It’s been two months since the newest City Councilmembers were sworn in. In our latest Santa Monica Pulse poll, we asked residents to weigh in on the city’s progress. When asked if they felt the city was headed in the right direction, just six percent said yes. The majority (about 56 percent) said no. Another 37 percent were unsure.

Santa Monica recently declared a Local Emergency on Homelessness. The city of Los Angeles, Culver City, and Long Beach also declared similar emergencies. Los Angeles in particular — led by its new mayor — has taken an aggressive approach to clearing out homeless encampments and getting homeless individuals off the street with its “inside safe” program. 

Given Santa Monica’s continued struggle to reduce homelessness, we asked residents if they would like to see the city take a similar approach to LA. Over 80 percent of respondents said they would like to see Santa Monica take a similar approach. 11 percent were unsure, and seven percent said they would not like to see the city take the same approach. 

When it comes to COVID-19 booster shots, the city is torn on whether to boost or not to boost. Los Angeles County Health officials are urging all adults and children six months or older to get the latest booster shots. When asked if they received or planned to receive the shot, there was a tie between those who had received the most recent booster (46 percent) and those who hadn’t and don’t plan to (46 percent). Another seven percent said they haven’t received the shot yet but plan to.