SR 12-12-2017 8A
City Council Report
City Council Meeting: December 12, 2017
Agenda Item: 8.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Andy Agle, Director, Housing and Economic Development, Office of Pier
Management
Subject: Twilight Concert Series and Pier Corporation Budget, Work Plan, and Bylaws
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Provide direction regarding the Twilight Concert Series (TCS),
2. Approve the Santa Monica Pier Corporation FY 2017-18 Budget and Work Plan,
and,
3. Approve modifications to the Santa Monica Pier Corporation Bylaws.
Executive Summary
In August, the 2017 Twilight Concert Series (TCS) concluded its 33rd year of free
summer concerts at the Santa Monica Pier (Pier), produced by the Santa Monica Pier
Corporation (SMPC). The TCS (previously called the Twilight Dance Series) was
originally created to attract visitors back to the Pier after it was rebuilt in the wake of the
devastating damage from storms back in the 1980’s. The TCS has become an iconic
community event and very successful at drawing large crowds of residents, regional
visitors, and tourists to the Pier and the adjacent beach.
Over the years, the TCS has outgrown the Pier deck, and its purpose as originally
envisioned. It has evolved into a regional attraction, drawing large crowds to the
adjacent beach, and heavily impacting Downtown traffic and parking on already
congested Thursday evenings in the summer. Security, too, has become increasingly
expensive and problematic.
For the past several years, City staff have expressed strong concerns about these and
other issues, including the rising costs of security and beach clean-up. During the 2017
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season, several significant changes were made by the SMPC (some at the request of
the City) to reduce attendance levels of TCS to address safety, security, and
environmental concerns. Yet, despite joint planning, the first concert of the season
nearly overwhelmed those efforts. Even the downsized series attracted large audiences
that compromised public safety, impacted residents and businesses on, and adjacent to
the Pier and strained City resources, costing in excess of $1 million, nearly $400,000
over the amount Council budgeted.
An interdepartmental staff committee has evaluated the TCS and recommends a hiatus
for the upcoming 2018 season. The hiatus would provide sufficient time for the SMPC
Board, its recently appointed new Executive Director, and City, with input from the
broader community of residential and business stakeholders (including, among others,
Pier tenants), to re-evaluate the purpose and value of the concert series, and to make
decisions about timing, scope and funding in the future. The SMPC, recognizing the
need to re-imagine the TCS, recommends an alternative that would provide continuity
for the concerts: shifting the focus of the series to the fall. Staff has included
information on this alternative later in the report.
In addition to considering the future of TCS, the Services Agreement between the City
and SMPC approved by Council on July 14, 2015, requires the preparation of an annual
budget and work plan. In accordance with the Services Agreement, SMPC is submitting
its Fiscal Year 2017-18 (FY 2017-18) Budget and Work plan for Council approval.
Finally, revised SMPC Bylaws (Attachment C) are proposed to update term limits to be
consistent with City Council Resolution No. 11034 (CCS), which allow Directors to serve
two consecutive terms. A third term may be served if the Director makes a written
request to serve a third term, or a Councilmember nominates a Director to a third term,
and the City Council approves that third term by a two-thirds vote.
Background
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Free community summer concerts on the Santa Monica Pier (Pier) began in 1983 to
draw residents back to the Pier after it had been badly battered by a series of winter
storms. In the early years, the Twilight Dance Series drew an audience of several
hundred residents, who danced under a tent on the Pier at the site of the former La
Monica Ballroom. Over the years, the concert series (now known as the Twilight
Concert Series or TCS) has grown more popular, to the point that its crowd exceeds the
Pier’s event capacity. As a result, for many years, the public has assembled on the
beach, south of the Pier during the concerts. To support the beach attendees, starting
in 2011 the Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC), as well as its predecessor, Santa
Monica Pier Restoration Corporation, installed speakers and a jumbotron video screen
to broadcast the concerts to the beach. In the past few years, a single Thursday night
concert could draw tens of thousands of visitors from around the region to the Santa
Monica Pier and adjacent Santa Monica State Beach. The result: closure of the Pier,
gridlock in the adjacent downtown area, excessive amounts of trash and debris on the
beach, and significant concerns for public safety.
Council has discussed TCS crowd size and safety challenges in the past. At its meeting
on January 14, 2014 (Attachment E), Council reviewed and supported SMPC’s
modifications to reposition TCS as a more community-focused series, including the
removal of the jumbotron video screen facing the beach, a focus on emerging talent
rather than artists with a regional or national fan base, and an improved layout on the
beach to increase public safety control and access. Nevertheless, concert attendance
continued to grow, impacting the beach and neighboring areas, and resulted in
increased costs to the City for public safety, traffic control, and beach clean-up. On
March 28, 2017 (Attachment F), Council reviewed additional changes proposed by the
SMPC for the 2017 TCS season to reduce adverse impacts and City costs. Changes
included reducing the number of concerts from ten to eight, shifting the series to earlier
in the summer, skipping the week of July 4th, implementing a traffic plan, and launching
a creative “How to Twilight” social media campaign to encourage attendees to use
alternative transportation and reduce the amount of trash on the beach. Council also
allocated $600,000 to cover City-related costs.
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While most of the eight concerts during the 2017 TCS drew between 5,000 and 15,000
attendees per event, the first concert of the season was an anomaly, drawing an
estimated 25,000 to 35,000 people. While the SMPC provides private security for the
stage and production area on the Pier, the City’s public safety personnel are
responsible for crowd control on the beach, Ocean Front Walk, Pier, and downtown
areas, at significant expense. While no serious incidents were reported, the large
crowds overtaxed the entire oceanfront, making emergency access difficult and
compromising public safety.
Because the Pier’s maximum capacity as a concert venue is approximately 4,300
people, the majority of concertgoers assemble on the beach south of the Pier. What
began as a small spillover of people onto the beach has grown into large beach crowds
that outnumber the attendees on the Pier and overwhelm the beach infrastructure.
Unlike the Pier, Santa Monica State Beach is a public space for which access cannot be
controlled or regulated to limit the number of public attendees or what they bring with
them to the beach. The Pier’s occupancy reaches capacity regularly during the TCS,
which results in closure to the Pier, impacting both businesses on the Pier and the
public’s enjoyment of the venue and adjacent area. While the City’s public safety
officials are able to regulate public attendance on the Pier, the inability to effectively
regulate the large number of concentrated concertgoers on the beach has raised
particular concern for public safety officials. Even without any significant safety
incidents to date, nighttime crowd control efforts on the beach are intensive and
challenging, and divert resources from the rest of Santa Monica. Many concertgoers on
the beach engage in prohibited activities such as drinking alcohol and smoking, and
often leave glass bottles buried in the sand. Finally, rather than occurring in an easily
accessible location, the concerts take place at water’s edge on the far side of a crowded
Downtown. The location makes both potential emergency response and evacuation of
large groups of people problematic at best. In light of the tragic litany of national and
international incidents of gun violence and terrorism that target vulnerable crowds, all
these factors add to deep and growing concern from the City’s Police and Fire
Departments.
