DID YOU KNOW!: Redbox

I've had this unfinished post sitting around for a few months now and figured it was HIGH time I publish it...

We love redbox! I'm not sure how long the redbox vending machine was sitting in Scolari's before we decided to try it out but I think it was several months. Back at that time there was NEVER a line at the redbox stand. I'd notice it and think, "Wonder what the deal is with this?" and move on.

Well, last night I realized that I am not the only one in town to have fallen in love with redbox! Last night I stood in line for probably 20 minutes waiting to return my movie (before the 9PM dealine) and to check out another one. The line was to the door when I arrived. What's a girl to do?!
So, I waited patiently. And in the process, agreed to return movies for 2 other people. That's neighborly, right??

Here are a few things that occured to me as I waited...patiently...

1. I should have 'reserved' my movie ahead of time. On the website, you can create an account, put a hold on your desired movie and pick it up at the redbox location of your choice.

2. When scrolling for movies, use the helpful buttons on the left of the screen. If you are looking for kids movies, select the "genre" button and search for only children's films. If you know the name of the movie you want, try using the alphabetized listing. This saves time and is less annoying the people waiting behind you!

3. I wish I had a free coupon code on me! There are a few ways of getting these...

* First time users get a free coupon code when they sign up for redbox emails.
* Every Monday I get a coupon code sent to my phone via text message. Sign up here.
* Keep an eye on the redbox blog, redblog. In April, they offered a coupon code every Wednesday!

Thanks, Scolari's for having redbox. And thanks, redbox for giving us an option besides Blockbuster!

Neighborhood Clean Up!

Today was the Eastside Neighborhood Clean-Up! Tons of people turned out to support the event. From what I could tell, every street was touched by the team. It was a great community event. Thank you to Lorraine Cruz Carpenter from Looking Good Santa Barbara and her team for coordinating the event. And thanks to the many volunteers who turned out to help clean our blocks, educate our community and get DIRTY for the cause -- with smiles on their faces! :)

New Life Church and Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara accounted for a large portion of the volunteers. Pura Vida Church and Santa Barbara Community Church also had volunteers in attendance. So thrilled with the church involvement!

Many of the volunteers were Eastside residents who are familiar with the Adopt-A-Block program or received the LGSB news letter. What a great neighborhood we live in! And so nice and clean. Yahoo!

Pretty Parkways

A few more examples of some really pretty parkways on the Eastside. I love the lush green lawns but I also like the rustic bricks! Both are simple and well done. It takes a lot of work (and water) to keep a parkway green but the curb appeal is GREAT! I also love the fruitless olive tree in the third photo! So cute!

Tree Trimming!

Well, it only took 2 months and about 5 (unreturned) phone calls but we finally got the parkway trees trimmed on our street!! They were hanging so low that the street sweep had to drive completely aroud them. Every day, my neighbors could be seen sweeping up their own streets.

I don't have an 'After' picture but they are now nice and clean and leave plenty of room for the street sweep truck.

I'm still not sure I should have been calling the Street Sweep deparment or the Tree Trimming department? Or if my calls mattered at all? Maybe the trimmers would have come anyway because it was that time of year? Regardless, I do want to encourage everyone too take action! Whether it's a cracked sidewalk, massive tree or garbage...you are able to report these things and have every right to expect them to be managed by our city.

Tree Problems 805.564.5434
Street Sweep 805.897.1903

Free Family Photo Event RESCHEDULED

Due to the Jesusita Fires the Free Family Photo Event scheduled for Saturday, May 9th has been rescheduled for June 13, 2009 from 11AM - 5PM.

Be safe and have a blessed Mother's Day weekend

Jesusita Fires

Does every neighborhood respond the way ours does? Since about 3:3PM today -- when the fires started back up -- we've been having a sort of horrified block party. Neighbors all standing around outside staring at the sky in wide-eyed panic and wonder. Visiting with each other and sharing the developing news as they get it from the various mediums: TV, radio, Ed Hat's Facebook page, etc.

On my street, if you accidentally leave your car parked on the street-sweep side of the street, 1207 comes to your house to remind you to move it. If you leave for a week, you can ask any one of your neighbors to water your lawn for you while you're gone or pick up your mail! The kids play together. The families bar-b-que together. We don't call the cops on each other if a party goes a little later than 11PM :) It's really what community is all about.

Eastside Santa Barbara Blog is praying for the families affected by the fires and for the team of firefighters working so hard to control it.

Blessings and stay safe!!