Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, December 16, 2025

1 David Yakobson
From: Gaby Ghermezi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 3:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Rachel Kwok
Subject: District Ordinance, 301 Arizona Avenue, and 1202 Third Street Promenade (Items 10A, 12B, and 12C)
Attachments: Digital Display Development Agreements Support Dec2025.pdf

EXTERNAL
Good Afternoon,
The attached letter was submitted to Council on December 4th, in support of items 10A, 12B, and 12C, prior to the posting of the agenda items. Being that it was submitted prior to the cut off for written public comment, we kindly request that it be included in the relevant council files.

These are prominent corners of the Promenade chosen to help highlight the area that has languished over the past decades and to invite others to enter the Promenade from the north. The proposed digital signage program can help re-energize this and other blocks of the Santa Monica Promenade and the downtown business district.

The signage will benefit the City with advertising revenues as well as provide time set aside for City content.

The Promenade is an ideal place for these digital displays, and a very talented firm has been preparing these designs including reviews with interested groups. The signs are in keeping with the vibrant tone and active use that the City should want for this special shopping district and tourist attraction at the heart of downtown Santa Monica.

As a long time citizen that utilizes the businesses on the Promenade we strongly support this approach to digital signage for the Third Street Promenade that enhances a community resource and benefits all downtown businesses.

Thank you,
David Kaplan
2419 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica 90405
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Gaby Ghermezi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 3:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Rachel Kwok
Subject: FW: 301 Arizona Avenue and 1202 Third Street Promenade Digital Displays Attachments: PROMENADE DIGITAL DISPLAY.docx

EXTERNAL
Good Afternoon,
This letter was submitted prior to the agenda items being posted for 1202 Third Street and 301 Arizona (Items 12B & 12C). It was submitted prior to the cutoff and we therefore request that it be added to the Council file.

Thanks,
Gaby
Gaby Ghermezi
Associate Development Director
310-890-5773 | [email protected]
Atlanta | Baltimore | Boston | Charlotte | Chicago | Cincinnati Cleveland | Columbus | Dallas | Denver | Detroit | Houston Kansas City | Los Angeles | Miami | Minneapolis | Nashville New York City | Norfolk | Philadelphia | Phoenix | Pittsburgh Raleigh | San Antonio | San Diego | San Francisco Bay Area St. Louis | Tampa | Washington DC | West Palm Beach
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Fernando Martin <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Dec 12, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Subject: Re: 301 Arizona Avenue and 1202 Third Street Promenade Digital Displays To: [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>,
[email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]>, [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
On behalf of Casa Martin, I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed digital display at 301 Arizona Ave (25ENT-0021). As a proud tenant of this iconic location, we are deeply committed Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
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2 to the continued vitality of the Promenade and the long-term economic health of the community it anchors.

Our dynamic office location inspires our employees, as the Promenade reflects our company values of authenticity, ambition, and innovation. Therefore, we believe the proposed digital display will be a creative tool that reenergizes the block, enhances the pedestrian experience, and drives meaningful economic activity, allowing us and neighboring businesses to thrive.

With increased traffic and activity in the area, the digital display reinvigorates the public realm and supports the City’s broader efforts to ensure the Promenade remains a vibrant, safe, and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, the revenue generated by the display creates a new stream of funding that can be reinvested directly into the district’s ongoing improvements.

We urge you to approve this proposal and help unlock its potential benefits for the entire community. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Please reach out if additional information is needed.

Sincerely,
Fernando Martin
Co-Owner

CASA MARTIN - AUTHENTIC MEXICAN
casamartinsm.com
1251 THIRD ST PROMENADE
SANTA MONICA, CA 90401
424-268-4756
1654 OCEAN AVE UNIT B & C
SANTA MONICA, CA 90401
310-663-1732
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025

CASA MARTIN
1251 3RD ST PROMENADE
SANTA MONICA CA 90401
[email protected]
12/12/2025
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: 301 Arizona Avenue and 1202 Third Street Promenade Digital Displays Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
On behalf of Casa Martin, I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed digital display at 301 Arizona Ave (25ENT-0021). As a proud tenant of this iconic location, we are deeply committed to the continued vitality of the Promenade and the long-term economic health of the community it anchors.

