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More than an art show, King Pleasure is an intimate look into the many layers of Jean-Michel Basquiat through a familial lens.
Welcome to Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure. Located at the Grand LA, the gallery space itself is a reflection of the unpretentious artist. There are no white stuffy walls, instead, the art is displayed on wooden planes presenting a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Every last detail is designed with intimacy, including the handwritten text panels written by his sisters. This is your personal Basquiat journey with no one telling you what to look at, and how to feel. His sisters want you to draw your own feelings from the experience to get a better understanding of the man and the artist. For them, King Pleasure is a cathartic experience and a way for them to heal while honoring their brother’s legacy.
They encourage you to go at your own pace and get lost in the show.
Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveuax, the sisters of Neoexpressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, invite you to experience JeanMichel Basquiat: King Pleasure, an art exhibition of over 200 of Basquiat’s neverbefore-seen and rarely-shown works.
The immersive experience provides an indepth insight into the multi-dimensional artist’s personal life and art-making process through his paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts. This exhibition is more than Basquiat’s art. It’s a behind-the-scenes look into his personal story and influences from his family life, books, fashion, music, and popular culture. It provides an understanding of the motivation behind his pieces, and creates an emotional connection between you and the wellknown artist.
The son of a Puerto Rican mother and Haitian father, his parents divorced early in his life. He and his two sisters lived primarily with his father who played a key role in Basquiat’s desire to portray the black experience throughout his work. In fact, the exhibition is named after King Pleasure, a singer whose song “Moody’s Mood For Love” played at the end of one of his father’s favorite radio programs. Disturbed by the lack of representation of blacks in art, he set out to change the narrative. “The black person is the protagonist in most of my paintings. I realized that I didn't see many paintings with black people in them, ” said Basquiat. The crown motif often shown throughout his works is his ode to the way he sees black people, as kings and queens.
King Pleasure takes you on a journey through Basquiat’s life, from his middle class upbringing, to his work studio, to the activities and passions that brought him joy. Along the journey, you will see several recreations, including his childhood brownstone in Brooklyn that he shared with his father and two sisters. You will see a replica of his studio to get a feel of the environment in which he worked and
the culture he used to inspire him. Step into a recreation of the famous Michael Todd Room from the Palladium nightclub in New York. Not only did Basquiat create murals for the famous club, but as a lover of music and in particular DJing, he enjoyed being around the club scene. He was often seen hanging out or spinning tracks.
A native New Yorker, Basquiat spent the majority of his life there. The exhibition displays a New York map of his favorite stomping grounds, along with one of the bicycles that he used as transportation to and from these places. In juxtaposition, King Pleasure also shows a map of Basquiat’s favorite LA hangouts during his stay here from 1982 - 1984.
Follow along the map and plot his journey from his studio in Venice, to the popular nite club Power Tools where he frequented as a patron and guest DJ, to Mr. Chow, Spago, L’Hermitage, and Chateau Marmont. Basquiat loved LA and when he wasn’t living here, would pay the city a visit on his way back from his frequent vacations to Hawaii.
The thought-provoking exhibition highlights his art-making process, family upbringing, personal life, and so much more. The Grand LA - 100 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding area present an extraordinary opportunity for visionary leaders and real estate investors, thanks to its vibrant renaissance, abundant opportunities, exceptional connectivity, and transformative infrastructure projects like the Metro Regional Connector Transit Project. The area also boasts prestigious educational institutions such as the University of Southern California (USC) and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), further enhancing its appeal.
Alongside this, downtown LA's thriving cultural scene offers a wealth of experiences, from art galleries, theaters, and museums to concert halls and the vibrant restaurant scene. With renowned sports teams and a rich tapestry of cultural offerings, living or investing in downtown LA ensures a never-ending array of exciting events, games, concerts, and more. Furthermore, with the upcoming 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, the city will be at the epicenter of international sporting events, attracting even more attention and opportunities for growth.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties incoming CEO Luis Carrion says, "The residential real estate growth opportunities lie in the emerging neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights, Highland Park, Echo Park, and South LA along with luxury markets with high-end properties such as Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Hills and Hancock Park."
The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties DTLA Regional Office has been a prominent choice for real estate agents and real estate clients since its establishment in 2017.
