L.A. TACO is an independent news and culture publication based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2006, it covers food, culture, crime, and politics in Los Angeles, with a particular focus on underrepresented communities and street food.

History

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L.A. TACO was founded in 2006 as a food blog focused on taco culture in Los Angeles.[1] It gradually expanded its coverage to include broader cultural and political topics.

In 2017, journalist Daniel Hernandez joined as editor-in-chief, further developing the publication's news coverage.[2]

In 2024, L.A. TACO announced it was having trouble financially and appealed to readers to raise funds.[3]

Content and coverage

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The publication has been praised for its in-depth reporting on issues affecting working-class and immigrant communities in Los Angeles.[4]

L.A. TACO is known for its Taco Madness festival, an annual event the Los Angeles Times describes that "competition is fierce and underscores the impact that L.A. Taco has on the community."[5]

The Publication co-produced a podcast, The Sellout, which centered on the Los Angeles Latino community and its relationship with City Councilman Jose Huizar. [6]

Awards and recognition

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L.A. TACO has received several awards for its journalism, including:

James Beard Foundation Journalism Award for Local Impact (2020).[7]

Southern California Journalism Award for Best News Website (2019).[8]

Press Forward Journalism Grantee.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Gardiner, Dustin (2020-06-18). "How L.A. Taco Became the City's Indispensable News Source". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-18. [dead link]
  2. ^ Schmidt, Christine (2019-12-11). "The year of the local news startup". Nieman Lab. Retrieved 2024-11-18. [dead link]
  3. ^ Gustavo, Arellano (16 April 2024). "Column: L.A.'s ultimate heartbreak industry isn't Hollywood. It's local journalism". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  4. ^ Trounstine, Jessica (2019-05-23). "How L.A. Taco combines food and culture with serious reporting". Columbia Journalism Review. Retrieved 2024-11-18. [dead link]
  5. ^ Breijo, Stephanie (2024-06-14). "'L.A. Taco deserves to be alive forever.' Taco Madness fest marks 11th-hour fundraising". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-11-18. [dead link]
  6. ^ Ray, Justin (2021-12-09). "'Latinos are at center of two powerful projects by L.A. TACO., The Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-11-18. [dead link]
  7. ^ "The 2020 James Beard Media Award Winners". James Beard Foundation. 2020-05-27. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  8. ^ "Southern California Journalism Awards 2019". Los Angeles Press Club. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
  9. ^ "Press Forward 2024". Press Forward. Retrieved 2024-11-18.