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Marina Peña

@bymarinagiselle.bsky.social
51 followers 41 following 9 posts

🇦🇷🇺🇸 Journalist. marinagisellepena.com

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Marina Peña @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Black-owned businesses on L.A.’s Westside: Five to visit afrolanews.org/2026/07/blac...
afrolanews.org
Looking for Black-owned businesses on L.A.’s Westside? Start with these
Meet five Black-owned businesses on L.A.’s Westside, from Culver City to Santa Monica, offering books, coffee, cookies, skincare and more.
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Reposted by Marina Peña
AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
“A quarter to a half of our members have either slowed their visits to their gardens or stopped going completely," said Diana Campos-Jimenez, a lead community organizer for the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, which has helped create 30 urban parks and community gardens across L.A. since 2002.
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
What's a community garden left to do when its members stop showing up for fear of ICE raids? afrolanews.org/2026/03/l-a-...
afrolanews.org
L.A.’s immigrant gardeners lean on community amid ICE raids
Fear is keeping many immigrant residents away from tending community gardens. Advocates say that's harming spaces meant to offer safety.
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Describe a Black matriarch in one sentence. @write-this-way.bsky.social's issue this week is about becoming one — but first we want to hear who yours was. ntmt.beehiiv.com/p/black-wome...
ntmt.beehiiv.com
When Black women become their family matriarchs
Dana Amihere on the Black women who hold families together — grandmothers, mothers, and neighborhood Mamas — and what it means to inherit the matriarch’s seat.
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The LA Local @thelalocalorg.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Fans at this South LA watch party think Argentina can win the World Cup again
thelalocal.org
Can Argentina win the World Cup again? South LA fans think so | LA Local
At a watch party in South L.A., fans shared why they believe Argentina can defend its World Cup title, and what the tournament means to them.
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The LA Local @thelalocalorg.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
At MacArthur Park, the World Cup brings back a sense of community
thelalocal.org
World Cup brings a sense of community to MacArthur Park | LA Local
Some residents say they never imagined watching the World Cup in the park after everything the neighborhood has endured over the past year.
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Marina Peña @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Qué lindo ser argentino en época de Mundial 🇦🇷. Hay una magia, una pasión y una forma única de vivir el fútbol en este país que son difíciles de explicar y aún más difíciles de encontrar en cualquier otro rincón del mundo. 🌎
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
The FIFA World Cup tournament is projected to generate around $892 million in total economic activity across the county, according to the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee. @thelalocalorg.bsky.social @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
World Cup jersey sales are up at Niky’s Sports in Pico Union — especially these teams | LA Local
It's just part of the projected $892 million in economic activity the tournament is expected to bring to LA County.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Keum-soon Lee was a light in every community she was part of. She performed at an LA Kings game earlier this year with her harmonica ensemble and was struck by a hit-and-run driver on her way from morning prayer at her church.
thelalocal.org
Koreatown hit-and-run victim remembered as a light in her church and senior center communities | LA Local
Keum-soon Lee played harmonica with the Koreatown Senior & Community Center ensemble. She was 73 and is survived by her husband and son.
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The LA Local @thelalocalorg.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Nonprofit Pico Union Project gets new leadership as co-founders step down
thelalocal.org
 The Pico Union Project gets new leadership | LA Local
Craig and Louise Taubman founded their nonprofit in 2013 and will step down from their leadership roles, but will remain active in the organization.
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The LA Local @thelalocalorg.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
What questions do you have for the LA mayoral candidates?
thelalocal.org
What questions do you have for the LA mayoral candidates? | LA Local
Help us make sure the candidates address the issues you care about most.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Los Angeles promises the $2.6 billion Convention Center expansion will be a job generator and bring in tax funds over the next 30 years. But businesses in the neighborhood say their customers are not coming back. @thelalocalorg.bsky.social @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
Businesses struggle while Convention Center expansion closes off Pico Boulevard | LA Local
Businesses in the neighborhood say their customers are not returning due to the construction along Pico Boulevard.
