All images by Carter Rubin. Construction is now underway on the Broadway Safety Project, a transformational street redesign aimed at improving safety and connectivity for people walking, biking, rolling, riding transit, and driving along one of Santa Monica’s key east-west…
It went from rumor to reality in just under a week. Yesterday, three Santa Monica residents began a process that could lead to a citywide vote on whether to allow housing to be built on land currently occupied by Santa…
(Image: Santa Monica “yellow flag” bike lane violation (cars parked partially encroaching into bike lane) spotted by AI camera. Image via City of Santa Monica.) Hayden AI is expanding the use of its artificial intelligence-powered enforcement technology beyond public transit…
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 can register here. Hosted by the California Bicycle Coalition, this biennial event brings together hundreds of…
Santa Monica officials have approved a new pilot program aimed at dramatically speeding up the permitting process for commercial tenant improvements, part of the city’s broader effort to revitalize its economy and make it easier for businesses to open and…
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 footing while protecting prior progress and making historic investments in education and other core services. The…
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 fall that would allow up to 3,000 units of housing to be built on land currently…
The Santa Monica Landmarks Commission costs nearly twice as much as the city’s next two highest-cost commissions combined, according to a city analysis of staff time and expenses for boards, commissions, and task forces. The snapshot shows the Landmarks Commission…
One year after the January 2025 wildfires devastated Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding communities in the Santa Monica Mountains, local and county officials are highlighting progress in recovery efforts while acknowledging that many families are still struggling to rebuild their…
Rideshare giant Uber Technologies Inc. (Uber) is pushing a ballot measure in California that has ignited fierce debate among trial lawyers, consumer advocates, and public safety advocates — coming at a time when the company is simultaneously under intense legal…
Here at Next we don’t aspire to cover every news story in the city, just to add context or go deeper on as many stories as we can. That being said, we were on a light schedule for nearly two…
Starting January 12, motorists will see a mix of higher hourly rates and new discounts as Santa Monica rolls out a revised parking pricing structure approved by the City Council in August. Parking generates about $51.4 million annually for the…
On Friday, I challenged readers to help us make a weekend fundraising goal of $2,500 and if we made it, I would do an AMA for our first podcast of 2026. We brought in just under $4,000, putting us just…
A ruling by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) could have far-reaching implications for political activists seeking part-time political offices. Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Zwick has been told by state political regulators that he should step back…
Santa Monica officials have appointed Darrick Jacob as the city’s next Chief of Police, marking the first time in more than 40 years that the department’s top post has been filled from within its own ranks. The appointment was announced…
