By Jorge Casuso
June 3, 2025 -- When the arts nonprofit behind the Spirit Awards announced last month that it would move the annual event out of Santa Monica, it cited "exciting renovations" slated for the Pier.
Based on a monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents, most aren't buying the Film Independent's reason for moving the popular film awards founded in Santa Monica in 1984 to Hollywood.
The monthly Santa Monica Pulse poll taken by some 140 local residents between May 20 and 23 asked respondents to choose any of three possible reasons listed that might apply or add their own responses.
The poll found that 85 percent blamed "public safety issues," including crime and homelessness, while 29 percent cited "disruptive protests and strikes at area hotels."
Twelve percent chose "increased travel costs," while 30 percent chose "other," and provided reasons why Santa Monica has become a less attractive destination.
The answers included "filthy" streets and sidewalks, "unsafe and dirty beaches," "overdevelopment and traffic," as well as an overall loss of "public trust."
"Santa Monica has lost its flair," wrote one respondent. "Santa Monica has stopped being fun," wrote another, while a third wrote that "after 30 yrs of living and loving Santa Monica I’m moving out."
Other respondents cited the city's high costs and the rise of alternative destinations that offer more affordable options.
"Santa Monica is increasingly becoming too expensive for its own good," one response noted. "Residents don’t necessarily support local business as they used to because other areas are giving them more bang for their bucks."
A few comments blamed increased parking costs and higher hotel bed taxes, as well as a “bad city attitude towards business.” Others used the opportunity to elaborate on the three choices listed in the poll.
Considered the premiere event for independent films, the Spirit Awards took place in a tent on the sand near the 85-year-old Pier bridge being rebuilt before the 2028 LA Olympics (City Prepares to Rebuild Pier Bridge," November 1, 2024).
For four decades, the awards -- which showcase films that are routinely nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars -- drew international attention to the beach city ("Santa Monica Loses Spirit Awards," May 9, 2025).
The announcement comes after the American Film Market (AFM) announced in March 2024 that it was moving to Las Vegas after 33 years in Santa Monica ("Santa Monica Loses Lucrative Film Market," March 10, 2024).
As with previous polls, the latest Pulse poll was sent via text to about 1,000 Santa Monica residents who "previously opted in to receive more information on education efforts surrounding crime and safety in their city." It had a 14 percent response rate.
Those who wish to be included in the next poll conducted monthly by the Center for Union Facts, a hotel union watchdog, should email their name and cell phone number to SaMoPulse@gmail.com.