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Marina Peña @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Recently, I shared Oscar and Geraldine Polanco’s story—after ICE agents detained Oscar at a green card office in the San Fernando Valley, the couple was forced to reunite in Guatemala, where they’re now starting over: thelalocal.org/immigration/...
thelalocal.org
After ICE detention, couple plans new life in Guatemala
Longtime LA resident Oscar Polanco was newly married and working to get legal status when he was detained and taken to Adelanto ICE Processing Center.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
“We have senior citizen retirees showing up saying, ‘I’m an old white woman — how can I help?’ We have students from community colleges and universities." Story @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social @thelalocalorg.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
Older, white Angelenos are joining Latino volunteers to monitor ICE raids | LA Local
The rapid response group, Unión del Barrio, has seen a huge spike of new volunteers after two high-profile killings in Minnesota.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
For more than five years, Gurpreet Singh, 42, has looked out for the MacArthur Park community-responding to mental health crises and overdoses by administering Narcan or calling 911. This interview is from @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social and Hanna Kang @thelalocalorg.bsky.social
youtube.com
This volunteer hands out Narcan at MacArthur Park #localnews
YouTube video by The LA Local
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Everything changed in October at Oscar’s green card adjustment appointment— a routine interview with immigration officials to determine whether he could become a lawful permanent resident. Reporting @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social @thelalocalorg.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
After ICE detention, couple plans new life in Guatemala
Longtime LA resident Oscar Polanco was newly married and working to get legal status when he was detained and taken to Adelanto ICE Processing Center.
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Claudia Koerner @claudiakoerner.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
We don't always hear what happens after ICE takes someone — beautiful look here @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social at one couple's story: “We had plans. To keep working, to buy a home, to have children.” thelalocal.org/immigration/...
thelalocal.org
After ICE detention, couple plans new life in Guatemala
Longtime LA resident Oscar Polanco was newly married and working to get legal status when he was detained and taken to Adelanto ICE Processing Center.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
The proposed measure would impose a one-time tax of up to 5% on individuals and trusts with a net worth above $1 billion. Backers, including @sanders.senate.gov, estimate about 200 California residents would be affected. By @thelalocalorg.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
Bernie Sanders campaigns for billionaire tax
Sen. Bernie Sanders kicked off the campaign for a California billionaire tax with an event Wednesday in Koreatown.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
A former Pico Union party supply warehouse is now home to a growing number of luxury classic cars. How one man turned a weekend side gig into a thriving car rental agency. By @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social for @thelalocalorg.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
How a Pico Boulevard warehouse became home to a fleet of luxury cars | LA Local
A former Pico Union party supply warehouse is home to a growing fleet of classic cars. How one man turned a weekend gig into a car rental agency.
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The LA Local @thelalocalorg.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
How a Pico Boulevard warehouse became home to a fleet of luxury cars
thelalocal.org
How a Pico Boulevard warehouse became home to a fleet of luxury cars | LA Local
A former Pico Union party supply warehouse is home to a growing fleet of classic cars. How one man turned a weekend gig into a car rental agency.
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The LA Local @thelalocalorg.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
These South LA empanada makers designed Bad Bunny’s halftime ‘casita’
thelalocal.org
Bad Bunny Super Bowl Casita: Meet the South LA Designers
Meet Federico Laboreau and Maximiliano Pizzi, the Argentine owners of South LA’s Fuegos who went from serving empanadas to designing the interior of Bad Bunny’s iconic Super Bowl halftime casita.
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The LA Local @thelalocalorg.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Papa Cristo’s former home in Pico Union could be replaced by a storage facility
thelalocal.org
Papa Cristo’s former home could be replaced by storage facility | LA Local
Greek marketplace Papa Cristo’s former home in Pico Union could be demolished to make way for a storage facility.
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The LA Local @thelalocalorg.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
LA wants to fence MacArthur Park. Locals aren’t sure it will fix anything.
thelalocal.org
LA wants to fence MacArthur Park. Locals don't think it will fix anything. | LA Local
A fence around MacArthur Park could make it easier to maintain, officials say. Some locals are on the fence about the whole plan.
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Recovery from the Eaton fire looks different for everyone. Every family has its own pressing question that can stand in the way of #Altadena feeling like home again. Reported in partnership with the LA Reporting Collective afrolanews.org/2026/02/what...
afrolanews.org
What it takes to feel at home again after the Eaton Fire
Eaton Fire-impacted residents share their stories about seeking safe water, stability and peace of mind in the first year after the disaster.
