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
Oakland inspection failures persist 4 years after Ghost Ship fire
An audit found the city of Oakland let 2,400 buildings go unchecked, violating state law and potentially putting people and businesses at risk.
California prison officials blasted over lax COVID-19 protocols, broken thermometers
Broken thermometers, no mask mandates, a lack of training and lax screenings may have contributed to COVID-19 outbreaks at several California prisons.
Car slams into house, sparking gas leak in Novato
Novato Fire District Batallion Chief Jeff Whittet said there were two people who suffered injuries and went to the hospital. Whittet said they were rescued by a bystander.
PG&E disputes $166 million fine linked to 2019 power shut offs
Pacific Gas and Electric said it did not violate any laws or cause harm when tens of thousands were not properly notified during three separate public safety power shutoffs in October 2019.
PG&E charges $4,685 for one hour of work, Orinda homeowner says
Three months after a contractor hit a gas line and PG&E made an emergency repair, the homeowner was billed by the utility for confusing charges and even his own dirt.
California unemployment claims drop, backlog and fraud persists
State data provided by the Employment Development Department (EDD) has unemployment claims for last week down to just 158,877 – a six-month low.
Election security efforts in California to prevent voter fraud
Precautions have been taken in California to guard against fraud and ballot tampering in the 2020 Presidential Election.
COVID-19 patients moved to nursing home, 12 resident deaths reported
A massive COVID-19 outbreak at a Santa Clara County nursing home has left a dozen dead and infected 75 residents after hospital patients were moved into a separate wing of the Gilroy facility two months ago.
California farmworkers endure harsh conditions, wildfires and the coronavirus
California farmworkers are facing rising risks to their health as they deal with harsh conditions including extreme heat, smoky air and increased exposure to COVID-19.
Weekly $300 pandemic unemployment assistance ending in California
The last round of the $300 a week unemployment assistance payments will be sent out next week in California. But those who are jobless in the state won't be cut off completely.