Sincerely,

FERNANDO MARTIN

CO-OWNER
CASA MARTIN – Santa Monica
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Gaby Ghermezi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 3:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Rachel Kwok
Subject: FW: City Council Letter
Attachments: City Council Letter.docx

Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Re: 301 Arizona Avenue and 1202 Third Street Promenade Digital Displays

Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
4 On behalf of Museum Of Illusions, I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed digital display at 301 Arizona Ave (25ENT-0021). As a proud tenant of this iconic location, we are deeply committed to the continued vitality of the Promenade and the long-term economic health of the community it anchors.

Claudia Franco
General Manager
US: +1 323 304-5891
[email protected]
www.museumofillusions.com

The contents of this email as well as any file attached to it are confidential and intended solely for individuals or entities whom they are addressed to.

Any copying, distribution, modification or disclosure of any part of information contained herein is prohibited. If the recipient of this message is not intended and/or authorized recipient, please notify the sender and permanently remove the message and all attached files from your system without reading. Although we have taken reasonable step to ensure that this email and attachments are free from any virus, the receipt of such we can not exclude.

Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Claudia Franco
1232 Third St Promenade
[email protected]
December 11th, 2025
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: 301 Arizona Avenue and 1202 Third Street Promenade Digital Displays Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
On behalf of Museum Of Illusions, I am writing to express our strong support for the proposed digital display at 301 Arizona Ave (25ENT-0021). As a proud tenant of this iconic location, we are deeply committed to the continued vitality of the Promenade and the long-term economic health of the community it anchors.

Claudia Franco
General Manager
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Gaby Ghermezi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 3:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Rachel Kwok
Subject: FW: 24ENT-0233 Development Agreement at 301 Arizona Avenue/1253 Third Street Promenade and 25ENT-0021 Development Agreement at 1202 Third Street Promenade Attachments: 20251209181929_001.pdf

Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the proposed large format digital displays on the Third Street Promenade located at 301 Arizona Avenue/1253 Third Street Promenade (24ENT-0233) and 1202 Third Street Promenade (25ENT-0021).

Item 12-C
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Item 12-C
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2 These projects present a timely and valuable opportunity to bring renewed energy to the Promenade, especially the 1200 block, which is uniquely suited for this type of activation. The proposed displays will add vibrancy and visual interest while providing a dynamic platform for public art, cultural programming, and community-driven content that reflects Santa Monica’s creative identity.

Importantly, these projects have been thoughtfully designed to integrate seamlessly into the urban environment and to generate meaningful, ongoing revenue for the City. This new funding stream can support essential City services and programs, making the displays not only an aesthetic improvement but a significant public benefit. They also take a huge initiative to feature and support nonprofit arts programs and I am one of those 501c3 mission driven theaters! It would be incredible to have more eyes on our nonprofit arts programs that Santa Monica has to offer.

Given that the Promenade is currently underutilized and in need of revitalization, these displays have the potential to attract foot traffic, enhance engagement, and contribute to placemaking efforts that will strengthen the Promenade’s role as a cultural, social, and commercial destination. By combining artistic expression, technological innovation, and economic value, the proposed signs align fully with the City’s goals for revitalization.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me if additional information would be helpful.

Sincerely,
Nicole Blaine
Founder, CEO
(Attached copy with signature)
·Nicole Blaine·
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Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
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Item 12-C
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Item 12-C
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3 David Yakobson
From: Gaby Ghermezi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 3:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Rachel Kwok
Subject: FW: 24ENT-0233 Development Agreement at 301 Arizona Avenue/1253 Third Street Promenade and 25ENT-0021 Development Agreement at 1202 Third Street Promenade Attachments: Support Letter Digital Billboard.pdf

Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
Please see attached letter in support of the proposed digital displays.

Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
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4 Best,
Sheyda Semnani| In House Counsel

THE NOW
Office Tel: (855) 300-2708 ext. 114
Direct: (310) 208-9929
9815 National Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90034
[email protected]
https://www.thenow.la/

Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025

VIA E-MAIL
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street, Room 102
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: 24ENT-0233 Development Agreement at 301 Arizona Avenue/1253 Third Street Promenade and 25ENT-0021 Development Agreement at 1202 Third Street Promenade
Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
On behalf of The Now, I am writing to express my support for the proposed large format digital displays on the Third Street Promenade located at 301 Arizona Avenue/1253 Third Street Promenade (24ENT-0233) and 1202 Third Street Promenade (25ENT-0021).

These projects present a timely and valuable opportunity to bring renewed energy to the Promenade, especially the 1200 block, which is uniquely suited for this type of activation. The proposed displays will add vibrancy and visual interest while providing a dynamic platform for public art, cultural programming, and community-driven content that reflects Santa Monica’s creative identity.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me if additional information would be helpful.

Sincerely,
Jeff Appel, CEO
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Mario Fonda-Bonardi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 10:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: kaitlin; Nina Fresco; Ruthann Lehrer
Subject: 12/16/25 Agenda Items 12 B-E Displays on Landmarked Promenade Buildings

EXTERNAL
DATE: December 16, 2025
RE: Item 12 B-E Digital Displays on the Promenade
The Santa Monica Conservancy supports the City’s initiatives addressing our needs for economic recovery and reinvigorating the Promenade and Santa Monica Place as an entertainment zone.

Our comments concern the role of the City’s Landmarks Commission, as there are a number of designated landmarks located in the project area. The implementing resolution proposes that the required Certificate of Appropriateness be reviewed and issued by staff, rather than the normal process, with the Landmarks Commission assessing whether the design proposal meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.

While we understand that reversibility will be required of these projects, that is just one of the conditions for approval. The Landmarks Commission has an important role to play in ensuring that our landmarks continue to convey their historic significance as they evolve to meet current needs. It’s the responsibility of the Landmarks Commission to consider how the digital signage may affect the historically defining architectural features of the façade as articulated in the Standards, and the public experience of that historic building.

The Commissioners have the expertise to assess all the factors that enter into the design of particular digital signs in relationship to the significant features of specific landmarks, and their approval through the usual Certificate of Appropriateness process should continue, with the support of the Planning Commission.

Please require, in the final Ordinance, that the Landmark's Commission approval be required for these displays on landmarked buildings in the Promenade.

Thank you,
Mario Fonda-Bonardi
President of the Board
Santa Monica Conservancy
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Richard Orton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 10:28 PM
To: Richard Orton; councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick Subject: Agenda items 10.A, 12.B and 12.C | Digital Signs

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I think the proposed digital signs on the 3rd St Promenade are a good idea.  They bring an excitement to the entertainment/shopping district  They bring much needed revenue to the city
 They will provide a percentage of community information  They will offer reduced rates to local businesses for unsold space.

However, if you approve this, please incorporate my 2 concerns in the rules:
 Never be a sound component
 Never have obnoxious light entering homes of downtown district dwellers (maybe an 11pm curfew). Nobody wants to live next door to the Griswald's Christmas lights.

Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
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2 Item 12-C
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3 Thanks,
Richard Orton
Ocean Park
[email protected]
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Clay Collett <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 3:41 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell
Cc: Gaby Ghermezi; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Jing Yeo; Roxanne Tanemori; Rachel Kwok Subject: Support for Digital Display Ordinance and DAs - Items Attachments: OBM Support Letter - Council - 2025.12.15.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
Please see attached letter of support for the digital display ordinance and development agreement proposals at 1202 Third Street and 301 Arizona on tomorrow night’s council agenda, under items 10A, 12B and 12C, respectively.

