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.
Santa Monica Council Votes To Expand Adult-Use Cannabis Retail Sales - Santa Monica, CA - The Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved changes to zoning codes to expand retail sales of adult-use cannabis within the city.
Split Council votes 4-3 to participate in litigation over new ‘zero bail’ system:A contentious closed session during an Oct. 10 meeting of Santa Monica City Council concluded with a 4-3 vote to join a lawsuit over Los Angeles County’s newly implemented Zero Bail system. Integrated into the county on Oct. 1, every police agency must follow the new system that largely eliminates the need for cash bail while evaluating the severity of the crime, a suspect’s risk to the public and repeat offenses. The most serious crimes such as murder do not qualify for pre-arraignment release. The city will join a group of cities that filed a lawsuit to delay implementation of the policy, with councilmembers Phil Brock, Cristine Parra and Oscar de la Torre voting to join, along with Mayor Pro Tempore Lana Negrete. Mayor Gleam Davis, as well as councilmembers Caroline Torosis and Jesse Zwick, voted against joining the suit.
The Personal Managers Hall of Fame as a Celebration of Illustrious Careers in Entertainment, Music, and Talent Management. By Zach Armstrong Phil Brock’s work of representing actors via his company, Studio Talent Group, is set to be honored with an induction of the Santa Monica Councilmember i