Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell, Natalya Zernitskaya Begin Their Four-Year Terms
Newly-elected Santa Monica City Councilmembers Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell, and Natalya Zernitskaya were sworn in Tuesday during an installation ceremony led by City Clerk Nikima Newsome. The ceremony marked the start of their four-year terms.
The newly constituted City Council appointed Lana Negrete as mayor for a one-year term. Caroline Torosis will serve as mayor pro tem for 2025, followed by Jesse Zwick in 2026. Negrete, who was appointed to the council in 2021 and elected in 2022, brings deep ties to Santa Monica, where she was born and raised. She owns the Santa Monica Music Center and Culver City Music Center, founded Outreach Through the Arts, and serves on the National Association of Music Merchants board.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” Negrete said. “As a small business owner, I understand the unique challenges we face. I’m committed to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and families can flourish, and it is truly an honor to serve as mayor.”
The ceremony followed the December 3 certification of the 2024 General Election results by Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan.
In addition to the council swearing-in, the results for local races were certified, including the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board, Santa Monica Rent Control Board, and several local measures:
- Measure F: Updates the business license tax ordinance, exempting small businesses, reducing tax rates for retailers and restaurants, and increasing rates for corporate headquarters. The measure is expected to generate $3 million annually for essential city services.
- Measure K: Increases the Parking Facility Tax from 10% to 18%, applying only to private parking structures and lots. It is projected to raise $6.7 million annually to address traffic congestion and public safety.
- Measure PSK: An advisory measure directing at least half of Measure K revenue toward public safety and homelessness initiatives.
Newsome also administered the oaths of office for Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board Members Jennifer Smith, Jon Kean, and Maria Leon-Vazquez, as well as Rent Control Board Members Kay Ambriz and Phillis Dudick.
The council and community honored outgoing Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmembers Gleam Davis, Oscar de la Torre, and Christine Parra for their service. Davis served 15 years on the council, while Brock, de la Torre, and Parra each served four years.
Reflecting on his tenure, Brock highlighted his focus on public safety, homelessness, and the city’s parks and green spaces. “It has been the highlight of my life’s work to serve the residents of Santa Monica as their mayor,” he said. “And my work is not done. I will always champion the needs of our community and uphold the beautiful spirit of Santa Monica.”
