It starts with an itch.
Living in a city that's walkable, it's just a matter of time. After you spend enough time living in Santa Barbara, you slowly stop noticing the mountains and the ocean, and you begin to notice the little things.
There actually isn't a lot of litter on the streets in downtown Santa Barbara...not when compared to other, larger cities. Santa Barbara does a very good job of sweeping the streets on a regular basis, and the sidewalks of State Street are fastidiously cleaned for tourists. Trash cans are prevalent enough that most litter doesn't end up on the ground.
Off of State Street, on the sidewalk, is where the situation starts to change. Starbucks cups, Taco Bell wrappers, and empty bags of potato chips become a more common sight. Trace evidence of laziness...but that's okay, because I'm lazy in my own way. I understand.
But it's difficult for me to ignore for long. In January of 2010, I went to Osh over on Fairview and bought an upright dustpan and a broom...a nominal investment for $20. Later that day, I went out and started sweeping up trash on my own block.
I'm looking for anyone in downtown Santa Barbara who'd like to help me do it. You don't have to do it with me, but you're welcome to join me one of these weekends.
