After the city council approved the Miracle Mile HPOZ on March 28th, I was asked what I thought pushed us over the edge to achieve success.  I thought about it and realized the answer was everything.  That if we removed one component we might have gotten a HPOZ but a much smaller one. 
 

Certainly there were some big steps that were central to the effort; the motion by Tom LaBonge was the first. His belief that we could get it done and his love of the neighborhoods in CD 4 will be his lasting legacy. The endorsements of our long time partners, the Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce and the Miracle Mile Civic Coalition, was extremely helpful in showing that the greater neighborhood approved of the HPOZ. The discovery of former Councilwoman Rita Walters in our midst and her sage advice after the Planning Commission gutted Olympic and above 8th Street from the map proved to be crucial. Councilman Ryu and his terrific staff who endured the spitballs thrown by both sides and stepped up to make our three year journey a success.
 

But in the end there was one thing that was absolutely indispensable: the volunteers who showed up time and time again to inch the HPOZ forward. To a person they labored in service to others and gave themselves to something greater than themselves. They were magnificent and truly the miracle of the Miracle Mile comeback. 
 

The day was won by these volunteers who refused to be intimidated by the pettiness and hate the opposition threw at them during every meeting or the paralyzing slowness of political sausage making. As a matter of fact, the harder the journey the more committed they became. It was always about preserving the neighborhood for them but it was also about making sure all of us took the journey together. We did our best to leave no one behind.
 

I must admit that at different times throughout this process when the spirit was low I took heart in their efforts. Some of them were old hands with the MMRA, others new friends who I hope will stay awhile and help us make the Miracle Mile and even more special place. Much still needs to be done. We need to save landmarks along Wilshire and help create a streetscape that turns it into a great walkable boulevard. There is no shortage of things that need to get done and I am sure those same volunteers will be there to make them happen.
 

And finally to the 84 of you that made the trek down to City Hall for the final council vote and the almost 1200 of you who took the time to sign the petition or send in a letter of support you need to know that the final victory belongs to you. Without your answering the call to show up the whole effort would have been in vain. 
 

Thank you,
Jim
 

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