LOS ANGELES – City volunteers cleaned streets and removed graffiti in Wilmington, North Harbor Gateway and South L.A. during the latest round of Shine L.A. events, bringing the program to more than 30 sites since its April launch.
The monthly program organizes residents for neighborhood beautification work including tree planting, litter pickup and landscaping projects. More than 1,000 people have participated across events in areas including El Pueblo, Koreatown, Pacoima, Hollywood and Boyle Heights.
Shine L.A. operates as part of city preparations for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. The city provides supplies and equipment for participants during the events.
The program represents the city’s approach to addressing maintenance needs through community volunteer work rather than expanded municipal services. Volunteers handle tasks typically associated with city departments.
“I want to thank all the volunteers, community leaders and organizations that turned out today to get these incredible L.A. neighborhoods ready to shine,” Mayor Karen Bass said.
City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson emphasized the program’s connection to upcoming international events.
“In L.A. we take care of our city and each other, and that will be the takeaway for all the visitors during the 2026 World Cup: that L.A. is resilient,” Harris-Dawson said.
Bass announced plans to continue the monthly events as the city approaches the international sporting competitions. The program targets areas identified for improvement ahead of events that will bring global attention to L.A. neighborhoods.
The initiative coordinates through the mayor’s office, with each event focusing on specific beautification needs identified for different areas. The rotation allows organizers to systematically address various council districts and community areas.
Each cleanup event typically runs for several hours, with volunteers working in teams across designated zones within the target neighborhoods. The city coordinates logistics including waste disposal and equipment distribution through existing municipal departments. Event locations are selected based on input from council offices and community organizations that identify areas needing attention.
Shine L.A. represents one of several community engagement initiatives launched by Bass’s administration. The program builds on similar volunteer efforts that have operated in various L.A. neighborhoods for years but centralizes coordination under city leadership.
Residents interested in participating can sign up for information about upcoming Shine L.A. events at mayor.lacity.gov/ShineLA.