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Esotouric's Secret Los Angeles @esotouric.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Self-storage developer La Tierra Consulting uses Papa Cristo’s logo in renderings presented to the Neighborhood Council, but has not actually asked Chrys Chrys if he wants to reopen his displaced family business. Neighbors say they want housing. Sigh... thelalocal.org/neighborhood...
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
The proposal to fence MacArthur Park could make the space easier to maintain, according to city officials. But residents worry this would drastically change the fabric of the neighborhood. From @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social and Hanna Kang for @thelalocalorg.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
LA wants to fence MacArthur Park. Locals don't think it will fix anything. | LA Local
A fence around MacArthur Park could make it easier to maintain, officials say. Some locals are on the fence about the whole plan.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
A Redondo Beach developer plans to turn Papa Cristo’s longtime home in Pico Union into a storage facility — but says that he still wants to honor the restaurant’s more than 70 year legacy in some way. @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social @thelalocalorg.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
Papa Cristo’s former home could be replaced by storage facility | LA Local
Greek marketplace Papa Cristo’s former home in Pico Union could be demolished to make way for a storage facility.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
From Buenos Aires to the Super Bowl stage, Argentine designers Federico Laboreau and Maximiliano Pizzi helped bring Bad Bunny’s iconic casita to life — and this is how they did it. Story from @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social for @thelalocalorg.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
Bad Bunny Super Bowl Casita: Meet the South LA Designers
Meet Federico Laboreau and Maximiliano Pizzi, the Argentine owners of South LA’s Fuegos who went from serving empanadas to designing the interior of Bad Bunny’s iconic Super Bowl halftime casita.
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Marina Peña @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
¡Viva la diferencia, viva las travas, viva Perón! - Flor de la V
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Marina Peña @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
One of the best interviewers I feel like I know and truly admire. @juliamengo.bsky.social doesn’t just interview people—she has genuine, beautiful conversations with them. She’s fully present and gives herself completely to the person she’s speaking with. 🇦🇷https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGw0Lq2kVcs
youtube.com
¡VIVA LA DIFERENCIA, VIVA LAS TRAVAS, VIVA PERÓN! | FLOR DE LA V con JULIA MENGOLINI
YouTube video by Futurock FM
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Some of the detainees at the California City detention facility were detained at immigration hearings. Many did not have prior criminal records, according to Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff. They conducted an oversight tour at the facility on Tuesday. Story by @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
Some detainees were arrested at routine immigration appointments, Padilla and Schiff say after oversight tour | LA Local
The California Democratic senators carried out the congressional oversight tour amid the onslaught of immigration raids across the region.
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kpwlocal.bsky.social @kpwlocal.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
The pocket park, set to slot right next to the Pío Pico–Koreatown Branch Library, was formally approved in August 2017. Nearly a decade later — and after $22 million in public funding was committed — the park remains unfinished. Story from @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social
thelalocal.org
$18 million and a decade later, Koreatown is still waiting for its mini park | LA Local
When Los Angeles opens a pocket park in Koreatown in 2027, it will be the first park opened since the 1920s.
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Nathan Solis @tarantulaarms.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Masked agents continue to detain people across LA. And these volunteers with @uniondelbarrio.bsky.social continue to head out to document the raids and inform their communities. Here's the latest on the ground from reporters @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social @isaiahembee.bsky.social for The LA Local.
thelalocal.org
Watching ICE can turn deadly. These volunteers aren’t backing down. | LA Local
Volunteers with Union Del Barrio are part of a growing network of people searching and reporting on ICE raids in their communities.
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The Fresno Bee @fresnobee.com · 02/11/2025
The man claims his glasses were returned to him after a month at the ICE facility
bit.ly
Man detained at CA’s largest ICE facility alleges ‘horrible negligence’ after injury
The man claims his glasses were returned to him after a month at the ICE facility
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The Fresno Bee @fresnobee.com · 03/11/2025
Fresno County would be split into six congressional districts instead of the current four.
bit.ly
What’s at stake for Fresno County in Prop. 50 vote? Here are the changes
Fresno County would be split into six congressional districts instead of the current four.
