Tag: resignation

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, December 5, the city of Santa Monica announced in a press release that City Clerk Nikima Newsome announced this week she will resign from her position in January 2026 for a new career opportunity, after serving in the role for 2 years.

Newsome worked for the city of Santa Monica since 2019 and was appointed as city clerk in July 2024, after serving in the interim role for six months following the retirement of Denise Anderson-Warren.

During her tenure, Newsome implemented remote public comment and streamlined the public comment process for City Council meetings.

“Niki has played an important role in helping keep the city’s work moving during some very difficult moments. I appreciate the steady commitment she brought to her position and thank her for her service to Santa Monica,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “I wish her nothing but success ahead.”

The Santa Monica City Council is slated to begin discussions about the recruitment process for a new city clerk in closed session on December 9. Newsome’s last day with the city will be January 7, 2026. For more information on the City Clerk’s Office, visit www.santamonica.gov.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, July 25, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that its City Attorney, Doug Sloan resigned on Thursday, July 24. He will officially leave his post on August 31.

He has served as the city attorney since he was appointed by the Santa Monica City Council in 2022. He previously served as city attorney and assistant city attorney for the city of Fresno from 2006-2022.

“I have the deepest appreciation and respect for the current councilmembers and those who hired me three years ago. It has been a joy to work and live — on the beach! — in Santa Monica, and I’m proud of the city’s accomplishments during this time,” Sloan said. “I regret that I need to move on to fulfill my personal journey, and I wish everyone in Santa Monica the best.”

No decision has been made by the Santa Monica City Council that will appoint an interim city attorney, as well as determine a path forward for a permanent recruitment, during a closed session at the July 29 meeting.

“We thank Doug for his dedicated service to the city of Santa Monica and wish him well in his next endeavors,” said Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis. “As we onboard our new City Manager Oliver Chi and begin the city’s next chapter, we have a unique opportunity to bring in new leadership and plot a path forward in partnership with the talented team in the City Attorney’s Office.”

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica indicated in a press release on December 10, that Santa Monica City Manager David White announced Tuesday he will be leaving his position in February 2025 after more than three years with the city.

He joined the city of Santa Monica in October 2021. During his tenure as city manager, White worked with the Santa Monica City Council to establish five key priorities: Addressing Homelessness; Clean & Safe; Economic Growth & Cultural Vitality; Justice, Equity & Diversity; and Sustainable & Connected.

During his tenure, White helped with:

-Advanced bold initiatives to strengthen the approach to public safety and broadened the work to address homelessness

-Moved forward infrastructure projects that ensure Santa Monica remains a leader in sustainability and provides for a best-in-class multimodal transportation network

-Adopted new tax measures to sustain and expand services

-Adopted zoning code amendments to support the city’s economic recovery, bringing new stores to the Third Street Promenade, a revitalized hospitality sector and residential development throughout the city

-Began the years-long process for the conversion of the Santa Monica Airport site

He joined the city of Santa Monica after serving as deputy city manager in Berkeley, where he championed reimagining public safety, including a new model of civilian oversight of Berkeley’s Police Department. Before his time in Berkeley, White was the city manager of Fairfield, California and has an extensive background in finance, as well as an investment banker and having served as Fairfield’s finance director. He will be returning to the city of Berkeley to serve as deputy city manager.

By Trevor