It wasn’t until I started doing more news stories that I realized how important it is to cover the city. I’ve always been a curious person, and I’ve always been one to stick up for the little guy. So when I started doing news, it was like, “Oh, this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”
How has your background in landscaping informed your journalism, especially when covering immigration issues and ICE raids?
I think it’s made me a better reporter. I’m used to being outside all day, talking to people. Landscaping is a lot of problem-solving. You get to a job and you’re like, “How do I get this tree out?” It’s the same with reporting. You get a story and you’re like, “How do I get this information out?”
And when it comes to immigration, I think it’s made me more empathetic. I’ve met a lot of undocumented people doing landscaping. I’ve worked for people who are undocumented. So I have this personal connection to it. I know these people. I know their families. I know how hard they work.
And I think that’s what makes L.A. Taco different. We’re not just reporting on this. We’re reporting on our neighbors. We’re reporting on our friends. It’s not just a story to us. It’s people’s lives.
What has the response been to your coverage of the ICE raids and immigration issues?
It’s been overwhelming. We get a lot of people thanking us for the coverage. People are scared. People are worried. And they see us out there covering it, and it gives them comfort. It gives them a sense of hope that someone is watching out for them.
But it’s also been hard. It’s hard to see what’s happening in our city. It’s hard to see families torn apart. It’s hard to see people living in fear. But we know it’s important to tell these stories. It’s important to shine a light on what’s happening.
What do you hope people take away from your reporting on immigration issues in Los Angeles?
I hope people see that these are real people. These are our neighbors. These are our friends. These are people just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. And they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. No one should have to live in fear. No one should have to worry about being torn apart from their loved ones.
I hope people see that immigration is not a black-and-white issue. It’s complex. It’s messy. It’s human. And we need to have compassion and empathy when we talk about it. We need to listen to the stories of those affected. We need to stand up for what’s right.
And I hope people see that local journalism is important. We’re here to tell the stories that matter. We’re here to shine a light on injustice. We’re here to hold those in power accountable. And we’re not going anywhere.
As long as there are stories to tell, we’ll be here to tell them.
, highlighting the work of L.A. Taco in covering the immigration raids in Los Angeles. The article discusses the shift of L.A. Taco from a food-centric publication to a news-centric platform, as well as the impact of their coverage on the community. The interview with L.A. Taco reporter Memo Torres sheds light on his background in landscaping and how it has informed his journalism, particularly in covering immigration issues and ICE raids. Torres emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in reporting on these issues and the role of local journalism in holding those in power accountable. As the co-founder of L.A. Taco, Javier Cabral has seen firsthand how knowing the taco scene well has informed his story ideas and sourcing. Having built the membership model and established partnerships to give out free tacos to members, Javier’s deep connections in the community have allowed him to cover stories from a street-level perspective. This has been particularly important in his coverage of ICE raids, where people trust L.A. Taco as a reliable source for information.
Javier’s background in food journalism has given him a unique perspective on covering a variety of topics, including cultural, political, and law enforcement issues. His experience in building L.A. Taco from a small team to a successful media outlet has shaped his approach to storytelling and sourcing.
One of the key challenges Javier faces as a journalist is prioritizing which stories to cover, given the vast array of news in Los Angeles. With a small team, he must carefully select which stories to focus on based on their impact and severity. This decision-making process is crucial in ensuring that L.A. Taco continues to provide timely and relevant coverage to its audience.
In documenting the ICE raids, Javier’s process involves scouring the internet for information, analyzing videos, and verifying sources. This meticulous approach ensures that L.A. Taco’s coverage is accurate and informative, providing valuable insights into the impact of immigration enforcement on local communities.
Overall, Javier’s dedication to covering stories from a street-level perspective has allowed L.A. Taco to become a trusted source of information in Los Angeles. His unique blend of food journalism and community reporting has set L.A. Taco apart in the media landscape, making it a valuable resource for residents seeking authentic and insightful coverage of their city. Taco surpassed 5,000 paid members. What do you think it is about L.A. Taco that has inspired such support and loyalty from the community?
I think it’s just — we’re very transparent in our work. We’re very honest with what we do. We’re not out here trying to deceive anybody. We’re not out here trying to put a spin on things. We’re just like, “Hey, this is what’s happening. This is what we’re doing.” And I think people appreciate that. I think they appreciate that we’re on the ground. We’re a tiny shop, but we’re out there making sure that we’re covering the stories that people need to know about.
We’re not afraid of being the underdog. We’re not afraid of being the ones that don’t have the resources. Because at the end of the day, we have the truth on our side. We’re just trying to make sure that the community is informed, that the community knows what’s happening. And I think people appreciate that. They see the work that we’re doing and they’re like, “You know what? I want to support that. I want to make sure that this continues.”
I think it’s just the honesty and the transparency that we have in our work that has really resonated with people. And I think that’s why they continue to support us and why they continue to subscribe and donate and help us out in any way they can.
What can people do to support the work that you and other independent journalists are doing right now?
I mean, the easy answer is always subscribe. If you see a publication that you like, subscribe to it. If you see a journalist that you like, support them in any way you can. It doesn’t have to be monetary. It could be sharing their work, it could be just giving them a shoutout, it could be just telling them, “Hey, I appreciate what you’re doing.”
I think a lot of times people don’t realize that journalism, especially independent journalism, is a hustle. It’s a grind. It’s not easy. And so, any kind of support you can give, whether it’s financial or just moral, is always appreciated. So yeah, just support the journalists that you like.
