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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.

Long Beach Elotero Shot And Killed Yesterday In Broad Daylight

Although police have yet to release the vendor's name, community members have identified him as 37-year-old Yener Ramirez, the "corn guy." He is survived by his wife, 17-year-old son, and one-year-old daughter. One community member has now created a GoFundMe account to help the vendor's family lay him to rest.

March 21, 2024

Here Are Six Women Street Vendors to Support Now By Metro Stations

Of the estimated 12,500 street vendors residing in L.A., around 80% of them are women.

March 20, 2024

Justice 8 Supporters Feel Defeat At Latest Ruling. Enamorado Reported to Be Bleeding While Jailed

Enamorado's attorney alleges, "He is not getting the treatment he deserves for what is a valid medical reason.” Nonetheless, the supporters for The Justice 8 are bracing themselves to keep fighting.

February 20, 2024

This Latina-Owned Coffee Stand In Boyle Heights Serves Up ‘Abuelitas Love’ In A Cup Right From Her Front Yard

The atmosphere at Cafe Niña is something you won’t see anywhere else. Janet serves her coffee straight from her yard, next to the 4th Street Bridge. Arriving there feels like being welcomed at a family member's home.

February 15, 2024

City Council Votes to Eliminate “No Vending” Zones At 8 of L.A.’s Biggest Attractions

The ordinance that passed today still requires a second vote by the full City Council before it can be adopted. Mayor Karen Bass is also required to approve the ordinance for its implementation.

February 7, 2024

Edin Enamorado Punished With Solitary Confinement for ‘Breaking the Rules’

The lead prosecutor disclosed that Enamorado and Wendy Lujan, who are raising children together, allegedly “violated jail rules” by setting up a three-way call to be able to talk, landing them both in solitary confinement.

January 31, 2024

Juez en Victorville Dictamina Que La Fiscalía Tiene Evidencia Para Proceder Con Cargos de Conspiración a Siete de Los Ocho Activistas Detenidos

"¿Por qué estas personas están encarceladas sin derecho a fianza? Soy un abogado defensor penal. He representado a personas acusadas de asesinato, abuso de menores y violación. E incluso a ellos se les concedió la libertad bajo fianza”, afirmó uno de los abogados defensores del activista.

January 12, 2024

Victorville Judge Rules Prosecutors Have Enough Evidence to Charge Seven of the ‘Justice 8’ With Conspiracy, Denies Bail

"Why are these folks incarcerated with no bail? I’m a criminal defense lawyer. I’ve represented people who are charged with murder, child molestation, and rape. And even they were afforded bail," said one of the activist's defense attorney.

January 12, 2024

Street Vending Activist Edin Enamorado and Five Others Denied Bail Once Again

Supporters and families of The Justice 8 returned to the Victorville Superior Court this week equipped with t-shirts and posters that read “Free Them All” and “Activists Are Not Criminals, Give Them Bail.”

December 29, 2023