By Jorge Casuso
October 17, 2025 -- A transitional housing program on Ocean Avenue for mentally ill homeless individuals is "strongly" opposed by Santa Monica residents, according to a monthly poll conducted last week.
The Santa Monica Pulse poll of some 180 "civically minded" residents found that 83 percent "strongly oppose" the County funded program that was paused Tuesday after stiff community push back.
The poll sent via text on October 9, three days after The Lookout first reported the story, also found that 9 percent of respondents strongly support the program "in the heart of residential and tourist areas."
Another 5 percent "somewhat" support the program, while 2 percent "somewhat" oppose it. Only 1 percent had "no opinion" about the program slated to be run from two privately owned properties at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue.
County officials did not alert residents about the program run by Venice-based St. Joseph Center that was scheduled to open this month, prompting a strong response from City officials who said they were not consulted.
On Tuesday, Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath paused the transitional housing program to "allow for more robust community engagement," after intensive lobbying by Mayor Lana Negrete and a North of Montana Association (NOMA) Zoom meeting that drew more than 300 participants.
The Pulse poll also asked residents to weigh in on Proposition 50, which asks voters to temporarily change the state’s redistricting process to redraw congressional districts that would favor Democrats.
Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they will vote no, while 32 percent will vote yes. Ten percent are undecided and 1 percent did not plan to vote.
The poll noted that supporters say the measure is "necessary to respond to recent congressional map redraws in states like Texas," while critics say it "overturns the will of California voters, who previously voted for non-partisan congressional maps drawn by an independent commission."
The latest Pulse poll also asked if residents believe the City Council's declaration of "fiscal distress" last month "will ultimately help improve the City of Santa Monica’s fiscal health."
Two-thirds said no, 7 percent said yes and 25 percent were unsure, according to the poll.
City officials said the declaration unanimously approved by the Council on September 9 does not reduce services, cut staffing, grant the City manager emergency powers or declare a fiscal emergency.
The City plans to use it as a "tool" to help implement "a citywide game plan" to help address the municipal government's dire financial straits, work with State, Federal and regulatory agencies and seek grant funding.
The latest Santa Monica Pulse poll was sent via text to some 1,140 residents who "previously opted in to receive more information on education efforts surrounding crime and safety in their city." It had a 16 percent response rate.
The poll is conducted by Eyes on 11, a hotel union watchdog. Those who wish to be included in the next poll should email their name and cell phone number to SaMoPulse@gmail.com
https://www.santamonicapulse.com/santa-monica-pulse-october-2025/