Producer

A Northern California charter school prides itself on educating adults and serving a large immigrant and refugee population. Yet, whistleblowers and critics describe its environment as cult-like and toxic, accusing its leaders of exploiting students rather than truly educating them. This investigation led to a state audit and the resignation of multiple school leaders.

You can watch all the episodes here, https://www.abc10.com/highlands

Producer

North Sacramento residents are fed up with their community being treated as a ‘dumping ground’ and are urging the city to take action. ABC10 found that the area leads the city in illegal dumping, with over 5,700 reports from 311 calls in the 95838 and 95815 zip codes over nearly two years. These historically disinvested neighborhoods are predominantly diverse, low-income, and home to many non-English speakers, with Latinos comprising the largest demographic. Following our reporting, Sacramento is deploying new surveillance technology over the next five years to address illegal dumping.

Producer

A federal lawsuit is challenging whether Sacramento police applied different standards when responding to Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 versus the “Stop the Steal” demonstrations later that year. Protesters allege officers used excessive force—firing rubber bullets, tear gas, and making indiscriminate arrests—against racial justice demonstrators while showing leniency toward pro-Trump crowds, even when violence occurred. Body camera footage and legal filings raise critical questions about bias in law enforcement’s response to protests, and the case is pushing for stronger oversight of police tactics in Sacramento.

Associate Producer

Nearly 20 former SeaQuest employees have reported animal neglect at the aquarium/zoo, claiming the corporation exploits animals for profit. They raised concerns about poor living conditions, inadequate medical care, and a lack of enrichment activities, essential for the animals’ well-being. Many former staff shared specific incidents, highlighting a pattern of neglect and urging for better oversight and accountability. SeaQuest has declared bankruptcy following an investigation by ABC10 and ABC News.

Producer

For over two years, an investigation has been uncovering California’s broken conservatorship system, which leaves some of the state’s most vulnerable residents at risk of abuse. In season two, the focus is on limited conservatorships, a type of conservatorship for individuals with disabilities. Through five in-depth episodes, the reporting reveals troubling practices by the state agency responsible for safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities, including the unnecessary separation of families and severing all contact between individuals and their loved ones.

You can watch all the episodes here, http://abc10.com/priceofcare

Associate Producer