Community Corner

DisPatches: The Changing American Dream

'Dispatches' will be built upon compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our nearly 900 Patch sites.

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 which a multitude of people are working toward.

Find out what's happening in Fair Oaks-Carmichaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

In Sacramento County, for example, unemployed area residents are estimated to be more than 84,500 at the end of June, or 12.6 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Find out what's happening in Fair Oaks-Carmichaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, we read the stories of community members coming together to rally for local small business owners. We also hear the stories of schools, families and friends coming together to support and raise funds .

The San Juan Unified School District continues to struggle in the wake of economic downturn and fluctuating state budgeting. However, locals persevere and find ways to raise money to benefit local sport, academic and other programs on their own.

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

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for our children.

"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 Fair Oaks 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.


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