SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Wednesday, September 24, 2025 — A large banner displayed on a storefront along the Third Street Promenade sparked discussion Wednesday for its pointed message about City Hall and a quotation attributed to Mayor Lana Negrete. The banner references former White House adviser and Santa Monica High School alumnus Stephen Miller and features a caption criticizing a past mayoral remark about his association with the city.
Property owner and local business operator John Alle said the installation is intended to press city leaders on public-safety concerns and oversight of homeless-services funding. “We’re asking the mayor and the city manager to acknowledge that we have a problem and to stop hiding it,” Alle said, describing the city as increasingly divided and fearful. “It doesn’t cost anything to listen.”
Alle, who is active with a public-safety advocacy group, argued that nonprofit contractors should substantiate outcomes before receiving additional grants. “Show your work — show the paperwork, the ledgers, how every dollar is spent,” he said, calling for audits of grantees and tighter follow-up by the city.
Pointing to recent incidents and service calls, Alle said police and fire responses tied to homelessness continue to strain resources. He also cited his group’s privately funded travel-assistance efforts. “In the last 12 weeks we sent 26 people home — by bus, train, or plane — with family ready to receive them,” Alle said, adding that the program documents each case.
The banner also reproduces a quote attributed to the mayor regarding Miller; Alle called the remark “disrespectful” and said it exemplifies a tone from city officials that he believes undermines collaboration. “We want greater accountability. Put new spending on hold until there’s a plan and a definition of success,” he said.
Santa Monica Closeup observed the banner affixed to the building façade in the 1300 block of the Promenade. City officials and service-provider agencies were not immediately available on scene for comment during the visit.
Santa Monica Closeup will continue monitoring reactions to the display and any response from the city
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