When a blocked off street at 11th Avenue and 19th Street in Oakland became a magnet for drug sales and illegal dumping, one neighbor had an inspired idea: he bought a small Buddha statue at an Ace Hardware and placed it in the median.

It’s now become a full-fledged miniature temple drawing dozens of Chinese and Vietnamese neighbors to the site everyday.

And miraculously as the structure grew, crime and blight began disappearing and neighbors who don’t speak the same language became connected.

So when the city decided this was a danger that should be removed, it got a unified response.

So far the city has shown an inspired wisdom by allowing the temple to remain.

“It’s people taking initiative and cleaning up our own space,” said Moicillo. “We’re doing it. It’s well-protected …. it’s part of our community now.”

Ironically, the statue was placed by a neighbor who does not practice Buddhism but thought it would help beautify the neighborhood.