Damien Newton
317 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.
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...
Landmarks Commission Far Outpaces Other Boards in Staffing Costs, City Data Shows
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...
Los Angeles County, Santa Monica Mark One-Year Anniversary of Palisades Fire With Recovery Updates
One year after the January 2025 wildfires devastated Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding communities in the Santa Monica Mountains, local and county officials are...
Uber’s Controversial Ballot Measure Seeks Caps on Lawyers Fees in Traffic Crashes
Rideshare giant Uber Technologies Inc. (Uber) is pushing a ballot measure in California that has ignited fierce debate among trial lawyers, consumer advocates, and...
4 News Stories You Might Have Missed from the End of Last Year and Start of This One
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...
Latest
A New (TEMPORARY!) Front Door for the Pier
Every week, Santa Monica Next republishes a story from...
Eyes on the Street: Santa Monica Colorado Avenue Protected Bike Lanes Appear Complete
All photos: Joe LintonSanta Monica is installing concrete-curb-protected bike lanes...
OPA Update 6/8/26: Monthly OPA Meeting Tonight/Monday, Bowlmor Construction Update, Two New Exciting SaMo Restaurant Openings this Week, & Other Things To Do This...
June OPA Monthly Meeting Next Monday (June 8): The meeting...
Santa Monica Celebrates the World Cup with Soccer Events and Activations
Image: Soccer fans check out the still-being-built WC headquarters...

