Mike Bunnell

May 21, 2024 | abc10.com | Mike Bunnell

ELK GROVE, Calif. — The Mandarins of Sacramento drum and bugle corps may be one of the best in the world, but not everyone has heard of them. “We're the best-kept secret in Sacramento,” said Dr. Dan Fong, CEO and President of the group’s parent organization. With members from around the world, the Mandarins say they are now one of the most inclusive groups in the activity, but when they were founded in 1963, the world was a different place. Discrimination made the corps a necessity.

Jan 18, 2024 | abc10.com | Andie Judson |Mike Bunnell |Gonzalo Magana |Sabrina Sanchez

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Watch all four episodes of this ABC10 Originals investigation here. “We’re growing when everyone else is shrinking,” Doc Smith told staff at the Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools December 2023 holiday party, hosted at Top Golf in Roseville. Smith – the leader of the charter school – talks about growing enrollment a lot, especially in staff meetings which recordings of were provided to ABC10. “We’re adding a lot of people.

Jan 17, 2024 | abc10.com | Andie Judson |Mike Bunnell |Sabrina Sanchez |Gonzalo Magana

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Watch all four episodes of this ABC10 Originals investigation here. Highlands rented out a 35,000-square-foot facility within Sacramento’s famous fairgrounds, Cal Expo. The space was filled with 38 booths, a stage with ongoing performances, a massive buffet and decorations for thousands of attendees to honor Highlands’ students culture and diversity.

Jan 16, 2024 | abc10.com | Andie Judson |Gonzalo Magana |Mike Bunnell |Sabrina Sanchez

SACRAMENTO, Calif — Watch all four episodes of this ABC10 Originals investigation here. “I’ve been so privileged to be a part of seeing people’s lives transformed,” said Ali Diaz. Diaz has been an educator for 30 years. What stood out to her about Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools was the students. “It’s a lot of newly arrived immigrants,” Diaz explained.

Jan 15, 2024 | abc10.com | Andie Judson |Mike Bunnell |Sabrina Sanchez |Gonzalo Magana

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Watch all four episodes of this ABC10 Originals investigation here. Directly across the street from Grant Union High School in north Sacramento stands a different kind of high school. As students make their way to class, they’re unlike the teenagers right across the street at Grant. First, many already have a life of experience… they’re all adults. Some adorn hijabs. Different languages from throughout the globe are spoken.