[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]os Angeles “mom and pop” shops, which have far less resources than corporate run establishments, stepped up to help teachers picketing this week. If you’re a striking teacher, these spots are hooking it up for you! If you’re a regular person not responsible for educating the future of L.A., maybe support these spots by choosing them over Starbucks or whatever.
Zingo Tacos
El Sereno
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he Democratic Socialists of Los Angeles ran a very successful Go-Fund-Me campaign and partnered with Zingo Tacos to feed picketing teachers. Zingo Tacos is serving tacos at different locations across Los Angeles to UTLA members. Picketing gets tiring, and Zingo Tacos is making sure teachers have fuel. Peep their schedule here. Apparently, the family behind Zingo Tacos has been delighting locals for years. Here’s an 8-year-old article from the Taco archives about a woman hunting down some delicious Tijuana tacos made by the uncle and father of the current owner of Zingo Tacos.
El Cielito Cafe
South Gate
[dropcap size=big]E[/dropcap]l Cielito is giving free coffee to LAUSD teachers that are on strike. This isn’t surprising given that El Cielito is a community spot that is very education friendly. It has a library in the back of the shop and encourages students to stop by and work on homework. I even saw a barista help a young boy with his math homework once. Teachers get their pick of either coffee or any latte. El Cielito’s drip coffee is great, but their speciality drinks, like the Champulatte or Mazapan latte are also perfect for this chilly weather.
Root of Life
Huntington Park
[dropcap size=big]R[/dropcap]oot of Life is giving free juices to teachers while supplies last. Like El Cielito, this establishment is very pro-education, with its own mini-library. The owners have also made it a point to get some text books to help struggling college students. Their acai bowls are killer – my favorite being the monster bowl.
Tirsa’s
DTLA
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]irsa herself has been passing out free conchas and free coffee to striking teachers in the rain this week. She ran out of conchas and coffee today though, but is still offering a 25 percent discount on all of her dishes at her restaurant for picketing teachers. Prices at Tirsa’s are already pretty good, so enjoy great chipotle chicken, tortas, and sopes, and say hi to Tirsa for us!
Hot and Cool Cafe
Leimert Park
[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]his community gem was profiled by Jessica Flores last October (read it here). Hot and Cool Cafe is offering all LAUSD teachers free coffee. The cafe put out a statement saying “We fully support and stand behind smaller class sizes, more staff, and increased pay.” Hot and Cool has great coffee, a full menu, and vegan options. This coffee shop also hosts multiple community oriented open mics a month.
Carnitas El Momo
Varies
[dropcap size=big]C[/dropcap]arnitas El Momo is giving teachers free food for the remainder of the strike as long as they show proof. They have also partnered with Agua Lucha to provide some bomb aguas frescas to teachers. Carnitas El Momo is a family owned carnitas and birria taquero. Check out their Instagram for their schedule and location.
Diablo Tacos
Silver Lake
[dropcap size=big]D[/dropcap]iablo Tacos is also giving teachers a 25 percent discount. The Silverlake shop left a sign on their door expressing support for L.A. teachers. Aside from serving tacos, Diablo Tacos also serves mezcal, tequila, and cocktails. Take your teacher friend out for a drink, they probably need it after this week.
RELATED: ‘Tacos For Teachers’ Seeks to Feed Teachers on the Picket Lines
