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.
A GOP fight over undocumented health care says a lot about California’s changing politics
Two California lawmakers publicly blew up at each other earlier this month, hitting a nerve on an issue that has...
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Inside the effort to find out how big California’s homeless crisis really is
Thousands of volunteers fanned out across California this week, peering down alleyways, into parked cars and along creek beds in...
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New California ruling targets pension ‘spiking’ as retirees appeal for relief
A California Supreme Court decision three years ago was supposed to be the final word on former Gov. Jerry Brown’s...
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SMFD starts the year with new plan and a new chief
The first Santa Monica City Council meeting of 2024 did not disappoint. There was tap dancing, technical issues, the Brady...
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Details of the security guard program for Big Blue Bus revealed
Just a week or so ago, we reported on how Big Blue Bus was set to follow in the footsteps...
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Matthew Hallock appointed Santa Monica fire chief
City Manager David White has announced the appointment of Matthew Hallock to lead the Santa Monica Fire Department as its...
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California won’t vote for its next governor until June 2026, but the race is already crowded
Voters won’t weigh in for more than two years, the primary election is not until June 2026, but the race...
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What you need to know from the high-stakes U.S. Senate debate
By Yue Stella Yu The four leading U.S. Senate contenders came to the University of Southern California tonight to trade...
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Development density discussion coming to Council
Council’s first meeting of the New Year delves into some of Santa Monica’s perennial issues (development and rent) but also...
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California ends COVID isolation for asymptomatic cases as winter infections climb
Californians infected with COVID-19 may go about their lives without isolating or testing negative as long as their symptoms are...
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