LA Examiner

Tag: Culture

  • LA County Sheriff Speaks Out Amid Fears of Trump Deportation Plans

    LA County Sheriff Speaks Out Amid Fears of Trump Deportation Plans

    Image credit: Unsplash

    On November 18th, President-elect Donald Trump confirmed plans to declare a national emergency to carry out his campaign promise of mass deportations of migrants throughout the United States. 

    LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has responded that his department does not plan to enforce civil immigration, as this does not fall under the department’s duties. However, not all sheriffs in southern California have shared this sentiment. 

    President-Elect Trump Confirms Immigration Crackdown

    As reported by ABC News, Trump confirmed his plans when he responded to a social media post from Judicial Watch’s Tom Fitton on November 18th. Fitton had posted statements earlier in November that reports demonstrate that the incoming administration is preparing to utilize “military assets” to deport migrants. 

    Trump responded to Fitton’s statements with the declaration, “TRUE!!!” He has previously pledged to begin mass deportations as soon as he enters office.  

    “On Day 1, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out,” Trump was reported saying during a rally at Madison Square Garden near the close of the presidential race. 

    LA Sheriff’s Department Will Not Change Procedures, Per Sheriff Luna

    With fears of mass deportations growing among LA residents, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has spoken out on his department’s role during these shifts in federal immigration policies. As reported by MSN, Luna states that the department “isn’t changing much” from its current operational procedures.

    “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department does not enforce civil immigration enforcement …,” Luna stated. “So we’ll continue to do what we do.”

    Sheriff Luna continued to elaborate on his fears that immigration crackdowns from local police enforcement could erode public trust. 

    “There’s a lot of rhetoric, and I don’t want people to be afraid to call the sheriff’s department when they need something,” he asserted. “If they’re a witness to crime, if they’re a victim to a crime, they need to call us.”

    However, Luna admitted that the sheriff’s department would continue cooperating with federal agencies upon request. 

    “Now if somebody at the federal government, one of the agencies, is asking for help, we will assist if they need help,” he stated. “We will do that for any law enforcement agency but it does get very technical in regards to when we do or do not help, but what our community needs to know is don’t be afraid to call the sheriff’s department.”

    L Police Department to Not Engage in Immigration Enforcement

    Like Chief Luna’s policies, the newly appointed Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell stated at his swearing-in ceremony that his department does not intend to engage in immigration enforcement.

    “We’re not in that business,” McDonnell said, according to the article by MSN. Regarding possible crackdowns by local police, he asserted, “We will not be doing any of the things that people are worried about recently.”

    Riverside County Sheriff to Welcome New Immigration Enforcement

    While Sheriff Luna is working to temper fears of police immigration crackdowns in LA County, other southern California sheriffs have expressed enthusiasm for the coming changes in Federal immigration policies.

    According to Fox 11, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has stated he would welcome the federal government into Riverside County to assist mass deportation efforts undertaken by the Trump administration.

    “I will do everything in my power to make sure I keep the residents of Riverside County safe,” stated Sheriff Chad Bianco. “If that involves working somehow around SB 54 with ICE so we can deport these people victimizing us and our residents, you can be 100 percent sure I’m going to do that.”

    As the incoming Trump administration continues preparations for aggressive immigration reform, the role of local police enforcement across areas of California with large migrant populations remains to be seen. 

  • Lowrider Soul and Cars: The Cultural Symbol of LA Thrives

    Lowrider Soul and Cars: The Cultural Symbol of LA Thrives

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Lowrider cars were once stigmatized as being associated with gang activity and were targeted by law enforcement, but they have now evolved into an enduring symbol of Chicano pride. The smooth, romantic sounds of lowrider soul music continue to celebrate the rich heritage as it gains global recognition.

    The Origins of Lowriders

    A lowrider car has a lowered suspension, a custom paint job, and hydraulics. The vehicles are low to the ground and can bounce up and down. They emerged in Los Angeles’ Mexican-American communities after World War II.

    They were initially seen as creative expressions of identity and soon became showcases of technical car expertise and Chicano pride. 

    Lowrider Soul

    Although lowriders are often associated with hip-hop from the 90s, their traditional music roots are smooth, emotional R&B ballads from the 50s and 60s that feature romantic lyrics. In contrast to the typically gang-affiliated drivers, the romantic songs reflect the depth of the pain many Chicanos endured at the time.

    Lowrider’s soul was a spark of inspiration for many Chicano youth. They found hope in the genre’s introspective themes. Those themes of love and family were a stark contrast to the harsh reality of many lowrider’s lives, which often faced poverty, discrimination, and broken families. 

    A notable Chicano poet, Luis J Rodriguez, says, “Well, these lowrider guys were tough dudes, many street-and-prison hardened, but they were also notoriously ‘romantic.’”

    “I think many of us hung on to the illusions of family and home because we didn’t have good families or homes. Those old R&B songs spoke to our depths,” he said.

    Cultural Recognition

    Now, lowriders are seen as cultural centerpieces of LA. Their physical beauty and historical meaning are being celebrated in museums, such as Best in Low at LA’s Petersen Automotive Museum. The museums display the beauty and culture while educating audiences about lowrider history.

    Newer bands like Thee Sacred Souls are bringing attention to the music of this subculture. They are helping to preserve and revive the legacy of the lowrider soul for a new generation of listeners.

    Lowrider Soul’s Musical Heritage

    Soul music, which was originally rooted in Black culture, found another home with Chicano audiences in the 50s and 60s in Los Angeles. The racial segregation during this time created a unity between Black musicians and Chicano listeners, who became supporters of Black soul music.

    Notorious Chicano bands like Thee Midniters and Sunny & the Sunliners fused R&B with their own styles, creating the “Eastside sound” that became synonymous with lowrider culture.

    Lowrider Music Revival

    Thee Sacred Souls and Thee Sinseers, modern bands, are bringing life back to lowrider soul by creating original tracks that stay true to the sound of the era. These groups pay homage to influential bands like Thee Midniters, whose music remains a foundation of lowrider soul.

    With the globalization of music, lowrider culture has reached beyond its Los Angeles origins. The music and automotives have reached Japan, the UK, and beyond. Japanese lowrider enthusiasts have embraced the aesthetic, crediting Chicanos for their influence.

    Cultural Legacy

    Lowrider cars and lowrider soul represent a unique cultural combination of art, music, and identity. They are essential to Los Angeles’ rich history and culture. As lowrider culture continues to garner attention, it demonstrates the resilience of the Chicano community.

    Modern lowrider music and events promote family and tradition, separating the cultural icon from stereotypes of gang affiliation. These gatherings are intergenerational celebrations of Chicano heritage. Older lowriders come to pass down music and craftsmanship to younger generations.

    Experience a history walkthrough with exhibits like Best in Low, a place for automotive lovers to engage with the culture.

    The timeless sounds of lowrider soul continue with Got a Story to Tell, the latest album by Thee Sacred Souls, on Daptone Records. The band will play at London’s Jazz Cafe on October 31.