It´s tough to motivate Angelenos to do two things: stop texting and start caring about local politics. We wondered whether we could help, courtesy of the popular avatar-generating app Bitmoji. Instead of expressing joy, frustration, and victory with all of those generic emoji faces, the custom versions of notable L.A. figures we´ve created can tech-´splain how you feel. Turns out a politician might be a shortcut to saying ciao, or a scientist could convey concern rather than terror. Emojis may not increase our abysmal turnout at the polls, but they would make civic life more animated.
RICK CARUSO The civic leader and megamogul behind the Grove and the Americana at Brand turned tortuous mall shopping into an upscale open-air experience that draws tourists and natives alike. Use when: you´ve finally landed on a million-dollar idea.