Published March 23, 2024
Describing homelessness as “one of the greatest social crises of our time,” LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow has called for a more comprehensive approach in dealing with the complexities of homelessness.
Speaking during the Little Tokyo Business Association’s 65th-anniversary installation dinner on March 13, Chow stated that homelessness often comes up when he asks members of the public, “What makes you feel unsafe?”
Chow said he would like to see mental health services and drug counseling more readily available. He began his career in law enforcement as a San Jose Police Department reserve officer. He joined the LAPD in 1990 and met Little Tokyo Public Safety Association president and founder Brian Kito, owner of Fugetsu-do, Little Tokyo’s oldest business. in 1991.
Kito introduced Chow to the gathering, noting that their friendship has lasted over 40 years even as Chow rose through the ranks and became one of the LAPD’s highest-ranking officers.
Chow pointed out that homelessness is “a complex web of roots that are interwoven.”
He emphasized, “While homelessness does involve (the need for) housing, it also involves mental illness, drug addiction, women and families that are in abusive situations and have no other place to go.”
He added, “Our job as a society, and it’s not necessarily just the police department’s (job), is to unwind that web somehow so that we can have an impact on homelessness for the sake of humanity and get people off the street.”
Consul Aya Ishii offered greetings on behalf of the Consulate General of Japan, and Capt. III Raul Jovel and Capt. Joseph Brussard represented the LAPD Central Area. A special presentation by Akira Minamiura of Kintetsu Enterprises Corp. of American (KEA) introduced plans for a giant mural on the east-facing wall of Kintetsu’s Miyako Hotel. The 150-foot tall painting by Robert Vargas honors Dodgers baseball player Shohei Ohtani and is destined to become a Little Tokyo landmark.
During the event, LTBA President David Ikegami was installed for a third term. Roberto Perez of Council District 14 administered the oath.
Founded in 1959, LTBA is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and development of Little Tokyo as a vibrant, diverse, and multi-faceted district of Downtown Los Angeles.