Kathy Vara

1 week 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.

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.

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.

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.

May 27, 2024 | nbclosangeles.com | Kathy Vara

A Whittier teenager who balanced his schoolwork along with being a caretaker for his ailing mother graduated from high school this weekend. He is now looking forward to pursuing a degree that will help people who are affected by the same illness as his mom. Preston Guinto graduated magna cum laude from St. Francis High School in La Cañada and did so while caring for his mother, volunteering in his community and helping children with special needs.