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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.”

This Latino-Owned Pizzeria in Santa Ana is Home to The TikTok Famous Pizza Skull

It’s the time of the season, the season for all things ghosts, brujas, and skulls. And this pizzeria in Santa Ana is sure to satisfy Halloween enthusiasts and foodies alike. 

October 4, 2023

Meet ‘Carnitas Rogelio,’ The Family-Run Stand With The Best Michoacán-Style Carnitas O.C. Has to Offer

Michoacán-raised Rogelio Gonzalez slices the cuerito (the pig skin) in a checkered pattern to ensure a light crunch in each bite and utilizes every part of the pig, from the feet to the liver and intestines, which he binds together in a braid. 

September 20, 2023

SoCal Street Vendors Demand Money Back After Paying Thousands For A Festival That Was Shut Down Before It Started

"Some artisanal vendors that came from Puebla and Veracruz were even crying and were so stressed out because they had purchased a giant booth filled with artisanal items that didn't sell,” says one vendor who feels scammed.

August 31, 2023

This Latina From South Gate Created a “Pawnaderia” That Bakes Mexican Pan Dulce Treats For Dogs

Meet Adriana Montoya, the founder of La Pawnaderia, a bakery that allows you to share your favorite Mexican treats and culture with a four-legged friend through pup-friendly pan dulce and “candy.”

August 17, 2023

Meet the Long Beach Paletero Selling Ice Cream To Both Dogs and Their Owners

Inside this paletero's ice cream cart, modified with four 14-inch balloon wheels to help push its weight across the sand, one will find a selection of ice cream for dogs, or “Frosty Paws” to be exact.

August 14, 2023

Like Bath Bombs For Your Food: Introducing Birria and Tinga “Bombs”

Inventor Shaylin Davis will soon be creating butter chicken and seafood-centric flavors of her food bombs, meant to bolster flavor and take pressure off home cooks.

August 3, 2023

It Took LAPD Two Hours To Show Up After a South L.A. Taco Stand Was Robbed At Gun Point

"As I kept writing down their order, the one in the grey sweater took out the gun. That’s when he said give me the money," said the owner of Tacos Deliciosos.

July 26, 2023

The Six Best Cemitas Poblanas and Where to Find Them In Los Angeles

Named after the type of bread they are made from—an oversized sesame bun—a cemita is like the torta's cousin. It comes stacked high with milanesa, pápalo, quesillo, avocado, chipotle, and pickled jalapeño. Here's where to find the best from East L.A. to The Valley.

July 7, 2023

South Gate City Council Makes Moves to Push Out Street Food Vendors

South Gate is in the heart of southeast Los Angeles, a city with street vendors engraved in its DNA. However, their City Council cite health hazards, safety hazards, and more to start cracking down on vendors operating in sidewalks, under street lights, parks, freeway exits, and more. Many of the city's residents and advocates wonder if the city's goal is solely to regulate vendors with no intention of helping them.

June 28, 2023

Meet ‘El Salsero’: The Santa Ana Chef Behind the Famed Lettuce Salsa

Luis Alberto's salsa de lechuga is mild, garlicky, and has a hint of lime. Like Luis himself would say, “you just need to try it.” 

June 23, 2023