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-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: David Homa <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 10:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E on the City Council Agenda 12.16.25 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I'm a resident of Santa Monica and want to share my support for the digital signage ordinance and projects proposed for the AMC building and Santa Monica Place (Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E) What appeals to me most about these projects is how they'll enhance the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike. The signage will bring energy and visual interest to areas we walk through every day, while also providing a platform to celebrate local artists and community events. I believe our local businesses deserve all the support they can get - and I love that Santa Monica is finding ways to blend modern technology with our commitment to arts and culture.
These installations also bring practical benefits—new revenue for the city and increased economic activity downtown. Both are important as we continue recovering and growing.
I encourage you to approve these well-designed projects.
Sincerely,
David Homa
101 California Avenue, Unit 901, Santa Monica, CA 90403 Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Gonen Y <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 10:01 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E on the City Council Agenda 12.16.25 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
As a Santa Monica resident and artist, I want to express my strong support for the digital signage ordinance and projects proposed for Santa Monica Place and the AMC building.
What excites me most is the opportunity these installations create for promoting local arts and artists.
Having high-quality, prominent digital displays in the heart of downtown provides a platform to showcase our creative community, highlight cultural programming, and celebrate the arts in a highly visible way. This aligns perfectly with our city's commitment to supporting and elevating local culture.
These projects also enhance the vibrancy of our public spaces and contribute to economic recovery through new revenue sources. The combination of cultural promotion and economic benefit makes this an easy decision to support.
I urge you to approve all three items as recommended.
Best regards,
Gonen Yacov
511 Montana Avenue
--
To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Gonen Yacov Graphic Designer
My Portfolio
Linkedin Page
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: KUREPINA Ekaterina <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 11:05 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: FRICKER Simon
Subject: Support for Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E on the City Council Agenda 12.16.25 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of Simon Fricker, General Manager of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, to express his support for the digital signage projects proposed by Big Outdoor at Santa Monica Place and the AMC building on 3rd Street.
At the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, we see firsthand how important it is to create memorable, dynamic experiences that draw visitors to both our hotel and the City of Santa Monica. Modern, high-quality digital signage at these prominent downtown locations will help position Santa Monica as a forward-thinking and vibrant destination. This type of infrastructure attracts tourists and business travelers who expect the energy and sophistication that digital displays bring to major urban centers.
Beyond tourism benefits, these installations will generate new revenue for the City while promoting local arts, culture, and community programming. The ability to showcase what’s happening in Santa Monica—from cultural events to local artists—will enhance the visitor experience and encourage people to explore more of what downtown has to offer.
We encourage you to approve these projects as recommended in the staff report.
Best regards,
Ekaterina Kurepina
VIP & Executive Services Manager
On Behalf of SIMON A FRICKER
GENERAL MANAGER
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
[email protected]
fairmont-miramar.com
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
2 This e-mail, any attachments and the information contained therein ("this message") are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee(s). If you have received this message in error please send it back to the sender and delete it. Unauthorized publication, use, dissemination or disclosure of this message, either in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
Ce message electronique ainsi que tous les fichiers joints et les informations contenus dans ce message (ci apres "le message"), sont confidentiels et destines exclusivement a l'usage de la personne a laquelle ils sont adresses. Si vous avez recu ce message par erreur, merci de le renvoyer a son emetteur et de le detruire. Toute diffusion, publication, totale ou partielle ou divulgation sous quelque forme que ce soit non expressement autorisees de ce message, sont interdites.
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Hunter Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 10:53 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete
Cc: Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems
Subject: MAIN ST. SUPPORTS 10-A, 12-D, AND 12-E!
Attachments: MSBIA Letter of Support-BIG Outdoor CC.docx.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
We are writing to express our strong support for the proposed digital signage installations at Santa Monica Place and the AMC building at 1310 3rd Street.
As the Executive Director of Main Street, I’ve seen firsthand how similar signage has enhanced our district. When the digital kiosks were first introduced, there was understandable hesitation—but the results have been overwhelmingly positive. They’ve become a valuable part of the streetscape: informative, well-designed, and helpful to both visitors and businesses.
BIG Outdoor has been a great partner to our community for years—always responsive, collaborative, and sensitive to local context. They’ve consistently shown that these installations can be done thoughtfully and in ways that serve the broader public good.
It’s clear that the old ways of thinking about public space and revenue need to evolve. Santa Monica has to adapt to survive. We need to look at our public spaces differently and get creative about how they can be leveraged to our collective benefit—supporting the local economy, promoting arts and culture, and helping fund the very services that keep our city vibrant and safe.
These new projects strike that balance perfectly. They’ll enhance the pedestrian experience, generate new revenue for the City, and contribute to the continued revitalization of Downtown Santa Monica.
We urge you to approve these proposals and keep Santa Monica moving forward.
Sincerely,
Hunter G. Hall
Executive Director
Main Street Business Improvement Association
314.323.4663
[email protected]
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Dec 15, 2025
To: Santa Monica City Council
RE: Support for Digital Signage Projects at Santa Monica Place and AMC Building Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
We are writing to express our strong support for the proposed digital signage installations at Santa Monica Place and the AMC building at 1310 3rd Street.
As the Executive Director of Main Street, I’ve seen firsthand how similar signage has enhanced our district. When the digital kiosks were first introduced, there was understandable hesitation—but the results have been overwhelmingly positive. They’ve become a valuable part of the streetscape: informative, well-designed, and helpful to both visitors and businesses.
