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Javier Cabral

Professional punk and Editor-In-Chief for James Beard Award-winning L.A. TACO. Associate Producer for JBA-winning Las Crónicas Del Taco. Former restaurant scout for Jonathan Gold. Co-author of “Oaxaca: Home Cooking From the Heart of Mexico (2019, Abrams) and “Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling” (2023, Abrams).

A Dive Into L.A.’s Punk Scene: Decolonize-Core with Xibalba

L.A.-based hardcore band Xibalba recently headlined a record-release show at 1st Street Billiards in Boyle Heights. Their new album "Aztlán" is a tribute to L.A.'s thriving DIY punk and hardcore scene that is led by Latinos born and raised in Los Angeles.

February 8, 2024

‘Ankle Bandits’ Steal Foos Gone Wild’s Knee-High Socks and Puppet Heads From Black SUV In Skid Row

"I don't want no cops involved. I got a cash reward." - Lil Mr. E tells L.A. TACO. In addition to the puppet heads, the thief took off with a a pair of white K-Swiss shoes, a white FGW hoodie, knee-high Foos Gone Wild-branded white socks, and blue plaid extra-long jorts. Foos Gone Wild has also confirmed that there were indeed broken windows on the floor at the scene of the crime. The anonymous admin is asking the "ankle bandits" to DM him to return the stolen items—no questions asked. "Please wear high socks when returned."

February 7, 2024

The San Fernando Valley’s Only DIY Punk Space Asks For Help to Recover From Severe Water Leak From Rain

The Midnight Hour in San Fernando has hosted dozens of benefit shows, raising thousands of dollars for local LGBTQ+ and Palestinian organizations. Its landlord reportedly refused to help with repairs or lost income due to damaged equipment and goods at the shop. A fundraiser is now up.

February 6, 2024

The 8 Best Tacos Along Metro’s 18 Bus Route, From East L.A. To KTown

Connecting East L.A. to the rest of Los Angeles, Metro's 18 bus is a legendary mainline to spectacular tacos, including curbside tacos de canasta, famous Baja fish tacos, insane tlayudas, and the most taco-y plate of vegan barbacoa pasta you've ever seen.

February 1, 2024

Dark Wave Atmospheric Acid Cumbia Arrives: ‘El Keamo’ Comes Straight From L.A.’s San Fernando Valley

Just when you thought you'd heard all cumbia subgenres, here comes El Keamo and his atmospheric instrumental "Cumbia Dark Wave Gaze." It's a uniquely utilitarian variation that is both perfect for micro dosing LSD and zen-ing out, but not spooky enough to scare off your family from dancing to it at a backyard family party.

January 26, 2024

These Two L.A. Taqueras Were Just Nominated For James Beard Awards, Here’s How They Feel About It

Taqueras in the male-dominated taco community are few and far between, but both a Latina and Black taquera in L.A. were nominated for a major award in “the Oscars of Food.” That counts as a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence in our book.

January 26, 2024

Long Beach Street Taco Vendors Ordered to Pay $1,895 For Permits and Fees to Legally Sell, Plus Insurance

The new set of rules was preliminarily approved at a City Council meeting yesterday and has a few more steps to become laws. Some flexibilities have been granted. The Long Beach Police Department is also not expected to enforce the new laws for six months when it could decide how to proceed with enforcement.

January 17, 2024

Taquería Owner Issues Apology After Assaulting Long Beach Street Vendor, Offers to Replace Phone

"I genuinely regret any harm or distress caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was entirely inappropriate, and Iunderstand the impact it had on Tacos la Jiquilita and our community," writes the owner of La Taquería Brand in a letter emailed to L.A. TACO.

January 11, 2024

Land Back: Over 500 Acres of Ancestral Territory in North L.A. Returned to Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians

The Tribe’s history is deeply interwoven into L.A. County and beyond. Its land once spanned more than 1.5 million acres, extending from the Antelope Valley to the Pacific Ocean. By 1900, the Tribe was rendered “landless,” with their territory reduced to zero through unjust land dispossession by the United States.

January 9, 2024

Video: Long Beach Taquería Owner Appears to Assault Street Taco Vendor Working In Front of Restaurant

In a video posted by Tacos La Juquilita, a street taco stand located at 6595 Atlantic Avenue, the owner of a local taquería chain with five locations appears to grab and smash a phone belonging to one of the taco stand’s employees as they recorded the altercation.

January 9, 2024