The Motion
A name tag inside the custom backlit cutout shines white light within the furniture box. Actively speaking, it’s former First District Councilmember Robert Garcia. An unannounced vote: Y, N or A has yet to be known. He is originally from Lima, Peru which is a Pacific coastal city like Long Beach, California. They both reside along a beautiful shoreline. Lima means “talker” and there’s motion between here and there. Robert’s hands on advocacy has strengthened community relationships as well as improved ever-changing conditions of the neighborhood. Not only has he used his voice within the inner chambers of government, but he has listened to Laurietta King and Mike Donelon’s request to rename 14th Street Skate Park with other council members inside the Long Beach City Council. Robert took action beyond what’s kept in a three-ring binder.
On a Tuesday evening, city council heard a request to rename the 14th Street Skate Park in honor of Michael K. Green, a hardworking skater who regularly thrashed the grimy site. For Mike, ‘Ghetto Park’ was a proving-ground for refining his divine gifting. Nobody can take away his unique influence on Long Beach skateboarding culture even though he was killed as an innocent bystander caught in the middle of Long Beach gang violence in 2005. A spear of violence changed the narrative most intimately for Michael’s family. However, the following chapters were spearheaded by Robert Garcia who saw the promise in redesigning ‘Ghetto Park.’
Understanding Michael Green’s impact on skateboarders, Robert also brought to motion in front of City Counsel once Laurietta King and Mike Donelon canvased the neighborhood for supportive signatures. All things work together for good. Remnants of love remain on public record. Private lives of the citizenry were touched by these policies even though from a distance they look quite scary. Responses like these show the world how love overcomes cruel circumstances. The underserved youth have a greater chance for success based on these recreational enhancements made by men who serve others in love. Compassion poured over the youth reduces violent tendencies because kindness leads to repentance.