sr-030910-13e13-E
March 9, 2010
Council Meeting: March 9, 2010
Santa Monica, California
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE -MEMORANDUM
To: City Council
From: Councilmember Bloom
Date: March 9, 2010
Request of Councilmember Bloom that:
1. The Council allocate $35,000 in Council Discretionary funds as a matching or
challenge grant designed to leverage discretionary funds in order to maximize
their utility to save this summer's Twilight Dance Series ("TDS") on the Santa
Monica Pier so that a minimum of 7 concerts can be produced; and
2. Staff be directed to work with the staff of the Pier Restoration Corporation to
achieve this goal; and
3. Staff be directed to .return to Council with analysis, recommendations and actions
necessary for possible revenue neutral adjustments to assist in achieving this
goal.
Background: The Twilight Dance Series is one of Santa Monica's most longstanding,
successful and readily identifiable artistic performance series. Thousands of individuals
and families turn out for each Thursday night event to enjoy TDS's eclectic, professional
and high quality performances on the world-famous and historic Santa Monica Pier.
Unfortunately, the 2010 series may be cancelled or dramatically reduced or replaced
due to the following circumstances:
As a result of shortfalls in sponsorships for the 2009 Twilight Dance Series and Pier
Centennial celebration and 2010 TDS sponsorship projections, the Pier Restoration
Corporation has aone-time deficit that has reduced the available funds for the Twilight
Dance Series by more than half. The PRC's projected shortfall for a series of 7
concerts (representing a reduction in the number of concerts from 10 in prior years) is
$92,150. Therefore, if the Council approves this request, there will remain a shortfall of
at least $57,150. Therefore, it is requested that the Council-direct that its funds be
leveraged to assist in raising the additional monies necessary.
The measures will not, alone, save the Twilight Dance Series. It is essential that new
sponsorships be obtained and that a robust development plan be implemented as well.
13-E
March 9, 2010