This week’s package on L.A. scams marks the Business Journal’s final special report for 1998. In all, we have produced more than 40 special reports this year, covering topics that range from L.A.’s music moguls to downtown development to the rise and fall of local restaurants. In addition, we had our old standbys: quarterly reports on real estate, health care and banking and finance.

Of all the changes we’ve made at the Business Journal, I am especially proud of these special reports. As at most other Business Journals around the country, ours used to be a mish-mash of stories thrown in with little rhyme or reason (other than to fill space between the ads). We have had an opportunity to go beyond that: to report on trends that have important ramifications for L.A.’s business community.

To be candid, these are not easy to prepare. On production nights, I sometimes wonder whether it’s worth all the sweat. And then, when the paper comes out and we get to flip through our work, any doubts are usually put to rest. I can’t wait until 1999.

Mark Lacter

Editor