Damien Newton
337 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.
SMFD Launches City Ambulance Program
The following is via the City of Santa Monica.The Santa Monica Fire Department launched a new, in-house Ambulance Operator Program on Feb. 1, part...
Rick Crocker 5k Run/Walk Coming Back on 5/21
📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026⏰ 4:30 PM📍 Santa Monica Pier💲 $45 entry fee (Free for youth and active military – registration required)Lace up and...
Another Conspiracy Theory, This One Around a Vehicle Miles Tax, Comes to California
In early 2026, California’s plan to explore replacing its long-standing gas tax with a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee ignited a firestorm of public...
Spoke/City Host Sunday Bike Ride to Showcase Bergamot Improvements
City staff and Santa Monica Spoke will host a free community bike ride on Sunday, Feb. 15, offering residents a firsthand look at recent...
Zbur Legislation Would Increase “Local Control” in Coastal Regions for Cities with High Quality Transit
California lawmakers are advancing a bill that could reframe how housing, transportation, and infrastructure projects are approved in urbanized coastal communities, seeking to balance...
Latest
Election Season Officially Kicks Off on 7/13
The nomination period for three seats on the Santa...
Santa Monica Block Fest Vol. V Returns to Downtown Santa Monica with Music, Food, and a World Cup Watch Party
The following is a submission from Downtown Santa Monica...
Dan Hall Breaks Down the State of Tourism
Councilmember Dan Hall's latest newsletter argues that Santa Monica's...
OPA Update 7/6/26: Main St. Parade Recap, OPA Meeting Next Monday, & Things To Do This Week
OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the...

