Mark Rios, recently hired by the City of Santa Monica to design the 12-acre expansion of Airport Park at Santa Monica Airport, will give a talk to residents May 13.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) has been honored with the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

The Annenberg Community Beach House is hosting an evening with artist Candy Chang, Tuesday, May 10 from 6-8pm. Inspired to visit Santa Monica by her interest in the psychology of place and the City’s award-winning Wellbeing Project, Chang will share her past and present work and demystify the creative process.

Oscar-winning Guest Conductor Michael Giacchino will be conducting the Samohi Symphony Orchestra concert on Friday evening.

The City of Santa Monica Housing Authority (SMHA) now has stronger tools to assist tenants with obtaining affordable housing. Santa Monica rents have increased well above Federal program limits, making rental assistance vouchers noncompetitive in the housing market.

July 1, 2016 marks the first day that Santa Monica will have a local citywide minimum wage. This change is part of Santa Monica’s efforts to foster an economic environment that supports all workers.

Adhoc signs were placed on Santa Monica beach late Wednesday afternoon, advising swimmers to avoid the Pico Kenter Drain area. The fact that the Santa Monica City Council signs came almost a full workday after the Pico Kenter Drain was opened into the ocean without warning in the morning, has outraged residents and lifeguards alike, causing the raising of eyebrows across the community.

The Youth and Young Adult Book Festival (Yallwest) is opening Friday in Santa Monica with thousands expected to attend the popular literary and arts event that has expanded to boasting a fabulous line-up of talent.