We are eager to partner with Daniel Negari and the City on these projects, which will deliver vibrancy, public art, and city content to the Promenade, as well as revenue to the City. We look forward to your deliberation tomorrow, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you all.

VIA E-MAIL
Santa Monica City Council
Re: Proposed Digital Displays/Signs at 301 Arizona Avenue and 1202 Third Street Promenade (24ENT-0233 and 25ENT-0021)
Agenda Items 10-A, 12-B and 12-C – Support
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers:

We are writing in full support of the digital display district ordinance being brought forward by staff under Item 10-A, as well as the two development agreement proposals for signage at 1202 3rd Street and 301 Arizona, which are covered by Items 12-B and 12-C, respectively. As the media company partnering with the property owner, UNITED XYZ, LLC/Daniel Negari, on the proposed digital signs, we believe that our signage proposals will be a compelling addition to the Promenade.

We at Orange Barrel Media (OBM) are a leading national media company with substantial experience designing, operating and maintaining signs of this type in many cities throughout the nation.

OBM’s portfolio includes unique displays in top urban markets across the nation, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Miami and West Hollywood. We work closely with property owners and local municipalities to permit and develop advertising properties that the public finds fun, attractive and exciting. In each city, we deliver high-end, high-value projects like the ones before you on December 16, and we have experience across the country working with cities in developing sign programs that offer unique designs, content and community benefit.

The sign district ordinance prepared by staff reflects a thoughtful approach that we believe will support a vibrant sign district on the Promenade, with reasonable safeguards that will prevent over proliferation of signs or lighting impacts to residents. Staff’s approach draws from best practices developed in nearby cities, including nearby West Hollywood, to deliver a signage program that has clear standards of operation, lighting, siting and content. We think the ordinance will achieve the City Council’s goal of introducing vibrant, revenue-generating signage in a careful way. We applaud city staff for their hard work.

We also respectfully request that the City Council authorize the two development agreements for signs at 1202 3rd Street and 301 Arizona (Items 12-B and 12-C), which we are bringing forward with our partner Daniel Negari/XYZ, who owns both properties. Daniel and XYZ are significant stakeholders on the Promenade and have a clear vision of investing in their properties and revitalizing the Promenade. We’re excited to partner with both XYZ and the City in helping support this goal through innovative signage.

Our signs will display a mix of commercial advertising, public art and City content. The City will also participate in the revenues generated by the sale of advertising. Taken together, the signs will enhance and enliven the economic environment of the Promenade and generate substantial general fund revenue to the City on an expedient basis. This revenue share with the City includes $1 million per OBM
9165 Sunset Blvd.

West Hollywood, CA 90069
Item 12-C
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sign guaranteed during the first of operation, and ongoing revenue sharing thereafter each year of the development agreement.

Each of our two signs has been uniquely designed to be in conversation with its respective building. To make sure the projects fit with context, over the last year we’ve engaged in discussions with preservation architect Robert Chattel, the Santa Monica Conservancy, city urban design staff, tenants at both properties and on the Promenade generally, and we held a public community meeting to review the sign designs and our proposed operational program. Over this period, we’ve had the opportunity to refine our designs, and we believe that the proposals before you capture the vibrant spirit of Santa Monica and the Promenade.

Again, we ask that the City Council authorize the digital display district ordinance and the development agreements for these two properties. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to discussion at the hearing.

Best regards,

Clay Collett
Vice President, West Coast Development
Orange Barrel Media, LLC

cc: Oliver Chi
Jing Yeo
Roxanne Tanemori
Rachel Kwok
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Daniel Negari <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 3:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell
Cc: Rachel Kwok
Subject: 301 Arizona and 1202 Third Street Promenade Digital Displays (Items 12-B and 12-C) and Digital Display Ordinance (Item 10-A) – Applicant Letter Attachments: from UNITED XYZ 2025.12.15.pdf

EXTERNAL
Please see my attached letter.