Located in the Pershing Square Building, the office offers numerous benefits to its partner agents and their clientele. These include a zero out-of-pocket expense training program, cutting-edge technology platforms, and high-quality lead programs. Notably, the office has embraced a hybrid style, allowing agents to connect in person or virtually through platforms like Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. This flexibility has been invaluable in adapting to the evolving real estate landscape.
Managing Partner Victor Quiroz reflects on the office growth, "We initially opened this office with just 6 sales agents including myself, yet through our office culture of trust, integrity, stability, and longevity we now have over 60 dedicated sales professionals serving the clients in the area. Success doesn't happen by default, it takes consistent hard work and focus to achieve the kind of growth we have experienced. We will continue to build our office, grain of sand after grain of sand, by adding more talent and helping even more families in the community over the next decade and beyond."
Founded by renowned broker Bruce Mulhearn and joint venture partner Vic Quiroz, the office strategically positioned itself to take advantage of the Downtown Los Angeles renaissance. Despite facing challenges such as the unfortunate passing of co-founder Bruce Mulhearn in 2018, the impact of COVID-19, and social unrest in 2020/21, the office demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Under strong leadership, including incoming CEO Luis Carrion, President Dennis Rosas, Production Coach Erika Soria, Transaction Coordinator
Jazmin Anaya, and Managing Partner Vic Quiroz, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
DTLA Regional Office has achieved significant success, with over $300 million in residential sales and leases from hundreds of transactions.
Rosas says, "The DTLA Regional office is located directly in the heart of the second biggest city in the country. Our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties DTLA Regional office is focused on assisting our Forever Agents serving the real estate needs of current and soonto-be homeowners and investor clients. Our company's 56 years of business success and stability has helped our DTLA office to thrive in a growing marketplace and we are excited for the future!"
The success of the office can be attributed in large part to its senior agents, who serve as trailblazers in the industry. Agents like Melina Mejia, Lydia Miranda, Alain Pastor, Rudy Vazquez, and Ural McIntosh bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their work. They inspire and guide aspiring top agents like Sasharee Dewar, Yeselin Parra, and Alexia Torres, who are leveraging cuttingedge tools and technology to assist their clients in achieving their real estate goals. Soria says "Our brokerage offers agents unparalleled support & training.
We have systems in place where agents can continuously develop their businesses and succeed regardless if they are fulltime or part-time. We have live in-person and online training, tech tools, and constant support with easy access to our Manager and Production Coach."
Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. noted, “What a company stands for is key over time. We talk at Berkshire Hathaway all of the time about building culture, and culture counts. You can’t [build culture] in a day, or a week, or a month, it takes time. Berkshire Hathaway and [Berkshire Hathaway] HomeServices together will be building on values that are the kind you can put on the front page of a newspaper and everyone associated with the company can be proud of.”
To be connected with a BHHS DTLA Agent contact the sales office at 213-3287230. If you are an interested or aspiring real estate agent contact Managing Partner Vic Quiroz 213-245-1440 or visit www.LosAngelesMoves.com to schedule a consultation to discuss your real estate career.
Brokerage DRE #02211662
The Metro Regional Connector is almost finished!
Newly constructed by Metro, its purpose is to provide riders with a seamless journey from Azusa to Long Beach and from East Los Angeles to Santa Monica an impossible feat, if it wasn’t for the genius engineers at Metro and of course, Downtown Los Angeles.
Scheduled to open on June 16, 2023, one of Metro’s largest projects to date, the sparkling new Metro Connector experience comes with the promise of greatly enhancing transportation for all.
Say Goodbye Metro L as we know it.
The old Metro lines consisted of Metro L (Gold), to Azuza with joints at Union Station heading to East LA, and the A (Blue), E (Expo) heading to Santa Monica, B (Red) moving to North Hollywood, and D (Purple) Lines dropping passengers off at the lower tip of Hollywood. In the past of these lines with exception of the L (Gold) conjoined at the 7th Street/Metro Center Station.
The new project will consolidate the A, E, and L Lines into two rail lines—the new A Line and E Line with underground tunnels leading to three new stations in downtown Los Angeles.
The good news!
Three new stations will, according to Metro, mean accessibility and promoting seamless transfers across various modes of transportation, but for Downtown it’s means major population boosts as tons
of new visitors will have more chances to explore the best tourist destinations our city has to offer.
The Little Tokyo/Arts District Station will provide better access to tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping options in Little Tokyo while bringing commuters closer to the arts district.