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Read Marina Peña's @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social story about what advocates are doing to protect immigrant communities while the federal government ramps up efforts to deport undocumented Angelenos. afrolanews.org/2025/07/ice-...
afrolanews.org
ICE raids targeting street vendors in L.A. spark fear and solidarity in immigrant communities
As the Trump Administration ramps up its immigration crackdown, Los Angeles has emerged as a flashpoint, with ICE arrests surging to record highs and sparking widespread outrage, solidarity, and…
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Marina Peña @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Crazy how Argentina’s president Javier Milei was involved in a crypto scandal that swindled thousands but this interview between pop singer Lali and her boyfriend Pedro Rosemblat is more relevant for many young Argentines
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Marina Peña @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
I wrote about the experiences of Latinos in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades during the recent fires in LA for the @baheraldcom.bsky.social check out their stories here👇 buenosairesherald.com/world/la-suf...
buenosairesherald.com
LA suffered its worst fires ever. Latinos are among those hit the hardest - Buenos Aires Herald
The catastrophe has left struggling families in a state of uncertainty as they face a long road back to recovery
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Black pregnant women of all socioeconomic statuses already have an increased risk of preterm births and pregnancy complications. In Los Angeles County from 2021 to 2023, about 1 in 10 babies from a single-child pregnancy was preterm (versus multiples like twins, triplets). (1/5)
Black doctor with a stethoscope examining a Black pregnant woman.Black woman in an N95 mask sitting in front of a sunny window. Infographic showing relative particle sizes, from fine beach sand to microparticles that can be found in wildfire smoke.
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Beyer is also accepting donations of new or gently used books that are suitable for children in grades K-12 and considered classic library staples. Read Marina's story to learn more: buff.ly/40UprHK
afrolanews.org
A former teacher is rebuilding Altadena one book at a time
Former preschool teacher Carmela Beyer launched a fundraiser to provide children's books for schools affected by the Eaton Fire, and has raised more than $40,000 to support her community.
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Former preschool teacher Carmela Beyer knew she had to do something for the five school communities that lost their campuses in the Eaton Fire. She launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to buy new books for the impacted children, give back to local businesses and rebuild libraries.
A young woman stand in front of stacked boxes A room stacked with boxes of books
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Did you know that every other week, AfroLA publishes a fresh newsletter called The Breakdown? AfroLA's Aaricka Washington breaks down the articles our journalists have written as well as the work from other talented reporters from various news organizations. buff.ly/3EIityl
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In the spirit of love
Romance is in the air. (A welcome reprieve from wildfire smoke.)
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
“Studies show that children connect to stories on a much deeper level when it’s actual human beings + not animals or inanimate objects,” she said. “But then, taking that further, if they themselves are Black + Brown kids and they see themselves in the pages of the book, it builds their self esteem.”
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Marina Peña interviewed seven authors who have written recent children books that center Afro Latine characters in their books. Learn more about them here: buff.ly/4hWy8YS
afrolanews.org
Meet the authors creating more Afro Latine voices in children's literature
Diverse children's books with Afro Latine protagonists empower young readers through relatable stories that reflect their identities.
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Are you a parent who is searching for books that represent your multiracial kids? Well, AfroLA has your back. The scene for Afro Latine representation in literature has grown tremendously over the past few years.
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
AfroLA reporter Marina Peña spoke with three families about how the Eaton Fire has impacted children's sense of normalcy in a time of crucial social, intellectual and emotional development. Read their stories: buff.ly/3QxbIC1 📸 : Photos courtesy the families (10/10)
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AfroLA @afrolanews.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
While many 11-year-olds are making stronger friends, facing peer pressure and becoming more independent, some young people are navigating insurmountable circumstances: The traumatic loss of their home, neighborhood and school. (1/10) buff.ly/3QxbIC1
Triptych of family photos.
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Andrea López-Cruzado @lopezcruzado.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Latino USA's first new podcast of 2025 is an interview with Alex García López, co-director of the adaptation of 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' for @netflix.com. Did you watch the series yet? How do you like it—or not? Listen to our show @bymarinagiselle.bsky.social now playing! bit.ly/lusayears
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'One Hundred Years of Solitude' on Screen - Latino USA
Netflix has brought Gabriel García Márquez’s iconic novel One Hundred Years of Solitude to life with a two-part limited series...
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