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Janette Villafana

Janette Villafana is a multimedia journalist from Santa Ana, CA who often covers stories that highlight diverse communities, their issues, success, and personal stories.

South Gate City Council Makes Moves to Push Out Street Food Vendors

South Gate is in the heart of southeast Los Angeles, a city with street vendors engraved in its DNA. However, their City Council cite health hazards, safety hazards, and more to start cracking down on vendors operating in sidewalks, under street lights, parks, freeway exits, and more. Many of the city's residents and advocates wonder if the city's goal is solely to regulate vendors with no intention of helping them.

June 28, 2023

Meet ‘El Salsero’: The Santa Ana Chef Behind the Famed Lettuce Salsa

Luis Alberto's salsa de lechuga is mild, garlicky, and has a hint of lime. Like Luis himself would say, “you just need to try it.” 

June 23, 2023

Through Their Conchas, This Huntington Park Panadería Celebrates Pride Month by Giving Back to LGBTQ Youth

“We lost customers, but to be honest, we don’t need them. We stand with our community. All of our community," says the owner of the Mexican bakery in SELA. One hundred percent of the proceeds from these Pride conchas will be donated to Latinx Equality Alliance.

June 13, 2023

Photo Essay: Hundreds Gather in Little Tokyo to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Zoot Suit Riots

Big hair and even bigger pride to be pachucos! Here is our photo essay capturing some of our favorite moments from the momentous gathering.

June 5, 2023

Teen Fell to His Death While Attempting to Film Himself Climbing 6th Street Bridge Arch

A 17-year-old boy slipped and fell while climbing one of the 6th Street Viaduct's arches over the weekend, according to the Los Angeles Times.

May 24, 2023

Principal At East L.A. Performing Arts Magnet Place On Leave, Accused of Creating “Hostile” Environment

John Edwards Estoesta, who was principal for less than a year at ELAPA, was accused of dismissing racist, homophobic, and transphobic remarks made by students as well as making sexist remarks and inappropriate gestures towards female students.

May 22, 2023

Meet The Taquero From Mazatlán Bringing His Sinaloan-Style Carne Asada to TACO MADNESS This Saturday

L.A.'s best Sinaloan-style asada specialist out of the Long Beach and Bellflower area will bring his juicy, crispy, and umami-packed carne asada vampiros, cachetadas, and roasted chile toritos to our event tomorrow. Plus, a regional Sinaloa-style refreshing agua de cebada. (Like a horchata but made with toasted barley instead of rice).

L.A.’s Best Sonoran-Style Taquería to Serve Rare Mesquite-Grilled ‘Tacos de Aguja’ Straight From Mexico At Our Live Event This Saturday

The unique cut of beef is insanely delicious and bacon-like, with pearls of fat that get rendered over mesquite fire. It is impossible to find anywhere in the States. But for one night only, Sonoratown will be serving it at our live event, from a stash they brought from Mexico themselves.