Government & Politics
Stay connected with Santa Monica’s political landscape through our comprehensive government coverage. From City Hall decisions and policy developments to regional political issues affecting our community, we provide in-depth reporting on the governance shaping our coastal city. Our coverage spans local legislation, political campaigns, policy debates, and the key decisions made by elected officials and government departments. Follow city administrative changes, public policy initiatives, and political developments that impact Santa Monica residents. Whether tracking specific legislation or following broader political trends, trust Santa Monica Daily Press for thorough, balanced coverage of local government and politics.
Lawmakers seek ways to combat retail theft while keeping progressive policy
Facing mounting pressure to crack down on a retail theft crisis, California lawmakers are split on how best to tackle...
Read more
California is clearing criminal records to offer second chances
It has been 13 years since Nick C. sat in an Alameda County jail at the age of 24, facing...
Read more
Split council votes to condemn County’s ‘Harm Reduction Services’ program
In a predictable 4-3 split along party lines, City Council voted to prepare and return for Council approval within 30...
Read moreControversial issues set to make Tuesday’s City Council meeting eventful
The agenda for Tuesday’s City Council’s meeting is certainly packed and providing Council manages to get through all of it,...
Read more
Fresh batch of YIMBY housing bills clash with coastal protections, again
Last year, state lawmakers broke from tradition by not including an exception for the California coast in a major housing...
Read more
First candidate declares run for City Council
Dan Hall is the first person to formally declare their intent to run for City Council in this year’s election....
Read more
Lawmakers want to help California be happy
Former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon is committed to trying, though he puts his own happiness at only two out of...
Read more
Sacramento gave a homeless camp a lease as an experiment
When Sacramento changed its plan to demolish a homeless encampment on a vacant lot on Colfax Street, instead offering the...
Read more
Travel expenses detour Council’s budget discussion
Tuesday’s City Council meeting took an unexpected twist when the seemingly administrative task of approving the 2023-24 Midyear Budget was...
Read more
Who will make the top two in California’s US Senate primary?
Time’s up: Today, in California’s U.S. Senate primary, millions of voters will decide which two candidates will face off in...
Read moreRecent News
Copyright © 2025 SMDP. All Rights Reserved.