Spirit Magazine - October 2013 - (Page 61)

tion of socioeconomic groups and races, history and families, some brand-new and others going back three generations. What happens on those four corners—the life that goes on there—is the essence of what we wanted to put into a bottle.” It’s the essence of Great Places, too. It’s dreamers like Ron Finley who get things rolling. In the best cities, local entrepreneurs and visionary officials accelerate the growth. What’s left is for you to discover it—the cities, the ’hoods, the stunning, new green spaces. In a phrase, the spectacular now. MEET RON FINLEY He planted a seed, and from it an ecosystem of good will and good works has blossomed. “All I was looking for was some decent food,” Ron Finley says incredulously, laughing the laugh of a man who went from anonymity to worldwide visibility in a matter of hours. The self-proclaimed “guerilla gardener,” whose modest effort to spruce up his curb and grow a fistful of mustard greens has made him a local hero in South Central L.A., was asked to give a TED Talk in February, espousing his belief that “gardens build community” and that no person should go hungry or be without good food. Within a day of its posting, the profoundly inspiring TED video elicited messages of gratitude from around the globe. “To have affected so many people—it was so overwhelming, I cried,” Finley says. His deep impact continues locally with the L.A. Green Grounds group, but the edible plantings won’t end there. “Now I want to green the whole planet,” he says. OCTOBER 2013 SPIRIT 61

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - October 2013

Spirit Magazine - October 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
The Numbers
Business
Be Here Now
Don’t Just Stand There
Your Adventure In San Jua
Promotional Series: Florida: Full of Surprises
Your Adventure In San Juan
Promotional Series: Focus on Women’s Health
Promotional Series: Focus on Franchises
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - October 2013