In a heartfelt display of community spirit, Mayor Karen Bass organized the latest Shine LA event on June 28. This initiative came in response to a wave of federal immigration raids that instilled fear in Los Angeles neighborhoods.
The event drew together volunteers, city officials, and community leaders, all eager to beautify neighborhoods affected by vandalism following these recent federal actions.
Launched in April, Shine LA serves as a monthly volunteer program designed to uplift areas through various activities, including neighborhood cleanups, mural painting, tree planting, and park restoration.
Saturday’s event held special significance, as Mayor Bass aimed to foster a spirit of unity in the wake of what she termed “reckless and chaotic immigration raids” impacting the community.
“Just think about it. In some cities, what is going on in LA could have created a terrible division, with some people on one side saying, yes, that’s what should happen, and other people on another side saying, no, that shouldn’t happen,” Mayor Bass addressed attendees at the historic El Pueblo site near Pio Pico House.
“There is no division in our city because we understand an attack against one is an attack against all. We come together today for Shine LA, as a way of uniting our city to get ready to welcome the world,” she added.
With less than a year before Los Angeles hosts eight FIFA World Cup games in 2026, Mayor Bass underscored the importance of presenting a cohesive and vibrant image to the international audience.
She further emphasized the need to preserve cultural landmarks, such as El Pueblo and the nearby Japanese American National Museum, stating, “Both symbols of immigration, both ironic symbols, unity. And we have to always take care and treasure these symbols.”
More than a hundred volunteers participated in various cleanup efforts across Downtown LA and Hollywood. Activities included graffiti removal, trash pickup, and community engagement, all aimed at restoring the neighborhoods.
Volunteer Greg Cleghorne expressed satisfaction in contributing positively: “It feels really good doing something positive in L.A. after some recent, negative attention. I never thought I’d be a part of ‘cleaning up this town,’ but the hundred or so volunteers made it fun, and the streets did have a nice shine afterwards. A few passersby asked what we were doing, and I let them know it is Mayor Bass’ ongoing initiative showing the City of Angels some needed love following some bad actors’ vandalizing DTLA.”
Participating regularly in Shine LA, Kristine Kennedy Higdon relishes the opportunity to engage with various neighborhoods. “I like to get out and meet with people. It’s a good workout,” she said, reminiscing about her childhood in South LA. “It just makes me feel good. I feel more involved.”
In her closing remarks, Mayor Bass encouraged more Angelenos to join the Shine LA efforts, reinforcing the narrative of their city. “We wanted to come together today in a spirit of unity to say, of all places in our city, this place should be cherished and lifted up. The founders of our city started here. And we lift up this treasure.”
The Shine LA event serves not just as a restoration initiative but as a powerful reminder of the strength derived from community unity and pride during challenging times.
image source from：lasentinel
