Luz Pena
A notebook: blank pages waiting to be filled with ideas, stories, and memories. The medium remains constant, but with time the stories change. At age 11, the pages were filled with childhood memories from my hometown in Barranquilla, Colombia. At age 12, the memories and adventures stopped and were replaced with simple words and phrases: "Hello", "My name is Luz", "I'm from Colombia". My notebook became my tool to learn English as a young immigrant to the US. Today, my notebook is for our community, where each blank page is an opportunity to give someone a voice. What's your story?
I've worked in the NY, LA, and SF markets. In the Bay, I was a video journalist for Univision 14. In Los Angeles, I was a reporter, host and digital correspondent for Fox Spanish national network, and Fox Sports/Fox Deportes. In New York, I was a reporter for the FoxNews.com platform.
Throughout my journalism career, I've been honored with 9 Emmys, a Society of Professional Journalist - excellence in journalism award, a L.A Press Club Award, and named one of the top 40 Latinos in American Media by the Huff Post. I graduated from Hofstra University in New York with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science.
I'm thrilled to be part of the ABC7 news team and would love to tell your story! Reach out anytime on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Luz's Stories
'Do the right thing, Kaiser': SF nurse at risk of losing job due to DACA delays
A San Francisco nurse's immigration status is drawing attention to federal delays affecting some recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program as she faces the potential loss of her job at Kaiser after more than a decade.
Here's how soaring gas prices are impacting Bay Area food trucks
Feeling the impact: San Francisco food truck operators say rising gas and diesel prices are cutting into their bottom line.
SF sues Tenderloin convenience store over alleged drug sales behind the counter
In a civil lawsuit, the San Francisco City Attorney's Office accuses the owners and operators of allowing "the sales, storage and possession of controlled substances." The complaint also alleges the store drew constant activity from drug dealers lingering out front and "attracting large groups of drug users to this area."
Fired Bay Area immigration judge sues DOJ, alleging discrimination over gender, age, political views
Kyra Lilien, who served at the Concord Immigration Court, filed a federal lawsuit challenging her removal from the bench. Her case comes as the Department of Justice has terminated more than 100 immigration judges since 2025, raising questions about executive authority and judicial independence.
SF cracking down on Muni fare evasion with more enforcement, new strategies
San Francisco announced new enforcement and payment changes aimed at cracking down on fare evasion across the city's public transit system, as officials confront a growing budget deficit and concerns about fairness among riders.
DOJ closes San Francisco immigration court ahead of schedule, leaving thousands of cases in limbo
Eight months ahead of schedule, the federal government closed San Francisco's immigration court at 100 Montgomery Street, leaving thousands of cases in transition and advocates warning of delays and confusion.
Stanford investigating after altercation between Israeli soldier and student during event
Stanford said campus public safety officers responded, and "a thorough investigation is ongoing." The university said it remains committed to ensuring White Plaza continues to be a space where students can express their views.
Jury awards $16M to survivor in 1970s Oakland Diocese priest abuse case
More than 50 years after the alleged abuse by former Oakland priest Stephen Kiesle, a civil jury has awarded one of his accusers $16 million.
San Francisco school cleans up for Earth Day with inspiration from Pixar film 'Hoppers'
The Earth Day cleanup sent students from San Francisco's St. Thomas More Catholic School on a mission to pick up litter and learn about protecting the environment. It was inspired by "Hoppers," a Disney and Pixar film that focuses on improving conditions for animals and the environment.
This San Francisco store is run by artificial intelligence: Meet Luna, the boss
Imagine walking into a store and finding out the boss behind it all is artificial intelligence. That's the experiment a group of entrepreneurs is running San Francisco's Andon Market. Here's how Luna, the boss, works.