On July 18, 2026, a 12-member volunteer force from the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International conducted a neighborhood cleanup in Hollywood, CA, distributing copies of L. Ron Hubbard's book, The Way to Happiness. The event aimed to demonstrate positive community engagement and spread the booklet's moral guidelines.
The volunteers began by cleaning streets along Franklin Avenue heading west, then moved south to Hollywood Boulevard. After the cleanup, they shifted to distributing booklets to tourists and shopkeepers. One recipient, a man selling bus tours on Hollywood Boulevard, recognized the booklet and shared that he had read it while in prison. He stated, "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 coffee shop, a staff member began reading the booklet immediately and was so pleased she requested a stack to place on the counter for customers. Near an underpass by a historic church, an SUV driver rolled down the window and told the volunteers, "Did anybody tell you yet today that you guys are awesome?" The group gave the occupants booklets in response.
A local resident expressed appreciation for the cleanup efforts, while Mike, a security guard on Hollywood Boulevard, took two booklets. Glen, an employee of the Hollywood Partnership, which cleans the boulevard daily, thanked the volunteers and referenced the movie "Pay It Forward." The group gave him two booklets—one for himself and one to pass along.
Nick Kurtz, the cleanup in-charge, distributed bundles of a dozen booklets, approaching people by asking if they liked to help others. He recounted, "I would say, 'Well, you can really pay it forward with this book. It's a beautiful book about help your parents, love your kids, basically be a good citizen or be a good neighbor to make the world a better place.'" A family from Riverside accepted bundles, and a woman initially skeptical later took a bundle happily.
For over eight years, the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has donated The Way to Happiness booklets for neighborhood cleanups. The booklet, authored by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion, states, "Happiness lies in engaging in worthwhile activities" and "And that is my wish for you." The event highlights ongoing efforts to foster community spirit and moral renewal through practical actions.
