In the past few decades, the internet has brought the world to our fingertips. This idea has become a bit of a cliché given the pervasive role of technology in our lives, but it truly is astounding if you think about it; with the click of a button, one can interact and converse with people from across the globe.
Yet, even with the availability of such technologies, we often don’t venture out of our relatively small realms of being. Sure, some will travel the world and others will study abroad, but in the end, our day-to-day realities are limited by our immediate surroundings. This is particularly true in Santa Monica, in which the farmer’s market, the grocery store, and the movie theatre may all be within a several-block radius. This, of course, is one of the many benefits of living in this city.
Sometimes, however, it is important to take a step back to appreciate the differences in cultures that exist all around the world. Such a step can help foster peace and understanding. That is where this week’s featured event comes in.
Who: The event is hosted by Global Festivals, Inc., “a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people together to celebrate differences, expand awareness, and increase capacity for love & acceptance.”
What: The Santa Monica Global Festival is a three-day event that will feature live entertainment, interactive displays, international cuisine, and a cultural marketplace. Here is the description from the website: “Visitors will be amazed as we transform the lanes of The 3rd Street Promenade into a global village, where participants will experience sights, sounds, tastes, textures and fragrances from distant lands.”
When: April 11th-13th, 2014 (from 10 am to 10 pm)
Where: The Third Street Promenade (1300 3rd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401)
For more information, visit the Global Festivals website!
Other Events:
- Monday: The Santa Monica Architectural Review Board hosts its biweekly meeting at the City Council Chambers, beginning at 7 pm. Public input is permitted. Click here for this meeting’s agenda.
- Thursday: The Santa Monica Rent Control Board hosts its regular board meeting at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers. Public attendance is highly encouraged, for it provides the Commissioners an opportunity to hear comments on proposed regulations and programs. Board agendas are posted outside the Rent Control office but can also be viewed here.
- Friday: Angelenos Against Gridlock hosts a Fireside Chat with L.A. Council Member Mike Bonin. Bonin will draw from his wealth of experience as the City Council Transportation Committee Chair, Expo Line Construction Authority Vice Chair, and Metro Board Member to discuss a wide range of issues, including bike safety, the upcoming Metro railway, Westside gridlock, and much more. Click over to our sister site, L.A. Streetsblog, to read more about Mike Bonin. The event will take place at the Moss Theater at New Roads school, with a reception beginning at 6:45 and the event beginning at 7:30 pm. In order to secure a spot, RSVP here.
- Saturday: AltBuild hosts its annual expo, with this year’s iteration focusing primarily on water conservation. This is a particularly relevant topic to the public given Southern California’s ongoing historic drought. The event is free to attend and will take place at the Santa Monica College Bundy Campus. For more information about the event, click here to visit AltBuild’s official event site.
- Sunday: Vidiots Foundation and KCRW present An Evening with Writer/Director Nicole Holefcener and Film Critic Joe Morgenstern. Nicole will discuss her films, which include Enough Said, Walking and Talking, Lovely and Amazing, Friends With Money, and Please Give. The event will take place at the Vidiots Annex (302 Pico Blvd.) and begins at 7 pm.
