Jovana Lara
Jovana was raised in Glendale after her family emigrated from Cuba when she was a small child. Although she was always interested in broadcasting, Jovana graduated from Loyola Marymount University and originally pursued a career in business.
She started in Palm Springs working weekends for KESQ. After one year of reporting, Jovana was promoted to weekend anchor. Eager to hone her reporting skills, Jovana took on a second job reporting for the Orange County News Channel. She continued to work both in Palm Springs and Orange County until she was hired to report by KNSD in San Diego.
During her first year in San Diego, Jovana won an Emmy for a story about a small village near Tijuana washed away in the 1997 mudslides of El Nino. Two other stories were also Emmy-nominated that year. Later, she won commendations from the San Diego Press club.
Since joining ABC7 Eyewitness News in 2000, Jovana has won four Emmys for her role as co-host on Vista L.A. As a reporter, Jovana has covered everything from breaking news including fires, crimes and natural disasters to in-depth feature stories. She's traveled to Mexico and Guatemala to cover earthquakes, immigration, and the Pope's visit as well as ongoing quality of life issues facing both Los Angeles and Mexico City. Jovana is also active on behalf of the station at many community events.
Follow Jovana on social media:
Facebook.com/abc7jovana
Twitter.com/abc7jovana
Instagram.com/abc7jovana
Contact:
ABC7 Broadcast Center
Attn: Jovana Lara
500 Circle Seven Drive
Glendale, CA 91201
818-863-7777
Jovana's Stories
How an LA high school student pushed for new law allowing minors to carry Narcan on campus
Libby Paquette, a student at Hancock Park's Marlborough School, worked to help bring about new legislation that makes it legal for minors to carry Narcan and fentanyl test strips on California campuses.
Ladera Heights could see big changes with proposed zoning plans from city and county
"There's a county plan and there's a city plan, and those two plans are competing, and they are adversely affecting us," said Ladera Heights Civic Association President Desobry Bowens.
True Crime presenta: Alexander Hernández, el 'Asesino del Valle'
En 2014, Alexander Hernández, un asesino en serie, andaba suelto en Los Ángeles, pero durante seis meses nadie lo supo.
True Crime: The Valley Killer
Ten years ago, the so-called "Valley Killer" began shooting people at random - many while in their cars - over the course of six months.
Mexican Mafia member who killed LA County deputy will remain in prison, judge rules
A member of the Mexican Mafia who was sentenced to death for killing a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy will remain in prison, a judge ruled.
New SoCal network helps save animals rescued from illegal wildlife trade
After animals are seized from illegal traffickers at travel hubs like LAX - what happens next? A new network helps connect them with safe homes.
Fighting through fear: ABC7 producer stays positive, shares personal story on breast cancer battle
"This sucks. There's no eloquent way to put it." ABC7 Producer Chellise Morey is sharing her fight with breast cancer and urging others to get tests done ahead of annual Susan G. Komen More than Pink Walk.
'Wish' comes true for fans at SoFi Stadium as Disney celebrates 100th birthday with gifts
Disney celebrated its 100th birthday and the upcoming film "Wish" by offering seat upgrades and other gifts to fans at SoFi Stadium for Monday's Chargers-Cowboys game.
Teacher Village program in LA aims to recruit young Black men as educators
A groundbreaking program in Los Angeles seeks to eliminate the hurdles Black men face in becoming teachers.
ABC7 revisits infamous Dodger Stadium attack in 'True Crime: Beaten at the Ballpark'
The attack on Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium stunned baseball fans and placed a spotlight on sports fan violence.