Promenade’s Digital Future | Venice Beach News

Venice Beach News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 10, 2026 · 2m

Santa Monica’s beloved Third Street Promenade, once ad-free and full of charm, is now facing a big decision: embrace digital billboards to revitalize downtown or risk losing its soul. While the city sees potential revenue and foot traffic, critics warn that ads could overshadow the very experiences that made the Promenade special. A controversial proposal for a massive LED screen on a historic building highlights deeper issues — including a conflicted review process where the decision-maker stands to profit. As the city weighs cash against character, the real question is: what do we value…