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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.”

A San Pedro Tamal Vendor Was Deported, Then Locals Showed Up To Help Keep The Family’s Business Alive

Janny Kum, a customer of the San Pedro tamal business formerly run by José Medina, said, "It's important that we all help out in any way we can because that's what makes us human."

October 17, 2025

This Couple Serves Uniquely Delicious Nicaraguan-Persian Street Food in L.A.

Koobideh and carne asada, served with gallo pinto and tajadas (fried plantains). Or lamb shank braised in saffron and spices, with hummus. You can have it all at this street food stand in South Central.

October 1, 2025

Monrovia Man Is Hit and Killed By A Vehicle As He Attempted to Run Away From ICE 

“He looked really bad,” said the eyewitness in Spanish. “He was still breathing when we tried to help him, but he did not look good.”

August 14, 2025

(UPDATE) ‘I’m Deeply Sorry:’ Willy Chavarría Apologizes To Oaxaca After Backlash From Both Sides of The Border

“I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community,” said the designer.

The Secret Brigade Hanging Defiant Messages Over One of L.A.’s Busiest Freeways

"We’re taking their MAGA phrase and redefining it to remind them how important immigrants are, and the flags are used as a form to take back the flag and remind ourselves that this is the United States of America, we have to stand up while we still can,” says one of the peaceful demonstrators in the group.

August 7, 2025

Pets Left Behind Due to L.A.’s ICE Raids Are Urgently In Need of New Homes

Joseph Navarrete, the manager for the Downey Animal Care Center, urges people who are in a position to adopt to stop by to visit dogs like Canela, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois. A total of 18 animals have been turned in due to the deportations.

July 18, 2025

Unbroken Spirit: How a Detained Street Vendor Is Now Aiding Detainees From ICE Facility

This Sunday will mark one month since the beloved street vendor was detained and separated from her family. Although she is currently fighting for her release and proper medical care, she has taken it upon herself to help those who are incarcerated alongside her. 

July 16, 2025

The 10 Best Meat Markets and Carnicerías in Los Angeles

If you do participate in any grilling this 4th of July weekend, shop local, and we'll leave you with some wise words from L.A. TACO OG Erick Galindo, who said: "Carne asada isn’t just food. It’s a ritual. It’s resistance."

‘We Need Help:’ MacArthur Park Street Vendors Fear For Their Livelihood As ICE Raids Continue 

“I don't know if Karen Bass can do anything about these masked men that are hunting us down like animals, but we need help,” said a 59-year-old street vendor who preferred not to disclose his name. L.A. street vendors contribute an estimated $500 million annually to the local economy and while they are resilient, they are worried for the future.

July 1, 2025

Santa Ana Couple Steps Into A Street Vendors’ Shoes, Taking Over Their Shift And Buying Them Out

Marisol Magaña and Andrew Roa took over a raspado cart for the day to raise money for a vendor who was afraid to go out, but needs money to send to her young children in Mexico.

June 27, 2025