Damien Newton
271 POSTS
Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.
Hayden AI to Deploy on Parking Enforcement Vehicles for the First Time (Not Just Buses)
(Image: Santa Monica “yellow flag” bike lane violation (cars parked partially encroaching into bike lane) spotted by AI camera. Image via City of Santa...
Registration Open for CalBike Summit April 22-24
Registration is now open for the 2026 California Bicycle Summit, inviting bike advocates, planners, policymakers, and community leaders to Sacramento on April 22–24. You...
New Building Permits Will Streamline Business Openings, Aims to Boost growth
Santa Monica officials have approved a new pilot program aimed at dramatically speeding up the permitting process for commercial tenant improvements, part of the...
First Look at the First Draft of Newsom’s Budget for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year
On Friday, January 9, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his 2026–27 proposed state budget, presenting a balanced fiscal plan that aims to strengthen California’s financial...
Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights Tests the Waters on Housing Ballot Measure for Airport Land
Over the weekend, rumors swirled that leadership at Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (SMRR) is preparing language for a citizen-led ballot initiative for the...
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SMC Emeritus Program to Host “Earth Day at Emeritus” April 22
SMC Emeritus, a program of Santa Monica College (SMC), will host “Earth...
Santa Monica Breaks Ground on $56 Million Big Blue Bus Electrification Project
This is what progress looks like. It’s practical, it’s...
Springtime at the Pier: ‘Locals’ Night’ Returns April 16 with Live Music, Art, Salsa, and ‘Save the Pier!’
The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation.Spring...
OPA Update 4/9/26: OPA Meeting Next Monday with Mayor Caroline Torosis, Pet Resource Fair, & Other Things To Do This Weekend
April OPA Monthly Meeting Monday (April 13): The meeting is...

