The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City, one of the city’s longest-running organized opponents of large-scale development, has endorsed Councilmember Lana Negrete and Planning Commissioner Ashley Oelsen for Santa Monica City Council. The endorsements also mark a notable break…
Thank You St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop for Joining OPA as a Silver Member!!! St. Matthew’s is a cherished Ocean Park gem where neighbors can uncover unique treasures and quality vintage finds while directly supporting vital local community programs. Every purchase and…
Santa Monica’s police union and firefighter’s union each announced the endorsement of Councilmember Lana Negrete for re-election this fall. Negrete is the only endorsed candidates for three seats, and the unions hinted that future endorsements may be forthcoming. “I’m incredibly…
The 2026 legislative session was gaveled to a close last night. What legislation is awaiting final approval from Governor Gavin Newsom and what failed to make it this year? The answers are below. Newsom has a dozen days to sign…
Image: Senator Allen speaks to a crowd on a film set while celebrating the signing of AB 1138. California lawmakers are moving to protect the state’s film and television industry after they say a new corporate tax law unintentionally put…
A last-minute attempt to create a special exemption from California’s Coastal Act for a major Santa Monica development appears to be dead, after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration backed away from including the controversial provision in a state budget trailer bill.…
Before I begin, I want to honor and commemorate my incredible Sacramento Chief of Staff, Carol Wallisch, who passed away last Sunday. For fourteen years, she was the calm in every storm, the encouragement when others said “you can’t do…
Streets for All, a statewide political advocacy organization dedicated to making streets safer for all road users, announced its candidate forum for September 9. The forum, which is open to all City Council candidates, will be held on Zoom at…
The planning process for transforming the former Santa Monica Airport into a major public park is moving into its next phase, as city officials and the project team prepare to turn a broad framework into a more detailed master plan.…
This is the last week for the legislature, and rather than give you another legislative update, Streetsblog wants to make it easier for our readers to get involved. Below are three action alerts for legislation that is still moving and…
Thank You Mishkon Temple for Joining OPA as a Bronze Member!!! “Mishkon is a vibrant, welcoming Conservative synagogue located steps from the beach on Main Street in Venice, serving as a historic center for Jewish spiritual life, community gatherings, and egalitarian worship since 1916.“ We…
Image:Andrija12345678/Wikimedia Yesterday, Assemblymember Rick Zbur (D-Santa Monica)’s heavily amended Assembly Bill 1740 passed the Senate, and headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature before becoming law. As introduced, the legislation would have dramatically changed the way cities along the…
Communities for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS) split their endorsement for City Council between two competing slates, choosing to endorse incumbents Caroline Torosis and Lana Negrete. CEPS did not make an endorsement for the open seat being vacated by Jesse Zwick…
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Santa Monica City Council scheduled for tonight has been cancelled. A cancellation of a mid/late August meeting is normal to observe a standard summer recess or “dark period” allowing council members and city staff…
Santa Monica’s push to fully electrify the Big Blue Bus fleet received another significant boost last week, with the city securing $3 million in new grant funding to help purchase nine additional battery-electric buses. The funding was awarded through the…