There are a lot of people out there doing amazing work, especially in the independent media world. So yeah, just support them in any way you can.
Thank you so much for the work you’re doing and for taking the time to chat with me today. Is there anything else you’d like to share or add before we wrap up?
Just thank you for having me. I appreciate the work that you’re doing. I appreciate the work that everybody’s doing to make sure that the truth gets out there. And yeah, just keep supporting independent media. Keep supporting the people that are out there hustling and grinding. And just stay informed. That’s all we can ask for.
I appreciate the time. Thank you so much.
L.A. Taco recently announced that it had reached a milestone of 5,000 members, marking a significant achievement in becoming a self-sustaining publication. The journey to this point was not without its challenges, particularly on the financial front. Last year, the publication faced a critical moment when the staff was furloughed due to running out of funds. However, the community’s overwhelming support and donations quickly turned the situation around, with membership numbers jumping from 1,500 to 3,500 within a short period.
One of the main financial hurdles L.A. Taco encountered was the reliance on partnership and sponsorship deals, many of which fell through at crucial times. As a publication dedicated to covering real and often challenging news in Los Angeles, finding sponsors willing to associate with such content proved to be a challenge. However, the publication remained steadfast in its commitment to journalistic integrity, refusing to compromise on its coverage to attract sponsors seeking sanitized content.
In terms of revenue sources, L.A. Taco transitioned from a heavy dependence on sponsorships to a more balanced model that includes membership contributions. While partnerships with city government departments like Metro LA have been key in providing financial support, the ultimate goal has always been to achieve self-sufficiency through a strong membership base.
Looking ahead, the publication aims to double its membership to 10,000 and continue exploring new strategies to engage and grow its audience. Embracing social media as a platform for breaking news, such as during ICE raids, has proven to be a successful strategy in attracting new members and donations.
In closing, L.A. Taco recognizes the vital role of local journalism in times of crisis and emphasizes the importance of ongoing community support. As the publication looks to the future, it hopes to garner continued backing from its readers, even in times of peace when the focus shifts from hard-hitting news to more lighthearted topics like tacos. the perspective of a small business owner discussing the challenges and opportunities of operating during a global pandemic.
As a small business owner, navigating the challenges of operating during a global pandemic has been a rollercoaster of emotions and uncertainties. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges that have tested the resilience and adaptability of businesses of all sizes.
One of the biggest challenges has been the sudden shift in consumer behavior. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores has drastically decreased. This has forced many small businesses to pivot to online sales and marketing in order to survive. For those who were already equipped with an online presence, the transition was smoother. But for others, it meant quickly learning how to set up an e-commerce website and optimize their digital marketing strategies.
Another challenge has been the financial strain on businesses. With reduced revenue streams and mounting expenses, many small businesses have had to make difficult decisions such as laying off employees or reducing their hours. Securing financial assistance through government programs has been a lifeline for many, but the process has been riddled with bureaucratic hurdles and delays.
Despite these challenges, there have also been opportunities that have emerged during this time. The pandemic has forced businesses to innovate and think outside the box in order to stay afloat. Many small businesses have found creative ways to connect with their customers, such as offering virtual events or personalized shopping experiences. This has not only helped to maintain customer loyalty but has also opened up new revenue streams.
Additionally, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of community support. Small businesses have seen an outpouring of support from their local communities, with customers rallying to shop local and support their favorite businesses during this difficult time. This sense of community has been a beacon of hope for many small business owners, reminding them that they are not alone in this struggle.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of operating during a global pandemic, small business owners must remain agile and adaptable in order to survive. By embracing innovation, seeking financial assistance, and fostering community support, small businesses can weather this storm and emerge stronger on the other side. The Rise of Remote Work: How Technology is Changing the Way We Work
In recent years, the way we work has undergone a massive transformation. With advancements in technology, the traditional 9-to-5 office job is becoming increasingly obsolete as more and more companies embrace remote work.
The rise of remote work can be attributed to a number of factors. One of the biggest drivers is the advancement of technology. With the widespread availability of high-speed internet and collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom, employees can now work from anywhere in the world with just a laptop and an internet connection. This has opened up new possibilities for companies to tap into a global talent pool and for employees to achieve a better work-life balance.
Another factor contributing to the rise of remote work is the changing attitudes towards work. Millennials and Gen Z, who are now entering the workforce in large numbers, value flexibility and freedom in their work environment. They are more interested in the quality of their work and the impact they are making rather than just clocking in hours at the office. Remote work allows them to work on their own terms and be more productive as a result.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the shift towards remote work. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, companies were forced to adapt quickly to remote work in order to keep their businesses running. Many have found that remote work is not only feasible but also more cost-effective and efficient in the long run.
However, remote work is not without its challenges. Communication can be more difficult when teams are spread out across different time zones and locations. It can also be harder to build relationships and foster a sense of camaraderie among remote employees. Additionally, some jobs simply cannot be done remotely, such as those that require physical presence or specialized equipment.
Despite these challenges, the rise of remote work is here to stay. As technology continues to advance and companies realize the benefits of remote work, we can expect to see more and more companies embracing this new way of working. Whether you’re a digital nomad working from a beach in Bali or a stay-at-home parent juggling work and family responsibilities, remote work offers a new way of working that is flexible, efficient, and empowering.
