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Lexis-Olivier Ray

Lexis-Olivier Ray is an award-winning staff investigative reporter for L.A. TACO known for holding powerful people in Los Angeles accountable and his reporting on Los Angeles culture. As well as an artist and filmmaker. In 2022, the Society of Professional Journalists’ Los Angeles chapter named Ray one of their “distinguished journalists.” This year, Ray won a second place Anthem Award in their Health Innovation category for a texting service geared towards the unhoused community and service providers that he launched in 2021 with L.A. TACO and Subtext. Ray was a 2020 USC Center For Health Journalism (CHJ) Data Fellow. As well as a 2022 CHJ Impact Fellow. As a freelancer, Ray has contributed to the L.A. Times, Men’s Health Magazine, KCET and SFGATE.

Nearly Two Thirds of L.A.’s $1.3 Billion in COVID Relief Funds Went to Cops and Firefighters, Zero Went to Building Housing

Instead of spending on policing, local governments could have used the federal funds to acquire land for future development of affordable housing, provide financial assistance to homeowners or provide loans to affordable housing developers, according to the Treasury Department.

August 17, 2023

This is How Much Street Drugs Cost in L.A. Right Now, According to LAPD’s Drug Price List

These are the prices for drugs in the L.A. area, according to a list that the LAPD may have accidentally sent to L.A. TACO. Marked “law enforcement sensitive,” the list includes wholesale, as well as “street,” prices for roughly a dozen varieties of uppers, downers, hallucinogens, and prescription medications.

August 15, 2023

Iconic Brite Spot in Echo Park Has a New Owner: A Breakfast Chain

Breakfast Republic, a chain of restaurants that serves breakfast and booze, is the new owner of this beloved local diner.

August 10, 2023

Over $150 For a Gram of Meth? LAPD’s Estimates For Drugs Seized During Raids Are Questionable

Law enforcement agencies are notorious for inflating the valuations of drugs, in order to bolster their crime fighting images and justify the “war on drugs.” They achieve this by using the "street value" of a drug rather than a wholesale value.

August 9, 2023

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Violate Skateboarder’s Civil Rights

During a verbal argument between Vega and a man identified in court records as J.A., the deputy challenged the skateboarder to a fight. Later, Vega grabbed J.A. and threw him in the back of the patrol car before weaving a web of lies.

July 21, 2023

NBCUniversal Trimmed Ficus Trees Providing Shade for Striking Entertainment Workers Without Securing Permit

"Quick shoutout to the good people at @UniversalPics for trimming the trees that gave our picket line shade right before a 90+ degree week,” Chris Stephens wrote in a now-viral tweet. This bold move is seemingly the latest strategic move by the studios to discourage Hollywood's actors and writers from picketing.

July 19, 2023

Family Behind Celebrated East L.A. Taco Stand Raising Money After ‘Reckless Driver’ Burns Down Their Kitchen

In addition to Asadero Chikali's prep-kitchen being destroyed, Melva Perez, the owner's wife, also lost her hair salon to the fire. According to the family, insurance won't cover either loss because their policy only covers their taco truck.

July 18, 2023

‘Fake News,’ L.A. Times Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong Pushes Back Against Report That The Paper Is Up For Sale

L.A. Times Vice President of Communications Hillary Manning tells L.A. TACO: "There is no truth to it, and there are no talks."

July 17, 2023

Los Angeles Allocates More Than $1.8 Million For Portable Sinks and Toilets At Encampments After Funding Nearly Dried Up

As of July 1, there are 69 toilets and sinks on city sidewalks at 35 different locations, according to the city department that oversees the contract for the units. It's unclear where exactly those locations are though.

July 14, 2023

L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Punched Young Mother Holding Three-Week-Old Baby Twice In The Face During Arrest

A Los Angeles sheriff's deputy punched a young mother “twice in the face” as she held onto a three-week-old infant in her arms during an arrest in Palmdale a year ago. Video of the incident is now circulating online.

July 13, 2023