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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.”

‘We Will Win:’ USC Students Won’t Back Down, Committing To Their Fight For Palestine Despite Arrests

One of their main demands is for the school to not only commit to a complete academic boycott of Israel and their killing of Palestinians, but also to be transparent about how much the school is investing. 

¿Que Sigue Para Los 8 de la Justicia? Juez Deniega Acceso a la Información de la Policía. Los Abogados Luchan Por un Cambio de Sede.

El abogado Nicholas Rosenberg dijo que su cliente, Edin Enamorado, asistió a una reunión del consejo días antes de su detención. El alcalde supuestamente le dijo: "Tenemos una sorpresa para ti."

April 8, 2024

What’s Next For ‘The Justice 8?’ Judge Denies Motion Requesting Law Enforcement Personnel Records, While Attorneys Fight for a Change of Venue and More

Attorney Nicholas Rosenberg said that his client, Edin Enamorado, attended a council meeting days before his arrest, during which the Mayor allegedly said to him, “We have a surprise coming.” The activists' trial is now set for April 29th.

April 5, 2024

Long Beach Elotero Shot And Killed Yesterday In Broad Daylight

Although police have yet to release the vendor's name, community members have identified him as 37-year-old Yener Ramirez, the "corn guy." He is survived by his wife, 17-year-old son, and one-year-old daughter. One community member has now created a GoFundMe account to help the vendor's family lay him to rest.

March 21, 2024

Here Are Six Women Street Vendors to Support Now By Metro Stations

Of the estimated 12,500 street vendors residing in L.A., around 80% of them are women.

March 20, 2024

Justice 8 Supporters Feel Defeat At Latest Ruling. Enamorado Reported to Be Bleeding While Jailed

Enamorado's attorney alleges, "He is not getting the treatment he deserves for what is a valid medical reason.” Nonetheless, the supporters for The Justice 8 are bracing themselves to keep fighting.

February 20, 2024

This Latina-Owned Coffee Stand In Boyle Heights Serves Up ‘Abuelitas Love’ In A Cup Right From Her Front Yard

The atmosphere at Cafe Niña is something you won’t see anywhere else. Janet serves her coffee straight from her yard, next to the 4th Street Bridge. Arriving there feels like being welcomed at a family member's home.

February 15, 2024

City Council Votes to Eliminate “No Vending” Zones At 8 of L.A.’s Biggest Attractions

The ordinance that passed today still requires a second vote by the full City Council before it can be adopted. Mayor Karen Bass is also required to approve the ordinance for its implementation.

February 7, 2024

Edin Enamorado Punished With Solitary Confinement for ‘Breaking the Rules’

The lead prosecutor disclosed that Enamorado and Wendy Lujan, who are raising children together, allegedly “violated jail rules” by setting up a three-way call to be able to talk, landing them both in solitary confinement.

January 31, 2024

Juez en Victorville Dictamina Que La Fiscalía Tiene Evidencia Para Proceder Con Cargos de Conspiración a Siete de Los Ocho Activistas Detenidos

"¿Por qué estas personas están encarceladas sin derecho a fianza? Soy un abogado defensor penal. He representado a personas acusadas de asesinato, abuso de menores y violación. E incluso a ellos se les concedió la libertad bajo fianza”, afirmó uno de los abogados defensores del activista.

January 12, 2024