Last week marked a monumental moment for Americans from all walks of life. We exercised our civic duty, right and privilege, and re-elected President Obama for another term. All political leanings aside, let’s hope for an auspicious 4 years ahead.

A few experts have pointed out the fact that this year, Latinos surpassed voting numbers, representing 10% of the vote, 2% higher than in the last election. In fact, what is astounding to read is that Mitt Romney “lost every demographic, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, except for white voters, who favored the Republican nominee.” This was according to Jeffrey Brown in a recent PBS interview.

But that’s not it, Millennials also came out in record numbers from the previous election in 2008, and President Obama captured 60% of their vote. Again, experts like Joel Kotkin, had something to say about these changes, and the impact of America’s changing face when considering its future. Still, a racially polarized future for America? I certainly hope not. As human beings and Americans, we are more complex than that, aren’t we? And not just divided by racial backgrounds.

I’m certainly interested in how Millennials think and act. Then there’s young, Millennial Latinos and Asians, and blacks. Will their patterns be that easy to predict and map out? And should cities really seek to lure them in? Bill Fulton seems to think so. Frankly, I also say a resounding, “yes!” California, and Los Angeles specifically, can surely use their optimism and professionalism.

Again, let’s hope for the best through 2012: more jobs, less debt, a better environment, etc. And, most importantly, that work gets done, despite divided governance.

Signing Off,

~ Erica