We may not be back to normal or business as usual, but make no mistake, we’ve come a long way in the past 12 months.

The Fourth of July weekend gave us a chance to reflect on the changes for Los Angeles — and for the businesses that drive the city — over the last year.

When July 4 arrived in 2020, you’ll recall that we were still knee-deep in the pandemic. Some restrictions had been lifted, but most businesses were struggling, and unemployment was soaring. There was little cause for celebration or fireworks.
And just six months ago, as 2021 arrived, Covid-19 infections were skyrocketing in L.A., and vaccines still seemed like a distant hope.

The situation today couldn’t be more different. Vaccines are readily available, and most Angelenos have embraced them (huzzah for people who believe in science).
As a result, our local economy is already showing signs of recovery. The Business Journal seemingly has positive news to report every day online, and each weekly issue brings new stories that reflect growing optimism among the community of business.

Along those lines, check out Hannah Madans’ cover story this week on the rebound of social clubs in L.A., a feature that would have been nearly unthinkable a year ago. Not only have many of these clubs expanded in-person operations, but new ones have opened, and there are more on the way.

And after all these months working remotely and living largely online, it’s refreshing to see the word social tied to something that involves in-person activities.

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Catching up on some recent movement among top executives … the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has named Eva Longoria to its board of trustees and Sid Ganis to the lifetime position of honorary trustee … Media company Annapurna has added Adam Paulsen as executive vice president and head of film and Jack Parker as creative executive … The Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee, the organization tasked with bringing the World Cup back to Los Angeles in 2026, named Los Angeles Galaxy President Chris Klein and Los Angeles Football Club Co-President Larry Freedman as co-chairs … The Los Angeles Clippers have tapped George Hanna as chief technology and digital officer for the Clippers, the developmental league’s Agua Caliente Clippers, the Forum and the new Inglewood Basketball and Entertainment Center.