Good News Abounds

We live in the here and now. It's part of the Los Angeles culture and a driver of the trends and technologies that emanate from this city. On September 7th we will be celebrating our 75th year with a celebration honoring Jim Thomas and (in true Town Hall fashion) providing you with some of the funniest political satire on the planet, courtesy of The Capitol Steps.

Honoring Jim Thomas, the founder, Chairman and CEO of Thomas Properties Group is obvious. Who isn't enjoying our resurgent downtown? Even commuting folk - used to escaping their downtown offices and pretending that suburbs and exurbs are stimulating (as opposed to soporific) are enjoying the great new restaurants, interesting art spaces and brain-food events. Jim believed that having a downtown - a central city - where the sense of community can become the glue for a more engaged citizenry - is an enormous part of a high quality of life in our region.

Jim has made a substantial contribution to all of our lives by being instrumental in building a city where people are not just living in the here and now but planning for the there and then. By helping to build a city that has life on the streets, active residents and committed leaders, there is now critical mass to come to grips with the issues that have plagued us for over 75 years. The city has actually become a city. The suburbs are no longer in search of a city. You won't find empty streets and stores any more. You won't lack for interesting food, great (and often free) entertainment. And, as with so many other things in our lives, the people with vision and perseverence - the marathoners - usually win, and in doing so make life a lot better for the rest of us.

So come celebrate with us on September 7th and congratulate Jim Thomas. He and Town Hall Los Angeles have shown that time, vision and patience can bring great things. Jon Goodman