Community members are coming together to help spruce up Los Angeles as part of Mayor Karen Bass’ new monthly initiative to beautify the city.
The mayor’s “Shine L.A.” program was officially launched on April 26 with the goal of revitalizing city neighborhoods in preparation for large-scale events that will bring the world to the City of Angels, such as the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Last month’s ceremony consisted of volunteers working at 16 sites across the city, including Hollywood, South L.A. and the South Bay.
“I am grateful to each and every Angeleno who took pride in their city today and came out…to ensure L.A. is at its best and ready to welcome the world,” Bass said on April 26. “We are building a movement that calls upon each of us to show up for the city that we love, and to show up for each other.”
The “Shine L.A.” program popped up in Sherman Oaks on Saturday, where hundreds of neighborhood volunteers doing exactly what they set out to do: making the community cleaner and safer for all, including visitors who have yet to arrive.
“We are going to be planting trees today and beautifying, which is cleaning up the tree wells and picking up trash, all along Ventura Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard,” one volunteer told KTLA 5’s Jennifer McGraw early on Saturday morning.
“It takes a village…and if everyone is doing their part to clean — not only today, but every day — anything can help beautify,” said another volunteer, who is on the local chamber of commerce. “Help us keep everything safe and clean for everybody.”
Saturday morning’s cleanup started at 8:30 a.m. lasts until 12:30 p.m., and those looking to participate are requested to meet at the Gelson’s parking lot located at 4520 Van Nuys Boulevard.
“Shine L.A.” has their next cleanup — the “Shine L.A.” AAPI Day of Service in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — on May 31. It will take place in multiple neighborhoods “from San Pedro to the San Fernando Valley,” the program’s website states.
Click here to sign up for the May 31 event.
