Encinitas City Council approves agreement to send homeless residents to National City shelter

Encinitas city officials have approved a plan to send homeless residents to a shelter in National City, following a tense meeting where a National City councilman and mayoral candidate challenged the decision. José Rodríguez, a National City councilman and mayoral candidate, attended the hearing to oppose an agreement between Encinitas and the San Diego Rescue Mission. The agreement aims to reserve 12 beds at the National City facility for homeless individuals from Encinitas.

Rodríguez was escorted out of the meeting by a sheriff’s agent after attempting to respond to allegations that his presence was motivated by political gain rather than a genuine concern for homeless individuals. In a prepared statement, Rodríguez apologized for breaking what he called an “unwritten rule” by intervening in a meeting of a different jurisdiction. He argued that Encinitas should not relocate its homeless residents to National City, citing economic disparities between the two cities.

“Encinitas has one of the highest average family incomes in San Diego County, about $151,000,” Rodríguez stated. “Meanwhile, National City has one of the lowest, about $67,000.” He criticized Encinitas officials for not developing sufficient services for the homeless and for relying on other cities and organizations outside his jurisdiction.

Rodríguez pointed to specific actions by Encinitas officials, such as allowing the secure parking program to close after only a six-month extension and voting against a $3.9 million state grant that would have benefited about 100 people. The grant, from the State Encampment Resolution Fund, would have also accommodated about 20 people and supported the elimination of informal camps. The majority of the council refused to apply for the grant because it required a “housing first” approach, which prioritizes permanent housing before addressing mental health or addiction issues.

Rodríguez described both decisions as morally wrong, emphasizing equity and the importance of community. “It’s wrong for multiple reasons,” he said. “It’s wrong from the perspective of equity. And I think it’s also morally wrong because I don’t think that people who currently live homeless want to be somewhere other than the community they belong to.”

The mayor of Encinitas, Bruce Ehlers, and other council members rejected Rodríguez’s criticism, accusing him of misrepresenting the facts and turning the session into a political act. The council’s decision to send homeless residents to National City reflects ongoing challenges in addressing housing insecurity and the complex interplay of local policies and resource allocation.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)