DTSM begins search for new security provider:Following the news that private security firm Covered 6 pulled out of a contract to patrol the 3rd Street Promenade, the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) board recently voted to conduct a Request for Proposal from similar companies. The contract with Covered 6 had been signed by all involved parties and the company was due to begin work the first week of October, but the company backed out and exercised an emergency escape clause in the contract. DTSM Operations Director Jeremy Ferguson said that 20 companies received the Request for Proposal, hoping that the new security company will be able to start within 30 days of official selection.