City Council votes to replace city-appointed members of Downtown Santa Monica Inc. Board of Directors
July 29, 2025 8:40 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 29, 2025) – The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved an emergency motion to replace six council-appointed members of the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., or DTSM, Board of Directors.
The City Council, consistent with DTSM’s bylaws, state law, and the council’s rules and procedures, also voted to appoint six interim board members and initiate a formal recruitment process for permanent appointees.
Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis and Councilmembers Dan Hall and Barry Snell brought forward the motion, which was heard as a special meeting item before Tuesday’s regularly scheduled agenda.
In a memo sent to the city manager, the three councilmembers stated the emergency action was necessary ahead of the appointment of a new CEO to “ensure that DTSM is better positioned to serve the public interest, respond to evolving downtown challenges, and become a more effective and aligned city partner moving forward.”
Read the full memo here.
The motions passed 6-1, with Mayor Lana Negrete dissenting.
The interim members are: Sean Besser, Richard Bloom, Gleam Davis, Jonathan Gregory, Hodge Patterson and Elaine Polachek.
The City Clerk’s Office will publish notice of the vacancies and final appointments will be made at a future meeting. For more on how to join a board or commission, click here.
The city will continue to work in close coordination with DTSM, Inc. staff, board members, property owners and businesses to build on momentum and successes, including the recent rollout of the Third Street Promenade Entertainment Zone, and looks forward to continuing to transform and revive downtown through the strong partnerships with everyone vested in the success of downtown.
Read more information on Tuesday’s action item here, and view the meeting discussion here .
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov