SANTA MONICA — After the fifth night of protests and riots across America in response to the murder of George Floyd, Santa Monica Interim City Manager Lane Dilg released a statement on May 31 commenting on the protests and providing warnings for the future.
“In the City of Santa Monica, our hearts break with those of our larger community. We need healing, which will require deep and lasting change,” Dilg said.
Following the city of Los Angeles, on May 30 Santa Monica issued a citywide curfew from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. on the 31 in order to “ensure the public’s safety.” The Santa Monica Police Department was present throughout the night, but Santa Monica remained mostly peaceful.
SMPD responded to one commercial burglary and one broken window of a business. No arrests were made for curfew violators.
The statement also responds to two SMPD patrol vehicles that were vandalized in an effort to provide mutual aid in Beverly Hills and Culver City saying, “We condemn vandalism and violence in all of its forms.” No SMPD Officers were hurt.
Dilg notes that in response to the riots and protests, businesses and malls may be fortifying their stores to avoid potential damage. The situation will continue to be monitored through the SMPD, regional law enforcement partners, and the consultation of the community.
Dilg asks the community to “remain calm and safe, and that your freedom of expression remain peaceful.”
The statement reaffirms Santa Monica’s values of, “equity, inclusion, innovation, resilience, safety, and stewardship.” The statement ending with, “We will continue to move toward healing, one foot in front of the other, together.”
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