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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.

Joining ‘Justice 8’ Protest, California Councilwoman Calls Persecution of Edin Enamorado: “Typical of Our Corrupt Law Enforcement”

“The crazy part is that even murders have a bail set, but here there’s a no-bail hold,” said attorney Christian Contreras at the press conference. “This is deeply unconstitutional." The Justice Eight are due to spend Christmas in jail.

December 19, 2023

Activist Edin Enamorado Raided at 4 AM and Arrested By San Bernardino Sheriffs, Along With Seven Others

“For me, it’s clear it’s First Amendment retaliation and a violation of their constitutional rights, and it’s just sad how these law enforcement agencies, especially The San Bernardino’s Sheriff’s Department, is treating individuals like Edin,” said civil rights attorney Christian Contreras, who has been in contact with Enamorado.  

December 15, 2023

‘These Animals Saved My Life:’ L.A.’s Equestrian Communities Fight Ordinance Seeking to Ban Local Rodeos

After three hours of public comments from both sides, the City Council decided the ordinance be sent back and reviewed before it officially can be voted on. L.A.'s cowboys and cowgirls who were present at the meeting took this as a small win for the city's rodeo culture.

December 6, 2023

Sonoratown Will Open a Long Beach Location Next Year

Expect to find the city's favorite flour tortillas and caramelos on 3rd Street in Downtown Long Beach, as soon as six months from now.

November 30, 2023

First Look: Limited-Edition Maná Screen Print By Ernesto Yerena to Support L.A. Street Vendors

Proceeds from these prints will be donated to L.A. street vendors. Print goes on sale on Friday Nov, 24th at 10am PST at hechoconganas.bigcartel.com.

November 22, 2023

Northgate’s New Mercado González in Costa Mesa Brings More Than 27 Food Vendors Under One Roof

Here's a look at more than 27 food stands and one fine dining restaurant inside Northgate's brand new Mercado González in Costa Mesa, from Sinaloan-style sushi to quesatacos to a churro legend.

November 20, 2023

‘Those Carts Were Our Jobs, Our Lives’: Six Street Vendors Among Those Directly Impacted By The 10 Freeway Fire 

A GoFundMe has started in hopes of raising enough money to be able to buy new carts for the vendors. For many of them, the fire destroyed their means of working

November 15, 2023

Cudahy Becomes the First Los Angeles City to Stand in Solidarity With Palestine 

“The City of Cudahy takes seriously the entreaty of 'Never Again,' and that the historical memory of the Holocaust means fighting ethnic cleansing and apartheid everywhere,” the city council continued.

November 8, 2023

L.A. City Council Members Seek To Remove ‘No Street-Vending’ Zones on Hollywood Walk of Fame With New Motion

“The no-vending zone on Hollywood Boulevard targets immigrant street vendors who work so hard to provide for their families... the exact people we should be trying to support," said L.A. City Council Member Hugo Soto-Martínez, a son of street vendors. Still, for some, the motion may fall short.

November 3, 2023