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Furthermore, despite TCS’s campaign to reduce litter on the beach, cleanup following
each concert continues to be expensive and staff intensive. Beach Maintenance staff
reported an average of ten tons of trash collected after each concert, with 15 tons
collected after the first concert of the 2017 series. At the close of the concert series,
Beach Maintenance crews had to replace the sand in the area because it had become
degraded with trash and overuse.
The Thursday night concert series has also resulted in community complaints about
traffic and street congestion in surrounding areas, with traffic and street closures
impeding access for residents and patrons of neighboring businesses. Downtown
Santa Monica Inc. reported that TCS caused concerning disruption for workers,
residents, and businesses in and around downtown.
On the other hand, the TCS has a loyal following, particularly among young area
residents who enjoy the low-key, non-commercial atmosphere of a free outdoor event in
an iconic setting. Despite the serious safety concerns, crowds have been well-behaved
with few arrests or significant problems. There is no question that the TCS continues to
bring positive public and media attention to Santa Monica and that it retains a loyal
following among some long-time resident concert goers.
Costs of 2017 TCS
Since 2014, the City has supplemented SMPC’s annual funding by an additional
$200,000 initially to cover SMPC’s increased costs for event security and to offset
anticipated lost sponsorship revenues caused by removal of the jumbotron video screen
(an early effort to discourage large crowds on the beach). For the 2017 season, the
SMPC will use the funds to repay the City, and partially offset some of the expenses for
public safety on the beach. However, it is worth noting that this $200,000 was added to
the base grant of the SMPC.
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The SMPC’s cost for the production of the free concert series on the Pier totaled
approximately $690,000 for 2017, which was almost entirely sponsor-funded and
included private security personnel used to control patrons on the Pier and surrounding
the production area. However, the added costs to the City for additional police and fire
personnel, traffic control, and clean up on the beach and in downtown came to
$1,055,672, of which $965,857 were police- and fire-related expenses. Given that the
concerts are free and not ticketed, and are promoted on social media, it is not always
possible for event organizers to accurately gauge how many people will attend, nor to
effectively manage the number of attendees. As a result, the City’s public safety and
traffic-control expenses have dramatically increased over the past few years to respond
to the risk profile of the large crowd sizes and limited regulation of beach attendees.
For comparison purposes, the 2016 TCS season was comprised of 10 concerts and the
cost per concert to the City on average was $96,698 for police and fire services. The
2017 TCS season was comprised of eight concerts and the cost per concert was
$120,732 on average for police and fire services. While the 2017 series was intended
to reduce City costs, it resulted in a 25 percent increase in costs from the previous year.
Beach Maintenance costs for the 2017 TCS season were $32,302. Several changes
were made for the 2017 season to reduce the amount of time and labor for Beach
Maintenance staff, but costs increased nonetheless from the previous year due to the
additional services needed. The large crowds necessitated more portable restrooms,
and the 2017 costs reflect staff time in preparing for the concerts, as well as overtime
costs.
Traffic management costs for the 2017 TCS season were $50,354. The costs reflect
pedestrian management activities above and beyond the regular Go With The Flow
initiative, and the emergency procurement of a traffic control contractor to manage the
larger-than-expected traffic and pedestrian flows.
For other large-scale private events in the City, an event producer must pay for all costs
associated with the event. In the case of the TCS, the City’s General Fund’s contribution
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last year totaled $1,255,672. The general fund contribution for TCS is in addition to the
millions of dollars of investment the general fund has provided to address the Pier’s
capital improvement and critical infrastructure needs. Projected subsidies for the Pier’s
on-going capital improvement needs are estimated to be more than $1 million per year,
often crowding out other capital improvement priorities considered for inclusion in the
City’s Capital Improvement Budget.
Discussion
SMPD, Fire, Beach Management, and SMPC hold multiple coordination and logistical
meetings prior to each concert series, as well as debriefing meetings following each
concert. During the 2017 series, SMPC focused its efforts on reducing attendance
levels. The undertaking was made more challenging by the previous year’s opening of
the Expo line, which has brought, and will continue to bring thousands of visitors by rail
to the terminus station located a few blocks from the Pier. Reducing attendance and
better managing the overflow crowds was also difficult because of the regional reach of
marketing of the TCS that was managed by the SMPC and the TCS’s sponsor (Snap).
An interdepartmental evaluation of the 2017 series determined that in spite of full
implementation of the changes designed to reduce the attendance, the changes were
neither adequate, nor effective. As a result, the City received numerous complaints from
residents and businesses about pedestrian and traffic congestion around the Pier and
downtown, and the unprecedented number of attendees at the first concert heightened
public safety concerns for the remainder of the season. The tragedy at a music festival
in Las Vegas in October, along with other events where public places have been the
targets for mass casualty events has also played a role in City officials’ assessments
regarding the public safety concerns related to TCS.
The costs, safety concerns, and other impacts associated with TCS have grown
considerably and the City must consider whether it should continue to spend the
resources to ensure public safety and adequate beach maintenance for the event to the
extent it has in the past. An interdepartmental staff committee has reviewed the history
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of the TCS, as well as many aspects of the event during the past season (number of
concerts, event timing, ability to ensure health and safety of attendees, cultural
objective, crowd size, history of SMPC commitments and achievements, and SMPC
staff and board transitions, etc.). As a result of the review, staff recommends a hiatus for
the upcoming 2018 season to provide the SMPC and City with an opportunity to
reevaluate and reformulate the concert series to reduce its safety liabilities and fiscal
impacts.
Following the proposed 2018 hiatus, staff recommends consideration of the following
adjustments if a concert series is to return in 2019:
scale back the size of the event so that all attendees are contained within the
venue space on the Pier deck,
schedule the series outside of the summer season, and
discourage attendees from locating on the beach.
Methods to lessen the number of attendees on the beach could include:
removal of all speakers that project towards the beach,
reduction or relocation of the size of the stage so that it is not visible from the
beach,
placement of physical screens on the south side of the Pier to remove views of
the venue from the beach, and
require that any future concert series be fully self-funding and not rely on any
unreimbursed financial contributions from the City.
