INSIDE
Driverless Robotaxis Begin Expansion in Santa Monica smmirror.com
March 22 - March 28, 2024 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 6
Council Votes to Explore Possible Restitution For Black Entrepreneur’s Descendents Silas White Had Big Business Plans for the Local Black Community Until the City Used Eminent Domain By Zach Armstrong In its Tuesday meeting, Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a motion to explore possible ways of compensating the descendants of a Black entrepreneur whose hopes were crushed almost 70 years ago when eminent domain seized his property. Silas White had big ideas in 1957. This was to open a Black beach club at 1811 Ocean Avenue where members could lounge in the main entrance’s bar, enjoy jazz music or take a swim in a crystalclear pool. Further plans included an arts
and entertainment venue where “Black residents could indulge in the ‘social enjoyment, recreation, and entertainment’ that they were denied at ‘white’ beach clubs like Santa Monica’s famous Casa del Mar and Edgewater.” A year later, before White’s plan could come to life, Santa Monica City officials used eminent domain to take the property. At the time, the City reportedly declared the property blighted and claimed it was needed for a parking lot. According to a staff report, these “urban renewal policies” intensified racial segregation and displaced Black communities. Today, the City still owns the property; a portion of which is leased to the world-class Viceroy Hotel which in exchange benefits the City with direct annual revenue. “This puts the City of Santa Monica in the unique position to right this historic wrong by further investigating the seizure of the Ebony Beach Club Land and establishing a process to potentially return the land to the living heirs of those from whom the land was taken and compensate their descendants for wealth lost over the last 60 plus years.”
the report read. “The City has underscored its commitment to racial equity, including the adoption of a Black Apology in November 2022 and the adopted City priority of advancing equity and inclusion with a Citywide equity
strategic plan well underway.” it continued. The recently approved motion, which was put forward by Councilwoman Caroline Torosis, gives the City Manager 90 days to recommend, if any, possible ways to compensate the family of White.
Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier Sold to SC Holdings, $10M Investment Planned The Cultural Institution Set for Exciting Upgrades Santa Monica Amusements LLC (SMA), the operating group of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, today announced its sale to SC Holdings (SC), an investment firm with extensive experience in the consumer, entertainment, and hospitality sectors. Over the next five years, SC will make $10 million in capital investments in Pacific Park’s food and entertainment programs, supporting park operations and keeping it a fun and welcoming destination for tourists, families, and the community. David White, Santa Monica City Manager, responded to the sale and said, “SC Holdings’ purchase and planned improvements for Pacific Park reinforce the confidence we are seeing in Santa Monica’s future. We’re seeing more than a billion dollars in investment in local hotels, increased residential and retail projects, and new shopping, dining, and
entertainment coming online throughout our city. Santa Monica continues to be a destination for travelers and locals alike and remains a thriving place to do business. I look forward to continued progress ahead for our city and the beloved, iconic Santa Monica Pier.” Pacific Park is a cultural institution and hub for entertainment and recreation located on the Santa Monica Pier, which welcomes ten million visitors annually. As the only admission-free amusement park in Los Angeles, Pacific Park has delivered some of Southern California’s highest-quality entertainment for almost 30 years. Pacific Park’s Vice President and General Manager, Jeff Klocke, and his long-tenured management team will continue to lead the Park’s day-to-day operations. Collectively, this team has 300 years of combined experience managing the Park’s operations. SC Holdings, led by Managing Partners Jason Stein and Daniel Haimovic, brings substantial capital and operational capabilities to Pacific Park. Since 2019, SC has been an active investor in the entertainment and live
experience sectors, including The SpringHill Company, the merger of Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association, and celebrated chef James Kent’s Saga Hospitality Group, which is home to multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, a topranked bar in the world, events venues, and membership clubs. In Santa Monica, SC will work closely with Pacific Park’s longtime management
team to further support the Pier as a premiere destination for visitors to California and the Los Angeles community. Lars Liebst, who served for 24 years as CEO of the celebrated Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, will serve on SC’s Pacific Park Advisory Board. He will be joined by David Swinghamer, the former CEO of Shake Shack, who brings his successful and highly regarded consumer, food, and beverage experience to the board.
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