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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.

Here’s How You Can Win Weed For a Year in California

Starting today, five people have a chance to win a “year's cannabis supply,” courtesy of West Coast Cure, the Orange County-based “hardcore OGs” of California cannabis.

March 29, 2024

L.A. Spent Over $1.73 Million on These Controversial ‘Anti-Homeless’ Signs. Do They Actually Work?

Earlier this month, a leaked memo from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) suggested that these 41.18 zones rarely led to unhoused people being moved into interim shelter or permanent housing. After being cleared, most 41.18 zones quickly became repopulated.

March 27, 2024

Pioneering Ethical Meat Butcher Jered Standing Dies at 44

On February 22, Standing, the 44-year-old owner of one L.A.’s most popular butcher shops, Standing’s Butchery, died, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

February 26, 2024

The Nug Report: Lemon Drop by LAX Packs

We found that Lemon Drop pairs well with a cappuccino for an extra jolt and makes for a good “first smoke of the day.” Or, if you have the budget, an afternoon lounging with exotic parrots in the back patio of The WOODS, actor and cannabis OG Woody Harrelson’s consumption lounge.

February 16, 2024

‘It Was Madness,’ Says Brother of Man Killed By LAPD ‘For Holding a Plastic Fork’

“All we want to do is show that police aren’t properly trained in dealing with people with mental illness,” said Jason’s cousin, Carly Illeck. “And that a bipolar episode does not warrant a fatal gunshot.”

February 13, 2024

Thousands of L.A. Based Electric Car Share Users’ Personal Information Exposed in Data Leak

Blink Mobility, the company that manages the Blue LA electric car share program in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, first learned of the data leak on December 14, according to a notice from Blink Mobility that was reportedly sent to “impacted users" on January 5.

February 7, 2024

Oysters at These L.A. Restaurants Made People Sick, According to Over 60 Reports

Restaurants that people reported to the health department more than once include Blue Water Grill, the casual seafood fine dining chain with locations across the county, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouses. Mexico City-influenced mariscos spots Loreto and LA Cha Cha Cha were also reported more than once. The full list spans L.A. County.

January 30, 2024

The Nug Report: THC Design’s ‘Crescendo’ Strain

Welcome back to The Nug Report, which awakens from the ghost of L.A. TACO’s vaults to bring you a detailed look at the latest and greatest in the world of cannabis and other mind-altering substances.

January 20, 2024

This Arts District Michelin-Starred Bistro Is Being Sued For Withholding Tips and Other Labor Violations

In their lawsuit, Karla Zavala and Irene Park allege that the owners of Camphor “engaged in a systematic pattern of wage and hour abuse towards Plaintiffs and other current and former” employees.

January 12, 2024

O.G. Taco Truck in Pacific Palisades Served ‘Cease and Desist’ By Law Firm Representing Ralphs

In their cease and desist letter, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (DWT), the law firm purporting to represent Ralphs, alleges that Barrientos has “encouraged customers to use the parking lot owned and operated by Ralphs” that Gracias Señor parks adjacent to.

January 12, 2024