Feeling Special

Once a month I feel special. I drive up to the parking garage entrance and the gate beneath the Millard Sheets mosaic lifts automatically as it recognizes my city registered license plate. 

It delights me each time I park before attending my Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission meeting. 

Tuesday the room was packed with passionate pickle ball players who came to voice their opinions on the need to transition the pilot pickle ball program into a permanent one. 

Speaker after speaker shared statements about the need for regulation courts, an enhanced reservation system, and better maintenance. 

Several spoke about the pickle ball community. One gentleman said that he was new to LA and that pickle ball in the Beverly Hills parks gave him a sense of belonging. 

Looking out into the audience, I saw a room filled with ardor, determination, and commitment. 

This small group represented over 5,000 pickle ball reservations, hours of sport, and community building. 

They not only prepared well researched statements but also had to disrupt their work schedules to attend a Tuesday 2pm meeting to fight for something they passionately believe in. 

I always say, “You can’t complain unless you’re going to take action to change it.”

We spent almost two hours listening and discussing the issues. We shared that patience is necessary when it comes to change in the City because there are a range of factors from staffing to scheduling, and budgets to government contracts that must be addressed. 

It’s important to share our voices, whether it’s at a school meeting or with a Congressperson, because it’s a privilege and a right to be heard. 

Tuesday wasn’t just about converting courts; it was a group effort to enhance and grow a community. 

I left the meeting at City Hall honored to be part of the process. 

Walking back to my car, I reflected on the meeting and smiled knowing that there are people in our city who are willing to fight for a cause they believe in. 

Now, that is truly special.