health hazards in Silicon Valley's semiconductor industry earned him the George Polk Award of Journalism for best local TV reporting. His story on the exploitation of Japanese tourists in San Francisco prompted state and federal criminal investigations. Lee has also won numerous Emmys and awards from the Associated Press, RTNDA, Society of Professional Journalists and the Asian American Journalists Association. At the New York Film Festival, his series on African famine and civil war in the 1980's won a Gold Award for best documentary.
Vic's Stories
San Francisco Police Department says it is struggling to recruit, retain officers
OFFICER SHORTAGE: The San Francisco Police department is facing a growing problem - It's not crime, but having enough bodies to fight it.
San Francisco woman offers $7K reward, flies plane banner to find stolen dog
Emilie Talermo has tried everything to find Jackson, including making him a Tinder account and hiring an airplane to fly a banner.
SF Mayor Breed, city officials call Embarcadero Navigation Center 'dignified' environment during tour
The facility will have 200 beds, social services and medical care in what the City calls "a dignified" environment.
Feds arrest and charge 3 alleged drug dealers in Tenderloin for Santa Rosa man and toddler death
Drugs linked to the death of Santa Rosa man and toddler were traced to an open air drug market in SF's Tenderloin neighborhood.
San Francisco's semi-annual gun buyback is this weekend
SF GUN BUYBACK: Mayor London Breed is encouraging people to get rid of their guns, and is promising anonymity. "Come out and bring your guns. No questions asked."
Man who died in custody in Sonoma County mistaken for car thief
A man died after a high-speed chase with law enforcement. Sonoma County Sheriff's deputies thought they were chasing a suspected car thief. Turns out-- the man in the car was its rightful owner.
Year's biggest drinking holiday getting challenged by cannabis
Black Wednesday, one of the year's biggest drinking holidays, is starting to get competition from Green Wednesday.
DA spokesperson discusses decision not to file charges in Orinda Airbnb shooting
A spokesman for the Contra Costa District Attorney's office explained today what happened in the case against five people who were arrested in connection to the murders that happened Halloween night in Orinda.
Hillsborough heiress murder trial: Tiffany Li found not guilty in killing of Keith Green, hung jury for Kaveh Bayat
A jury has found Hillsborough heiress Tiffany Li not guilty for the murder of Keith Green. A hung jury was declared in the case against Li's boyfriend, Kaveh Bayat.
Jeffrey Tumlin selected as new SFMTA director of transportation
San Francisco has a new Transportation Director. Mayor London Breed introduced Jeffrey Tumlin today at City Hall-- and she expects great things from him.
