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Janette Villafana

Janette Villafana is a multimedia journalist from Santa Ana, CA who often covers stories that highlight diverse communities, their issues, success, and personal stories.

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

Through Their Conchas, This Huntington Park Panadería Celebrates Pride Month by Giving Back to LGBTQ Youth

“We lost customers, but to be honest, we don’t need them. We stand with our community. All of our community," says the owner of the Mexican bakery in SELA. One hundred percent of the proceeds from these Pride conchas will be donated to Latinx Equality Alliance.

June 13, 2023