The Historic Broadway Station, situated near 2nd St/Broadway, will offer convenient access to the renowned Grand Central Market—a food lover’s paradise that features an array of culinary delights. Commuters using this station will find themselves just steps away from this amazing food hub.
The Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station, located at 211 S. Hope St, will bring commuters closer to the Music Center and the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. This station will serve as a gateway for those attending performances, concerts, and cultural events in the area. Moreover, it will provide easy access to the Bunker Hill neighborhood, known for its scenic views, cultural institutions, and upscale residential and commercial spaces.
Strike up a conversation over coffee on Spring Street, and it won't be long before Rick invites you to one of downtown’s most iconic nightlife venues, where live music, heartfelt drinks, friends and downtown hospitality come alive.
And who better to obtain this information from than Rick Taub?
As the creator of LA Music Booking and a longtime cherished member of the downtown community, Rick has provided such local hotspots as Seven Grand, Las Perlas, and Cana Rum Bar with
American jazz, Latino Sounds, and iconic blues players who over the course of 15 years have redefined the energy of the city.
Within these jammed packed spaces LA Music Booking has hosted legends Sonny Green, Deacon Jones, Mickey Champion, Barbara Morrison, Tom Kenny, Robby Krieger, and a long list of the legendary, both here and gone too soon.
With a down-to-earth demeanor and a genuine love for his craft, Rick connects with people on a deeper level. He may not boast a flamboyant style or a largerthan-life persona, but his authenticity and dedication shine through his actions and the experiences he creates.
A musician himself, Rick's journey into the heart of downtown's music scene began at the age of 22. It was at the legendary Babe and Ricky's Inn, a beloved club from a time long past on Central Ave, in South Central Los Angeles, where he first cut his teeth as a bass player. The bar not only served as his musical school, but also fostered a sense of community, inviting people in for food, wine, and sets of love and blues.
During those formative years, Rick had the privilege of playing alongside the most renowned musical legends in Los Angeles history. It was through these alliances and the tutelage of these greats that Rick's musical foundation was solidified, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
One figure who left an incredible mark on Rick's journey is the incomparable Barbara Morrison. He speaks of her with admiration and reverence. “She was as good of a person as anyone could be. “Rick remembers, “No matter how my day was going, after spending time with Barbara, I always felt uplifted after being around Barbara”. Barbara Morrison’s influence on Rick’s musical path cannot be overstated, as she helped shape his perspective and fueled his passion for creating memorable experiences through music.
Rick's professional trajectory changed from playing bass with his own band on local stages 15 years ago, after a fateful encounter with Pouring with Heart visionary, and DTLA Founding Father Cedd Moses. The owner of Seven Grand took a liking to Rick, and the meeting proved to be a turning point, as Rick's talent and musical intuition aligned with Moses' vision, leading to a collaboration that forever changed downtown's musical landscape.
With his booking agency, LA Music Booking, Rick has become a driving force behind the city's transformation. He curates an extensive program of live music events, bringing bands of various genres to the forefront almost every day of the week.
From the underground scene in speakeasies to the most renowned venues, Rick's discerning eye and dedication to quality have set the stage for countless memorable performances in front of jam packed audiences.
As a true ambassador of downtown's artistic revival, Rick understands the importance of activating spaces through live music. While weekends naturally draw crowds, it is his strategic use of bands that breathe life into these venues during weekdays, saving patrons from mundane nights, instead filling the air with a vibrant energy.
Rick Taub's downtown journey is not just about being a music booker; it's about being an integral part of downtown's resurgence, and from his early days of making mixed tapes for his friends to providing the soundtrack of our lives. His only regret is that he doesn’t yet have enough venues to book the many talented musicians in his Rolodex.
Here’s a toast to Rick Taub, his commitment to the community, his unwavering passion for music, and his ability to create unforgettable experiences that have played a vital role in shaping the landscape of downtown Los Angeles.
If you spend enough time in downtown Los Angeles, chances are you'll cross paths with the one and only Rick Taub. Standing tall at 6 and a half feet, Rick has been rocking his signature allblack attire, complete with un-tipped gloves, black boots, while walking a faithful pooch down these city streets for over 22 years.RICK TAUB PHOTO BY KERI FREEMAN
June 10: COLA Artist Fellows will take the stage in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
June 17: Iranian musician and political activist Shahin Najafi will deliver a powerful performance, presented by the Farhang Foundation.
