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Community Corner

Napa and the Changing American Dream

This isn't the town -- or the world -- we grew up in, and more change is coming. There's never been a better time to share our stories.

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Napa 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.

Find out what's happening in Napa Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams which a multitude of people are working toward.

Across nearly 900 Patch sites nationwide, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; even an elderly former Napa City Council member living in a homeless shelter.

Find out what's happening in Napa Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

Nationally, there's a debate about which government-building efforts are "shovel-ready." Locally, the community is divided over the future of the Napa County jail.

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for our children. Locally, we see students and teachers alike becoming more involved in the statewide political and economic crisis that’s holding their future hostage.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling stories we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

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

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