While it might not have struck you as a major headline, I took great interest in a story published in The Mirror last week concerning a Trader Joe’s employee who is suing the food store chain.

As part of the celebrations for the opening of the Expo Line to Santa Monica on Friday, May 20, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will offer free rides on Friday and Saturday and will hold station celebrations on Saturday, May 21

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.