Damien Newton
324 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.
New Building Permits Will Streamline Business Openings, Aims to Boost growth
Santa Monica officials have approved a new pilot program aimed at dramatically speeding up the permitting process for commercial tenant improvements, part of the...
First Look at the First Draft of Newsom’s Budget for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year
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...
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...
Latest
Santa Monica College Planetarium Shows in July Feature Women in Space, Exoplanets, and Search for Life Beyond Earth
The following is a submission from the City of...
What Are School Board Candidates’ Top Priorities
This week, the Santa Monica Democratic Club published the...
OPA Update 6/15/26: Epic World Cup Drone Show at the SaMo Pier, Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events This Weekend, &...
June 20 & 21 Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make...
Airport -> Housing Measure Will Wait Until 2028…at Best
A proposed ballot initiative that would have allowed housing...

