5 Things Ahead This Week In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Looking forward to this week in Santa Monica, residents have varied opportunities to celebrate the city's diversity and enjoy unique experiences as the weather gets warmer.

The week ahead is a busy one for Santa Monica residents, here are five things to look out for:

1. Kicking off the week, The Santa Monica College Barrett Art Gallery will host a reception and book signing on Monday, May 8 for Native American Artist Matika Wilbur's "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America." Doors open at the gallery at 5 p.m. for the talk at 5:30 to 7 p.m. The free reception and book signing will follow. For more information, visit Santa Monica College's website.
2. May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the City Council will officially kick off celebrations at this week's meeting. Council members will present a proclamation to Anna Wong, the niece of the famous actress and former Santa Monica Resident Anna May Wong. Residents can watch the declaration in person or view the live stream on the city's YouTube channel.
3. For those who like to support local farmers and enjoy fresh produce, this week's Downtown Santa Monica Farmer's Market is on Wednesday, May 10. For more information visit DTSM's website.
4. A public demonstration at SnapChatHQ will bring together non-profit organizations and people across the country to bring attention to the rising death toll on Snapchat and other social media sites. The "Gone In a Snap" Rally to Save Our Youth will address topics such as drug-related deaths and cyberbullying. Interested attendees can start showing up at 12 p.m. on Friday, May 12 at 2600 Ocean Park Blvd.
5. To finish the week off, the Los Angeles Opera will perform Verdi's "Otello" for free at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, May 13. The classing performance will star tenor Russell Thomas as Otello and will be conducted by Music Director James Conlon. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Those interested in seeing the show can RSVP at LAOpera's website.

Have a good week Santa Monica!