By Jorge Casuso

February 8, 2024 -- A monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents found most disapproved of the City Council's performance and believe the hotel workers union has had a negative influence on the city.

The latest Santa Monica Pulse poll also found most respondents were not convinced patrolling the City's transit system with unarmed guards will reduce crime.

About 110 residents participated in the text poll, which was sent to nearly 1,000 local residents interested in "education efforts surrounding crime and safety" between January 31 and February 5.

Asked about the current Council's performance, 56 percent said they disapprove, 9 percent approve and 35 percent said they were not sure.

The results have changed little over the past eight months ("Few Approve of Council's Performance, Poll Finds," June 5, 2023).

The poll conducted between May 26 and June 2 found that 53 percent disapproved of the Council's performance, while 12 percent approved and 35 percent said they were not sure.

This month's poll also found that 59 percent of respondents believe Unite Here Local 11 has had a negative influence on Santa Monica. Sixteen percent believe the union has had a positive influence, while 26 percent were not sure.

The poll noted that the union had failed to qualify a $30 per hour living wage ballot measure and "has also been active in recent months organizing loud, early-morning protests in residential areas" ("Hotel Union Wage Measure Fails to Meet Deadline," January 29, 2024).

The poll also found that less than half -- 48 percent -- believe a new program that places unarmed security guards aboard buses and at bus stops throughout Santa Monica will reduce crime.

About one-third -- 34 percent -- don't believe it will reduce crime, while 18 percent were not sure.

Under a contract approved by the City Council last month, Good Guard Security, Inc. will provide guards to protect passengers and drivers amid a rise in crime and disturbances ("Security Guards Could Patrol Santa Monica Buses," January 19, 2024).

According to the City's Transportation Department, since 2019, Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus system has seen an increase in "passenger disturbances, assaults, code of conduct violations, and health and safety concerns."

As with previous polls, the latest Santa Monica Pulse poll was sent via text to 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.