The Vanity Fair Oscar Party moves to LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries this year, prompting a quick cleanup. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Miracle Mile Residential Association is making Wilshire Boulevard red carpet-ready during its annual volunteer cleanup operation on March 14.

In a call for “all hands on deck,” the MMRA, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, office of City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky and the LAPD will participate in the cleanup operation.

Volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. at Wilshire Green Park, corner of Sierra Bonita Avenue and Eighth Street, before fanning out along Wilshire Boulevard to pick up trash and debris between Fairfax and La Brea avenues. Organizers expect dozens of volunteers for the effort – known as Operation Sparkle – which this year is being held a day before Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party in LACMA’s new David Geffen Galleries.

“We always do it this time of year – we call it spring cleaning. But I was reading an article that said the Oscars Party was going to be at LACMA. I thought, what a great idea it would be if we did it on the day before the Oscars Party,” MMRA vice president Samantha Friedland said. “Usually we have around 100 people and it’s a whole variety of [MMRA] members and people who live in the community or work in the area and want to pitch in to improve the Miracle Mile.”

Friedland invited volunteers to show up at Wilshire Green Park for free coffee and doughnuts before being assigned to an area on Wilshire Boulevard. Garbage bags and gloves are provided, and a limited number of brooms and dustpans are available. The volunteers work for approximately two hours before regrouping at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., where food will be provided by El Cartel Tacos. Kiehl’s at the Farmers Market will distribute skincare samples and schedule appointments for free facials. Staff from Yaroslavsky’s office will offer information about city services and officers from the LAPD’s Wilshire Division will answer questions about crime. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will provide a table where Operation Sparkle volunteers can receive day passes and information about the museum. LACMA is planning to open the David Geffen Galleries on April 19, with member previews running through May 3.

“LACMA is proud to be part of the Miracle Mile community and this weekend’s Operation Sparkle. It means a great deal to celebrate the energy, creativity and cultural life of our neighborhood,” said Doug Leonhardt, associate vice president of membership and visitor services for LACMA. “Thank you to Samantha Friedland, vice president of the MMRA, for including us in this project.”

Yaroslavsky’s spokesman Leo Daube said efforts such as Operation Sparkle show pride in the community, and the councilwoman’s staff has participated for the past three years.

“Everybody who lives or works around the Miracle Mile knows how special it is. Showing it some love and cleaning up the area, especially ahead of some major things opening, is a great thing,” Daube said. “We are just over a month away from LACMA opening, and the D Line subway opens in May. It’s important with so much energy coming to the area.”

Friedman encouraged anyone who lives in the area or wants to help join Operation Sparkle.

“The MMRA is deeply committed to beautifying every aspect of our neighborhood,” Friedland added. “Our dedication to maintaining Wilshire Boulevard is, we believe, unmatched.”

The Vanity Fair Oscars Party, which is a private event, will be held on March 15 at 7:30 p.m. The Academy Museum is holding an Oscars Watch Party on March 15 from 3-8 p.m. at the museum, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Tickets are $125 and are available by visiting academymuseum.org.

Volunteers fanned out along Wilshire Boulevard during Operation Sparkle 2025, removing litter and debris on the Miracle Mile. (photo courtesy of Samantha Friedland)