Volunteers in Sylmar hold a community day of service known as Shine LA 

Shine LA is a beautification effort in Los Angeles launched by Mayor Karen Bass in April where volunteers clean up their neighborhoods and, hopefully, help prepare the city for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. These monthly community service events include planting trees, painting utility boxes and picking up litter.

Every month on the fourth Saturday, groups and individuals across the city jump in to improve their communities. Kurt Cabrera-Miller, a board member of the Sylmar Neighborhood Council, said, “We in Sylmar are pleased and excited to have Shine LA in Sylmar. Shine LA is a fantastic initiative from Mayor Karen Bass that helps to foster a community day of service bringing beautification projects, civic pride, and overall unity within the community.”

On Saturday morning, residents met at the Sylmar Neighborhood Council’s office and headed out. Cabrera-Miller said volunteers did “all sorts of jobs, from picking up light trash, assisting with bulky item pick up, and weed abatement.”

He noted that Sylmar is known for its Olympic equestrians and the birthplace of accomplished athletes. “So having Shine-LA here in Sylmar to help prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Olympics as well as the Paralympic Games, is perfect,” Cabrera-Miller said.

The Sylmar Neighborhood Council partners with Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and Sylmar Graffiti Busters, a nonprofit group that removes graffiti and cleans up public areas. Cabrera-Miller said, “Our community members are simply the best. We have a long history of rising up with support and strength after times of horrific disasters such as the Sylmar earthquake, Sylmar tunnel collapse and ever present devastating wildfires. Any time we can come together with pride and togetherness as Sylmarians and Angelenos in times of celebration it’s a win win for our community and our city.”