After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

Valentina Ruiz Leotaud

Valentina is the Observer Media Group's social media director. She is a multimedia and multiplatform journalist from Venezuela, proficient in both long-form and 140-character pieces. She has eight years of work experience in Venezuela, covering national, international and arts and culture information for different media outlets and different platforms. She has a master's degree in journalism from the University of British Columbia. Follow her Vancouver-based journalism.

Red Deer Creek fire, 2014.

Scorching summer temperatures not necessarily linked to climate change: expert

The heat in BC has led to 11 wildfires, but it's not abnormal weather, says an expert.
Valentina Ruiz LeotaudJul 15th, 2014

Doug McCallum advocates use of statistics to fight crime in Surrey

Former Surrey mayor Doug McCallum is running again in the upcoming election. He says current political leaders are not paying enough attention to high crime rates.
Valentina Ruiz LeotaudJul 11th, 2014

At Convergence 2014: Protecting Our Sacred Waters march, Grand Chief says Harper may delay pipeline decision

The First Nation leader urged people to show up in front of the CBC building at 6 p.m. on the day of the decision.
Valentina Ruiz LeotaudJun 8th, 2014

EAT! Vancouver features abundance of gluten, dairy, GMO-free food

The EAT! Vancouver Festival showcased locally-made, healthy products.
Valentina Ruiz LeotaudMay 31st, 2014

Anti-pipeline protesters march through downtown Vancouver

A group of anti-pipeline protesters carrying banners walked through downtown Vancouver this evening. Some of the signs were against the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion, while others...
Valentina Ruiz LeotaudMay 1st, 2014