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
Inside Pixar archives ahead of 'Toy Story 5'
The anticipation for the release of "Toy Story 5" has been palpable, and the history behind one of animation's most beloved franchises is being preserved and revisited at Pixar Animation Studios.
Mr. Ward: NorCal middle school teacher goes viral for incorporating fashion in his lessons
A Northern California teacher is gaining national attention for the way he connects with his students. Mr. Ward, a 7th-grade history teacher based in Chico, uses fashion to help teach his lessons. We spoke with Mr. Ward about the reaction to his videos.
VTA braces for record-breaking surge in FIFA World Cup crowds 6 times bigger than Super Bowl
The FIFA World Cup comes to the Bay Area in June and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is preparing to activate nearly its entire system as the South Bay braces for crowds six times the size of the Super Bowl.
Meta to use AI to verify and deactivate underage accounts: Here's how it works
Menlo Park-based Meta will use AI to verify age on its platforms. We spoke with Meta's head of North American Safety about how it works.
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.
