By Jorge Casuso

September 6, 2023 -- A monthly poll of Santa Monica residents shows overwhelming opposition to early morning protests by the hotel workers union and lukewarm support for settling and seven-year-long voting rights lawsuit.

The poll of some 140 "civically engaged residents" taken between August 30 to September 5 also shows near unanimous support for implementing a stricter policy to keep violent homeless offenders off the streets.

The poll asked residents to weigh in on "noisy protests" staged by Unite HERE Local 11 "reported as early as 5:30 a.m." in areas with a high concentration of residents.

Asked if the union should be allowed to protest that early, 80 percent of respondents said no, 16 percent said yes, while 4 percent were not sure.

The poll noted that Beverly Hills "is even suing the union for the loud, early morning noise" ("Protesting Noise -- A Tale of Two Cities," August 16, 2023).

The poll also gauged what residents thought of an LA-County/Santa Monica program that "allows individuals to avoid jail time if they self-report as homeless, or experiencing other mental health or
substance abuse issues."

Ninety percent of respondents said they believe a stricter policy should be in place, 8 percent opposed a stricter policy and 2 percent weren't sure.

The poll noted that "several crimes in the city have been perpetrated by individuals who have avoided jail time for previous offences" ("Man Arrested for Attacking Councilmember Part of Legal Revolving Door, Police Say," August 7, 2023).

In addition the poll asked whether the City should fight or settle a voting rights lawsuit after the California Supreme Court dealt a serious blow to the City's case.

Two weeks ago the Court reversed an Appeals Court ruling that had found Santa Monica's at-large election system did not discriminate against Latino voters ("Supreme Court Reverses Voting Rights Ruling," August 24, 2023).

A majority of respondents -- 55 percent -- said the City should settle the case, 25 percent said it should continue to fight the lawsuit, while 20 percent were not sure.

As with previous polls, the latest Santa Monica Pulse poll was sent to nearly 1,000 residents who "previously opted in to receive more information on education efforts surrounding crime and safety in their city." It had a 14 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.