In this month’s Santa Monica Pulse Poll, we asked residents to assess the job approval of Santa Monica’s current City Council. Four new council members – a majority – were elected in last year’s election. Overall, 87.32 percent of respondents identified themselves as being either very or somewhat unsatisfied with the city council’s performance since its most recent elections. Only 6.72 percent identified themselves as being very or somewhat satisfied, and 5.97 percent had no opinion. 

We also asked respondents their opinion on the resignation of Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista. Batista announced his resignation on August 22, in a letter where he touted the achievements of his department under is tenure, including a drop in Part I crime (murder, rape, etc.). Batista also suggested that his approach to policing was “at odds” with Santa Monica’s “new administration.” 54.48 percent of respondents felt that Batista’s resignation would worsen public safety, and 11.19 percent said it would improve public safety. 24.63 percent said it would make no difference and 9.7 percent had no opinion. 

Finally, we polled respondents on their opinion of SB 79, which is currently under consideration at the California State Legislature. SB 79 would allow the building of 4-9 story multifamily housing units (i.e. apartment buildings) near transit stations, overriding local zoning ordinances if they prevent this. The bill is opposed by 131 California cities and supported by five (including Santa Monica). 

86.57 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat oppose the legislation, while just 8.95 percent strongly or somewhat support the bill. 4.48 percent had no opinion.