Michele Zack's blog posts and other articles will be indexed on this page. Click any title to read the complete article.

The forces that fight change
Recognizing this very real dynamic is crucial to any discussion of our future—as well as recognizing that it’s never quite that simple. Among those who want to see commercial vibrancy return, there is little agreement on (1) what development should look like (other than nice little businesses), and (2) perhaps most importantly—whom development should be allowed to inconvenience…

Altadena’s future: bedrooms and offices, or more shops and services?
Many of us are puzzled and disappointed by Altadena’s sparse commercial life. We love the place, wouldn’t live anywhere else, but feel aggrieved at the dearth of places to locally and enjoyably spend our money…

Historical imagination and the power of change
I like to look to the past for clues as to why things are the way they are, although it is crucial to be careful and not assume direct linkages or legacies, because new, unrelated elements often arrive with their own power—the power of change…