On July 18, 2026, in Hollywood, CA, the Hollywood Neighborhood Cleanup team worked across several blocks around the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International, distributing L. Ron Hubbard's book, The Way to Happiness, while cleaning the area. The 12-member volunteer force began along Franklin Avenue heading west and then south to Hollywood Boulevard, where they shifted from cleanup tools to distributing booklets to tourists and shopkeepers.
One man selling tourist bus rides on Hollywood Boulevard recognized the booklet and said, "I know this book! I read this when I was in prison." When asked about his experience, he replied, "Yeah, 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 counter lady took the booklet, opened it, and began reading. She became so happy that she asked for a stack of booklets to place on the counter. Near a historic church building next to an underpass, an SUV driver rolled down the window and said, "Did anybody tell you yet today that you guys are awesome?" The volunteers thanked them and gave them booklets.
A man standing at a corner expressed interest and appreciation, noting he lives down the street and agreed the area needs cleanup. Mike, a security guard on Hollywood Boulevard, took two booklets, saying he likes to help people. Glen, who works with the Hollywood Partnership—an organization that cleans Hollywood Boulevard streets daily—thanked the volunteers and asked if they had seen the movie "Pay It Forward," as he loved the concept of passing along good work. The group gave him The Way to Happiness booklet filled out with "To" and "From," plus a second one so he could "pay it forward."
Nick Kurtz, the cleanup in-charge, distributed bundles of a dozen booklets. He would approach people and ask, "Hey, do you like to help people?" If they said yes, he explained, "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. You can help someone by giving them this book and you can suggest they give another copy to someone else." A family from the Riverside area took them and were happy to spread the word. Another girl initially suspicious eventually took a bundle and was happy about it.
For over eight years, the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has donated The Way to Happiness booklets for local neighborhood cleanup activities. The booklet, written by L. Ron Hubbard, states, "Happiness lies in engaging in worthwhile activities" and "And that is my wish for you." More information is available at https://www.scientology.cc.