Looking forward to seeing our community shine bright into the future.

Daniel
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025

UNITED XYZ, LLC
2800 Olympic Boulevard, #1
Santa Monica, CA 90404
December 15, 2025

VIA EMAIL
Santa Monica City Council
Re: Proposed Digital Displays/Signs at 301 Arizona Avenue and 1202 Third Street Promenade (24ENT-0233 and 25ENT-0021)
Agenda Items 10-A, 12-B and 12-C – Support
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers:

My name is Daniel Negari, I am the founder and CEO of XYZ. I was born in Santa Monica and have been in the area for most of my life. Over the past several years, I’ve invested more than $100 million into revitalizing Downtown Santa Monica and the Third Street Promenade - a place I deeply care about and believe in. I’m proud to now be the largest property owner on the Promenade, with even more long-term investment planned.

As the owner of the properties located at 301 Arizona (northeast corner of Third Street Promenade and Arizona) and 1202 Third Street Promenade (southwest corner of Third Street Promenade and Wilshire), and the applicant for the digital displays proposed at these properties, I respectfully urge you to authorize the Digital Display District Ordinance and the development agreements for the proposed digital displays as recommended by City Staff and the Planning Commission.

As we all know, the Promenade - especially the 1200 block - is in urgent need of reinvention. The Council’s recent creation of the Entertainment Zone was a critical step forward. These digital displays are the next. They will generate much needed revenue the City in year one, with a long-term revenue platform to support public safety, enhance the Entertainment Zone, provide vital resources to DTSM, and improve City services.

Through another property owner that has digital displays on his property in West Hollywood, I was fortunate to connect with Orange Barrel Media (OBM) and learn about their custom digital displays. OBM creates value for property owners, municipalities, and the general public by designing and operating iconic out of home media displays that add to the quality and character of urban places. They pride themselves on incorporating ongoing advances in design and technology of these displays; and they continually generate a diverse and captivating programming mix of commercial messages, public art, and community content. I was particularly impressed with OBM’s focus on architecturally distinctive signs and prior experience with designing and installing digital displays on historic buildings. As an owner of over 10 landmarks in the city, this is one of the most important points for me as a preservation minded steward of these assets.

Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Santa Monica City Council
December 15, 2025

Page 2 ends

After learning more about the revenue generation potential of these signs and OBM’s public art program, I reviewed my real estate portfolio with OBM and we identified 301 Arizona (Foot Locker building) and 1202 Third Street Promenade (John Reed Fitness building, a City-designated landmark) as the top two locations for the digital displays.

OBM has embraced the opportunity to work in this marketplace and has designed creative entablature to frame these two digital displays. On the historic 1202 Third Street site, OBM’s design team has collaborated with preservation architect Robert Chattel. In addition to the digital display, the project includes activating the existing blank blade sign for the tenant John Reed Fitness and will also design and install a historic interpretative exhibit to be located at the ground level. And, on the 301 Arizona site, OBM intentionally designed and positioned the sign to avoid impacts on residential tenants living across Arizona Avenue.

For each sign, we are proposing revenue sharing with the City, starting with a minimum of $1,000,000 in year 1 of operations ($500,000 “go live” bonus and $500,000 minimum annual guarantee to the City). That means the City will receive at least $2,000,000 in the first year both signs are installed (assuming they are installed in the same year), and ongoing revenue sharing to the City thereafter.

The displays will also include other community benefits such as incorporation of public art, community announcements, and public service announcements and alerts that will be interspersed throughout the commercial advertisement loop.

I realize that the concept of off-premises advertising on private property, particularly in the digital format, is a new concept to Santa Monica. Our development agreements propose creative, captivating, thoughtful, rewarding and proven approaches to this opportunity.

