Damien Newton
341 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.
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...
SMPD Downtown Bike Patrols Are Back
Santa Monica police have redeployed bike patrol units in Downtown and along the Pier and beach areas, restoring a visible law enforcement presence in...
Latest
Council to Consider School Funding Parcel Tax for November Ballot
The Santa Monica City Council will officially decide Tuesday...
Santa Monica Forward Endorses Torosis, Gill, and Morrow for City Council
The following is a submission from Santa Monica Forward.Santa...
SMC’s Emeritus Acting Troupe to Perform July 18, “Conversations: Scenes from Film and Theater”
The following is a submission from SMC.Santa Monica College’s...
OPA Update 7/9/26: Ocean Park Summer Picnic Series Kicks Off Tonight, 2026 Most Loved Businesses, City Issues Fines in Automated Bike Lane Enforcement Program,...
OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the...

