Damien Newton
732 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.
Supes Move to Restore Measure J
In 2020, Los Angeles County voters passed Measure J - an effort to shift the county away from carceral infrastructure by moving no less...
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. CEO Andrew Thomas Announces Departure
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) announced last Friday that Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas will step down after three years."When I returned to DTSM...
Council Votes More Money for SMPD, Park-Only Option for SMO and For Study of Whether Or Not to Continue Funding Neighborhood Groups
When the United Democratic Slate swept all four seats in the last election, there were cheers (or concerns) that a new progressive super-majority would...
Eyes in the Park: Chess Minded Individual Hosts Meetup Opening Day for New Tables
"The city shut down the old chess park three years ago and it was a real battle to get these boards relocated, but it...
BBB Will Raise Fares in August for First Time in Nearly a Decade
The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica.Beginning August 10, the Santa Monica Department of Transportation will increase fares on the BigBlueBus system for the first time in nearly...
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Seven Police Athletic League Youth Awarded $33,500 in Scholarships
The following is a submission from the Police Athletic...
Legislative Update: Summer Recess Edition
Which Bills Are Alive and Which Have Died in...
OPA Update 7/28/25: Thank You Ted Winterer for Upgrading Your OPA Membership to Gold, OPA Housing Committee Meeting Next Monday, & Introducing the Ocean...
Thank You Ted Winterer for Upgrading Your OPA Membership...
Eyes on the Promenade: Exciting Storefronts Promise New Offerings
Just a couple of years ago, the 3rd Street...