Costa Mesa Miracles

January 10, 2006

A holiday tradition in our home is gathering around the television and watching Miracle on 34th Street. Each year I see this film through the eyes of a child searching for new meaning and hope for a special Christmas for my family and friends. Every time I see that dear sweet bearded Edmund Gwenn portray Kris Kringle my heart is warmed by his convincing appearance and I believe that, “Yes, Charlene, there really is a Santa.”

I am a bit too old to sit on the lap of jolly ol’ St. Nick, but if you are willing to listen, I have my own list for Christmas:

• I would like to see a place in this city where day laborers and those seeking employment can go  
• I’d like to see Triangle Square re-vitalized and alive with shoppers as well as kids hanging out at the movie theater; and wouldn’t it be grand if something like the Macy’s day parade would travel down the boulevard in town and families could line the streets and welcome clowns and antique cars as the high school bands would play 
• I’d like to see a brand new library in the city filled with students and young children attending programs and storytime
•  Santa I would like to see affordable housing be a priority for seniors and new families
• and oh if it’s not too much to ask, Santa, I’d like to see Costa Mesa be a place where people of color can live and work and play safely and in peace.

If none of this comes to fruition, I may not believe in Santa anymore, but I may just try harder to work to see that these things will be the miracle in my Costa Mesa.