Anser Hassan
My journalism career began in Pleasanton, for the now defunct CTV30, covering the Tri-Valley cities of San Ramon, Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton. A prestigious, peer-nominated New York Times Minority Trainee opportunity took me to the Midwest to work in the Quad Cities region, reporting from both Illinois and Iowa. I also had the incredible opportunity (although brief) to serve as a national correspondent for the Black News Channel, until it went bankrupt in 2022.
I completed my undergraduate degrees, with honors, from San Francisco State University. My first degree is in TV-Radio News. My second degree is in International Relations, with a Middle East regional concentration, and an emphasis on Islamic political movements and Islamic feminism. My master's degree is in Comparative Political Economy from the London School of Economics. I studied and speak seven languages: Urdu, English, Saraiki, Punjabi, French, Hindi and Arabic.
My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Multan, Pakistan. I was born in Michigan, where my father was completing his doctorate degree. When I was two months old, my dad got a job in San Francisco. My family has been here ever since. I grew up in Danville, so covering the East Bay for ABC7 News is truly one of those full-circle moments.
My work has earned me several awards including an Emmy in 2021 for a Black Lives Matter protest, as well as national awards from the Radio Television and Digital News Association and the National Press Foundation for my coverage of the American-Muslim community. I have also been involved in programs to train foreign journalists; most recently in conjunction with the United States State Department, and another with the Media Diversity Institute in London.
Random notes about me: My favorite color is black. I have never drank coffee. I tried to be vegetarian - it didn't work, although I haven't eaten red meat since high school. If I wasn't a journalist, I would be a fitness trainer. I have traveled to 99 countries, which leaves 98 left to visit!
This gig has been a front row to history, having interviewed President Obama, President Bush, U.S. cabinet members and governors, along with other national and state politicians. There have been numerous professional athletes (yes, even some Olympians!), actors, Silicon Valley big wigs, amazing soccer moms, spelling bee champs, and Nobel Prize winners. I have been attacked at an anti-Muslim rally in Sacramento, spit on by White nationalists, and have talked with former Black-Panthers... you get the idea.
This job is not always easy. The working is grinding. A reporter must get as many sides to a story as possible, be factual, be resourceful and be responsible. But most nights I come home and think, "Wow! This is what I get to do every day?" And I wouldn't trade it for any other job.
Anser's Stories
Details emerge about probe into Hercules teacher's controversial comments on deporting students
"The teacher made a statement that if she knew that student was illegal, she would want them deported." Details are emerging about the West Contra Costa Unified School District's investigation into a Hercules High School teacher following allegations that center around racist social media posts that appear to have been posted by the teacher. This comes after an earlier complaint involving alleged deportation remarks to a student.
Oakland launches community-based violence prevention program
The program, led by Roots Community Health, centers on "peace committees" that rely on community members and trained, paid professionals to mediate disputes outside of the traditional criminal justice system.
'Ethnic cleansing': Supreme Court TPS ruling alarms Bay Area immigration advocates
"This is definitely about mass deportation. I think it is also about ethnic cleansing, or creating a new America." Thursday's Supreme Court decision ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians is raising concerns among immigration advocates in the Bay Area, who say the ruling could set a broader precedent affecting other immigrant communities.
Residents describe intense 5.6 NorCal quake that caused damage, injuries in Mendocino County
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake rattled Mendocino County on Wednesday morning, shaking communities across the region and causing scattered damage.
Kickstarter campaign aims to help popular Castro Valley toy store fight October closure
The Prize Booth, a popular toy store in Castro Valley, is preparing to close by October after losing its lease. It has prompted a surge of community support as owners race to find a new location before the holiday season.
Environmental testing ongoing as cleanup at Tracy Medline fire transitions to new phase
Cleanup efforts continue at the Medline warehouse site in Tracy after a massive fire last week destroyed the 1-million-square-foot facility, leaving widespread debris and damage throughout the area. Officials released a list of chemicals stored at the facility, warning that ash and debris may contain hazardous materials, including metals and other fine particles that could be harmful if inhaled or touched without proper precautions.
Oakland City Council approves mid-cycle amendments to $4 billion budget without layoffs
The Oakland City Council has approved mid-cycle amendments to its $4 billion budget, with supporters saying the plan protects jobs and prioritizes public safety despite ongoing financial concerns. The council passed the budget adjustments in a 6-2 vote, following a contentious budget cycle and the failed Measure E parcel tax proposal.
Crews respond to massive warehouse fire in Tracy; public asked to avoid the area
Trace fire says the blaze started at around 1 p.m. at the Medline Industries warehouse, before spreading to a FedEx building across the way. Officials say all employees are evacuated as of 4 p.m.
'She is our hero': 10-year-old saves her family from East Bay house fire; 3 pets die
A 10-year-old girl is being credited with saving her family from a house fire early Wednesday morning in Oakley, California. No one was injured in the fire, but three pets were killed.
FBI raids office, homes of Contra Costa Co. tax assessors as part of ongoing investigation
Agents served search warrants at the office in Martinez as well as at the home of Gus Kramer, who was the county assessor for 30 years and Assistant County Assessor Vince Robb, who was just elected to succeed Kramer.
