Tom Vacar
After two years of freelancing while working full time in L.A., Tom became a full-time staff member of KTVU as Consumer Editor, in 1991.
Tom has covered every major disaster including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, levee breaks and droughts and has had a big hand in covering business, economics, consumer affairs, aerospace, space, the military, high technology, ports, logistics, airlines and general news.
Tom worked at KGO TV and KGO Radio from 1979-1985. He moved to KCBS-TV and KNX News Radio in 1985 before moving to KTTV in 1988.
Tom is originally from Salem, Ohio (a small industrial town of 11,000 people between Cleveland and Pittsburgh). He got his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio in 1972 as a designated Undergraduate Scholar. Tom got his Law Degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1978.
In his 31 years at KTVU, he calculates that he has covered 8,000 stories. For 18 years, KTVU was home to Tom’s syndicated Great American Toy Test (nominated for a national Emmy). He has covered many major disasters including the Caldor Fire in Lake Tahoe, the L.A. quake in 1994, the Napa Quake, the Great Recession, the Pandemic and the long drought.
Tom loves the diversity of the region’s people, cultures and ethnicities. That, he says, is what truly makes the Bay Area’s natural beauty even more beautiful.
Tom shoots still pictures, mostly of wildlife while traveling with his wife Sharon, a former SF Opera soprano who also worked as a producer for 17 years. He has also traveled to England, Italy, Japan, Honduras, Bahrain, British Virgin Islands, The Grenadines, St. Martin. Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Society Islands, Panama, etc.
The latest from Tom Vacar
Air travelers start to feel the pain ahead of further potential flight reductions
With the federal government shutdown in its 38th day and no end in sight, warnings about air travel complications have become ominous.
Government shutdown could cause a dangerous domino effect for airlines
With respect to the airlines and that aviation industry, the government shutdown is starting a dangerous domino effect. By slimming down airlines to need less controllers, the government could cost a lot of other people their jobs.
Airline flights reduced by 10% despite high holiday demand
The unpaid air traffic controller situation is so bad, Uncle Sam is ordering airlines to reduce flights regardless of high holiday demand. There is actually a funded fix for this but those who could fix it are staring each other down.
Drone pilot helps rescue family's lost dog in Petaluma
An Alaskan family's tragedy was turned into triumph thanks to a committed community and an unlikely techno-wiz hero, all looking for a lost dog named Crash.
Air travel delays are increasing amid government shutdown
As of Sunday, air traffic control operations in the United States are experiencing significant flight delays at major airports, and it's likely going to get worse as the government shutdown continues.
Bird flu causes Sonoma County farm to euthanize 57,000 ducks
A Sonoma County duck farm is being forced to destroy tens of thousands of ducks that have been or will be infected by a highly-contagious bird flu. The same farm was hit by the disease two years ago when infected migratory wild birds made contact with domesticated farm animals.
Judge: Oakland to pay at least $230M after losing latest coal terminal dispute
Oakland might have to pay at least $230 million as a result of a federal judge's finding that the city directly prevented a company from developing a coal terminal, forcing it into bankruptcy.
Costco gas station plan moves forward in this North Bay community
Almost five years after it was first proposed, Costco is still pursuing a long-delayed project to put a huge gasoline station at its Novato warehouse.
Novato city councilman's legacy draws large crowd
At a time when politicians are held in low regard, more than 200 people showed up at a memorial in Novato City Council Chambers. More than 200 attendees came to express their love and respect for 65-year-old Councilman Mark Milberg
Crab season delayed, but for how long?
The crabbing season is now officially delayed because there's a lot of sea life out there -- including whales and turtles -- that fishing gear can harm.