ENCINITAS — A petition calling on the city to deny Community Resource Center’s proposed remodel and expansion of its Second Street campus has circulated amid local concerns about rising homelessness, despite what the nonprofit’s officials said are exaggerated claims based on faulty information.
John Van Cleef, CRC’s chief executive officer, said in an interview with The Coast News that the project is not about expanding services but improving existing facilities to better serve CRC’s current clients, primarily low-income families and seniors.
“I always hear and understand people’s concern regarding our unhoused population, especially when we see [them] in crisis, you know, outbursting and on the street,” Van Cleef said. “But in the work we do, our unhoused population that people express concern about, they are part of the community we serve, but they are not all of the community that we serve.”
According to a CRC survey, 34% of the individuals supported by the center are unhoused, while 52% are housed. In the survey, 14% of participants did not answer.
“We’re not expanding services in downtown Encinitas,” Van Cleef said. “What we’re doing is making sure we’ve got adequate facilities for the clients we’re seeing, and the growth in the number of clients we’re seeing.”
Elena Thompson, a resident active in Encinitas public affairs, said she signed the petition over concerns regarding a perceived increase in the city’s homeless population, which she said could be exacerbated by the services provided by the CRC and its expansion.
“You have to square what the CRC tells you with reality and facts from the people who are living it,” Thompson told The Coast News. “That’s why I signed it; I see a degradation of our town.”
Among several claims made by the petition, a perceived increase in crime was one element attributed to the CRC’s presence, despite data showing a decrease in crime city and countywide.
The overall crime rate in Encinitas dropped by 21% from mid-year 2022 to mid-year 2023, according to a report released by the San Diego Association of Governments. Specifically, crimes against persons, which include offenses such as murder, non-consensual sex offenses, aggravated assault, and kidnapping, fell by 25% over the same period.
Crimes against property, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, decreased by 13%. Additionally, crimes against society — including violations such as drug/narcotic offenses and weapon law violations — experienced a significant reduction of 29% from the previous year.
Thompson cited incidents and accounts from residents and local businesses, which she said are not adequately reflected in official crime statistics that show a decrease in crime.
“It’s very apparent that there’s a substantial uptick in vagrancy, and there’s just too many accounts of people even going to people’s doorways and trying to walk in the door,” Thompson said. “The city just needs to slow down and look at what’s happening, and look at their policies and make sure that they’re protecting the safety of the residents.”
Addressing concerns about the project burdening law enforcement, Van Cleef said the CRC works closely with local authorities and has protocols to ensure their clients do not loiter or cause disruptions. He also highlighted CRC’s proactive measures to keep the surrounding area clean and to be good neighbors.
“We work with community service officers, the deputies, we have very close relationships with them, and we have close relationships with the city and county homeless outreach workers,” Van Cleef said. “We welcome conversations with people who want to learn and explore more and understand what the project is,” Van Cleef said.
The Coast News emailed the address listed for the petitioner multiple times but did not receive a response. As of Aug. 14, the petition had 233 signatures.
4 comments
The spin job is laughable with the focus on the “rennovation” versus actual “EXPANSION” … hahah…
Let the people decide the direction of their city, not the homeless industrial complex non-profit, the city council, or some city commission. Local government works for the people, the majority, not the other way round.
The CRC is NOT an essential “investment” in the future of Encinitas. This distorted “progressive” thinking and leadership is what has ruined once great cities and towns throughout the west and California. No thank you for Encinitas. The time has come to move-on and move-out CRC, to a more suitable location where you can keep up your work without transforming and wiping out our town in the process.
lol all the transplants complaining about crime should’ve been here I. The 80/90s. Ironically the updated CRC will benefit those who have been here since then. Really shows how ignorant newcomers are
It’s doubtful this petition will gain any traction, and even if it did, the city will approve the expansion. The CRC, other local non profits, like Leichtag, all have a very cozy relationship with the city and with the mayor.
Encinitas crime statistics stated here are already a year old. Many crimes don’t get reported or recorded. There are apps to track what’s going on in Encinitas, and it’s not good. Much of our crime is homeless related. Specifically committed by drug addicted homeless who prowl DT, the 101 and the Homeless Highway along Encinitas Blvd.
Encinitas Blvd is the artery starting DT at the CRC, heading through the train station, then through Cottonwood Creek Park, the I5 freeway off ramp canyon (all known homeless encampments) up to the Homeless Overnight Parking Lot and beyond to Oak Crest Park and down on to ECR.
It’s a problem and I haven’t heard Mayor Kranz speak directly discuss actively enforcing our camping laws. Other cities are, including San Marcos and Escondido. Will Encinitas be the recipient of north county city’s homeless who are enforcing their laws? Doesn’t the presence of the CRC make it more inviting for homeless to come here to get meals and supplies? We are the only north county city with a Community Resource Center, which means we take the lion’s share of support for ALL of north county.
You’d have to be blind not to see or read about many of the changes that have impacted Encinitas over the last few years. There’s an election coming up. It’s time to put partisanship aside locally and vote for candidates who will be proactive around homelessness and crime.
The proposed renovation of the Community Resource Center (CRC) in Encinitas is not just a matter of aesthetics or infrastructure—it’s an investment in the well-being and safety of our entire community. Supporting the renovation is crucial for several key reasons, and it’s hard to argue against the positive impact this project will have on our city.
Firstly, the CRC is a vital resource for our community, providing essential services to individuals and families facing hardship. It offers food assistance, counseling, and support for domestic violence survivors, among other critical services. The renovation will enhance the CRC’s ability to meet the growing demand for these services, particularly in challenging times like those we are currently facing. A modern, well-equipped facility means more efficient service delivery and better outcomes for those in need.
Secondly, the renovation aligns with the broader goals of community safety and well-being. By improving the CRC’s facilities, we are directly contributing to reducing homelessness and crime in Encinitas. The CRC helps people get back on their feet, reducing the likelihood that they will turn to desperate measures. A stronger CRC means a stronger safety net for our most vulnerable residents, ultimately leading to a safer community for everyone.
Thirdly, the CRC renovation will not only benefit those directly receiving services but also the broader community by fostering a spirit of compassion and civic responsibility. Encinitas has long been known for its community-oriented values, and supporting the CRC’s renovation is a reflection of those values. It shows that we care about all members of our community, including those who may be struggling.
Critics might argue that the renovation could attract more homeless individuals to Encinitas, but this perspective overlooks the fact that homelessness is not a problem that can be solved by pushing people away. Instead, it’s addressed by providing the necessary support and resources to help people transition out of homelessness. The CRC plays a critical role in this process. Turning our backs on this opportunity would only perpetuate the cycle of homelessness and create more problems down the road.
Moreover, the renovation will likely have a positive economic impact. A state-of-the-art CRC can attract additional funding and partnerships, further expanding its ability to serve the community. This, in turn, can lead to job creation and other economic benefits, as well as a stronger, more resilient local economy.
Finally, it’s important to recognize that the CRC is not an isolated entity but part of a network of organizations and services that make Encinitas a supportive and thriving community. The renovation is a necessary step to ensure that the CRC can continue to fulfill its mission effectively. Failing to support this project could lead to a decline in the quality of services, which would have ripple effects throughout the community.
In conclusion, the renovation of the CRC is an essential investment in the future of Encinitas. It supports our values, enhances community safety, and ensures that we remain a place where all residents have the opportunity to thrive. It’s hard to argue against a project that offers so many tangible and long-lasting benefits to our city.
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