By Jorge Casuso
April 21, 2025 -- Santa Monica residents are divided over a new program that gives homeless individuals who commit minor crimes an alternative to jail, a monthly poll found.
The Santa Monica Pulse survey of "civically engaged" residents also found strong support for a federal investigation of homeless program funding in LA County and a nighttime curfew on the beach.
Conducted between April 14 and 16, the text message poll of some 110 residents found that about 80 percent support a new Federal task force launched to investigate potential “fraud, waste, abuse and corruption” in the County's homeless programs.
Eleven percent oppose the task force headed by Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California, while 9 percent are not sure.
The poll notes that a recent audit found $2.3 billion in homeless funding sent to LA County between June 2020 and June 2024 could not be fully accounted for.
It also noted that LA Mayor Karen Bass has said the task force will be a “complete distraction” ("New Federal Task Force to Probe Homeless Funding," April 11, 2025).
Respondents also support imposing a nighttime curfew on Santa Monica beaches to curb crimes that have included “murders, rapes, and accidental deaths.”
Nearly two-thirds, or 63 percent of respondents, said a curfew "would increase safety" on the beach, 24 percent said it wouldn't, while 13 percent are not sure.
The poll noted that the City Council "has so far stopped short" of a curfew. Earlier his month, the Council voted to explore other ways to make the beach safer at night ("Santa Monica to Explore Options to Beach Curfew," April 9, 2025).
Respondents were divided over an $8 million State-funded program that gives homeless individuals who have committed low-level crimes in the city a choice between going to jail or entering into a “personalized 90-day care coordination plan.”
Twenty-five percent of the respondents said they believe the program will reduce "crime and disorder," 26 percent said crime and disorder would increase, while 49 percent believe there will be no change.
The three-year program, which is being run out of two trailors on the Civic Auditorium lot, offers a "respite hub" where participants can eat, shower and rest for up to 72 hours while they are connected to services ("New Program Gives Homeless Offenders Alternative to Jail," April 4, 2025).
To qualify for the program, a homeless individual experiencing "substance abuse and/or mental health challenges" must have been arrested for misdemeanors, which often include illegal camping or loitering in front of a business.
As with previous polls, the latest Santa Monica Pulse poll was sent via text to some 1,000 residents who "previously opted in to receive more information on education efforts surrounding crime and safety in their city." It had an 11 percent response rate.
The poll is conducted by Eyes on 11, a hotel union watchdog. Those who wish to be included in the next poll should email their name and cell phone number to SaMoPulse@gmail.com
