Carmen Guatzozon has always loved art – doodling as a child, painting her mother’s favorite orchids in middle school. But as a self-described “antisocial” youth, she never imagined she would grow into a leader equipped with confidence, public speaking skills, community connections and enhanced artistic techniques to help paint a significant public mural in Los Angeles.
Satisfaction with quality of life among LA County residents has fallen to its lowest point in over a decade, according to the 11th annual UCLA Quality of Life Index. The results reflect mounting strain from housing costs, education concerns and worsening traffic, according to the survey.
The massive fire map takes up an entire wall of the Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group. It tells the story of the sprawling Palisades Fire in a way that is both visceral and clear. It has become a focal point and an inspiration for fire survivors to share their stories.
They grew up in low-income communities of color and powered their way through college. Now Josh Divas, Sierra Payne and Sharon Vivian are pursuing master’s degrees in nursing at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science so they can return to their communities and help neglected neighbors.
Older adults who lost homes, possessions and stability in the 2025 Eaton Fire are receiving critical support, thanks to a partnership between the California Community Foundation (CCF) and Pasadena Village.
Healing began for Altadena resident Akiko Nishio not only with rebuilding her home, but with putting her hands in clay at the Armory Center for the Arts.