Use Your Voice

“The masters of education hold in their hands the future of the world.”

I spied this quote on a hallway ceiling in Los Angeles City Hall September 3, 2015.
I went there to support the residents on Flores Street. They were presenting a case for historical designation to prevent  a garden apartment building from being demolished by the big, bad developer wolf.

The builder of the charming multi-unit dwelling was a man named Mendel Meyer.  He also built Grauman's and the Egyptian Theatres, the Mutual of Omaha building in Wilshire, and many more notable residences and commercial properties.

I spoke to the committee and shared some fun facts. His home on Stradella Road was not only owned later by Jaqueline Smith but also was the childhood home of Paris Hilton.

Immediately after the last resident presented their case to save their home, the historical commission one by one voted in favor of designating historical protection.

The audience jumped up and cheered.  And cried.  I felt like I was part of a romantic comedy. It was beautiful to experience how one woman's home was spared and how the integrity of this little community of Beverly Square would be saved.

It was awesome to witness their win, which ultimately was a win for all of us who value the history and architecture of LA.

It takes time, courage, money, and support to fight the fight.  

So, remember this. You have a voice to educate others and the power to change the world we live in.  

You just need to do it.