Kathy Vara

Los Angeles

Anchor and Reporter at KNBC-TV (Los Angeles, CA)

Anchor and Reporter at NBC LA

Anchor/Reporter for NBCLA, I enjoy learning new things, meeting people and telling their stories.

Articles

Real-life Doogie Howser works in Ventura County hospital ER

2 weeks ago | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara |Helen Jeong

A real-life Doogie Howser is taking care of patients in Camarillo, California. Elliana Tenenbaum, 18-year-old registered nurse who's already made history several times, has been working in the emergency room of St. John's Hospital for two years. "She applied with us when she was 16, which, of course, had never been done," recalled Denise Richardson, the hospital's nursing director.
LAUSD recognizes homeless students graduating from high school

2 weeks ago | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara |Helen Jeong

As high school seniors across Los Angeles get ready to graduate, Friday was a recognition day for more than 100 students who are getting their high school diplomas from Los Angeles Unified School District schools despite having faced with homelessness and food insecurity. The soon-to-be graduates celebrated their accomplishments with food and pictures at the 12th annual LAUSD Graduate Recognition ceremony.
SoCal families get new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity

3 weeks ago | nbcsandiego.com | Kathy Vara

When the dream of owning a home is becoming more far-fetched these days, two Inland Empire families are celebrating a priceless present from Habitat for Humanity Riverside and San Bernardino. The nonprofit gifted the two manufactured homes to the families, including the Johnson family who needs special accommodations for the teenage daughters with disabilities. Kennedy Johnson, one of the girls, said she's happy to be doing something that a lot of people may take for granted.
SoCal families get new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity

3 weeks ago | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara |Helen Jeong

When the dream of owning a home is becoming more far-fetched these days, two Inland Empire families are celebrating a priceless present from Habitat for Humanity Riverside and San Bernardino. The nonprofit gifted the two manufactured homes to the families, including the Johnson family who needs special accommodations for the teenage daughters with disabilities. Kennedy Johnson, one of the girls, said she's happy to be doing something that a lot of people may take for granted.
Family of man shot by San Gabriel police after pursuit seeks criminal charges

3 weeks ago | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara |Karla Rendon

The family of a man who was shot and killed by San Gabriel police at the end of a car chase last year is asking the justice department to file criminal charges in the case. Body cameras worn by officers show they shot at 50-year-old Pedro Meza more than 40 times after a pursuit ended in Rosemead in July 2024. The footage shows Meza stopping on Charlotte Avenue, then stepping out of his vehicle. He then turns toward police with his right arm extended and officers respond by opening fire.
BeyoncĂ© shows love to fan, LA County fire captain at Cowboy Carter tour

4 weeks ago | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara

This ain't Texas, but Beyoncé is showing some southern hospitality for a LA County firefighter. Sheila Kelliher Berkon, an LA County Fire Captain, first met Beyoncé during the artist's big win at the Grammys for the album Cowboy Carter. "I got a phone call. A friend of mine had given the president of the Grammys my phone number," said Berkon.
Bass and Caruso team up to rebuild Palisades Recreation Center

1 month ago | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara |Benjamin Gamson

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and businessman Rick Caruso announced Thursday they are teaming up with Lakers head coach JJ Redick to rebuild the Palisades Recreation Center after it was destroyed in the January wildfires. Redick, who lost his home in the Pacific Palisades, announced a public-private partnership to rebuild the community landmark. "It was a place that my family and I spent nearly every day," Redick said.
Costa Mesa home decked out in Taylor Swift references for Halloween

Oct 30, 2024 | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara |Karla Rendon-Alvarez

A Costa Mesa Taylor Swift fanatic chose the pop star as the theme of her home’s Halloween décor this year. Paying homage to the singer’s various eras, Sarah Green alludes to different songs from Swift’s discography that sharp-eyed Swifties will be able to recognize. From a giant friendship bracelet-like garland in front of the home to several pumpkins representing each of the singer’s albums, Green’s home is all decked out for the holiday. “Anything she touches is magical,” Green said.
WWII veteran celebrates 103rd birthday

Oct 6, 2024 | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara

Larry Schlesinger, a WWII Army veteran, celebrated his 103rd birthday Saturday surrounded by generations of family and friends, reflecting on over a century of life. “It feels great to have all these people around me and my whole family going to all this trouble to celebrate my birthday," said Schlesinger. The centenarian enlisted in the Army in February of 1942, sailing on the Grey Ghost and the Queen Mary, which served as a troop ship in the war.
WWII veteran celebrates 103rd birthday

Oct 6, 2024 | nbcsandiego.com | Kathy Vara

Larry Schlesinger, a WWII Army veteran, celebrated his 103rd birthday Saturday surrounded by generations of family and friends, reflecting on over a century of life. “It feels great to have all these people around me and my whole family going to all this trouble to celebrate my birthday," said Schlesinger. The centenarian enlisted in the Army in February of 1942, sailing on the Grey Ghost and the Queen Mary, which served as a troop ship in the war.