June 24: The groundbreaking West African kora master Sona Jobarteh will showcase her extraordinary talent, accompanied by Nubian Sound Group ft. Dexter Story and DJ Passionfruit.
July 8: Viver Brasil and DJ Muñeka will bring their infectious beats and energy to the stage.
July 15: Jazz is Dead presents Garrett Saracho, a rediscovered Chicano jazz pioneer.
July 22: KCRW Summer Nights will create a magical night of performances.
July 29: Martha Redbone will captivate the audience with her unique blend of folk, blues, and gospel.
August 5: A special tribute show to Art Laboe will feature an all-star live band led by Rocky Padilla, along with performances by Aaron Frazer, Norman Carter (The Delfonics), Diamond Ortiz, Irene Diaz, and DJ Spiñorita, presented by dublab and Hello Stranger.
Downtown LA is Back and stepping to the beat, just in time for a summer of sensational performances, vibrant music, and captivating poetry, as Grand Performances announces its sizzling line-up for the 2023 Summer Season.
Coming June 3 to August 26 at the California Plaza on Bunker Hill, this year’s Summer Season is a melting pot of musical genres and cultural influences, featuring artists from Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. From the infectious beats of cumbia to the timeless melodies of oldies, from the groovy funk to the soul-stirring jazz, there’s something for everyone at Grand Performances.
Plus… Grand Performances is expanding its repertoire this season by introducing poetry nights. On the fourth Friday of each month, influential voices from across Los Angeles will grace
the GP Amphitheater at California Plaza, weaving their poetic magic and captivating audiences with their words.
Rafael González, President and CEO of Grand Performances, couldn’t contain his excitement about the upcoming season. “This season we return to our legacy, introducing international artists to our diverse city and bringing free access to global performing arts on the Grand Performances stage,” he exclaimed. “Angelenos are in for a special summer. Our dynamic and creative team has curated what’s sure to be a remarkable season.”
Grand Performances extends its heartfelt gratitude to the LA City Department of Cultural Affairs and LA County Department of Arts and Culture for their generous support, making these events possible.
Downtown Weekly dives into the highlights of the 2023 Summer Season.
June 3: The season kicks off with the buzz-heavy cumbia punk marimba rockers Son Rompe Pera, along with performances by La Verdad and La Papaya Club.
August 12: DJ Battlecat & Friends will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, with Thes One from People Under the Stairs as a special guest.
August 19: Jazz in the House, presented by Mark de Clive-Lowe, will bring the spirit of jazz to the stage.
August 26: The season will close with the iconic cumbia sonidera legends Grupo Kual, presented by Discos Rolas.
Snapping fingers, here’s info about Grand Performane’s three poetry nights curated by influential award-winning LA-based poets and educators:
June 23: Poetry of Pride with West Hollywood Poet Laureate Brian Sonia-Wallace.
July 28: LA Stories with 3rd generation LA Native Mike the Poet.
August 25: Black Voices with award-winning author, poet, and educator Shonda Buchanan.
Grand Performances has a rich history of bringing remarkable artists to the stage. Since its founding in 1986, it has presented legendary performers such as Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli, Kamasi Washington, Seun Kuti, Madame Gandhi, Ana Tijoux, Soulection, Aloe Blacc, Angelique Kidjo, and many others. All Grand Performances’ events are free and open to all ages. They will take place at the California Plaza located at 350 S Grand Ave. from 6 pm to 10 pm.
They don’t call me Drunk Bunny for nothing!
Keeping true to my reputation for being slightly wobbly and mischievous I found on my way to Seven Grand’s Whisky Emporium, a precursor to the night’s 16th Anniversary celebration complete with live bands, cigar smoke and all the varieties of whiskies a silly rabbit could ever hope for.
Still a bit hard to climb the steps due to my enormous liver but my old pal GlenDronach was calling so I managed to make my way up three short flights of stairs past the buckhead trophies and welcoming glowing whisky display to the bar where I was given a magic wristband for $50 and an equally enchanted Seven Grand branded whiskey glass.
Equipped with glass and very enthusiastic whiskey palette, I found myself hopping from one whiskey tasting station to the next learning some of the most incredible whiskey and whisky facts I knew may or may not have ever remembered.
One hop, two hop, three hop four, with each hop I sipped a little more.
