I'm getting to the party late. I live in the Democratic People's Republic of Santa Barbara. The homeless problem here is nuts. Nice weather, lots of liberal guilt to feed on, etc. However, in the last 4 years we now have a downtown full of 18-28 year old beggars that verbally harass and try physical intimidation. It is out of hand and driving people out from downtown.
I am still waiting for a call back from the city on why it would cost $3600/ bench. This is not public money. It is being paid for by the private downtown association. Most likely it is $3500 in fees. taxes. inspections, environtmental impact review,....
We also have recycling and trash bins everywhere that cost $1500 each, no installation cost. That was paid for by the public. We have $25 million dollar FY11 budget shortfall and $5-7 billion deficit in a self funded public pension fund.