California communities build -- or seek -catalyst developments.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data...

Like cities across the country, communities in the Los Angeles area have acted to revitalize their downtown areas, or are mapping plans to do so.

Santa Monica and Pasadena are two communities that have taken such action. Santa Monica brought business back to its downtown with the Third Street Promenade, a three-block pedestrian mall adjacent to the Santa Monica Place retail mall.

"Old Town Pasadena" was developed in the 1990s. Described as a blend of restored brick buildings with a "yuppie overlay," the area includes a variety of bistros, restaurants and bo