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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.”

Disneyland Sees Peaceful Protest for Palestine During Record-Breaking Heatwave

"The amount of people visiting Disneyland today matches the death toll in Gaza," said one of the signs. The peaceful protest organizers held it in front of the theme park to also bring attention to Disney's $2 million donation to organizations providing humanitarian aid to Israel.

September 9, 2024

This L.A. TikTok User Is Sharing Over 40 Bathroom Codes With His Followers and Isn’t Done Yet

So far the anonymous hero has shared codes at a Little Tokyo Starbucks, a Zankou chicken on Sepulveda, and an East L.A. location of El Super. But he's enlisting his followers to find more, despite harsh words from one self-proclaimed, local Taco Bell manager.

August 28, 2024

Highland Park’s Charlie’s Tacos Returns to York Boulevard After City Removes ‘Unauthorized’ Red Paint

It is still unknown who painted the curb to attempt to kick out Charlie’s Tacos from vending on the same block the truck has been on for years, but the taquero has returned to its location to sell its famous birria, tacos al pastor, and other Mexican street food. 

August 9, 2024

Someone Illegally Painted a Curb Red In Highland Park, Allegedly To Kick Out One of The Neighborhood’s Oldest Taco Trucks

The local taquero behind Charlie's Tacos has fed his neighborhood of Highland Park for 13 years. Now his community has his back as a red curb spontaneously appeared where he parks.

August 1, 2024

Seven Incredible Dishes to Try In Compton’s Exciting Atlantic Avenue Street Food Market

From gorditas estilo Durango, machaca and sushi Sinaloense, mariscocos, and birria estilo Tijuana, here are seven places down Atlantic Avenue in Compton to satisfy your cravings.

July 31, 2024

Street Vendors Successfully Sue City to Remove Illegal ‘No Vending’ Signs And Won

L.A. will also have to reimburse the street vendors for their past fines relating to this controversial sign. However, this does not include any other fines related to equipment restrictions or lack of permits. This also means that while a vendor can’t be cited for vending in areas like the Hollywood Walk of Fame anymore, they can still get cited for other city regulations. 

July 25, 2024

This Latina Provides A Safe Space For Women To Learn Free Auto Repair and Maintenance In O.C.

From oil changes to replacing tires and jump-starting a car, Angie Hernandez, owner of Soco Smog Test in Costa Mesa, provides women with the tools to maintain their vehicles and be prepared for on-the-road emergencies.

13 L.A. Destinations For Tejuino, Raspados, and Ice Cream To Keep You Cool While Riding Metro This Summer

Stay cool this summer with tejuino from Compton, DTLA raspados that have gone viral on TikTok, and a true Zapotec tepache in Mid-City, all accessible when you ride Metro.

July 15, 2024

‘I Wasn’t Prepared For This:’ Placita Olvera’s Iconic El Burro Is Given A 30-Day Eviction Notice Following A Unanimous Vote on Thursday

This Thursday, the Board of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Authority Commissioners voted to evict La Carreta despite attempts from the family, community, and even the city council to save it. 

July 13, 2024

Street Vendors Hold Out Hope For Edin Enamorado, Preparing For Trial As Six Other Activists Take Plea Deals

Enamorado supporters worry about how much time he might face and whether or not he could be deported, seeing as he is undocumented. 

June 25, 2024