A new poll conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies shows Californians have grown increasingly dissatisfied with qualify of life in the Golden State. More than half of registered voters (54%) now believe California is on the wrong track. Their pessimism is driven primarily by concerns over homelessness and public safety, with large majorities saying crime in their neighborhood is on the rise.
A whopping 66% say Gov. Gavin Newsom is doing a poor or very poor job on homelessness. 51% say he is doing a poor or very poor job on crime. And 59% of voters now want Proposition 47 changed to prosecute more misdemeanors as felonies.
The governor’s approval rating stands at 48% of registered voters, a 16-point decline since September when he defeated the recall. In addition to crime and homelessness, Newsom’s ratings are underwater on drought management, the budget, and education. Newsom receives excellent or good marks in just two categories – coronavirus and climate change.
Californians’ opinions of the president and congress are also down. Joe Biden is at 47% approve, 48% disapprove.
Despite rising concerns over crime and homelessness, nearly three-quarters of Angelenos say Los Angeles is one of the best places to live. Rep. Karen Bass is the favorite to replace Eric Garcetti as mayor.
Read more results from the survey here.