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
California's Delete Act forces brokers to erase personal data starting Aug. 1: What to know
More than 300,000 Californians will soon have their personal data deleted as the state's Delete Act moves toward its first enforcement deadline on Aug. 1.
'It was a scene from the Titanic': Fishermen recall rescuing passengers from sinking boat in SF Bay
"It was a scene from the Titanic in real life. Like people banging on the window trying to get out. It's probably something I will never forget." Two commercial fishermen described the desperate rescue efforts they undertook after a three-level vessel sank in San Francisco Bay with 20 people on board, leaving several people trapped and others struggling in the water.
SF may soon fine autonomous vehicle companies for impeding emergency response
San Francisco first responders are raising concerns about autonomous vehicles blocking emergency routes and delaying response times, prompting city leaders to explore additional accountability measures for self-driving car companies.
After chaotic 4th of July, San Francisco supervisor pushes escalating fines for illegal fireworks
San Francisco could soon impose a graduated system of fines and penalties for people caught illegally discharging fireworks under a new proposal. The proposal would establish escalating penalties for repeat offenders.
Historic century-old SF restaurant Julius' Castle set to reopen after long renovation
Julius' Castle, an iconic building and restaurant built in 1922 in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill neighborhood below Coit Tower, is set to reopen in September after being closed since 2007 and undergoing over a decade of renovations. Here's a look at its history and restoration.
Multiple people lose eyes, hands in illegal fireworks-related injuries in San Francisco
According to Dr. Colwell at SF General, four people lost eyes, five lost hands and at least 15 people suffered serious injuries related to electric scooters over the weekend.
'Great Drain Robber': San Francisco neighborhood plagued by repeated sewer cover thefts at night
Residents in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood say a thief has been stealing sewer drain covers in the middle of the night, leaving homeowners concerned about safety and replacement costs.
Golden Gate Bridge protesters found guilty on lesser charges; judge declares mistrial on felony
Seven pro-Palestinian protesters who shut down traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge in 2024 to denounce U.S. aid to Israel in the Israel-Hamas war were all found guilty of false imprisonment by a jury in San Francisco on Thursday.
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.