LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Saturday marks the beginning of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Los Angeles, and the city has eight virtual and in-person events scheduled throughout May to celebrate.

The month's festivities were organized by the 2021 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Committee, which is chaired by Councilman John Lee, Councilwoman Nithya Raman and Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza.

The events include:

  • a day of community service to beautify and cleanup the Los Angeles Historic District, also known as El Pueblo, at 10 a.m. May 2. Volunteers should meet at 125 Paseo De La Plaza and wear comfortable  clothing and a mask and bring a reusable water bottle
  • a virtual opening ceremony for the month featuring Mayor Eric Garcetti and committee chairs Lee, Raman and Caloza at 4 p.m. May 6. People can watch on the LACityView35 Facebook page here
  • a virtual Board of Public Works presentation to honor and recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander employees at the Department of Public Works at 10 a.m. May 7. People can RSVP here
  • A "fireside chat" with Amazon Studios Chief Operating Officer Albert Cheng on representation, culture and storytelling at noon on May 21. People can RSVP for the event here
  • a virtual screening of 2021 Academy Award nominee for Best Picture "Minari" which tells the story of a Korean American family on a small Arkansas farm. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 27 and people can RSVP on a first come, first served basis here

The programming was created by the committee with support from the Mayor's Office, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the L.A. Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department and community partners.

A full schedule of events and more information can be found here.