Our latest Santa Monica Pulse poll asks residents about the latest controversies plaguing City Council.

The City Council voted to condemn a large sign posted on a Promenade storefront that reads: “Santa Methica IS NOT Safe.” Below the sign is a black-and-white banner stating City Manager David White “supports the Needle & Meth Pipe Distribution program in our Parks and Public Spaces.” Sign supporters hold it is an expression of free speech, while critics — including the City Council — claim it is misleading and harmful to efforts to redevelop the promenade. When asked if they believed the sign should stay up, 74 percent of respondents said yes. 16 percent said no, and nine percent were unsure.

Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (SMRR) — generally seen to represent the city’s political establishment — has chosen to back a slate of candidates to run for City Council in November. Their candidates need to take 3 of the 4 open seats in order to take back the majority on the Council. Currently, the “Change faction”— including Mayor Brock, Councilmember Negrete, Councilmember Parra, and Councilmember de la Torre — hold the majority on the Council. We asked residents if they had a favorable view of the SMRR-backed slate of candidates. Only 10 percent said yes. More than half (52 percent) said no and another 37 percent said they weren’t sure or needed more information.

Storefront vacancies, crime, and homelessness have all been recent hallmarks of Downtown Santa Monica. But some believe the purchase of eight parcels on the Third Street Promenade, investments in hotel projects, and a wave of new businesses show the area is bouncing back. When asked if Downtown was on the right track, only 10 percent said yes. 69 percent said no, and 20 percent were not sure.