July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

New Director for Santa Monica Bus System:

Edward F. King, current executive director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, has been chosen to replace Stephanie Negriff as Santa Monica’s new director of the Big Blue Bus, the City’s system of public transportation.

“Ed King is an exceptional manager with a proven track record in operations management and transportation planning for several large organizations,” said City Manager Rod Gould in a statement announcing the appointment on July 21. “He brings in-depth experience ranging from transit system improvements focusing on service quality and reliability, to strategic transit service planning. He is known for strong management, staff development, and budgeting skills.”

During his tenure as executive director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, he oversaw all regional and fixed route transit services as well as the capital program for procurement of buses, para-transit vehicles, trolleys, and bus stop amenities. He focused on operational and funding management improvements including increasing system-wide ridership and on-time performance. Before becoming director of the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, King was deputy director of Valley Metro Regional Public Transit Authority in Phoenix, Ariz. where he oversaw transit operations, fleet and facility maintenance, customer service, and capital programs. He also served as vice president, operations, and system security for Long Beach Transit; deputy executive director for operations for Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in Clearwater, Fla.; general manager of operations for Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority for Tampa, Fla.; and deputy director North Suburban Mass Transit District of Des Plaines, Ill.

“I am honored to have been selected as the next director of the Big Blue Bus for the City of Santa Monica,” said King. “I look forward to establishing collaborative relationships with our stakeholders as well as working with the City and Big Blue Bus employees to provide transportation services that improve and enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of the City.”

King received a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Roosevelt University, in Chicago. He and his wife have three grown children.

As Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus director, King will receive a base salary of $182,040. The Big Blue Bus Department has 419 employees; and an annual budget of $58.9 million. It oversees transit service delivery to over 22 million customers a year, and a system that spans 52 square miles across the most densely populated area of Los Angeles County. The appointment follows a nationwide recruitment that attracted more than 50 candidates and interviews with seven finalists over the past month.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...