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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.”

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

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

These L.A. Taquerías Are Temporarily Closing Doors As ICE Raids Continue

Many have taken this move to protect their employees and customers.

June 13, 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