With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Finalists Announced For 2012 L.A. Vendy Awards
In 2010, the Vendy Awards brought their competitive street food road show to Los Angeles. There was a break last year, but the games are back on for 2012. The list for this year's Vendy Awards finalists were announced today, representing a mix of both traditional and new-wave specialty trucks. Here's who made the cut: El Tacos Gallito (Mexican), India Jones Chow Truck (Indian street food and curries), Karina's Food (Mexican), Buttermilk Truck (American breakfast food), Martha's Tamales Organicos (Mexican), the Lime Truck (California cuisine), El Palomo Hot Dogs (Mexican-style hot dogs).
Tickets for the event, which takes place on June 24 at Pan Pacific Park, are $40. Will you attend? Did any of your favorite street side purveyors get slighted in the election process?
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

-
What you should know ahead of bad weather expected to hit Monday, with the worst expected between 5 p.m. through Tuesday afternoon.
-
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership announces that 11% of the workforce is being cut.
-
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music.
-
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
-
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care.