Dispatches: The Changing American Dream

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—rather there are a multitude of American Dreams that a multitude of people are working toward. Looking out across nearly 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.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Redondo Beach neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a movement afoot that accuses unions of exacerbating budget problems. Locally, Redondo Beach has worked with unions to help ease the city's budget issues for this fiscal year.

Businesses across the country are shutting their doors, and it's no different in Redondo Beach. Nevertheless, there are a few sparks of hope for a recovery: the recently opened South Bay Marketplace is opening new stores every couple of months.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Redondo Beach, fit into the national patchwork quilt. Our stories will be included, but "Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

Of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Redondo Beach go to the heart of your American Dream.

We want to hear from you! If you want to blog about this topic, let us know. If you just want to share a comment, email us or add it to the comment box at the bottom of this story.