Teodoro Díaz finds joy in the sound and smell of meat cooking on the grill at his taquería restaurants, Sonoratown. L.A. Taco, a media outlet focused on the city’s food culture, has praised Sonoratown’s attention to detail. Díaz appreciates L.A. Taco’s honest reviews and support, particularly as the restaurant recently won Taco Madness, an event organized by L.A. Taco to crown the best taco in Los Angeles. Díaz, along with others in the Los Angeles food community, has rallied to support L.A. Taco, which faced financial challenges due to losing its largest advertiser.
After facing a potential closure, L.A. Taco reached out to the community for support. Editor-in-chief Javier Cabral launched a campaign to increase the publication’s number of subscribers to ensure its survival. The response was overwhelming, with increased support from locals and former residents alike. Amara Aguilar, a journalism professor, highlighted L.A. Taco’s diverse coverage, including Mexican gastronomy and various cultures. The publication has received high praise, even winning the prestigious James Beard Award for its innovative work.
As the owner of Villa’s Tacos, Victor Villa expressed the sentiment that L.A. Taco is an essential resource for the city’s businesses, particularly those in the food industry. The publication’s app provides recommendations for the best taquerias in different neighborhoods, catering to food enthusiasts like Cabral. Francisco Aguilar, owner of Simón Food, credited L.A. Taco with boosting his business by promoting his innovative seafood dishes. The publication’s broader focus includes a wide range of street food beyond tacos, showcasing the diversity of Southern California’s culinary scene.
While L.A. Taco is known for its coverage of food culture, it also delves into other topics affecting the community. The publication addresses issues such as discrimination against taqueros, local businesses, and immigrant communities. Cabral emphasized the importance of capturing the stories of working-class individuals, immigrants, and local restaurants that provide insight into L.A.’s cultural fabric. As local media faces financial challenges, community journalism remains essential for highlighting important stories and holding officials accountable.
The decline of local media outlets in the U.S. poses a significant threat to communities. With numerous newspapers closing and merging, many regions have become news deserts, lacking access to essential information. The loss of local media not only impacts coverage of crucial issues but also erodes the sense of community cohesion. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, journalists like Gustavo Arellano stress the vital role of local media in informing the public and maintaining democratic accountability. Amidst the challenges faced by L.A. Taco and other local outlets, the community’s support is critical in sustaining valuable journalism resources.