The Pier and the City of Santa Monica have been fortunate to be able to host the
popular, high-quality series each year for the past 33 years. But the situation has
changed dramatically since the days when the future of the Pier was in doubt after
severe storm damage. Today’s TCS success has exceeded the hopes and
expectations of the original event planners who sought to renew interest and visitation
to the Pier. The Santa Monica Pier is now one of the most cherished and iconic
landmarks in Southern California and draws millions of visitors a year.
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While suspending the 2018 TCS may be unpopular to many in the community and
region who consider the series a cherished part of their summer tradition, a one-season
hiatus, rather than a complete cancellation of the event, would provide the City,
community and the SMPC with adequate time to plan and consider an alternative event
program. SMPC would be asked to return to Council in the fall of 2018 with a proposal
for reimagined events (including the possibility of a reimagined TCS) that address the
public safety needs and conform with all City event policies. The SMPC has committed
in their work plan to produce other free summer entertainment opportunities on the Pier
such as the Paddleboard and Ocean Festival in June that celebrates the city's beach
culture.
Alternatives
SMPC Proposal (Attachment D)- At the SMPC Board meeting on November 20, 2017,
the Board approved a recommendation to present Council with an alternative to a one-
year hiatus.
The SMPC proposes the following:
“Keeping the Santa Monica Pier Corporation's commitment to year-round public
programming, as per our Guiding Principles, and keeping mindful of upcoming changes
including the construction of the new bridge, the arrival of the Expo light-rail line, the
2028 Olympics and the increasing popularity of the Pier plus the need to work with the
Pier's businesses, businesses from the surrounding area, City staff, sponsors and other
partners including the Cultural Affairs Division, Downtown Santa Monica, Main Street
BID, Snap, Santa Monica Daily Press and Santa Monica College, the Board wishes to
move forward to provide Pier-focused, creative, interactive, cutting-edge and traditional
opportunities for all demographics, with an approach of open-mindedness to ensure that
the tradition of summer continues by re-imagining the concert series for a one-day
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transitional summer celebration, followed by a range of musical experiences in the Fall
of 2018 and beyond, especially during the off-season time periods and acknowledging
that this will require continuous evaluation as we prepare for future enhancements to
the Pier and remain committed to the legacy of the Pier as a venue for free, inclusive
cultural events.”
The event types are not yet defined but efforts would be made to be creative and Pier-
focused. The Board would look to its new Executive Director to develop the new format
that would address the City and community’s needs and goals. The Board offers this
recommendation to Council as a way to allow a celebration of summer while shifting the
tradition of community gathering and quality programming on the Pier to other, less
impacted seasons.
If council prefers the SMPC option, staff recommends additional conditions and
parameters be applied to the reimagined series to ensure the series is scaled back in
size and attendees are discouraged from locating on the beach, including:
limit the number of events to 6;
none of the 6 events may take place before Labor Day;
reduce attendance capacity;
add a no-fee ticketing system to prevent overcrowding and provide an accurate
count of expected attendees;
remove all speakers that project towards the beach;
reduce the size and prominence of the stage;
relocate the stage so it is not visible from the beach;
screen the Newcomb lot on the south side of the Pier to remove all views of the
venue from the sand,
change the day of the week the series is held;
schedule events to occur in the daytime rather than evening;
limit advertising and marketing to locally oriented media only;
book performers whose draw better aligns with a small-sized venue;
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rebrand/rename the series to reinforce the new event as smaller and locally
focused.
If the recommendations are not effective in reducing the impacts, the City would retain
the ability to shut down an event and cancel the remainder of the series based on
direction from public safety officials.
Because safety and other city supported needs for an as-yet-undefined series of events
in 2018 are unknown, staff recommends that, if Council prefers the SMPC
recommendation, that it allocate $400,000 for public safety for the 2018 events, with the
proviso that if the funds are exhausted prior to the conclusion of the series of events,
the remaining events in the series would be cancelled, regardless of funding source.
Staff propose this because the use of this amount of funding would indicate that the
events were on a similar scale as the TCS and the safety, security and environmental
concerns have not been addressed.
Cancellation of Series - The public safety, traffic congestion, and beach maintenance
concerns of the TCS, in addition to substantial and increasing costs to the City, raise
serious questions regarding whether continuation of the annual concert series is
justifiable. If such concerns cannot be adequately addressed and remedied, another
option is to cancel the TCS going forward and to look to other ways to achieve the goals
of the SMPC.
Community Engagement
The Pier Board have discussed the matter at multiple public meetings, including at a
general community meeting. In addition, the Santa Monica Pier Lessee’s Association
has also discussed the matter. Finally, the Downtown Santa Monica Inc. Board
considered the matter and took a position expressing its support for continued
community concerts at the Pier, provided the concerts are shifted later into the fall when
visitation slows and the Pier and Downtown have more capacity, rather than during the
peak summer season.
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FY 2017-18 Work Plan and Budget
The Services Agreement between the City and the SMPC, approved by Council on
July 14, 2015, requires the preparation of an annual business work plan and budget to
set forth the goals and objectives of the SMPC for the fiscal year, subject to Council
approval. In accordance with the Services Agreement, the SMPC has prepared its
FY 2017-18 work plan and budget for Council review and approval. The attached
Budget and Work Plan describe in detail the activities SMPC would perform in the
current fiscal year (Attachment A and B).
Work Plan: The SMPC’s FY 2017-18 work plan concentrates on five areas of focus:
1) Community Outreach & Recognition; 2) Sustaining Core Programming; 3)
Emergency Action Planning, 4) Pier Ambassador/Security Program, 5) Updates to the
Leasing Guidelines and preparation of Marketing, Events & Sponsorship Guidelines.
The SMPC’s Core programming would be comprised of year-round, free community
events including Front Porch Cinema Film Series, Paddleboard & Ocean Festival,
fitness activities, and arts and education events. The SMPC work plan states that the
organization will work with the City to determine mutually the future of TCS.
Budget: The SMPC’s FY 2017-18 budget estimates total revenues in the amount of
$2,485,908 and expenses in the amount of $2,479,000. Budgeted revenues include the
City’s grant funding of $728,908. Non-City funded revenues are anticipated to be
$1,757,000 generated from event deck rental, film permits, carousel rental, corporate
promotions, the Pier Shop, and programming revenues (music, film, active lifestyle,
education and arts).
