Our latest Santa Monica Pulse poll asked residents about a recently green-lit a proposal that would speed up the approval process for housing projects in non-residential neighborhoods that meet zoning standards. Critics said the proposal would strip the public of the right to weigh in on new developments, whereas proponents said it would encourage investors. When asked if they agreed or disagreed with the Council’s decision, 82 percent said they disagreed with speeding up development. Only 14 percent agreed, and another three percent were unsure.

The Governor recent declared of a state of emergency due to rising concerns about Bird Flu. We asked residents to weigh in. On a scale of 1-5 (5 being the most concerned and 1 being the least), half (50 percent) of respondents said 1 (not worried). 20 percent said 3, or moderately worried. Only two percent gave a 5 — extreme worry.

Former Governor Jerry Brown recently said in an interview that there are “too many laws” and regulations in California, noting that both lawmakers and citizens can’t possibly stay informed and up to date on the state’s high volume of laws. We asked residents if they agreed that California has too many laws on the books. 80 percent said yes. Only four percent said California didn’t have enough laws, and 15 percent said the state had just the right amount of laws.