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.
City asks for public input on adult-use cannabis equity program
Santa Monica is asking for community feedback to help shape the social equity component of its adult-use cannabis program. While...
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Signs of the time, virtue-signaling and the City Council election
By Michael Feinstein. Inside/Outside. October 2024 My dear former colleague on the City Council Bob Holbrook always used to say...
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Council votes against ordinance to limit gifts in a decision that splinters the dais
Amid accusations and counter-accusations, members of Santa Monica City Council voted not to return with ordinance that would prohibit gifts...
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Residents honored for their role in apartment fire rescue
The last City Council meeting before the election on November 5 was an eventful affair and unquestionably one of the...
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Oscar de la Torre faced accusations of racism in Tuesday’s Council meeting
Tuesday’s City Council meeting did not disappoint in terms of entertainment, there was colorful language, attendees being ejected out of...
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Local officials band together to prioritize election safety
Elections across Los Angeles County, including in Santa Monica, are faced with fighting a culture of rampant election disinformation each...
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Fact-checked: The ads about Prop 33, California’s rent control ballot measure
Confused about Proposition 33? You’re not alone. A recent poll shows the ballot measure to give local governments more ability...
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Tuesday’s City Council meet could be a long one and expect fireworks
A jam-packed agenda for Tuesday’s City Council meeting could make for another long night and among a number of housekeeping-esque...
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Bills passed protecting renters on screening fees, security deposits
Out of the more than 1,200 bills that landed on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk from the 2023-2024 California legislative session,...
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City departments make their cases for a piece of the Measure K-funded pie
During the three-and-a-half long study session, a number of separate dives down various rabbit holes resulted in some lengthy, super-specific...
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