The base grant from the City has increased by two percent from the previous year’s
approved budget while revenue from non-City sources is projected to increase by 20
percent, primarily as a result of anticipated increases in event deck rentals, filming,
corporate promotions, and programming revenues. Total projected income is expected
to increase by 14 percent from the previous year’s approved budget. Total expenditures
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are estimated to increase by 15 percent from the previous year and include anticipated
payments to the City in the amount of $195,000 for revenue-sharing arrangements for
the private rental of the carousel, as well as reimbursement to the City for parking fees
related to the pier deck rentals. Personnel costs, including benefits, is anticipated to be
$775,000, an eight percent increase from the prior year’s budget and reflects the
addition of one staff member. Expenditures related to programming (music, film, active
lifestyle, education and arts) is projected to be $1,210,000 and represent a projected 21
percent increase from the previous year’s budget. The programming expenses includes
the costs for the 2017 TCS season, which concluded within the Fiscal Year 2017-18
budget period.
Bylaws Amendment
Council approval is required for any amendments to the Corporation’s Bylaws. On
September 18, 2017, the SMPC Board of Directors amended Article III, Section 3 of the
Bylaws to update term limits of SMPC Directors to be consistent with Resolution No.
11034 (CCS), which establishes policies for City boards and commissions. The
resolution stipulates that Directors may serve two consecutive terms. A third term may
be served if the Director makes a written request to serve a third term, or a
Councilmember nominates a Director to a third term, and the City Council approves the
third term by a two-thirds vote.
Commission Action
The SMPC Board of Directors approved the FY 2017-18 Budget and Work plan on
October 23, 2017 and Bylaws modifications on September 18, 2017. On November 15,
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2017, the SMPC held a special meeting to solicit community input on reimagining TCS.
On November 20, 2017, the Board approved a motion to recommend council consider
an alternative proposal to the one-year hiatus (see Alternatives).
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The FY 2017-18 Adopted Budget and FY 2018-19 Budget Plan include a total of
$800,000 ($600,000 for City expenses and $200,000 to the Pier Corporation) for the
Twilight Concert Series (TCS). Actual City expenditures for the 2017 TCS exceeded the
budget by approximately $500,000. An appropriation of $500,000 will be included in the
FY 2017-18 Year-End Budget review process. Additionally, the SMPC will repay the
City $200,000 to partially offset some of the expenses for public safety.
If a hiatus for the 2018 concert series is approved, there will be savings in the City’s
operating budget which can be used to offset the overages from the past season.
Specifically, the FY 2018-19 Budget Plan would be reduced by $800,000 for City
expenses and contribution to the Pier Corporation during the FY 2018-19 Exception-
Based Budget process.
If Council approves the 2018 re-imagining as proposed by the Pier Corporation, staff
recommends Council reduce the FY 2018-19 Budget Plan from $800,000 to $400,000
for City’s public safety costs and other costs associated with the six events. This would
result in a possible savings of $400,000 from what is included in the 2018-19 Budget
Plan.
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Prepared By: Elana Buegoff, Pier Administrator
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. SMPC Budget FY2017-18 FINAL
B. SMPC 2017-18 Work Plan FINAL
C. SMPC_By-Laws_Ammended_sgnd_2017 (highlighted)
D. SMPC TCS Letter to Council
E. January 17, 2014 Staff Report
F. March 28, 2017 Staff Report
G. Written Comment
H. Powerpoint
Santa Monica Pier Corporation Annual Budget
FY2017/2018
Approved Budget Actual Budget Proposed
FY2016/2017 as of June 30 2017 FY2017/2018
Income
City Funding $713,217 $713,217 $728,908
Facilities - Event Deck Rental $250,000 $430,183 $375,000
Facilities - Film Permits $115,000 $170,917 $150,000
Facilities - Merry Go-Round Rental $100,000 $80,427 $100,000
Facilities - Corporate Promotions $30,000 $100,500 $100,000
Facilities - Pier Shop $24,000 $15,816 $24,000
Programming - Community Outreach $3,000
Programming - Music $690,000 $735,232 $705,000
Programming - Film $75,000 $84,083 $85,000
Programming - Active Lifestyle $150,000 $127,836 $160,000
Programming - Education $30,000 $24,586 $45,000
Programming - Arts $10,000
Total Income $2,177,217 $2,482,796 $2,485,908
Expenses
Facilities - City Refund - Merry Go-Round $38,500 $41,119 $45,000
Facilities - City Refund - Pier Deck $115,000 $227,707 $150,000
Facilities - Staffing, Security & Supplies $70,000 $41,768 $50,000
Facilities - Pier Shop Ongoing Expenses $23,000 $22,306 $24,000
People - Wages & Salaries $575,000 $582,393 $625,000
People - Benefits $143,000 $136,263 $150,000
People - Office Supplies, Services, Audit, Insurance, Legal $80,000 $61,175 $90,000
Marketing - Outreach, PR, Advertising $50,000 $14,742 $50,000
Programming - Community Outreach $10,000
Programming - Music $690,000 $898,619 $900,000
Programming - Film $80,000 $82,349 $85,000
Programming - Active Lifestyle $150,000 $150,709 $160,000
Programming - Education $43,000 $38,881 $45,000
Programming - Arts $40,000 $7,490 $10,000
Planning Contingency $50,000 $14,250 $85,000
Total Expense $2,147,500 $2,319,771 $2,479,000
Net Income $29,717 $163,025 $6,908
Santa Monica Pier Corporation
2017-2018 Work Plan
Goal of the SMPC
To elevate the visitor experience of the Pier for all audiences.
Goal of the 2017-2018 Work Plan
Fiscal year 2016-17 was marked by an increase in visitors and corresponding
impacts. Annual programming enjoyed great success both in Pier Corporation-
produced and outside rental events enjoying record numbers. Of concern, though,
was the enormous popularity of the iconic Twilight Concert Series and its impact on
public safety staffing and budget. Public safety concerns were also elevated by
weather and the national and international tragedies.
As an organization, the Pier Corporation entered a transition phase with the
departure of Executive Director Jay Farrand prior to completion of the 2017-2018
work plan and annual budget. The Pier Corporation has continued forward under
Interim Executive Director Jim Harris while the Board conducted a search for the
next Executive Director.
Fiscal year 2017-2018 will see a dedicated focus on the safety and well-being of
both those who work on and those who visit the Pier through update of the
Emergency Action Plan and development of a Pier Ambassador/Security Program.
The recent addition of Pier business lease approvals by the SMPC Board of Directors
necessitates certain updates to the Leasing Guidelines. Additionally, the Marketing,
Events and Sponsorship Guidelines need to be revised and resubmitted to City Staff
for approval. Increased attention will be directed toward relations with the local
community through outreach, recognition and prospective added programming
while popular traditional programming continues.
