In January I set goals for what I wanted to achieve in 2009. With the year coming to an end, it's only fair that I address my progress.

As everyone in Los Angeles knows by now, Chase Bank is now operating in Southern California. Every Washington Mutual branch in the City of Angels has been rebranded with Chase logos and decor, and radio ads that run night and day explain why Chase "decided" to enter the California banking market.

The time has come to declare what I hope to achieve in 2009. My goals are modest, but important: