S A N TA M O N I C A
REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
INSIDE WESTSIDE GETAWAY GUIDE 2023
May 26 - June 1, 2023 Volume CXCV, Issue 196
City Could Extend Contract With Security Firm To Protect Santa Monica Pier Extra Security Is Part Of Pier Task Force Used To Enforce Local Vending Codes By Zach Armstrong Council members will review a contract with a security company to protect and serve the Santa Monica Pier. An agenda item in Tuesday’s council meeting includes modifying an agreement in the amount of $327,969 with A.G. Coast Inc. (d/b/a CA Panther), for security services on and around the Santa Monica Pier, resulting in a six-month amended agreement with a new total amount not exceeding $1,059,969. The service is related to the “Pier Task Force” which was created to address concerns over safety, public health, and the environment related to unpermitted vending.
“Based on the success of the Task Force, now known as DaRT (Directed Action Response Team), Council directed staff to continue the program through June 30, 2023,” read a city staff report. “Contract security services provided by A.G. Coast, Inc. (dba CA Panther) continue to be instrumental in assisting DaRT in reducing unpermitted vending on and around the Santa Monica Pier.” The staff recommended that the City modify its agreement with CA Panther to continue security services through the end of 2023 to “ensure that DaRT has the contract security services needed to continue to address unpermitted vending and its associated public safety, public health, and environmental risks.” The staff is also preparing a Request for Proposal for security services on and around the Pier and will return to Council to approve of a five-year contract agreement effective January 1, 2024.
Photo: Getty Images
Tourism Doubles In Santa Monica Following Pandemic Reaching Near 2019 Levels Lodging Was The Biggest Revenue Source, International Vists Up By Zach Armstrong The amount of visitors in Santa Monica almost doubled last year to about 5,320,500 with annual tourist spending having gone up nearly 30% at more than $961 million, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported. While still below levels seen in 2019, international visitation saw an increase from 9.2% in 2021 to 21% in 2022. International visitors have played a large role in the city’s tourism market, making up a 50% share of total visitation. International visitors typically play
an important role in any tourism market because they stay longer, stay overnight and do more local activities. Lodging was the primary revenue source for Santa Monica tourism standing at just under $500 million. The numbers were shared at the Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s annual summit with local business owners, government officials and community members in attendance. City Manager David White pointed out that quality hotels play an important role for local tourism, highlighting some renovation and rebranding projects in the city. Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis said that each household in the city would have to contribute at least $1,400 to Santa Monica if it wasn’t for tourism.
Photo: Getty Images