A good theme is hard to find. We wanted a theme that would appeal to our sense of self and purpose, as well as to our sense of community and responsibility. We did not want an advertising slogan. We wanted a theme that would put us right where we are in time and space. Home. School. Work. In Santa Monica.

We asked ourselves questions. Could we play with it? Like a game or a flute. Would it invite looking at the larger view? Like the ocean or the mountains.

We had a purpose. We wanted to acknowledge the simple human intention to pass something on to those who will follow us. Like planting 2000 trees—iam2m Digs. Or adding 2000 new books at our public library—iam2m Reads. And yes, artists, too, at iam2m Creates. At the very least a theme should make us smile. We should like to look at it, too.

So we came up with the idea of a theme as a puzzle to solve because it will take our skills and some deciphering to face many real life puzzles in the coming century. And we made pictures to go with the iam2m theme—on street banners, the iam2m Contest, the 40th Annual NCCJ Literature and Arts Competition, posters, postcards, bookplates, tree tags (and tags, or 'icons' as we call them, for people!) and on this web site.

Into this mix, we wanted to add the element of surprise, something appealing and provocative. Like life. Here and now, and the future, too.

Welcome to iam2m. You are here and so are we all.

Our theme: iam2m = i am 2000

You. We. I. All. The ocean. The mountains. Trees, rocks and the stars. Each and all a part of Santa Monica 2000+.