The survey goal was to assess public understanding of violence in general and youth violence in particular. Information was obtained through telephone interviews in June 1993 with registered voters aged 18 years and older. Findings revealed Californians were fearful and concerned that violence had degraded their quality of life. One in two Californians worried about their personal safety because violence was both pervasive and random. While racial and ethnic minorities were more likely to be victims of violence, minority youth tended to be perpetrators. Most voters felt current policy solutions were not effective in preventing violence and took extra precautions on their own to protect themselves. Such precautions included alarm systems, guns, and dogs. Voters were receptive to alternatives to incarceration and felt policies addressing the social environment could reduce violence. Voters supported controlling violence in the media, curbing the sale of handguns, and developing conflict resolution courses. 7 tables