Author Archives: Shirley Pena

Shirley Pena

About Shirley Pena

A native of Southern California, Shirley Peña began her career as a music journalist almost twenty years ago, writing for her websites "Stars In My Eyes: the Girlhowdy Website" and "La Raza Rock!" and progressed to creating various fan sites on Yahoo, including the first for New Zealand singer/songwriter Tim Finn. From there, she became a free agent, arranging online interviews for Yahoo fan clubs with various music artists (Andy White, John Crawford, Debora Iyall, John Easdale, etc.). She also lent her support in creating and moderating a number of Yahoo fan clubs for various music artists from the 1990s-today. As a music journalist, Shirley Peña has contributed to a number of magazines (both hard copy and online), among them: Goldmine, American Songwriter, Classic Drummer Magazine and UK-based Keyboard Player (where she was a principal journalist). A self-confessed "fanatic" of 1960s "British Invasion" bands, Classic Rock and nostalgic "Old Hollywood ", she also keeps her finger on the pulse of current trends in music, with a keen eye for up and coming artists of special merit. Shirley Peña loves Los Angeles, and is thrilled to join the writing staff of The Los Angeles Beat!

Tell Congress to Pass the Farm Bill Supporting Organic Dairies and Other Healthy-Food Farmers

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Shirley Pena

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. Pictured:acres of natural, organic produce growing on a California organic farm may be a thing of the past without consumers’ support … Continue reading →

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Follow the Arrow: an Interview with Alan Merrill

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Shirley Pena

The son of famed Jazz musicians Aaron Sachs (saxophone/clarinet player) and Helen Merrill (singer), Alan Merrill was born Allan Preston Sachs on February 19, 1951 in The Bronx in New York City. Alan started his musical career in his mid teens, playing … Continue reading →

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Striking Walmart Workers Add Their Voice to ‘Black Friday’

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Walmart workers, their outrage fueled by allegations of continuing low wages, erratic work hours, cuts to their benefits and the continuing termination and harassment of workers who have openly voiced criticism of management policies, marched in protest -accompanied by supporters – at stores … Continue reading →

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‘Jerry: The Movie’ Offers Grateful Dead Fans an Intimate Look into the Life and Career of Jerry Garcia

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Shirley Pena

*SPECIAL NOTE: BE LOOKING FOR MY UPCOMING, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE FILM’S DIRECTOR, MALCOLM LEO! 1987 Jerry Garcia (photo courtesy of MLP) In the summer of 1987, filmmaker Malcolm Leo sat down with Grateful Dead founding member and cultural hero … Continue reading →

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Victory for Federal Scientists as Congress Passes “Whistleblower” Legislation

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Holiday greetings to all the readers of the LA Beat, At long last, both houses of Congress passed the whistleblower legislation that will protect federal employees who expose the censorship and misuse of government science. The bill (pdf) went today to President Obama’s desk; he’s … Continue reading →

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UFW Union Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Shirley Pena

All images courtesy of the United Farm Worker’s Union and the César Chávez Foundation. Copyright 2012. Dear Los Angeles Beat readers, This year, the César Chávez Foundation and the UFW have had a phenomenal year!  Celebrating the 50th anniversary of when my father began … Continue reading →

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Hostess Company/ BCTGM Union Mediation Crumbles, Fate of its Employees Hangs in Limbo

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Yesterday’s mediation between the Hostess company and it’s employees’ union (the Bakery, Confectionery,  Tobacco, and Grain Millers Union) crumbled in the hands of the presiding bankruptcy judge like a stale Zinger snack cake well past its expiration date.  The Hostess (R) brand Company … Continue reading →

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Bimbo to the Rescue! Mexican Bakery May Save the Twinkie from Extinction

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest bread baker, might hold the key to saving the Twinkie from extinction in the liquidation of the Hostess (R) Brand Company. Although other companies have shown interest in buying some of Hostess’ iconic brands, Bimbo … Continue reading →

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Not to Worry, Twinkies WILL Survive the Closure of the Hostess Company

Posted on November 17, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Growing up as a kid whose family were always counting their pennies, I can honestly say that I never tasted what most consumers today would call a “real” dessert until I reached my twenties. My family simply couldn’t afford to … Continue reading →

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Marky Ramone to Become First Rock Star in Launching of Revolutionary New Memorabilia Technology

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Shirley Pena

  “ We’ve finally entered the Twilight Zone” says Marky Ramone, the lone surviving member of the iconic Rock and Roll group The Ramones. “I’m so glad that somebody has drummed up this new idea. I’ve been signing autographs forever, but I never imagined such … Continue reading →

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