Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
News

SBLA Editor Damien Newton Honored by Society of Professional Journalists

Last night at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, the Society of Professional Journalists honored Streetsblog Los Angeles' founding editor, and the Southern California Streets Initiatives' Executive Director Damien Newton for "Distinguished Work in New Media." Congratulations, Damien! You've done great work and deserve the acknowledgements you're now receiving.

Newton and Linton (who presented Damien with the award) at the SPJLA Awards dinner last night. Photo Dawn Newton
Damien Newton and Joe Linton (who presented Damien with the award) at the SPJLA Awards dinner last night. Photo Dawn Newton
Newton and Linton (who presented Damien with the award) at the SPJLA Awards dinner last night. Photo Dawn Newton

Less than four years ago, Streetsblog Los Angeles faced challenges due to a changing funding landscape, particularly with our primary funder at the time. SBLA formed our own non-profit, the Southern California Streets Initiative. We're happy that, under Damien's leadership, SCSI is thriving, with not just Streetsblog Los Angeles publishing online but also Long BeachizeSanta Monica Next, and expanded coverage of California statewide issues.

Last night's honor is just the most recent in a string of awards for Streetsblog Los Angeles. Last year, SBLA was recognized by the Los Angeles Section of the American Planning Association for excellence in journalism. Sahra Sulaiman was singled out by the APA. Both Sulaiman and Newton were honored for individual pieces by the Los Angeles Press Club.

From its founding in 2008, through the challenges of 2010, through the victories of the past two years; Streetsblog Los Angeles, and its companion websites, have thrived because of the support of our readers.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, SCSI relies nearly exclusively on grants and individual donations for our financial support. If you value the work that Damien and his staff do, and you want to see it continue and grow, please support Streetsblog by giving to Streetsblog, Santa Monica Next, or Long Beachize.

And congratulate Damien in the comments below.

(Juan Matute is the president of the board of directors of the Southern California Streets Initiative.)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

SGV Connect 136: Here Comes the Olympics

What to the Olympics hold for the San Gabriel Valley in 2028? Damien talks with Alissa Walker, co-host of the L.A. Podcast and editor of Torched.

May 30, 2025

Streets for All and KidSafe SF Merge

Streets For All is merging with KidSafe SF to expand the reach of both organizations, accelerate progress on reducing traffic deaths, and increase sustainable transportation options for all Californians

May 29, 2025

What’s Really Great About the LAX Metro Station Opening on June 6

Spoiler: it's not all about connecting people to the airport, but building a useful interconnected transit network

May 28, 2025
See all posts