Encinitas saw a 68 percent increase this year in its homeless population.

Another round of bench sweeps in Encinitas marks the latest effort to make public space unwelcoming to the homeless. Or, as businesses see it, welcoming to others.

In response to complaints about trash and "loitering," the Encinitas city council last week voted 4-1, with Councilmember Bruce Ehlers opposed, to demolish three concrete benches installed in 2001 amid efforts to beautify downtown.

Two of the five semi-circular seats were previously removed to make way for real estate offices, Compass and Pacific Station. The three now slated for demolition are located at 552, 553 and 628 South Coast Highway in front of the 101 Diner; Bliss 101; East Village Diner and Honey’s Bistro.

"The city stepped up their power washings," but it didn't help, said senior management analyst Jered Elmore.

Encinitas saw a 68 percent increase this year in its homeless population, which now stands at 123 people. The Regional Task Force on Homelessness continues to report more people throughout San Diego entering homelessness than exiting it. 

Mayor Tony Kranz said the city has hired two new sheriffs, and its homeless outreach team is working to address the issues. Shelter is "always being offered when possible." 

Business owners say the storefront placement of the u-shaped benches, designed to invite gathering, has interfered with commerce.

"Unfortunately, in our case, the benches are frequently occupied by individuals engaging in loitering and disruptive behavior," said Hulises Contreras, general manager of Honey’s Bistro.

The Encinitas Mainstreet Association wants to see them go, "specifically the ones in front of Bliss 101, Honey’s Bistro, and 101 Diner."

The bigger problem is outdoor dining decks, said bakery co-owner Clinton Prager, who supported the demolition because he often has to clean the bench right outside — but what has caused business to go down are the many decks built during the pandemic that take all their parking. 

"All these bars and restaurants are taking over the sidewalks, serving alcohol; you guys have really favored alcohol-based restaurants." Several businesses have been directly impacted, he said.

"I think there's a huge thing to address — how do we create culture and community?"

Councilmember Bruce Ehlers opposed the removal because "people need a place to sit" and "this is not the only place we're having this problem." Viewpoint Park, Moonlight Beach — there are people camping out at each one of the benches, he said.

"Are we going to remove every bench?"

In fact, the city in 2023 removed thirteen benches overlooking Swami's beach, with plans to refurbish the seating. When the first batch returned weeks later, each now had a bulky armrest in the middle that ruled out sleeping. The city called the armrests a preferred standard for maintaining personal space, as well as a deterrent to skateboarding.

Others call it "hostile architecture," meant to "restrict the use of public spaces by individuals experiencing homelessness." 

A bill proposed in the Washington state senate would ban the intentional use of fencing, large boulders and gravel to prevent the homeless from sitting or sleeping. 

In August, the city approved an encampment ban similar to ones in Vista and San Diego, which many are enacting after the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision upheld the right of cities to enforce outdoor camping bans even if no shelter beds are available.

To dissuade the homeless from using the benches, the city proposes to replace the seats with four bike racks per location, as well as hardscape and landscape. The total for removal and replacement items is $77,605.

"The benches are not ideal because you can't see through them or tell what activities are taking place on these benches," said mayor Kranz. "Overall, if there is a desire to put in something to sit on, it won't be stone benches."