Areas of Focus
1. Community Outreach and Recognition
2. Sustaining Core Programming and Activities
3. Emergency Action Plan and Related Safety Improvements
4. Pier Ambassador Program
5. Updates to Leasing Guidelines and Marketing, Events and Sponsorship
Guidelines
Community Outreach and Recognition
The Pier belongs, first and foremost, to the local community, yet public perception
remains that the Pier is primarily a tourist attraction. The Pier Corporation will
direct specific focus upon local community outreach including increased
participation in community events and the establishment of programs directed
specifically at attracting locals, including a program that recognizes and rewards
contributions to the Pier’s success.
Sustaining Core Programming and Activities
1. Music: Twilight Concert Series (34th year): The Pier Corporation will work
with City Staff to mutually determine the future of this iconic event.
2. Film: Front Porch Cinema (6th year): The increasingly popular outdoor movie
series will continue to be the Pier’s autumn event.
3. Active Lifestyle: Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival (8th year) & ROGA (5th
year): The Pier’s annual paddleboard race ties together the pier, beach and
ocean in ways that no other event can, and ROGA continues to provide
participants with one of the most unique fitness events on the west side.
4. Education: STEAM Machines (4th year), Wake Up with the Waves (11th year)
and “Save the Pier!” play (3rd year)
5. Arts: LA Opera (5th year?) and our craft & culinary arts events Odd Market
(2nd year), Smorgasburg (2nd year) and Off the Hook (1st year): Building on
the success of these recently established Pier events, with added emphasis on
the inclusion of Pier business tenants into each program. Staff is also
currently working with the City’s Cultural Affairs Department on two art
activations with the intent on developing more in the future.
6. Event deck rentals, Merry Go-Round party rentals, commercial filming &
photography, promotional activations, street performer lottery management,
historical tours and Pier Sign trademark management ongoing
Emergency Action Plan and Related Safety Improvements
Recent local weather events, threats of potential violence and national/international
tragedies have raised awareness that the Pier’s Emergency Action Plan needs to be
updated. The Pier Corporation will collaborate with the City’s Office of Pier
Management and Office of Emergency Management to update the existing
Emergency Action Plan, coordinate regular drills (annual or semi-annual) and
advocate for a the speedy implementation of a new Pier-wide public address system
and other safety improvements that might be identified.
Pier Ambassador/Security Program
The Pier has recently experienced an influx of theft, vandalism and petty crimes, all
of which are very damaging to the Pier visitor experience. Recognizing the success
of the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) ambassador program, the Pier
Corporation will work with the Santa Monica Pier Lessees Association and Office of
Pier Management to establish a Pier-specific ambassador or security program.
Possible options could include partnership with DTSM and/or creation of a Pier BID.
Leasing Guidelines and Marketing, Events and Sponsorship Guidelines
With the recent delegation of lease approvals granted to the Pier Corporation, the
existing Pier Leasing Guidelines need to be updated to reflect the organization’s new
role. Additionally the Marketing, Events and Sponsorship Guidelines need to be
revised and resubmitted for City approval.
Santa Monica Pier Corporation 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401
December 1, 2017
To: Santa Monica Mayor Winterer and City Council Members
CC: City Manager’s’ Office
From: Santa Monica Pier Corporation Board of Directors
Re: 2018 Twilight Concert Series
The Pier Corporation Board of Directors thanks the City of Santa Monica for
supporting the Twilight Concert Series (TCS) – a free event that has provided unique
and memorable experiences for many of our residents and visitors for the past
thirty-three years. We acknowledge and share the concerns related to Public Safety
and the increasing cost associated with this popular free event. The board and staff
of the Pier Corporation remain deeply committed to work in collaboration with city
staff and the many TCS partners to find resolution to these challenges quickly. Our
desire is to ensure the continuance of free programming concentrated on the pier
deck in an efficient, safe and community-friendly environment.
For several years the Pier Corporation staff and the Pier Board’s TCS Study Group
have been meeting with City staff to continually assess the benefits and challenges
of providing large-scale events in and around the Pier. Changes have consequently
been made to the TCS to address specific concerns. These changes include removing
the jumbotron facing the beach, repositioning the stage, reducing the number of
concerts and moving the series to earlier in the summer. In spite of these changes,
City staff has raised concerns that have resulted in a request from the City Manager
to take a hiatus for the 2018 season and work to reimagine and rescale the event in
subsequent years.
During its Special Meeting on November 15, 2017, the Board received extensive
public comment expressing how the free concerts have become a vital part of Santa
Monica’s sense of community and stressing the importance this event holds for
those who reside here. The Pier Corporation understands the delicate balance
between the responsibilities associated with providing a safe venue and maintaining
what has become the area’s most treasured tradition. Consequently, the Board is
committed to finding and fostering that balance for 2018 and beyond.
Santa Monica Pier Corporation 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401
During its meeting on November 20, 2017, the Board agreed that safety, timing and
type of entertainment are the principal opportunities and top priorities for change,
which will require the collaboration and creativity of all TCS stakeholders, including
the Pier Corporation, City staff, Pier businesses, adjacent business districts, TCS
sponsors and community partners. Mindful of pending construction disruptions
such as the new Pier bridge as well as the increasing popularity of the Expo light-rail
line, the advent of the 2028 Olympics and the timeless popularity of the Pier in
general, the Board views this as the critical and opportune time to reimagine and
implement a new format that is responsive to this changing environment.
Based on a motion passed unanimously at its November 20th meeting and at a
subsequent meeting of the TCS Study Group with City staff, the Santa Monica Pier
Board recommends:
• Continue the tradition of year-round Pier-focused, creative, interactive,
cutting-edge and traditional opportunities for all demographics, consistent
with the attached Pier Guiding Principles approved by City Council in July
2013.
• In conjunction with our partners and with a spirit of collaboration and open-
mindedness, reimagine the TCS through innovative approaches to
programming while ensuring that beloved traditions such as “celebrating
summer” and quality musical experiences continue.
• Realize a fully reimagined and broadly supported event format for future
years that is flexible and responsive to changing conditions.
• Rescale the TCS by developing improved crowd management strategies
designed to limit the event to the Pier deck - including a procedure for
cancellation of events if projections for crowd size exceed Pier deck capacity.
• Offer a transitional series of cultural/musical experiences in 2018 - including
a one-day, summer celebration (integrated with the Pier’s existing summer
programming such as the Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival), linked
with and followed by a range of musical experiences in the fall 2018.
The Pier Corporation Board of Directors looks forward to reimagining the series by
working with City staff, partners and stakeholders to provide experiences that
honor tradition and that are safe, free and open to the public.
