Santa Monica Next Will Launch on Monday

On Monday, the Southern California Streets Initiative will launch Santa Monica Next, our first publication outside of Streetsblog Los Angeles. Gary Kavanagh will be the main writer and have editorial control over the content of the publication assisted by myself and Tyler Hakomori, a Santa Monica High School Senior who has been updating Streetsblog LITE during the summer.

But just because we're ready to launch, doesn't mean we can't still use our help. There are several ways to give us the boost we need.

Donate to Our Kick Starter: Santa Monica readers out-donated Long Beach readers during our Spring Fundraiser Drive and Bike Center is already committed to being our first sponsor, but we still need help to (under) pay Kavanagh, cover the other costs of posting online, soliciting guest articles, and hosting the occasional event. The Kick Starter expires on August 25. Our goal is $1650. We are currently at $1291. We have $359 left to raise or we don't get any of the money pledged.

Visit Us on Sunday: While Gary will be covering the Tour Da Arts for Monday's first article, I'll be manning a booth from 11-1 at the Tour. You can make a donation, buy a t-shirt, or just come over and say hello. Find out more at the Santa Monica Museum of Arts website. I'll have a laptop and mobile hotspot, so if you donate at the Tour to Kick Starter, I can give you your reward in person.

Come to Our Fundraiser: On September 22 from 11 am to 3 pm, Juan and Sirinya will host a fundraiser to both celebrate the awards won by the Streetsblog L.A. team from the American Planning Association and Los Angeles Press Club and raise funds for the launch of Santa Monica Next. People can decide at the door which online magazine to sponsor. You can donate through the Kick Starter to pay admittance for the party. The party will feature food and drink, a raffle, great company, bike valet and a rooftop view of Santa Monica. We’ll post more details soon. Of course, we have a Facebook Page for that event too.

Join Our Social Media: We have a shell twitter account set up @SaMoNext and a Facebook page here. Join now to help us build our social media presence.

Send Us Suggestions: Is there someone who would be a great contributor? Is there a lead for a sponsor, funder or advertiser that we should know about? Is there a really hot story we don’t know about? Send ideas to  gary@santamonicanext.org or damien@santamonicanext.org.