The new rules expand Santa Monica's 2001 worker recall law, originally adopted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, to cover hotels on city-owned property and pier hospitality businesses. Ahaus said his company submitted a letter of intent in July 2025 and received approval from the Santa Monica Pier Corporation in October. "California Roadhouse, Inc. believes that a vested right to complete our improvements in 256 Santa Monica Pier exists," Ahaus wrote. Negrete, the lone dissenting vote, criticized the ordinance as "completely anti-business" and "anti-resident," arguing it would discourage businesses from operating in Santa Monica. “UNITE HERE Local 11 is heavily involved in Santa Monica elections — through endorsements, campaign spending, and paid political organizing.