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
Masks auctioned off for $25,000+ during coronavirus pandemic
Pallets of masks that were once government surplus have been auctioned off for tens of thousands of dollars amid the coronavirus pandemic and states are in a fierce battle to get them in the hands of first responders.
Coronavirus delays Ghost Ship trial for months
The retrial of Derick Almena, the master-tenant of the Oakland Ghost Ship fire where 36 lives were lost, has been delayed until July because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Second trial for Ghost Ship defendant Derick Almena delayed over COVID-19 crisis
A retrial in the deadly Ghost Ship fire for defendant Derick Almena is delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Oakland emergency rooms busy as coronavirus cases could spike
Emergency room doctors and nurses in Oakland are under increasing pressure and preparing for a surge of coronavirus patients.
Homeless at high risk for contracting coronavirus
With 50 percent of the California homeless population over age 50, plans and precautions must be put in place now to prevent widespread illness and death.
East Bay siblings take on xenophobia amid coronavirus with film
A film aimed at stopping xenophobia amid the coronavirus was produced by a pair of Easy Bay siblings. It reminds us that we are all human.
Tesla employees fear coronavirus despite plan to reduce workforce
Thousands of Tesla employees were still working Wednesday even with Alameda County's "shelter in place" order. The company blamed "conflicting guidance."
Nursing homes increasingly vulnerable to coronavirus
Coronavirus presents a dangerous and deadly threat to nursing homes if aggressive efforts to prevent or stop the spread aren't followed. The elderly are most at risk.
Loophole could allow double voting in California Primary Election
There's a loophole that enables California voters to cast two ballots and if elections officials aren't looking for it, double voting can go undetected.
Oakland landlord rents deplorable properties for decades
In Oakland, a longtime landlord has had a history of dilapidated and dangerous properties and the city has failed to adequately follow-up. As a result, many people and families are living in deplorable conditions including mold, lead, rodents and safety hazards.