Skip to Content
L.A. TACO home
L.A. TACO logo
Log In

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.”

Connect

Food

A San Pedro Tamal Vendor Was Deported, Then Locals Showed Up To Help Keep The Family’s Business Alive

Janny Kum, a customer of the San Pedro tamal business formerly run by José Medina, said, "It's important that we all help out in any way we can because that's what makes us human."

October 17, 2025
Food

This Couple Serves Uniquely Delicious Nicaraguan-Persian Street Food in L.A.

Koobideh and carne asada, served with gallo pinto and tajadas (fried plantains). Or lamb shank braised in saffron and spices, with hummus. You can have it all at this street food stand in South Central.

October 1, 2025
Older