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Janette Villafana

Janette Villafana is an award-winning bilingual multimedia journalist. Her heart lies in community-based reporting, and her work is highly centered on showcasing and uplifting community voices, with a significant focus on the Latino community. She developed her beat at L.A. TACO, covering street vending communities in Los Angeles. Past work has been featured on NBC, LAist, Latino Rebels, and more. She is currently featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington in an exhibit titled “¡De última hora! Latinas Report Breaking News.”

Kids of Taqueros Take Over East L.A. Taco Stand to Keep Families Safe

Jonathan, his brother, two sisters, and the children of other employees announced last Friday via social media that they would be temporarily taking over the business, saying: “We continue the work in honor of our parents.”

June 18, 2025

Who Allowed ICE To Arrest Vendors and Customers at The Santa Fe Swap Meet?

Suspicion is falling on management, despite its formal denial that employees knew anything about it. "“Who let them in? That’s what we want to know,” said a vendor. “They have speakers; they could have alerted people,” said one vendor.

June 16, 2025

A Breakdown on How Tensions Rose Between Protestors and Law Enforcement at Santa Ana’s Monday Demonstration

It’s estimated that eleven demonstrators were arrested following Monday’s protest in Downtown Santa Ana.

June 10, 2025

Union Leader Released From Custody After Thousands Rally at Downtown’s Grand Park This Morning

Service Employees International Union California president David Huerta now faces a federal charge of conspiracy to impede an officer after his violent arrest and injury on Friday at a garment warehouse.

June 9, 2025

The 11 Best Places to Drink Ultra-Refreshing Tejuino In L.A.

A fermented, fizzy, corn masa beverage traditionally from Western Mexico and recognized for indigenous origins, tejuino packs a punch and delivers refreshing complexity with every sip. Here are L.A.'s best.

The 11 Best Tacos In And Around West Hollywood

From late-night legit taco stands to a luxe Mexican restaurant serving the original sweet potato tacos that started it all, here are the best tacos in and around West Hollywood.

May 29, 2025

The 34 Best ‘Hood Burgers In Los Angeles

It’s important to remember that these places have fed many inner-city families. When many classified parts of Los Angeles as “food deserts,” those $19.99 family value packs of burgers and fries were feeding many mouths, way before Smash Burgers.

The 11 Best Tacos In Whittier

Whittier is one of L.A.'s best cities for tacos. From a tender steamed tongue, to a taquero specializing in tacos de costilla, served with a grilled rib bone. Here is our vetted neighborhood taco guide to get you started on your own crawl.

The 11 Best Birria Tacos in Los Angeles

From goat to beef to birria de lengua, and even a jackfruit birria, these are the best birria tacos in L.A.

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