Attachment: Santa Monica Pier Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
From:Hunter Hall
To:Sue Himmelrich; Terry O’Day; Ted Winterer; Kevin McKeown Fwd; Pam OConnor; Gleam Davis; Tony Vazquez
Cc:Clerk Mailbox
Subject:Main Street BID Letter RE: Pier Concerts
Date:Monday, December 11, 2017 2:11:50 PM
Attachments:Pier Concert Series Letter 12.6.17.pdf
Hello City Council Members,
Please see attached regarding the Main Street BID's position on the Pier Concert Series.
Thank you.
Hunter G. HallExecutive Director
Main Street Business Improvement Association 314.323.4663
Hunter@MainStreetSM.com
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To: Santa Monica City Council
From: MSBIA Executive Director Hunter G. Hall Re: Pier Concert Series
Date: 12/6/17
Dear City Councilmembers,
The board and I are writing you today in strong support of the Pier Concert Series.
We are aware there is some concern about security, traffic congestion, and general unruliness that was generated as
a result of one of this past summers concerts, but we do not feel that reflects the concert series as a whole.
These concerts are a vital part of the community and drive much needed revenue to the businesses of Ocean
Avenue and Main Street, not to mention the entire DTSM area. Canceling them would be a devastating blow the
The City’s businesses.
Clearly, however, some rethinking is in order, and we support that.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like further elaboration on any of the points I have
touched upon.
Sincerely,
Hunter G. Hall
Executive Director
Main Street Business Improvement District Association
314-323-4663Hunter@MainStreetSM.com
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December 9, 2017
Honorable City Council:
Twilight Concert Series
The Santa Monica Pier Lessee’s Association, representing key stakeholders on the Santa Monica Pier,
would like to support the reimagining of the Twilight Concert Series so that the Pier can remain a safe
and open place for visitors year-round. We do not believe that the Twilight Concert Series in its current
manifestation should continue on or around the Santa Monica Pier.
The Twilight Concert Series is a cherished tradition in Santa Monica going back nearly 35 years. The Pier
tenants do not wish to see the Twilight Concert Series go away, only that it be retooled to reflect both
the needs and limitations of the Pier. Changes sought include rescheduling the series to less trafficked
times of the year such as the weeks following Labor Day, a stronger focus on programming that appeals
more directly with Santa Monicans and the average Pier goer, and re-evaluating the safety and traffic
plans that route patrons onto the Pier and into the fenced area of the concert.
We would support a concert series in the fall of 2018 if safety concerns and the negative impact on Pier
businesses can be addressed. If that is not enough time to adequately address these concerns, we
would then support a hiatus next year with a return in the fall of 2019.
If the no-fee ticketing system as suggested in the staff report is adopted, we ask that ½ of the tickets are
provided to the members of the SMPLA for distribution to our local customers. This will provide a direct
ticket pipeline to locals that support the Pier on a year round basis.
Additionally, the Santa Monica Pier Lessees Association represents businesses that are directly affected
by large events on and around the Pier including these concerts. We would like to have a representative
or representatives actively involved in the planning process for future Twilight Concert Series events so
that our needs and concerns are addressed.
Pier Corporation Board Vacancies
It was the hope of the SMPLA to have a member appointed to the Pier Corp Board, but state law
precludes this. While one of our own cannot participate as a board member, after consulting with the
city attorney we are confident there are no laws barring our participation on the board working groups.
We respectfully request Council to direct the Pier Corporation board to allow a representative of the
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SMPLA to participate in all Pier Corp board working groups with the exception of leasing.
Representatives would be assigned by the SMPLA and may or may not be the same representative for all
groups.
We also feel strongly that having a dedicated SMTT member on the board is imperative for a tourism
magnet such as the Santa Monica Pier. Decisions made by the board are far reaching and impact not
only the Pier, but city-wide tourism as well.
Lastly, after careful consideration, we would like to support the appointment of the following applicants.
Misti Kerns – We support Misti for the dedicated SMTT position. Her input and knowledge of the
tourism industry, both the advantages and challenges, has been invaluable. We are excited and
appreciative at her willingness to remain on the board and to continue to help guide the Pier as it
navigates the future.
David Newberg – The SMPLA appreciates and understands the challenges our neighbors face due to the
success of the Pier. We feel it is important they have a voice at the table and we feel that David can be
an effective voice, while also contributing knowledge garnered in his many years of working with Santa
Monica businesses and most especially non-profits. As the City examines its overall financial situation,
David’s financial acumen will be a valuable asset to the Pier.
Nicholas Rolston – Nicholas’ extensive career in Experiential Marketing will help guide us as the Pier
seeks new revenue streams to support our local programming. Experiential Marketing also provides us
with the ability to enhance the Pier visitor experience in a personal way and we see him as someone
who understands the importance of this type of experience for the Pier. His reputation as a problem
solver will serve us well, especially since it is combined with the heart and soul of a native Santa
Monican.
Jeffrey Jarow – Jeff’s long-time commitment to Santa Monica is well known throughout the City and he
brings mountains of passion and commitment to every board or commission he has sat on. He keeps his
finger on the pulse of the business community in Santa Monica, often going the extra mile to help
wherever and whenever he can. Jeff’s enthusiasm and passion will contribute to our position in the
local community, especially when coupled with his extensive knowledge of Santa Monica and the people
and businesses that inhabit it.
Thank you for your consideration on the above and we are happy to respond to any questions you may
have.
Kind Regards,
The Santa Monica Pier Lessees Association
Pres. Chris Volaski, Sec. Cindy Pfeifer
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From:Andrew Hoyer
To:Sue Himmelrich; Rick Cole; Council Mailbox; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Pam OConnor; Terry O’Day; GleamDavis; Tony Vazquez; Ted Winterer; Clerk Mailbox
Cc:Ellen Hannan; Catherine Eldridge; Stacy Dalgleish; Nick Boles; Diane Citron; William Hamilton; Ken and Silvana
Blum; Ellen Brennan; Ellen Brennan
Subject:December 12, 2017 CC Agenda Item #8A
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 11:54:16 AM
Council Members,
I am glad to hear that the Pier Corporation has finally decided to give
our beachfront community a break from the aural assaults of the last few
years. They promised to do something about the size of the crowds that they
were attracting and they promised to remove the speakers that were pointed
at the beach that generated them. For the last few years they have done
neither. It is definitely time for a hiatus from these wildly popular events.
I do support the idea of these musical events returning in the future
but only if they keep true to their promise to remove the speakers that are
pointed at the beach. These speakers have caused two problems: they have
in and of themselves generated the enormous crowds that strain our city
emergency staff and the budget that supports them; and they have made it
practically impossible for the residents of the ocean front properties to listen
to their own televisions during the concerts. Let's hope that the new
members of the Pier Corporation that you will be appointing tonight can
figure out how to still have these events for lesser known local artists without
creating a safety hazard and headaches for our residents (your constituents).
