Sunday's AlleyUp neighborhood meeting was very constructive. We all discussed values that we would love to see in our neighborhoods, such as Beauty, Creative Expression, Family, Connection, Collaboration, Respect and so many others. We discussed how these values can be transformed into community projects. What kinds of projects do we want to see in the alley and surrounding areas? Your neighbors suggested, Parkway Beautification, Babysitting Co-op, Time Banking, More Edible landscaping, Potlucks, Movies in the Alley, Block(Alley) parties, Murals and so many more. It was a conversation in networking and finding support from local businesses and residents to support these values and projects. We are fortunate enough to live in Santa Monica. A city that encourages well-being and community effort. It is very apparent every time we turn on any media outlet that our governments are failing and that sometimes we can feel powerless when it comes to global and local issues. Well, we can regain that power in our communities, in our neighborhoods. Even though it might take us out of our comfort zone to make that first step to really get to know our neighbors, that's where our power is rooted...having relationships with folks that we pass everyday. Sitting down with people that are witnesses to our daily routines, sharing our assets and breaking entrenched patterns of isolation and exclusiveness. It has been my experience that we all want to belong, we all want connection and that if we take the steps and the courage to gift that to ourselves everyone wins. I invite you all, AlleyUp, to be a part of this transformation here in Ocean Park...where your neighbors want to know your name. AlleyUp neighbor Darla, was gracious enough to draw up a plan for the parkway on Highland, where the alley begins. The city is very liberal on what we can create. We discussed different types of plants and materials that can be used to make this blighted area beautiful. AlleyUp is open to hearing more from you and is scheduling another Project discussion meeting July 14th to narrow down volunteer roles, funds, design and the actual work party sometime in August. And yes...it will be a PARTY! Feel free to leave a comment.

Our 3rd "AlleyUp" gathering on a Sunday afternoon.

Jason Roberts-just doin' it!!!

Check out Betterblock.org doing some cool things "down unda"http://vimeo.com/66305115