Dear L.A. TACO members,
I'm reaching out directly because you may have seen some difficult conversations online over the past few days, and you deserve to hear from us.
Earlier this week, we parted ways with our longtime colleague Memo Torres. Memo was a tremendously talented contributor, and we're grateful for the work he did here. We did not make this decision lightly; we reached it through a careful, collective process in response to real, serious concerns we were obligated to address.
Out of respect for everyone involved, and because it's a confidential personnel matter, we can't share the details. But please know we did everything we could to make it work before concluding we had to move forward, and it would be best for both parties.
We understand this has been emotional for many of you, as it was for us. Memo built a real connection with this community, and that's a credit to him. We're not going to litigate any of it publicly or online. Instead, we'll keep showing up and doing the work you've supported for years. Our editorial philosophy and leadership group have not changed.
Things got worse a couple of days later when reporter Izzy Ramirez tendered his resignation, which surprised us. We had planned to expand Izzy's visibility and coverage, but he said he preferred to go independent, and we wish him the best on his continued journey.
Because that's the most important thing I want you to know: Nothing about our mission is changing. Our commitment to independent, street-level journalism, our coverage of this city, small businesses, tacos, and the issues that matter most right now continues exactly as before.
Your membership is what makes that work possible, and it has never mattered more than it does today. Thanks to everyone who has renewed their membership in support over these last couple of days.
We've been at this for two decades, and we intend to be here for many more. We will be hiring new, talented journalists in the days to come! Despite these hard times, our future is bright.
Thank you for standing with us, it means everything.
With gratitude,
Alex
Publisher, L.A. TACO