Community Corner

"Dispatches": Tell Us, What's Your American Dream?

Patch wants to hear how your American Dream has changed in today's ever-evolving landscape.

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams that people nationwide are working toward. Looking out across nearly almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills. We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

Find out what's happening in Cerritos-Artesiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At the local level, we want to know where we, as Cerritos and Artesia neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about which government-building efforts are "shovel-ready." Locally, we know that our two cities are fighting to keep redevelopment agency programs to ensure continued development and growth in our communities.

Find out what's happening in Cerritos-Artesiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for our children. Locally, we know ABC School District schools are continuing to maintain its high standards and academic achievements.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Cerritos and Artesia go to the heart of your American Dream. We want to hear from you.


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