Damien Newton
329 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.
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...
Reminder: New Car Parking Rates on January 12
Starting January 12, motorists will see a mix of higher hourly rates and new discounts as Santa Monica rolls out a revised parking pricing...
Don’t Forget Our EOY Fundraising Drive, or the AMA Podcast with Me!
On Friday, I challenged readers to help us make a weekend fundraising goal of $2,500 and if we made it, I would do an...
State’s Fair Political Practices Committee Discourages Activists from Seeking Public Office
A ruling by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) could have far-reaching implications for political activists seeking part-time political offices.Santa Monica Mayor Pro...
Latest
Eyes on the Street: Culver City Upgrades Elenda Street Bikeway
Culver City recently upgraded its two-way protected bikeway along...
OPA Update 6/25/26: OPA Membership Drive, Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival, & Other Things To Do This Weekend
(This week's OPA Update was sent after our publishing...
Kool Happenings: Face the Music and Compare and Contrast
There are two prevailing theories about the origin of...
2026 State of the City event to Highlight Realignment Plan and “Santa Monica’s Emerging Renaissance”
The following is a submission from the City of...