BIG Outdoor has been a great partner to our community for years—always responsive, collaborative, and sensitive to local context. They’ve consistently shown that these installations can be done thoughtfully and in ways that serve the broader public good.
It’s clear that the old ways of thinking about public space and revenue need to evolve. Santa Monica has to adapt to survive. We need to look at our public spaces differently and get creative about how they can be leveraged to our collective benefit—supporting the local economy, promoting arts and culture, and helping fund the very services that keep our city vibrant and safe.
These new projects strike that balance perfectly. They’ll enhance the pedestrian experience, generate new revenue for the City, and contribute to the continued revitalization of Downtown Santa Monica.
I urge you to approve these proposals and keep Santa Monica moving forward.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
Main Street Business Improvement Association
[email protected]
314.323.4663
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Gina Garcia <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 3:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for digital signage ordinance and projects (Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E)
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
As a Santa Monica resident and employee at a local non-profit, I want to express my strong support for the digital signage ordinance and projects proposed for Santa Monica Place and the AMC building.
I am writing to support the digital signage ordinance and projects proposed for the AMC building and Santa Monica Place (Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E)
As a resident, I care deeply about maintaining a vibrant, economically healthy downtown which our downtown is currently not. These thoughtfully designed digital installations will contribute to that goal by attracting attention, promoting local culture, and generating revenue that supports city services.
I also appreciate the pedestrian-friendly design approach. Downtown should be an engaging place to walk and spend time, and high-quality digital signage—when done right—adds visual interest without detracting from the streetscape.
Please approve these projects. They represent smart, forward-looking infrastructure for our community.
All the best,
Gina Garcia
Sustainable Works
Gina Garcia I Co-Executive Director
Director Community Programs | Buy Local SM Manager
Sustainable Works | 1744 Pearl St | Santa Monica, CA 90405 310.458.8716 | Office
http://www.sustainableworks.org/
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
To help
protect your
privacy,
Micro so ft
Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
this picture
from the
Internet.
Join our email list
To help
protect your
privacy,
Micro so ft
Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
this picture
from the
Internet.
To help
protect your
privacy,
Micro so ft
Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
this picture
from the
Internet.
To help
protect your
privacy,
Micro so ft
Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
this picture
from the
Internet.
To help
protect your
privacy,
Micro so ft
Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
this picture
from the
Internet.
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: C.J. Laffer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 1:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Cc: Rachel Kwok; Oliver Chi; Roxanne Tanemori; Jing Yeo; Susan Cola; Paula Larmore Subject: Santa Monica City Council/December 16, 2025: Letter re Agenda Item Nos. 10.A and
12.E
Attachments: Letter to City Council Digital Signs.pdf
EXTERNAL
Honorable City Council Members: Please see the aƩached leƩer regarding agenda item nos. 10.A and 12.E on the December 16, 2025 City Council agenda.
Best,
C.J.
C.J. Laffer | Attorney at Law
1250 Sixth Street, Suite 200 | Santa Monica, CA 90401
O: (310) 656-4330 | [email protected]
NOTICE OF DISTRIBUTION: This e-mail message contains information that may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive messages for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose this message (or any information contained in it) to anyone. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message. Nothing in this message should be interpreted as a digital or electronic signature that can be used to authenticate a contract or other legal document.
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Neil Carrey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 12:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E on the City Council Agenda 12.16.25
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to support the digital signage ordinance and projects proposed for the AMC building and Santa Monica Place (Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E)
These projects represent the kind of thoughtful, modern development that keeps Santa Monica competitive and attractive. The high-tech signage will activate these important downtown locations, improve the pedestrian experience, and create opportunities to highlight what makes our community special—our arts, culture, and local events.
I also value the economic benefits. New revenue for the city and increased vitality downtown are important goals, especially as we work to maintain the quality of life we enjoy here.
I hope you'll vote yes on all three items. As a longtime resident of Santa Monica who loves Santa Monica, I believe these projects will be very beneficial as we move forward.
Thanks for listening.
Regards,
Neil Carrey
43-year resident on 23rd Street
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Jackie Hinton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2025 2:57 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Items 10-A, 12-D and 12-E on the City Council Agenda 12.16.25
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
As a long-time Santa Monica resident, small business owner (Good Body Pilates Studio), and Chair of the Pico Improvement Organization, I’m writing in strong support of the proposed digital signage ordinance and the projects at Santa Monica Place and the AMC building.
What resonates most with me is the opportunity these installations create to uplift local arts, artists, and cultural programming in a highly visible, intentional way. Thoughtfully designed digital signage in the heart of downtown can serve as a dynamic platform to showcase our creative community, promote local events, and reflect the diverse cultural life that makes Santa Monica special. That kind of visibility matters not just for artists, but for the identity of our city.
These projects also help activate public space, encourage foot traffic, and generate much-needed revenue during a time when our local economy is still recovering. Supporting culture and supporting economic vitality don’t have to be mutually exclusive, this proposal does both.
I believe this is a smart, forward-thinking investment in downtown Santa Monica and urge you to approve both items as recommended.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warmly,
Jackie Hinton
--
PIO Chair 2025-2026
www.picoblvdsm.com
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025
Item 12-E
December 16, 2025