INSIDE
Retail and Dining Could be Coming to RAND’s Santa Monica Headquarters smmirror.com
August 8 - August 14, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 6
Santa Monica Creates Film Office to Streamline Permitting and Production Services
New Agency Will Take Over From FilmLA After More Than a Decade
Beginning September 1, 2025, film permit coordination in Santa Monica will shift to a new locally managed entity, Film Santa Monica, established by the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism Office in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica. The change marks the end of a 12-year partnership with FilmLA, the nonprofit agency that has served as the city’s primary liaison to the film production community since 2013. During that time, FilmLA processed more than 7,000 permit applications and helped the city align with the California Film Commission’s Model Film Ordinance. “We extend our sincere gratitude to FilmLA for their many years of dedication and support in advancing filming and production throughout our city. Their contributions have been invaluable,” the City of Santa Monica said in a statement. “As we look to the future, we’re excited to welcome Film Santa Monica onboard to serve as the central hub for marketing and
permitting commercial filming in the city.” FilmLA will continue handling all permit applications submitted on or before August 31, 2025, and will provide support services such as location checks, cost estimates, and general inquiries until that date.
After the transition, all new filming requests and permit applications must be directed to Film Santa Monica. A dedicated website, www.filmsantamonica.com, is currently in development and expected to launch soon.
For additional information, inquiries can be directed to Evan Edwards, Chief Operating Officer of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, at eedwards@santamonica. com or by phone at (310) 319-6263.
Malibu Hires New City Manager: Ronda Perez to Lead as City Eyes Recovery and Rebuilding Veteran Public Administrator Ronda Perez Brings Nearly 20 Years of Experience to Malibu The Malibu City Council has voted unanimously to appoint Ronda Perez as the city’s new City Manager, with her term set to begin August 25. Perez, a seasoned public administrator with nearly 20 years in local government, previously held leadership positions as City Manager in Palmdale and Assistant City Manager in Lancaster.
During her tenure in those roles, Perez led a range of high-impact initiatives, including securing state and federal infrastructure funding, expanding recreational programming, and negotiating the local transfer of highway ownership from Caltrans. She also played a key role in revitalizing downtown areas and advocating for sustainable urban development. “I’m honored to join the Malibu team,” Perez said in a statement. “This community is unlike any other, and I am committed to advancing its recovery and supporting thoughtful, resilient redevelopment, while preserving its natural beauty and rural identity.” Mayor Marianne Riggins praised Perez’s appointment, emphasizing the need for strong, stable leadership as Malibu continues its recovery from recent
wildfires. “Ronda brings the experience and vision needed to help guide our city through this next chapter,” Riggins said. “Her leadership will be vital in accelerating our rebuilding efforts while staying true to Malibu’s character.” Perez holds a master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach and is recognized as a Credentialed Manager by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). She is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. The City Council will formally consider the terms of Perez’s employment contract during its next regular meeting on August 11. Details will be available on the city’s official website at MalibuCity.org/ AgendaCenter. The council also extended its gratitude to
Interim City Manager Candace Bond, who was appointed in May and will conclude her service upon Perez’s arrival. Bond provided leadership during a critical phase of the city’s recovery and transition.