Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is well known for educating future leaders in economics, business and government. Its alumni include founders of mega-financial institutions, accomplished corporate CEOs, and prominent political figures. It is less well known that CMC is also among the top institutions in the United States in social innovation education.
In a recent article in the New York Times on the mansionization that is taking place in some neighborhoods here, the journalist observed:
"Los Angeles has always been known for its tear-it-down, build-it-up methods, to the concern of preservationists. The intensity of the current opposition [to mansionization] has challenged the notion that this is a city with little interest in preserving its past."
Southern California is one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. We read stories daily about investors from around the world buying property here, often for cash.
So, it was heartening to read today in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal that in December of last year, long time Santa Clarita residents and nature lovers Bob and Wendy Stevenson donated two 4.91 acre lots to the City of Santa Clarita for open space. This is their second property donation. In 2007, the couple donated 16.3 acres to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Waiting in a long line for the valet to deliver your car is generally not a pleasant experience.
But last Thursday night, after having attended the LA Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner at which Wallis Annenberg received the Civic Medal of Honor Award (stay tuned for another blog regarding this well deserved honor), I experienced a magical moment while waiting for my car.
Mia Lehrer, the landscape designer who, with her firm Mia Lehrer+Associates, has been such a visionary force behind the revitalization of the Los Angeles River (and other major projects), is now creating bracelets inspired by the river.
As promised, here is Part 2 of organizations in the Los Angeles area who are mentoring girls, boys and teens and helping to ensure their professional and personal success:
A Place Called Home
An organization that provides children and youth in South Central Los Angeles with love, safety, enrichment training and opportunities through educational programs, counseling and mentoring.
If so, check out the organizations in Los Angeles that provide specialized opportunities for you to mentor young men and women. This list comes from the October 2014 issue of Esquire Magazine; stay tuned for part two of this blog. More mentoring organizations to come.
InsideOutWriters
Creative writing with recently incarcerated youth. Share stories. Share feedback. Learn from each other.
Another reason we are super fortunate that Eric Garcetti is Mayor of Los Angeles:
On November 6, the Mayor announced the creation of a $1 million Innovation Fund to pay for original ideas that city employees and commissioners propose that will improve the efficiencies within city departments and improve the quality of life for Angelenos. The Mayor expects to finance about 10 projects with this initial round of funding.
Venice-based TOMS has a personal link to an exciting and inspiring new social enterprise, REVISIT, that strives to preserve America's national parks.
