Recognizing the Under-35 Crowd: Movers & Shakers

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — I mentioned earlier today that I was going to be attending the CCA's Movers and Shakers event this evening. I just got back a few minutes ago, and have to say that I enjoyed myself. Ostensibly the night was an awards ceremony -- the CCA recognized young "Movers and Shakers" in the Downtown community -- but really it was more of a networking event. I was somewhat surprised to find Paul DePodesta in attendance. He was awarded, as were Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, though the two of them obviously had better things to be doing this evening.

I have to confess that I'm not the best at these networking events. I was walking around campus today and USC was having a Career Fair (it's not a "job" fair, it's a "career" fair) on the main walkway. The scene was basically financial institutions with a table and a bit of a display being sweet-talked by suit-wearing business school students with fancy resumes. Heading into this event I caught a somewhat similar vibe. Most of the men had suits on, while I was wearing a very spring-colored striped shirt.

But it was fun. I got to talk to a couple people I knew, say hi to a few I had previously only known by name, and meet others for the first time.

I wasn't even the only one to arrive by bus. I was talking to Ian from newdowntown and he too had taken the 16 from 5th and Spring. I got a ride on the way back though; waiting for a non-peak bus sounded less appealing.