Our New Series: The Changing American Dream in Highland Park and Mount Washington

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, which a multitude of people 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.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as Highland Park and Mount Washington neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Will Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's promise of two more years of zero-interst rates, combined with bottomed-out home prices mean an influx of new buyers in Highland Park?

What about our schools? The Los Angeles Unified School District continues to struggle to serve students, but we've also seen success stories at local school driven by great teachers, dedicated volunteers and talented students.

What about you? How are you getting by these days? How are you making ends meet? How has your idea of the American Dream changed?

"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 Highland Park-Mount Washington go to the heart of your American Dream.