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
Oakland crash victim shows signs of progress but may need permanent breathing device, family says
The family of 32-year-old Kiara Bowling says she is showing signs of progress after being hit by a vehicle driven by 7-year-old and 4-year-old brothers while walking her best friend's dog in Oakland. The family is "hoping for a miracle every day" as it remains unknown if there will be permanent impacts.
Pay or Get Cited: Here's how SFMTA is expanding fare enforcement, awareness across Muni system
San Francisco transit officials are increasing fare enforcement efforts across the Muni system as the SFMTA faces a significant budget shortfall and seeks to boost fare compliance.
Report finds SFPD officers used unnecessary force in 2024 wrongful arrest after license plate error
An SFPD report found that two officers used unnecessary force and violated policy during the 2024 arrest of Matthew Ludwig after they entered his license plate information incorrectly, causing them to think his car was stolen. They smashed his car window, dragged him from the vehicle, and pepper-sprayed him at close range.
Rare Egyptian treasures make US debut at San Francisco's De Young Museum
More than 100 ancient Egyptian artifacts are now on display at San Francisco's De Young Museum as part of the "Treasures of the Pharaohs" exhibition, which is making its debut in the United States. Among the featured pieces are artifacts from the tomb of Psusennes I.
Victim critically injured in Oakland crash involving young brothers is fighting for her life: family
The family of Kiara Bowling says she is fighting for her life after she was run over by two young brothers who took their parents' car in Oakland on Wednesday. They say Bowling suffered multiple facial fractures, a brain bleed, internal bleeding, and has already undergone several surgeries.
7 and 4-year-old brothers take parents' car, critically injure woman walking dog in Oakland crash
Relatives say two young brothers, 7 and 4 years old, took their parents' car in Oakland while they were sleeping before losing control and crashing, critically injuring a woman walking her dog.
San Francisco memorial honors immigrants who died in ICE custody; calls for detention reforms
"Our hearts are broken." San Francisco's immigration building became the site of a memorial Wednesday as interfaith leaders, advocates and families gathered to remember dozens of people who recently died in immigration detention centers or were shot and killed by ICE agents.
More than 100 people rally on SF streets, urging city to enforce drug laws: 'We are fed up'
People in recovery, formerly incarcerated individuals and advocates gathered in San Francisco on Tuesday to call for stronger enforcement of laws related to public drug use and to urge city leaders to hold people accountable while expanding access to treatment.
SF issues 396 warnings under Mission Street vendor law aimed at curbing suspected stolen goods
The changes follow the approval of Senate Bill 276 by the California Senate last year. The legislation allows San Francisco to require street vendors selling merchandise to obtain permits as a way to crack down on the sale of stolen items.
SFMTA report shows severe injury collisions up 8% on city streets in 2026
Residents say the data reflects what they experience on city streets. "It's kind of dangerous if you are a walker or a biker to be in this city," said San Francisco resident Martin Galaz.