Santa Monica, DTSM Issue Dueling Statements Over Surprise Board Member Replacement

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete Slams City Council's "Dangerous" Move to Oust Downtown Santa Monica Board

7/31/25, SANTA MONICA, CA - In a heated special meeting of the Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday night, Mayor Lana Negrete stood alone in opposition to a 6-1 vote to remove all six city-appointed members of the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) Board. The decision, which critics have labeled politically motivated, has sparked controversy over the council's motives and raised questions...

Santa Monica, DTSM Issue Dueling Statements Over Surprise Board Member Replacement

Santa Monica Defends Emergency Action as DTSM Questions Fairness and Legal Grounds After the surprise removal of six of the board members of Downtown Santa Monica (DTSM), who were originally appointed by the Santa Monica City Council, both the city and DTSM have released reactions to the tense situation that occurred on Wednesday. In an emailed press statement, DTSM said, “On July 29, 2025, the DTSM Board lawfully amended its bylaws during a pro…