I smell cheese!
That’s what went through my mind before my eyes fully focused on a charcuterie board of Brie in the distance.
What kind of whisky tasting is this?
Up until that moment I figured only wine went with cheese. But I was so wrong. So wrong…And that was just the beginning of 10 Great Facts About Whisky I learned that day.
So… first fun fact. Whisky is for Scottish, Canadians and the Japanese, Whiskey is used for whiskey distilled in Ireland or here in the US.
It was five o’clock somewhere alright. In the heart of DTLA, Seven Grand is legendary. One of many bars brought to the neighborhood by Pouring with a Heart, aka The Official Founding Fathers of Downtown Hospitality. Without them and their fifteen or so Old Fashion style bars who knows if Downtown would have ever become the lively place it is today.
Did you know Kentucky, that magical land of bourbon dreams, produces 95 percent of the world’s bourbon whiskey?
It’s got to be a bourbon paradise, where barrels of Woodford Reserve outnumber the inhabitants, where the air is infused with rich aromas of oak and caramel. Adding a trip to Kentucky to my basket list – ASAP. CONT...PG>>
Public safety, homelessness, construction delays, maintenance and budget overruns have cost the people of Downtown time and money. As of late, trust in Metro seems to be heading in a downwards spiral.
Safety has been a pressing issue for the Metro, as passengers have reported incidents of crime and harassment, and the nightly news fills with reports of thefts, drug usage, violence, harassment, officer involved shootings, and numerous deaths.
These concerns can contribute to a sense of unease and impact the overall perception of safety while using the system. The rise of three new stations has become some what of a concern, rather than the joyous occasion it’s meant to me.
The Metro has been working to enhance security measures, increase law enforcement presence, and improve emergency communication systems to address these safety concerns but then there’s the issue of Downtown’s growing homeless population.
The issue of homelessness has also been a matter of concern within the Metro system.
Homeless individuals seeking refuge in stations and trains has created challenges for both passengers and the homeless population. The Metro has been collaborating with social service organizations to provide support and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with necessary resources. However, addressing this complex issue remains an ongoing challenge and then there’s the issue of cleanliness and overall maintenance.
The strain of maintaining older Metro lines already under scrutiny for being unsightly, and less sanitary may be exacerbated by the addition of the new connector. The increased demand resulting from the expanded network can further stress the existing fleet. Luckily for Metro and it’s daily commuters, with the new connector comes hundreds of new jobs.
Construction projects associated with Metro system expansion and maintenance which offered downtown communities an array of traffic jams and detours the past two years causing frustration, fuel wasting and unwanted delays. Street closures and detours due to to construction activities have inconvenienced commuters and businesses. Finally, these constructionrelated delays will be a thing of the past once the three new Metro Stations open in June.
We sure hope so.
With the unpredictability caused by the pandemic and the unforeseeable future, only time will tell if the scales will tip in the Regional Connector’s favor. The project is reported already $355 million over the projected budget, and just now underway two years later than scheduled.
For certain, Downtown commuters have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the new lines, the engineers of Metro have created something truly unique and innovative the whole world can share, and Downtown is willing to once again give Metro the benefit of the doubt, (as if we had a choice).
Congrats Metro team! Congrats and best of luck! #DTLAWEEKLY
Well, Metro has encountered significant challenges in recent years; challenges that have impacted various aspects of its operations and overall commuting experience.METRO BUNKER HILL COURTESY METRO.NET METRO LITTLE TOKYO STATION COURTESY METRO.NET
As a speakeasy you bet your rabbit hole Seven Grand can teach you a thing or two about moonshine. Mostly manufactured under the cover of darkness, this high-proof liquor had to be brewed in secrecy back in 1920s DTLA, brewed and distributed through the art of bootlegging. I closed my eyes and made pretend this Old Forester was illegal, and in the spirit of freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness downed two more shots back to back. After that, I cannot lie. I was tipped-over tipsy. Thank goodness for the brand ambassadors of Compass Point who kept me hopping in the right direction.
At that point I was a rebel in the whisky world, daring others to embrace its potent charms. Did you know Margie Samuels, the distillery owner’s wife designed the iconic red-wax sealed Maker’s Mark bottle? She wanted her hubby’s product to stand out so she suggested an artistic touch.