We filed these development agreement applications for the digital displays in November 2024 (301 Arizona) and January 2025 (1202 Third Street Promenade) and seek your recommendation of approval to the City Council. Timely action is critical, as we’ve already missed the window to be live in time for the 2026 World Cup and further delays could cause us to miss alignment with major upcoming events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics – opportunities that will not return anytime soon.

Item 12-C
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Santa Monica City Council
December 15, 2025

Page 3 ends

I hope the City Council will agree that the time is ripe for the City to move forward with expeditiously approving these two development agreements.

Sincerely,
Daniel Negari
Property Owner and Founder & CEO

UNITED XYZ, LLC
cc: Oliver Chi
Jing Yeo
Roxanne Tanemori
Rachel Kwok
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 11:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Lana Negrete
Cc: Armine Chaparyan; Rachel Kwok
Subject: Support Agenda Items 10.A, 12.B, 12.C

EXTERNAL
Re: Support Agenda Items: 10.A- Ordinance, 12.B - 1202 Third Street Promenade, 12.C – 301 Arizona/1253 Third Street Promenade
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for the “Ordinance to Establish a Digital Display District to Permit Digital Displays”, and, specifically, the large-format digital displays proposed by Orange Barrel Media for 301 Arizona Avenue and 1202 Third Street Promenade.

Though not a fan of digital banner advertising in general — which I believe can be a slippery slope — I acknowledge they have beneficial use case scenarios when implemented carefully and thoughtfully. The ordinance will make possible these custom-designed projects, which will directly benefit the city, enhance our visitor experience, and serve our resident and business community— not only through their thoughtful designs and integration into the urban environment, but by generating new, significant, and much needed ongoing revenue streams for the City. These funds will help support essential city services and programs, making the signs not just a visual enhancement, but a meaningful public asset. The setaside for civic and non-profit content and local art will remind residents and visitors that Santa Monica is a uniquely connected community.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. Please don't hesitate to reach out if additional information would be helpful.
--
Cynthia Rose
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Bradley Ewing <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 11:44 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Rachel Kwok; Santa Monica Forward; Carl Hansen Subject: Support for Items 10.A, 12.B, and 12.C
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Council,
We support city staff's recommendation to adopt the proposed ordinance to establish a digital display district. Our support is based on the following factors:

1. Economic Recovery
The displays present an opportunity to revitalize 3rd St Promenade and support its economic recovery.

The displays can help draw new foot traffic and contribute to the perception that the Promenade has turned the corner.

2. Revenue Generation
The displays will create a durable, long-term revenue stream for the city. These revenues will be instrumental in helping the city balance the budget and support the Revitalization Plan.

3. Community Benefits
As proposed, 20% of the total content time has been set aside for non-commercial content. The displays will provide space for civic messaging, emergency alerts, art and can advertise local businesses.

Council may also wish to consider providing reduced rates to local businesses to spur their growth, and ensure that precautions are taken to limit light pollution and distracted driving around the signs.

We urge you to move the ordinance forward, thank you for reading.

Sincerely,
Brad Ewing and Carl Hansen
SMF Co-Chairs
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Judy Abdo <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2025 3:35 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Rachel Kwok; Oliver Chi Subject: Items 10.A, 12.B, and 12.C
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
I’m writing to express my support for the new sign ordinance and proposed digital displays at 301 Arizona and 1202 Wilshire, and to encourage you to move forward with Staff’s recommendations for adoption.

As a former Councilmember and Mayor, I appreciate the value the displays will bring to the community economically and culturally. The displays will create a meaningful and long-term revenue stream for the City, offer a platform to spotlight community programs, and serve as a virtual digital gallery for local artists. Altogether, they will add energy and creativity to the area, and help boost our ongoing economic recovery efforts.

Thank you,
Judy Abdo
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025
Item 12-C
December 16, 2025

Santa Monica City CouncilDecember 16, 2025

Santa Monica City Council
December 16, 2025