By Jorge Casuso

July 1, 2024 -- A poll of Santa Monica residents concerned with public safety showed overwhelming support for a large sign on the Promenade, condemned by the City Council, that warns the city is unsafe.

The monthly Santa Monica Pulse poll of some 120 residents -- taken from June 26 to 28 -- also found that a large majority of respondents does not believe Downtown "is on the right track," despite a recent influx of new investments.

In addition, a slim majority of respondents said they do not have a favorable view of the slate backed by the city's powerful tenants group, which is trying to regain control of the Council in the November 5 race for four seats.

The poll conducted by Eyes on 11, a hotel union watchdog, highlights a sense among many Santa Monica residents that the City is failing to adequately address crime, as well as anti-social behavior by homeless individuals.

Neary three-quarters of respondents -- 74 percent -- believe the sign placed by the Santa Monica Coalition on a storefront owned by co-founder John Alle should "stay up." Seventeen percent disagreed, while 9 percent were not sure.

The sign, which uses the colors of the City's logo, reads: "Santa Methica IS NOT Safe" above a black-and-white banner with City Manager David White's picture stating that he "supports the Needle & Meth Pipe Distribution program in our Parks and Public Spaces."

Last Tuesday, the Council -- which does not have the authority to remove the sign -- approved a resolution stating that "in some instances harm can come from expression that is false and/or counter to the public interest" ("Council Takes Up Promenade Sign Criticizing City," July 1, 2024).

The controversy over the sign comes as Downtown officials are touting recent real estate deals and a wave of new business openings ("Investment Downtown Signals Revitalization Underway, Officials Say"), June 21, 2024.

The poll found that 69 percent of respondents do not believe "the purchase of eight parcels on the Third Street Promenade, investments in hotel projects, and a wave of new businesses" indicate the Downtown "is on the right track."

Ten percent said Downtown Santa Monica is bouncing back, while 21 percent were not sure.

The monthly poll also found that 52 percent of respondents do not view "favorably" the slate chosen by Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (SMRR) that is also backed by the local Democratic Club, two major groups representing the city’s political establishment.

Eleven percent say they view SMRR's slate favorably, while 37 percent say they don't know and need more information.

The November 5 race for four open Council seats will determine if the City's political establishment can regain control from the Change faction that holds a 4 to 3 majority ("Major Political Establishment Groups to Field United Council Slate," June 27, 2024).

As with previous polls, the latest Pulse poll was sent via text to about 1,000 Santa Monica residents who "previously opted in to receive more information on education efforts surrounding crime and safety in their city." It had a 12 percent response rate.

Those who wish to be included in the next poll should email their name and cell phone number to SaMoPulse@gmail.com.