July 29, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Homophobic Comments Lead to Termination of Downtown Security Contract

Two Months Ago, City Council Approved DTMS’ Contract for Additional Security

By Zach Armstrong

Concerns over homophobic comments have led to the termination of a $1.7 million private security service contract for Santa Monica’s downtown area. 

Private security firm Covered 6 terminated its agreement with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. after anti-LGBT statements from an alleged employee of the Moorpark, CA-based safety firm came to light, a source told Santa Monica Mirror. 

About two months ago, the City Council approved a proposal by DTSM to contract Covered 6 for additional security and clean up services downtown in the form of a year-long pilot program. The funding was set to come mainly through reductions to DTSM’s ambassador services with the rest coming from DTSM’s budget toward supplemental private security services. 

The decision came months after the DTSM Board of Directors appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to recommend changes to its budget for enhanced safety.  On May 3, the committee recommended allocating as much as $1.7 million from its budget toward supplemental private security services.

In July, Santa Monica Mirror asked readers if they approved of the private contract with Covered 6. Our results were as follows:

Yes, it is what is needed to keep the local community safe – 58.67%
Yes, but preferably that money wouldn’t have gone to a private contract – 10.67%
No, upgraded security is the last thing we need – 5.33%
No, that money should have been spent on the City hiring officers themselves – 25.33%

in Hard, News
Related Posts

Council to Weigh Next Steps in Justice Case on Land Seized from Black Entrepreneur

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

The Ebony Beach Club case has become a focal point of Santa Monica’s growing reparative justice efforts The Santa Monica...

Malibu Teen to Paddle 21 Miles for Ocean Cleanup Following Pali Fire

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

His 21-mile prone paddle will trace the coastline from Malibu through Palisades A Malibu high school student and avid surfer...

14-Unit Apartment Complex on Sawtelle Blvd. Lists for $3.25M After Price Cut

July 27, 2025

July 27, 2025

Plans have been approved to convert an existing laundry room into a 536-square-foot accessory dwelling unit  A 14-unit apartment complex...

(Video) A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles

July 27, 2025

July 27, 2025

For More Information, Go to Aplustree.com A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles For More...

The Third Place Reinvented: Why Kavahana Is Becoming LA’s New Favorite Hangout Spot

July 27, 2025

July 27, 2025

In a city full of coffee shops that close too early and bars that don’t cater to the sober (or...

Avocet Playa Vista: Your New Luxury Retirement Experience

July 27, 2025

July 27, 2025

A wealth of high-end amenities, gourmet cuisine, mind-body programs and stimulating cultural events, centered around a luxury lifestyle retirement experience...

Yacht Crashes Into Seawall at Marina del Rey’s Fisherman’s Village

July 27, 2025

July 27, 2025

Witnesses at nearby restaurants watched as the mid-size yacht collided A yacht crashed into a seawall at Fisherman’s Village in...

LAPD to Conduct DUI Checkpoints Across City This Weekend

July 26, 2025

July 26, 2025

LAPD officials said checkpoint locations are chosen based on areas with high numbers of DUI-related crashes and arrests The Los...

Sunset Jazz & Pizza Series Returns to The Lobster

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The series blends jazz from a three-piece house band with handcrafted pizzas and $5 Open Brewing beers  The Lobster’s popular...

Measles Case Confirmed in LA, Officials Urge Vaccination

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Investigators are working to identify potential exposures and assess the risk to others Health officials have confirmed a case of...

Herbie Hancock to Headline Hollywood Bowl in August

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Known for his decades-spanning career, Hancock is one of jazz’s forward-thinking voices Jazz legend Herbie Hancock is set to return...

LAHSA Appoints New Interim CEO Amid System Transitions

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The agency is navigating uncertainty following the county’s decision to create a separate homelessness department and shifting federal policy priorities...

Premiere of ‘All These Women’ Coming to Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

Set in 1913, the play dramatizes the uphill struggle for the right to vote as women across the United States...

Santa Monica City Attorney to Step Down, Take New Public Role in California

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

City Council will discuss hiring a replacement at its July 29 meeting Santa Monica City Attorney Doug Sloan has announced...

TODAY: Venice Artbeat Celebrates Community and Supports Local Causes

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

The event offers live music, dance performances, live art, food, and storytelling Venice Artbeat, a community-focused festival, takes place on...