Business owners in downtown San Diego say ongoing homeless encampments are discouraging customers and contributing to a steady decline in foot traffic, particularly outside of major events. City officials acknowledge the concerns and say multiple departments are working daily to address safety, sanitation, and outreach needs.
Business
Robyn Spencer, owner of East Village Tavern and Bowl, said activity in the downtown area has changed noticeably over the past decade. She said people who once visited regularly now tend to come only for scheduled events such as concerts or sporting games.
Spencer believes visible encampments and related conditions are a significant factor influencing customer behavior. She described concerns raised by patrons about needles, human waste, and unpredictable behavior near sidewalks and storefronts.
To help customers avoid encampments, Spencer said the yellow curb in front of her business has become the safest drop-off location.
Reports
City data shows the issue remains widespread. According to San Diego’s Get It Done app, more than 400 reports of homeless encampments have been submitted in the last 14 days alone.
San Diego Police Department Captain Steve Shebloski, who oversees neighborhood policing, said downtown is one of the department’s primary focus areas.
Policing
Shebloski said police resources are heavily deployed downtown to address safety concerns. Officers respond to approximately 800 Get It Done reports each week.
He noted that response times have improved in recent years. Reports that once took up to three weeks to address are now typically handled within a week or less.
Officers assess each situation individually. If laws are being broken, enforcement action may be taken. In other cases, individuals are connected with homeless outreach services rather than cited or arrested.
Sanitation
While police focus on safety and enforcement, sanitation responsibilities fall under the city’s Environmental Services Department.
Deputy Director Franklin Coopersmith said cleanup crews regularly sanitize sidewalks and public areas. This includes removing debris and cleaning locations affected by human waste.
Coopersmith said prioritization is one of the department’s biggest challenges. Situations that force pedestrians into the street are addressed more urgently than those that pose less immediate risk.
Response
City officials continue to encourage residents and business owners to use the Get It Done app to report issues related to encampments, sanitation, and safety. Officials say reports submitted through the app help departments allocate resources and respond more efficiently.
FAQs
Why are businesses concerned downtown?
Encampments are reducing customer foot traffic.
How many encampment reports were filed recently?
More than 400 in the past two weeks.
Who responds to Get It Done reports?
San Diego Police and city service crews.
How fast are reports handled now?
Usually within a week or less.
How can issues be reported?
Through the city’s Get It Done app.
