INSIDE
Santa Monica Releases 2024 Crime Stats, Highlights Safety Advances in New Report smmirror.com
June 20 - June 26, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 4
Santa Monica’s Tourism Report Reveals Economic Gains, Industry Optimism for 2024 City Welcomes 4.2M Visitors, Celebrates Local Heroes at Annual Tourism Summit
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) hosted its 16th annual Tourism Summit on June 12 at the Jonathan Beach Club, drawing nearly 200 attendees from across the community to recognize the ongoing strength of the city’s tourism sector and to celebrate key partners in public safety and hospitality. During the summit, SMTT unveiled its 2024 Tourism Economic and Fiscal Impact report, which showed that more than 4.2 million visitors contributed over $916.6 million to the local economy last year. The report measures tourism’s impact on Santa Monica’s fiscal health, including spending, employment, and tax revenues. According to the findings, the city collected $62.7 million in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) in 2024: a 0.7% increase over the previous year. The TOT, which comes exclusively from hotel guests, directly supports city services such as public safety, homelessness programs, education, and the upkeep of parks and beaches. Tourism also supported 6,487 local jobs, underscoring its significance as a driver of employment in the region. The debut of several new hospitality and
retail businesses, including the Regent Santa Monica Beach hotel, Din Tai Fung, and the Google Store on the Third Street Promenade, has expanded career opportunities and consumer options. “We are so inspired by our tourism partners’ resilience through challenges and passion to serve both visitors and our neighbors,” said SMTT President/ CEO Misti Kerns. “As our industry faces continued hurdles, I am encouraged by our community’s strength to adapt and confident in our longstanding and brandnew tourism offerings that continue to draw travelers from around the world to our beloved beach city. All are welcome in Santa Monica.” Keynote speaker Caroline Beteta, President and CEO of Visit California, addressed the broader state of tourism across the Golden State, noting that California remains a global draw despite recent adversities, including wildfires and geopolitical tensions. She praised Santa Monica as a quintessential California experience and emphasized Visit California’s commitment to supporting local destinations in their recovery and long-term success. Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, offered a national overview, highlighting a recent dip and rebound in international travel. “In March, international arrivals to the U.S. declined by 14%, but by April, we saw an 8% increase.” Kerns echoed the urgency of supporting tourism nationwide, adding, “This industry fuels more than 15 million American jobs
and contributes $1.3 trillion in visitor spending annually. Now more than ever, we need to champion the people and communities behind these numbers.” The summit also honored several local heroes. The Santa Monica Police Department, Fire Department, and Office of Emergency Management received the Jeff King Tourism Champion Award for their critical service during the Los Angeles wildfires. Their swift action and unwavering dedication were recognized as essential to ensuring public safety during a crisis. Chef Vittorio Lucariello of Shutters on the Beach received the Thelma Parks Tourism
Spirit Award, honoring his excellence in hospitality and his leadership both in the kitchen and in the community. Lucariello was awarded a $1,000 scholarship and a staycation package sponsored by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and SMTT. The summit included panels and presentations offering in-depth perspectives on retail, dining, and lodging. Speakers included Erin Francis-Cummings, President and CEO of Future Partners, and a trio of industry leaders from California’s hospitality, restaurant, and retail sectors: Rachel Michelin, Jot Condie, and Lynn Mohrfeld.
Santa Monica Police Arrest Man in Attempted Sexual Assault of 84-Year-Old Woman Suspect Charged With Multiple Felonies After Attack Near 6th and Wilshire
Police have arrested a Long Beach man in connection with the attempted sexual assault of an elderly woman in downtown Santa Monica earlier this month, authorities announced. Officers responded around 9:30 p.m. on June 5 to reports of a woman screaming for help near the intersection of 6th Street and
Wilshire Boulevard. When officers arrived, they found an 84-year-old Santa Monica resident in visible distress. The woman told police that a man had approached her from behind, grabbed her, and dragged her into a nearby alley, where he attempted to sexually assault her. Several witnesses who were in the area at the time corroborated the woman’s account and reported seeing the suspect flee northbound from the scene. Officers canvassed the area and located a man matching the description near 5th Street and California Avenue. He was detained without incident. The suspect was later identified as 39-year-old Pape Tall, a resident of Long Beach. According to the Santa Monica
Police Department, Tall was formally charged on June 9 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping with intent to commit rape, assault with intent to commit rape, and violation of probation. He remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 9. Police are asking anyone who may have additional information related to the case to contact Detective Maricela Orta at (310) 458-2293 or maricela.orta@santamonica. gov. Tips can also be directed to Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931 or the Santa Monica Police Department Watch Commander’s desk at (310) 458-8427, available 24 hours a day.