On July 18, 2026, a 12-member volunteer team from the Hollywood Neighborhood Cleanup, affiliated with the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International, conducted a cleanup and booklet distribution event across several blocks in Hollywood, California. The initiative aimed to demonstrate a positive action based on L. Ron Hubbard's book, The Way to Happiness, engaging neighbors, business owners, and tourists alike.
The volunteers began by cleaning along Franklin Avenue heading west, then moved south to Hollywood Boulevard. After the cleanup, they transitioned to distributing copies of The Way to Happiness booklets. The group encountered various individuals who shared their experiences with the booklet. A man selling tourist bus rides on Hollywood Boulevard recognized the booklet, stating he had read it while in prison and found it calming. He remarked, "Whenever I would read this book, it would just bring me calm. Sometimes you just gotta read, you know, and I remember this book. I liked it. Excellent."
At a local coffee shop, the counter worker accepted a booklet, began reading it, and became so enthusiastic that she requested a stack to place on the counter. Near a historic church building, an SUV driver rolled down their window and complimented the volunteers, saying, "Did anybody tell you yet today that you guys are awesome?" The volunteers thanked them and provided booklets to the occupants.
A resident standing on a corner expressed appreciation for the cleanup efforts and took a booklet. Mike, a security guard on Hollywood Boulevard, accepted two booklets, stating he enjoys helping people. Glen, an employee of the Hollywood Partnership—an organization that cleans Hollywood Boulevard daily—thanked the volunteers and asked if they had seen the movie Pay It Forward, as he admired the concept of passing along good deeds. The group gave Glen a personalized booklet and an additional one for him to "pay it forward."
Nick Kurtz, the cleanup in-charge, distributed bundles of a dozen booklets at a time. He approached people by asking if they liked to help others, then explained that the booklet encourages being a good citizen and neighbor. He noted that a family from Riverside took booklets happily, and a initially skeptical woman at a crosswalk eventually accepted a bundle with enthusiasm.
For over eight years, the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has donated The Way to Happiness booklets for local neighborhood cleanups. The booklet, written by L. Ron Hubbard, emphasizes that "Happiness lies in engaging in worthwhile activities." More information is available at https://www.scientology.cc.
