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.
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...
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...
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...

