Gladys Vargas

Los Angeles

California Local News Fellow at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism

@ucbsoj fellow covering los angeles | words in @losangelesblade, @bostonglobe | masshole y caribeñe pa’ siempre! 🇵🇷🇻🇪

Articles

SGV Habitat granted millions for home rebuilding Eaton fire recovery effort

4 days ago | sanluisobispo.com | Gladys Vargas |West Covina

A grant of $4.55 million will go toward the rebuilding of 22 homes in West Altadena for low-income, underinsured and uninsured homeowners who lost their residences in the Eaton fire, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity announced June 20. The Altadena Builds Back Foundation, an initiative of the Pasadena Community Foundation, awarded the multi-million dollar grant to the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. The rebuilding is planned to take place over the next three years.
New Puente Valley aquatic center ‘more than just a pool’

5 days ago | modbee.com | Gladys Vargas |West Covina

Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation celebrated the grand opening of the Hilda L. Solis Aquatic Center in West Puente Valley on June 14, in partnership with Supervisor Hilda Solis, the Department of Public Works, and Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. The center is the first L.A. County-operated aquatic facility in the San Gabriel Valley. "This center is more than just a pool," Solis said. "It is a safe, welcoming place where families can come together to learn, play, and stay healthy.
LGBTQ+ community watches conclave and hopes Francis’ progressive moves endure

1 month ago | modbee.com | Gladys Vargas |West Covina

When Dustin Pagan-Peterson and his husband found out Pope Francis had passed, the only thing they could do after confirming it online was hold each other's hands across the breakfast table and cry. "It's still so hard to actually believe," Pagan-Peterson said Friday, April 25. Pope Francis was 88 when he died on Easter Monday, April 21. His death was a blow to Catholics around the world, especially those who appreciated Francis' views on LGBTQ+ people, poverty and immigration.
World Central Kitchen transitions to new phase of LA-area wildfire relief

2 months ago | dailynews.com | Gladys Vargas

Trish Engel of World Central Kitchen (WCK). shows the type of vegetables and gift cards given to fire victims Friday, Topanga Cyn. CA. April 25, 2025. Trish was the farmer’s market in Topanga Cyn. passing out the last of the gift cards from their gift card after months of providing food to Eaton and Palisade fire survivors, World Central Kitchen is transitioning to a new phase of relief.
World Central Kitchen transitions to new phase of LA-area wildfire relief

2 months ago | mercedsunstar.com | Gladys Vargas |West Covina

In early January, World Central Kitchen employee Trish Engel wasn't sure if she really liked being back home in Los Angeles. She was glad to be with her stepdad, who is weaning off of treatment as he goes through Stage 4 cancer. But she wasn't sure if L.A. was the city for her after being away for about seven years. Then, the Eaton and Palisades fires happened. Suddenly, Engel was deployed in her own backyard.
Pasadena closes park baseball fields to test for lead from Eaton fire

2 months ago | fresnobee.com | Gladys Vargas

The Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is closing the baseball infields at Washington Park and Victory Park until the results of soil lead testing are available, the city announced Friday, April 18. "We are taking proactive steps to help ensure that our parks are safe for all visitors, especially young children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure," said Koko Panossian, director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.
San Gabriel Valley leaders 'thrilled' over announcement of LA28 Olympic venue cities

2 months ago | pasadenastarnews.com | Gladys Vargas

LA28 Olympic venues and a cultural celebration hub will spotlight local sports facilities and international heritage across the San Gabriel Valley, according to announcements on Tuesday, April 15, from the LA28 organization and local cities. The release of the venue plans follows approval from the International Olympic Committee Executive Board last week.
Pasadena Unified moves to test soil amid concerns over contamination

2 months ago | fresnobee.com | Gladys Vargas

The Pasadena Unified School District will work with the Pasadena Public Health Department to test lead levels in the soil near area schools, in the wake of recent findings that areas downwind of the Eaton fire had levels of lead exceeding public health thresholds, Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said Sunday night. "Some of these results show elevated levels of lead at locations near some of our schools," Blanco said in a districtwide letter on Sunday, April 13.
Pasadena Unified moves to test soil amid concerns over contamination

2 months ago | sgvtribune.com | Gladys Vargas

The Pasadena Unified School District will work with the Pasadena Public Health Department to test lead levels in the soil near area schools, in the wake of recent findings that areas downwind of the Eaton fire had levels of lead exceeding public health thresholds, Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said Sunday night. “Some of these results show elevated levels of lead at locations near some of our schools,” Blanco said in a districtwide letter on Sunday, April 13.
Pasadena Unified moves to test soil amid concerns over contamination

2 months ago | pasadenastarnews.com | Gladys Vargas