“Did you bring your sense of humor?” I ask, adjusting my tour guide badge. “Because we’re about to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in Los Angeles, and trust me, you’ll need it.” The DMV. A place that inspires more groans than greetings. But believe it or not, this bureaucratic behemoth has its own curious tales to tell. The Los Angeles DMV. A stage for everyday drama. As you can see, the exterior is unremarkable. But within these walls, stories unfold that would rival any soap opera. According to one account, a lady, coincidentally named Karen, declared, “I don’t wait in lines!” as she barged to the front of the photo line at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Her tirade of “bleeped-on-TV” words continued until she was sternly reminded that, yes, even she had to wait. She eventually got her photo taken, but another squabble erupted when she demanded a retake. Later, during the written test at the Department of Motor Vehicles, this same Karen loudly asked her neighbor for help with a blood-alcohol question. The staffer intervened, and Karen, after failing the test, stormed out, apparently unaware she could retake it after a short wait. These are but a few glimpses into the daily theater that is the Department of Motor Vehicles. So, as we venture inside, remember Karen’s saga. It might just make your own DMV experience seem a little less… taxing. And who knows, you might even leave with your own DMV anecdote.
Tujunga Spreading Grounds
Hidden in plain sight, the Tujunga Spreading Grounds is more than just a patch of land. It’s a hidden reservoir,