Damien Newton
344 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.
Exclusive articles:
Newsom Vetoes Allen’s SB 682 Which Would Have Limited Sale of Items with “Forever Chemicals”
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 682, authored by Senator Ben Allen, sought to dramatically limit the presence of harmful “forever chemicals” in consumer...
Governor Signs Package of Transportation Safety/Funding Bills
With just hours left to sign or veto yesterday, Governor Newsom signed all five pieces of legislation we've been waiting on. Full coverage coming...
Newsom Signs SB 79, Legislation to Spur Housing Production Near Transit
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 79, the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, a major land-use reform aimed at promoting housing construction near...
Zbur Legislation to Expand Electrification Signed by Governor
California cities and counties with populations over 75,000 will soon be required to develop detailed electrification plans under a new law signed by Governor...
Newsom Signs Zbur Bill to Streamline Student and Staff Housing at California Community Colleges
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 648, legislation aimed at making it easier for California’s community colleges to build housing for students, faculty,...
Latest
Friday Night Lights come to John Adams – Free Drop-n Flag Football Every Friday Night All Summer
Every week Santa Monica Next republishes a story from...
OPA Update 7/16/26: OPA July Meeting Recap, Beachella Details, Massive Coast Event Sunday, & Other Things To Do This Weekend
COAST 2026 (Sunday): The revival of the COAST Open Streets...
Council Briefs: Ballot Measures for SMMUD, Tenant Protections, Progress on the Civic, Punt on SB 79 and More…
Santa Monica Next received an AI assist in creating...
10 Santa Monica PAL Students Awarded More Than $31,000 in Chris Carrey PAL Education Fund Scholarships
The following is a submission from the Police Activities...