Thank you,
Andrew Hoyer
SMMCN Board Vice President & Govt Affairs Officer
There is only one moment in time when it is essential to awaken. That moment
is now.
- Buddha
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From:Council Mailbox
To:Ted Winterer; Gleam Davis; Pam OConnor; Sue Himmelrich; Terry O’Day; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; TonyVazquez
Cc:Rick Cole; Katie E. Lichtig; Andy Agle; councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: In support of continuing the Twilight Dance Series
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 1:21:38 PM
Council-
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Jodi Summers [mailto:jodiknew@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2017 2:35 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: In support of continuing the Twilight Dance Series
Hello esteemed Council,
I am writing to support the continuation of the Twilight Dance Series on the Pier for the for the 2018
season and for every year into the foreseeable future. We understand that some changes need to be
made to minimize the crowd chaos, so please accept these suggestions:
1. There has been talk of moving the concerts to the fall shoulder, but how about the spring
shoulder in order to promote repeat visitors? If people have a good time at a Pier performance,
they’re more likely to return to downtown Santa Monica in the summer than they are in the winter.
2. How about using artist that skew to the demographic that's supposed to be shopping at the
Promenade? That may prove to boost to vendor revenues. For example, the Santa Monica
Symphony. The demographic may influence sales in the area.
3. How about some breakouts to statistics on how the concerts impact sales along the pier in the
Promenade District? If we start monetizing our events their success will become more apparent.
4. Perhaps the city should think of hiring a financial analytics person to confirm that city funded
events and festivities make financial sense.
Thank you for your time and attention to my opinions. I am proud to be a resident of Santa Monica.
Jodi Summers
**
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be
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plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. - President Calvin Coolidge
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From:Council Mailbox
To:Ted Winterer; Gleam Davis; Pam OConnor; Sue Himmelrich; Terry O’Day; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; TonyVazquez
Cc:councilmtgitems; Katie E. Lichtig; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Item 8 A - Twilight Concert Series
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 1:19:56 PM
Council-
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Cindy Bendat [mailto:cbendat@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2017 10:33 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>; Rick Cole <Rick.Cole@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Item 8 A - Twilight Concert Series
Dear City Council:
I read with dismay this morning that there is a possibility of NO SUMMER CONCERTS for
2018?? I do not support a hiatus nor do I support the alternative SMPC proposal. And I saythis as a 27 year resident and homeowner in Santa Monica, and as someone who served more
than 8 years on the Pier Board.
Without question, my most cherished Santa Monica memories are of the Twilight ConcertSeries: Patti Smith, Los Lobos, Jimmy Cliff, and others. Magical nights with great music,
ocean breezes, and the stars above. Beautiful.
Yes, the Concert Series is successful. But that is NOT a reason to destroy it or stop it. Itneeds to be managed and managed well.
The good news is that there is ONE MAIN ENTRANCE to the Pier at the top of Ocean
Avenue (and some small stairways), and so the number of people admitted to the Pier can becontrolled. There are also already great security measures in place.
Over time, what has been created is a venue where hundreds of people have a wonderful time
and create lifetime memories.
Please do not destroy or stop the summer concert series. I know that one member of the ArtsCommission has been on a rampage to shut down the Pier Concert Series. How sad! The Arts
Commission should be in the business of promoting and growing the arts, not destroying thearts. And as I write this, I am thinking of the Arts Commission's role in Chain Reaction too...
I hope some of you feel the same way as I do about the Twilight Concert Series, and that you
recognize the incredible strength and joy of these great and iconic summer concerts in SantaMonica. Please find another solution.
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Thank you.
Cindy Bendat
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Ted Winterer; Tony Vazquez; Terry O’Day; Pam OConnor; Gleam Davis
Cc:councilmtgitems; Katie E. Lichtig; Rick Cole; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: City Council
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:29:59 PM
Council –
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Best,
Estefania
From: Jon Scott [mailto:jonpaulscott@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:18 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: City Council
I am support of the Twilight Dance Series. It would be a terrible shame if we lost it
Jon Scott
5352 Norwich AveSherman Oaks, ca 91411
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Ted Winterer; Tony Vazquez; Terry O’Day; Pam OConnor; Gleam Davis
Cc:councilmtgitems; Katie E. Lichtig; Rick Cole; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: support
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:32:35 PM
Council –
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Best,
Estefania
From: Andy Gould [mailto:agould@spectaclegroup.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:21 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: support
I am writing to you in support of The Santa Monica Pier Twilight dance/ Concert series, as a music lover and
a lover of the Santa Monica pier I urge you to keep the music playing, I think in these ever changing and
some what troubling times listening and watching great music with the backdrop of the pier and the ocean
gives us all a retreat from our stressful lives, don’t let this be another blow for the Arts they need all the
help they can get. Thank you in advance
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Ted Winterer; Tony Vazquez; Terry O’Day; Pam OConnor; Gleam Davis
Cc:councilmtgitems; Katie E. Lichtig; Rick Cole; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Twilight Dance Series
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:24:12 PM
Council –
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Best,
Estefania
From: Mike Gormley [mailto:mg@lapdev.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 3:51 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Twilight Dance Series
Please keep the Twilight Dance Series going. It is part of the
fabric and appeal of Santa Monica to people all over.
thank you.
Mike Gormley
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Ted Winterer; Tony Vazquez; Terry O’Day; Pam OConnor; Gleam Davis
Cc:Andy Agle; Rick Cole; Katie E. Lichtig; councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Twilight Dance Series
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:35:38 PM
Council --
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Thank you,Estefania
-----Original Message-----From: Hugo Burnham [mailto:hugenjolly@mac.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:22 PMTo: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>Subject: Twilight Dance Series
Councillors:
I wish to declare my aggressive support for the Series on Santa Monica Pier. It is a great benefit to the community,not least to all the kids who get to go and see so many different types of artist - some they know, and some only theirparents and grandparents (like me) would know. But everybody gets the chance to go together. To listne, watch, andlearn. And dance!
Santa Monica would be a poorer community, a less vibrant and exciting city without this fantastic series of summerconcerts.
