Brooks Jarosz
Call me a watchdog, detective, or just a nosy neighbor. I can’t stand cheaters, schemers, and those who take advantage of others.
If you value hard work, respect and kindness, we’ll get along just fine. Maybe it’s my Midwestern roots that motivate me, or my passion to spark change, expose problems, and get people talking.
I grew up near Toledo, Ohio, where most of my family still lives, but have lived in the Bay Area for a few years. Admittedly, it took time to understand the politics, culture and lifestyle. Personally, I’ve grown as a person, and as a journalist. It’s exciting to do the job I love, in a place I love exploring.
I’ve found Bay Area people lead interesting and exciting lives. I like to think I do too. If you’ve met me, you know I like to talk and am unafraid to ask questions. Truthfully, I want to make a difference.
The best part of being an investigative reporter is getting to learn something new, nearly every day. I’m constantly seeking the truth, being relentlessly persistent, and reporting the facts. I call it real journalism.
My friends would tell you I’m very competitive. I’ve earned five regional Emmy awards and numerous other Society of Professional Journalists’ awards for investigative, enterprise, and consumer reporting.
Before KTVU FOX 2, I was an investigative journalist at WSYX ABC6/WTTE FOX 28 in Columbus, Ohio. Proud is how I’d describe the investigative work that has brought about sweeping changes and helped change laws, or improve lives.
Prior to 2013, I was a jack-of-all-trades reporting, shooting video, producing, editing and anchoring at WSAZ NewsChannel 3 in Charleston, West Virginia.
I’m a proud honors graduate from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, where I first got my start at WOUB-TV in Athens, Ohio.
In 2008, I earned a prestigious fellowship with the Brian Ross Investigative Unit at ABC News, which inspired me to become an investigative journalist.
I can trace back my interest in television news, productions and journalism to my high school, St. John’s Jesuit. That’s also where I was introduced to the sport of rowing. So if I’m not at work, I’m usually on or near the water, out and about with my little dog, Rufus, or sipping on a glass of California wine, and enjoying the fantastic food and arts scenes.
If you have suggestions on where to eat, what to do, or more importantly an investigative tip for 2 Investigates, drop me a line at Brooks.Jarosz@FOXTV.com.
The latest from Brooks Jarosz
Disability claims still in limbo as California EDD battles fraud
As scammers target California's disability insurance program, numerous legitimate claimants have had their benefits cut off after the Employment Development Department froze their claims.
Increasing COVID-19 outbreaks among California nursing home workers
With the rapid spread of the omicron variant, data shows 10,000 California nursing home workers are infected right now, with roughly 800 new cases of COVID-19 tallied each day. The state is allowing health care workers who test positive and are asymptomatic to continue coming to work.
California EDD freezes 345,000 disability insurance claims
California's Employment Development Department has frozen 345,000 claims for disability benefits while it investigates fraud and a widespread identity theft scam. The EDD's suspicions were piqued by a sudden surge in applications for benefits.
California nursing homes requiring vaccine booster and negative COVID test
Nursing home visitors are now required to show proof of vaccination, a booster shot, and a negative COVID-19 test in order to go inside a California facility, following a state health order.
Community calls for accountability and unity at Oscar Grant vigil at Fruitvale BART Station
Family, friends, neighbors and community leaders held a vigil at Fruitvale Station to celebrate the life of Oscar Grant, 13 years after he was shot and killed by BART police officer, Johannes Mehserle.
Bay Area hospitals preparing for COVID-19 patient surge
With the omicron variant driving COVID-19 cases to record-breaking levels, hospital systems are making changes including canceling surgeries, repositioning staff, not allowing visitors, and getting beds and supplies ready.
Mill Valley family takes COVID testing to new level ahead of New Year's Eve party
A family from Mill Valley is requiring guests for their New Year's Eve house party be vaccinated, boosted and sign up for a PCR test at their house hours before the event to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Controversial changes to San Carlos holiday lights tradition
More than $100,000 was spent on barricades, portable toilets, trash cans and security guards along Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos for the annual two-block holiday lights display.
Oakland to require proof of vaccination for indoor spaces like bars, coffee shops, gyms
Under Oakland's new emergency ordinance, customers must show proof of vaccination upon entry to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, clubs, theaters, gyms, and senior centers.
Police in Sunnyvale are on present patrol to prevent porch pirates
A specialized team of Sunnyvale officers devote time and resources to stop holiday package thefts, burglaries and other crimes. KTVU was along for the ride to see how they're proactively policing.