Author Archives: Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

Alejandra is a California Divide reporter writing about inequality in Los Angeles. She previously covered breaking news, the pandemic and Latino communities for the Los Angeles Times. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA and is pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies at the university’s law school.

alejandra@calmatters.org

Burger King employee Yolanda Santiago cheers “¡Si Se Pudo!” or “Yes, We Could!,” with fellow workers before Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation supporting the rights of fast food workers and boosting wages to $20 an hour during a press conference at SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2023. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

California Divide

Gavin Newsom signs law boosting minimum wage for fast-food workers. Is $20 enough?

by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde September 28, 2023September 28, 2023

McDonald's workers, including Lizzet Aguilar, celebrate winning a state retaliation claim against a Boyle Heights franchise location. Four workers won more than $100,000 in lost hours, penalties and backpay after they alleged the owners illegally retaliated against them for making a workplace safety complaint during the pandemic. Photo by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde, CalMatters

CalMatters en Español

A medida que más californianos alegan violaciones en el trabajo, grupos laborales dicen que los empleadores están tomando represalias

by Jeanne Kuang and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde September 1, 2023September 1, 2023

McDonald's workers, including Lizzet Aguilar, celebrate winning a state retaliation claim against a Boyle Heights franchise location. Four workers won more than $100,000 in lost hours, penalties and backpay after they alleged the owners illegally retaliated against them for making a workplace safety complaint during the pandemic. Photo by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde, CalMatters

California Divide

As more Californians allege on-the-job violations, labor groups say bosses retaliate

by Jeanne Kuang and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde September 1, 2023September 5, 2023

Entrika Zacarias sits in her home at Oasis Mobile Home Park in Coachella Valley on Aug. 23, 2023.

CalMatters en Español

Pese a que los trabajadores agrícolas del Valle de Coachella perdieron dinero durante la tormenta Hilary sus opciones de ayuda financiera son escasas

by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Nicole Foy August 30, 2023August 30, 2023

Entrika Zacarias sits in her home at Oasis Mobile Home Park in Coachella Valley on Aug. 23, 2023.

California Divide

Coachella Valley farmworkers lost hundreds of dollars during storm Hilary. Financial aid options are slim.

by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Nicole Foy August 30, 2023August 31, 2023

Members of the the Domestic Workers Alliance join the actors and writers strike at the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, on July 19, 2023. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

CalMatters en Español

Hay una ‘solidaridad asombrosa’ en las huelgas de varios sindicatos en California que rompen las barreras de la riqueza y las clases sociales

by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde August 8, 2023August 8, 2023

Members of the the Domestic Workers Alliance join the actors and writers strike at the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, on July 19, 2023. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

California Divide

‘Staggering solidarity’: How California’s summer strikes broke down wealth, class barriers

by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde August 8, 2023August 7, 2023

Farm workers plant grapevines at a farm in Woodland on April 25, 2022. Photo by Fred Greaves, Reuters

CalMatters en Español

‘Con doble desventaja’: Las trabajadoras agrícolas indocumentadas de California tienen la brecha salarial más amplia del país y con diferencia

by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde July 27, 2023July 27, 2023

Farm workers plant grapevines at a farm in Woodland on April 25, 2022. Photo by Fred Greaves, Reuters

California Divide

‘Double disadvantage’: These California workers’ pay gap is widest by far

by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde July 27, 2023July 26, 2023

Grace Diaz, a caregiver, at the home of her client in Orange County on June 7, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

CalMatters en Español

La demanda por personas que dan cuidados en California está aumentando, pero su salario no. Los legisladores esperan cambiar eso

by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde July 12, 2023July 12, 2023

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