Sincerely,
Hugo Burnham
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Ted Winterer; Tony Vazquez; Terry O’Day; Pam OConnor; Gleam Davis
Cc:Rick Cole; Katie E. Lichtig; Andy Agle; councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Julie Hochman 614-306-4871 jhochman26@gmail.com
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:28:02 PM
Council –
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Best,
Estefania
From: Julie Hochman [mailto:jhochman26@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 3:43 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Julie Hochman 614-306-4871 jhochman26@gmail.com
This is a plea to please continue the Twilight Dance series on the Santa Monica Pier. Pleasedo not vote to shut down this series. Julie Hochman614-306-4871jhochman26@gmail.com
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: santa monica --concerts
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:35:49 PM
From: Estefania Zavala On Behalf Of Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:26 PM
To: Councilmember Kevin McKeown <Kevin.McKeown@SMGOV.NET>; Ted Winterer
<Ted.Winterer@SMGOV.NET>; Tony Vazquez <Tony.Vazquez@SMGOV.NET>; Terry O’Day
<Terry.Oday@smgov.net>; Pam OConnor <Pam.OConnor@SMGOV.NET>; Gleam Davis
<Gleam.Davis@SMGOV.NET>
Cc: Katie E. Lichtig <Katie.Lichtig@SMGOV.NET>; Rick Cole <Rick.Cole@SMGOV.NET>; Andy Agle
<Andy.Agle@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: FW: santa monica --concerts
Council –
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Best,
Estefania
From: Mike Lembo [mailto:mike@mikesmanagement.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:06 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: santa monica --concerts
Dear sirs
This is a great event and only help the people of la and Santa Monica
Please keep it going
Michael J. Lembo, Jr.
Mike’s Artist Management / Funzalo Records / Funzalo Music LTD.
P.O. Box 571567
Tarzana, CA 91357
ph: (818) 578-8599
fax: (818) 578-5822
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www.mikesmanagement.com & www.funzalorecords.com
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: santa monica --concerts
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:35:38 PM
From: Estefania Zavala On Behalf Of Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:26 PM
To: Councilmember Kevin McKeown <Kevin.McKeown@SMGOV.NET>; Ted Winterer
<Ted.Winterer@SMGOV.NET>; Tony Vazquez <Tony.Vazquez@SMGOV.NET>; Terry O’Day
<Terry.Oday@smgov.net>; Pam OConnor <Pam.OConnor@SMGOV.NET>; Gleam Davis
<Gleam.Davis@SMGOV.NET>
Cc: Katie E. Lichtig <Katie.Lichtig@SMGOV.NET>; Rick Cole <Rick.Cole@SMGOV.NET>; Andy Agle
<Andy.Agle@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: FW: santa monica --concerts
Council –
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Best,
Estefania
From: Mike Lembo [mailto:mike@mikesmanagement.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:06 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: santa monica --concerts
Dear sirs
This is a great event and only help the people of la and Santa Monica
Please keep it going
Michael J. Lembo, Jr.
Mike’s Artist Management / Funzalo Records / Funzalo Music LTD.
P.O. Box 571567
Tarzana, CA 91357
ph: (818) 578-8599
fax: (818) 578-5822
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www.mikesmanagement.com & www.funzalorecords.com
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Twilight Dance Series
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:35:47 PM
From: Estefania Zavala On Behalf Of Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:27 PM
To: Councilmember Kevin McKeown <Kevin.McKeown@SMGOV.NET>; Ted Winterer
<Ted.Winterer@SMGOV.NET>; Tony Vazquez <Tony.Vazquez@SMGOV.NET>; Terry O’Day
<Terry.Oday@smgov.net>; Pam OConnor <Pam.OConnor@SMGOV.NET>; Gleam Davis
<Gleam.Davis@SMGOV.NET>
Cc: Andy Agle <Andy.Agle@SMGOV.NET>; Rick Cole <Rick.Cole@SMGOV.NET>; Katie E. Lichtig
<Katie.Lichtig@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: FW: Twilight Dance Series
Council –
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Best,
Estefania
From: Sophie Lewis [mailto:sophieglewis@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 3:45 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Twilight Dance Series
To Whom It May Concern, As a resident of Santa Monica, I would be so sad to have the Twilight Dance Series end. Theyare an integral part of the summer and show Santa Monica as an inclusive and welcomingcity. I hope that you will please consider how much joy (and revenue) these concerts bring to SantaMonica. For one night a month during the summer, we can handle the traffic, etc. that comes into SantaMonica. Please consider voting to keep these! Thank you, Sophie Lewis
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From:Estefania Zavala
To:Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Ted Winterer; Tony Vazquez; Terry O’Day; Pam OConnor; Gleam Davis
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Rick Cole; Katie E. Lichtig
Subject:FW: Twilight Dance Series.......TOO SUCCESSFUL
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2017 4:30:08 PM
Council—
Please see the email below regarding the Twilight Concert Series.
Best,
Estefania
From: Mike Bone [mailto:mikebone9@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 3:25 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Twilight Dance Series.......TOO SUCCESSFUL
Too successful,
To me that is like being too rich or too thin. It is not reality.
The Twilight Dance Series is part of the “special sauce” that makes Santa Monica……SantaMonica. I have attended these concerts over the years and seen Patti Smith, Eric Burdon,Mavis Staples, Dr. John and many, many more.
I LOVE the TDS!
Keep this concert series as is. It brings money and people into Santa Monica. It makes thecity a more desirable place.
(I can not be at the City Council meeting tonight as I have another concert to attend!)
Let’s keep on dancing on the Pier.
Mike Bone
mikebone9@gmail.com
mobile 310 795 3231
“Neglected opportunities do not, as a rule, return.”
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Twilight Concert Series,
Pier Corporation Budget,
Work Plan, and Bylaws
December 12, 2017
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
Requested Actions
Provide direction regarding the Twilight Concert Series (TCS),
Approve the Santa Monica Pier Corporation FY 2017-18 Budget and
Work Plan, and
Approve modifications to the Santa Monica Pier Corporation Bylaws.
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
Twilight Concert Series
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
Concerns
•Capacity: 4,300
•Attendance: 5,000 to 25,ooo+
•Issues:
o Public safety
o Impacts on adjacent residents
and businesses
o Beach clean up
o Escalating costs
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
Concerns
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
Concerns
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
Options
•Staff Recommended: One year hiatus.
•Pier Corporation Recommended: No hiatus in favor of reimagined series -
shifted towards the fall with one event held in summer.
•Other option: Cancel Series
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
Recommendations following a hiatus
Scale back events/series to control capacity, complaints and costs:
•Shift events away from peak summer season –no events before Labor
Day;
•Rebrand to reinforce event/s as smaller and locally focused;
•Remove speakers that project towards the beach;
•Relocate stage so it is not visible from the beach;
•Limit advertising to locally oriented media;
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
Recommendations
•Limit number of events in series;
•Add a no-fee ticketing system –better gauge of expected number of
attendees;
•Schedule events during the daytime rather than evening;
•Change day of the week events are held.
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier
City of Santa Monica | Santa Monica Pier