Agents of Change for Pacific Coast Highway Safety

By Rabbi Levi Cunin

When there is a need for change, good people step up. They inspire others. Hopefully, the rest of us follow. For example, over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of accidents on Pacific Coast Highway.  
Many of us feel that we are at a total loss about what to do. PCH is practically a freeway, and reducing the number of accidents, some of them fatal, appears to be impossible. Yet, some in our community persevere. We should be grateful for their commitment to make our city safer.

When it comes to recognizing the need for change and actually doing something to bring it about, it is not uncommon for good hearted people to sit on the sidelines.  After all, all of us have commitments and obligations -- a job, a spouse, children. Last week, I had an experience that once again demonstrated to me how change can happen when people commit to a common goal, and they agree to be change-agents.  

As I was doing some errands in Los Angeles, I bumped into an old friend. After we greeted each other and chatted for a few minutes, my friend handed me a crisp dollar. He said to me, can you please do me a favor? Can you give this dollar to someone in need? He went on to hand me a card that read : 
"Hi. I gave you this dollar today so you would use it for some random act of kindness. Because when two people meet, it should be to help a third person. 
I’m not the only one doing this. It’s happening today all over the world. Now you are part of it. Keep it happening. Together, we’ll make a better world."

As we said our goodbyes, crisp dollar in hand, each of us went on a mission to find someone in need. I was overcome with gratitude for those who take the time out of their busy schedules to focus on bringing positive change to our world. And I was inspired to reconnect to those who are focused on bringing safety and well-being to our very own community. I have no background in traffic, safety, drunk driving or other specifics that might relate to a safer PCH. 

But I do know that if a group of people resolves to improve the situation, they will find a way to do so.

Shabbat Shalom!