I take great pride in Malibu and well I should. What a charming place to live. Not only because of its natural setting and delightful climate, but because it is more, much more than just beauty and climate. Malibu is described today as a city with soul, with heart. While sitting with friends at a table in the plaza last night, listening as local musicians filled the air with engaging rhythms, and pouring through “2203, The Next 100-Year Plan,” I was reminded of how far our City had come since it was founded 111 years ago. The grand architecture of the plaza was not even a dream at that time. The strolling lane that circles the plaza, then stretches to and along the ocean then back, was once bisected by a busy highway. I can hardly imagine what it must have been like. The pictures from that time seem unreal.
Rather than automobiles, I see joggers (confined to the beach), old and young walkers, families with children, vendors, sidewalk cafes, all filling my life with wonderful images. And that highway! It now gracefully follows the flow of the mountains as it hugs the hillside, elevated far above the beach. It seems like every day I see a city official giving a tour to visitors who are attempting to learn from our success. “How did you achieve this?” they ask. “Can you help us do the same?”
The answer has been repeated many times to many questioners: About 100 years ago, the citizens of Malibu decided that they wanted to craft a city that was more than lovely houses strip malls, and overbearing traffic. They decided to take control of their destiny. Their first step was impressive and definitive. A bond issue was passed and a handsome prize was offered in a competition (Much like the competitions held in renaissance Italy). The challenge to contestants: A 100 year plan for Malibu. The restrictions on the plan – none.
Architects, social scientists, psychologists, engineers, sculptors, anyone, everyone submitted models and plans for “2103,” the name given to the effort. Local citizens, once bitter opponents on local issues, worked hand in hand with the business community to consider the entries. Together they selected a winner and thus created a shared vision. That vision formed a basis for a partnership that held together for 100 years.
Of all the efforts undertaken by the Citizens of Malibu, most impressive of all was the special election held to approve the plan. The citizens not only approved “2103,” but also agreed to tax themselves in order to fund it. Just imagine, the people of Malibu choose to fund a plan that none would live to see. Perhaps the special feeling that we have for each other began on that election day 100 years ago. Or perhaps that feeling grows out of the special qualities that have been added to our lives through the realization of “2103”. One conclusion is clear: In the year 2103, we each benefit from the vision of those who came before us and are indebted to them for the sacrifices they made. My hope is that our generation can do for the future what past generations did for us. It is quite a legacy and an ever bigger responsibility.
Rick Mecagni