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
Bosnian fans gather ahead of USA match in Bay Area: 'It's very emotional'
With less than 24 hours until the USA vs. Bosnia match, European fans are descending on the Bay Area as they prepare for the knockout round.
Archdiocese of San Francisco reaches landmark $395M settlement for child sex abuse survivors
More than 500 survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of San Francisco reached a $395 million settlement that was announced Monday, with church leaders agreeing to an additional 14-point plan for protecting children.
Bay Area woman unable to reach family in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes
As Venezuela reels in the devastation of the powerful quakes, one Bay Area woman is trying to keep hope that her family there "haven't reached out because they don't have signal." ABC7 also spoke to a man in Caracas who said they were watching "parts of buildings falling off" in the frantic moments after.
SF man pleads not guilty in Castro hate crime case after DA files vandalism, assault charges
The charges follow an incident about a month ago, when a wall outside a Castro neighborhood flower shop was spray-painted with homophobic writing. The San Francisco District Attorney's office said the suspect is responsible and described the acts as hate crimes.
AI IPO boom set to transform San Francisco, starting with soaring real estate prices
San Francisco is bracing for a major economic boost as local artificial intelligence companies OpenAI and Anthropic move toward initial public offerings, with city officials and real estate agents already seeing early signs of impact. We spoke with experts on how this affects the city's economy and the housing market.
SF close to signing off plan for $40M Embarcadero waterfront plaza: Where's the money coming from?
San Francisco city leaders are preparing to sign off on a concept for a new $40 million waterfront plaza along the Embarcadero, even as the city faces a $643 million budget deficit.
Flooding hits San Francisco's Embarcadero as experts warn of more to come
Higher-than-normal tides could flood low-lying coastal areas around the Bay Area this week, a result of sea level rise from global warming and a surging El Nino. The unusually high tides are enhanced by wind, ocean swell and thermal expansion.
9 inmates sue San Francisco, alleging jail conditions led to serious health problems
According to the lawsuit, the women are experiencing unhealthy conditions compared to male inmates at the county jail. It also alleges a lack of exposure to "direct sunlight," leading to multiple health issues.
SF firefighters clash with Blue Shield at meeting over denied cancer care following Ken Jones' death
The cancer death of retired SF firefighter Ken Jones following Blue Shield treatment denials sparked a fierce outcry, driving unions and city employees into a closed-door City Hall showdown with the insurer to demand immediate reform.
Retired SF firefighter's cancer battle death sparks outcry, calls for Blue Shield coverage reforms
Firefighter Ken Jones died over the weekend, following what colleagues described as a prolonged struggle to secure treatment, after his care was denied by the city's designated insurance provider, Blue Shield. Jones' death is now fueling ongoing efforts by firefighters and advocates to push for systemic changes to ensure others do not face similar challenges.