Never thought I’d stumble upon an event more fun event than Easter, but there I was. With my basket full of barely and rye and a tummy full of Teeling. And that’s when I realized, I loved whisky but not as much as I loved Frank Sinatra.
Frank Sinatra was laid to rest with a bottle of Jack Daniel’s by his side. Such a classy farewell, and testament to the everlasting bond between the two, feeling emotional this fact almost brought me to tears.
And there’s the tale of Bill Wilson, cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous, who yearned for a final taste of whisky, but was as denied on his deathbed. He needed better friends.
If only whisky could have fought off the grim reaper like it did for Old Charles Joughin, the brave baker aboard the ill-fated Titanic. Joughin became the Angel’s Envy after claiming that whisky helped him survive three frozen hours in the North Atlantic. I believe him. I’d believe anything is possible after this many shots.
They say whisky is bad for you, but in reality the average measure of the Balvenie contains a mere 64 calories! Fewer than a banana, so just shut up and pour this bunny another sample.
The more I sipped the more I savored the flavors of whisky knowing it won’t burden my waistline. As the day turned to night I’d decided to GlenFiddish and dance to the incredible blues coming from a band that called themselves the Midnight Blues Review.
Boy, did I work up a sweat, making whisky drinking an even more enjoyable healthy workout routine. After the show walked up to thank the band…. And that’s when I had the pleasure of meeting the bar’s longtime entertainment director and bass player, Rick Taub.
Get ready for some robot ruckus! On Tuesday, a protest is set to shake up the Los Angeles City Council’s discussion on whether to fetch themselves a fancy “Quadruped
Those including an organization mobilizing the protest, called Stop Police Spying are demanding that the City Council roll over and play dead on LAPD’s proposal. They’re not impressed with the idea of “dogging” the budget, as costs for training, overtime, data storage, and management start to chase their tails. And let’s not forget the dreaded mission creep—once these robot dogs are welcomed in, who knows how many more they’ll invite? The City Council might soon find themselves buried under a pile of pricey pooches!
Keeping us on our paws with innovative technology they’ve got crime stoppers intrigued once again and ready to embrace the cutting-edge technology in support of these not so furry, metal friends. Just like those facial recognition drones and body cameras that started as trials and eventually became indispensable tools for law enforcement, robo-mutt has the potential to become LA’s newest fourlegged partner in crime-fighting.
This decision has unleashed a howling debate, with folks barking about its crimefighting prowess and the potential pitfalls involved.
The City’s first robotic surveillance dog would costs $277K and would be donated through the Police Foundation, a wealthy group of law enforcement supporters who work with LAPD to secure funding quickly. Communities across Los Angeles are calling on the Los Angeles City Council to vote down LAPD’s proposal to acquire a dog-like military robot. The City Council will be discussing this robot dog and potentially voting on it Tuesday, May 23rd at 10am.
Some in the Los Angeles community however are not amused.
Now, here’s where it gets a bit ruff Turns out, this specific robot dog, known as SPOT, wasn’t even originally designed for police work. It’s more accustomed to prowling around warehouses and manufacturing sites, sniffing out routine routes and repetitive tasks. But hey, who needs experience when you’ve got a manual warning that untrained folks might end up in the doghouse—or worse?
Oh, and let’s not overlook the potential hot spots where these popo-pooches will be deployed. Critics howl that they’ll end up disproportionately targeting already under-resourced neighborhoods, wagging their tails in areas that have seen more than their fair share of police presence.
The LAPD thinks they’re barking up the right tree, with Chief Moore and Deputy Chief Kawasaki calling SPOT “the future of policing.”
Labeled conspiracy, critics question the implications of a dog-eat-man world where machines call the shots, while the rest of us are left scratching our heads.
In the midst of this canine chaos, it’s essential to reflect on the bigger picture. The protests serve as a reminder that introducing newfangled technologies into law enforcement should be a thoughtful and calculated process. Cities need to consider the concerns of the community, avoid burying the budget under a pile of costly contraptions, and ensure their not trading our humanity for a shiny metal tail-waggers.
So, as the City Council weighs this woofworthy decision, opponents hope they listen to the howls of the people and avoid falling into the doghouse. After all, when it comes to the future of policing, we shouldn’t be chasing our tails—we should be wagging our way toward safer, more inclusive streets.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle” (QUGV) or Robot Surveillance Dog for Metro’s SWAT team.Photo Courtesy of Seltzerland
