Hi. I came across this article today that was posted on Smithsonian.com about "Tactical Urbanism" (a term coined by Mike Lydon & Anthony Garcia, authors of the book "Tactical Urbanism, Short Term Action for Long Term Change")
The Smithsonian article outlines the basics of the idea of "DIY civic-mindedness". I would consider the actions of those who keep the Annie Lytle school and other properties cleaned and boarded up to be an example of this. Do you think this is a strategy that could employed on other projects around the city or would that just end up with more felony charges being handed out (a la "Keith Haring's Ghost)?
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/tactical-urbanists-are-improving-cities-one-rogue-fix-at-a-time-180955049/?utm_source=facebook.com&no-ist
I like the idea of see-a-problem, fix-a-problem, but so far I've mostly kept my efforts to picking up trash & such - which isn't quite guerrilla-beautification.
Great article. Yes, I think everyone can make a difference, even just picking up trash. I also like pocket parks and lots turned into small farms, decoration of intersections, restriping of streets, etc. Not all solutions are expensive or long range.