Damien Newton
335 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.
Registration Open for CalBike Summit April 22-24
Registration is now open for the 2026 California Bicycle Summit, inviting bike advocates, planners, policymakers, and community leaders to Sacramento on April 22–24. You...
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...
Latest
OPA Update 7/1/26: OPA Main St. 4th of July Parade Details, How to Keep Pets Safe on the 4th, & Other Things To Do...
OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the...
Don’t Park in the Bike Lane! Santa Monica Started Issuing Automated Bike Lane Tickets Yesterday
Since May 1, the city of Santa Monica has been...
Eyes on the Street: Sidewalk Construction on Ashland
Both images by Matthew Stevens. Image above was construction...

