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
A new Bay Area women's pro volleyball team is coming to San Francisco: Here's what to know
A new professional women's volleyball team will debut in San Francisco in 2027. We spoke with the chairwoman of LOVB, the league making it all happen, about what to expect from now until opening night.
Bay Area natives, 'Sinners' director and cinematographer win big, make history at 2026 Oscars
Hollywood's best recognized and rejoiced! Bay Area natives, "Sinners" director Ryan Coogler and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw win big, make history at the 98th Oscars.
Disney's Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios are both going for Oscars gold
Works from Disney's Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios are both going for the Oscars gold. Elio and Zootopia 2 are up for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards.
Banner year for Bay Area talent as region's influence reflected in Oscars nominations
As the 98th Academy Awards near, mention of the Bay Area's influence being folded into films is making many conversations. Whether a Bay Area native or a current resident, there's no denying this was a banner year for Bay Area talent.
Oscars host Conan O'Brien talks Bay Area talent ahead of Academy Awards
Ahead of the Oscars, ABC7 Mornings Anchor Amanda del Castillo connected with host Conan O'Brien, who will celebrate his second year as host of the awards show.
New 'SantaCon' documentary digs deep into Bay Area roots of holiday tradition
The Bay Area-rooted holiday tradition, SantaCon, now has its own documentary. We sat down with the film's director to learn more.
New food and drink spots by Stephen Curry, celebrity chef breathing new life into SF Union Square
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, Warriors star Stephen Curry and famous chef Michael Mina, joined dozens outside the Westin in Union Square. Everyone was there for the debut of Mina's new hotel restaurant, Bourbon Steak, as well as the new bar, The Eighth Rule, which is a partnership between Mina and Curry.
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donates $42 million to Bay Area nonprofit for low-income students
San Rafael-based nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, which awards scholarships to low-income students, received its largest donation in its 45-year history: $42 million. The big donation comes from Jeff Bezos' ex-wife, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
Local Love: SF-based Betsy Braids offers diverse hairstyles while giving back to community
ABC7's new segment "Local Love" is designed to highlight local businesses in the community. Betsy Espinoza is a San Francisco-native who used her braiding and detangling talent to help others in need. She has now established her business, Betsy Braids, and joined us to talk all about it.
'Grab a little or a lot': How bulk food has helped Rainbow Grocery in SF thrive for 50 years
The San Francisco supermarket was founded in 1975 by activists of the People's Food movement. They formed a worker-owned collective that sold local, organic food in bulk. Fifty years later, that mission lives on.
