The City Council recently approved updates to the City’s zoning rules that will ease restrictions for businesses, including allowing animated signs and game arcades in Downtown Santa Monica. The goal is to aid ongoing recovery from the coronavirus shutdown. In our latest Santa Monica Pulse poll, we asked residents if they believed easing these restrictions would help revitalize Downtown businesses. 44 percent said yes, while another 32 percent said no. about 23 percent were undecided.

The City Council also voted to endorse Proposition 36—a statewide measure that cracks down on repeat offenders. Supporters believe the measure would stop the “revolving door” for drug and retail-related crimes. Critics argue it could increase incarceration rates for marginalized communities. When asked whether they support Prop 36, an overwhelming majority (90 percent) said they supported it. Only eight percent said they opposed it. Only one percent were unsure.

Finally, we asked residents about their voting habits this Election Day. 60 percent said they had or would vote by mail. 36 percent said they would vote in person, and less than three percent said they wouldn’t vote at all.