tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32325129647429211712024-03-05T12:22:34.109-08:00End the Santa Cruz Sleeping BanThe Santa Cruz Sleeping Ban is a local law that defines sleeping at night as “camping” and prescribes a $97 fine for falling asleep outside a house or hotel within City limits. Using one’s vehicle as housing is illegal. With only 160 beds in the Winter, for the city’s 1500-2000 homeless residents, the law in effect makes it a crime to be homeless. We intend to end this law so dignified solutions can be implemented.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232512964742921171.post-77508572921024454552008-04-02T14:49:00.000-07:002008-04-17T10:42:57.776-07:00Lawsuit update 3-25-08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-stDxuwFHWZ2krEiTDskZI17kFNV9NxDMtEvAtC8h3ye5P6OC5xfbqmeSnpShbXB6UzEeLQ2eFJt6a6ySTlvBBkz39YGvKGbRghOiDwMTKc1C6F7vKMHwUFqPACl3Np9rKObnGZrGhWW/s1600-h/Wheel.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-stDxuwFHWZ2krEiTDskZI17kFNV9NxDMtEvAtC8h3ye5P6OC5xfbqmeSnpShbXB6UzEeLQ2eFJt6a6ySTlvBBkz39YGvKGbRghOiDwMTKc1C6F7vKMHwUFqPACl3Np9rKObnGZrGhWW/s320/Wheel.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184769278006944578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sleeping Ban Lawsuit Update 3-25-08</span></span><br /><p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Many people don’t know that Santa Cruz homeless rights advocates and well known civil rights attorneys are preparing a lawsuit against the city of Santa Cruz for anti-homeless laws that violate constitutional rights. For those who have been following the issue you will find this important information.<br /></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">For year’s efforts by many community members who lobbied local law makers to do the right thing for the homeless, not just the easy thing fell on deaf ears. </span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In early 2006 we began an outreach program to national legal organizations that support legal actions on homeless issues. This was slow and it became obvious results would not soon be forthcoming. A key turning point in our effort accrued when the U.S. 9<sup>th</sup>. Circuit Court ruled against Las Angles Camping ordinances. With this hopeful decision in L.A. in early 2007 we began to contact local legal council in a grass roots effort to bring relief from these same types of laws, and the harsh enforcement in Santa Cruz. </span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> We now have attorneys David Beauvais, Kate Wells and </span><span style="font-size: 130%;">Brett</span> <span style="font-size: 130%;"> Bennett</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> interviewing people that have received citations under the Santa Cruz “Camping Prohibited” laws in preparations for the law suit. These restrictive laws include 6.36.010(a) the Sleeping Ban, 6.36.010(b) the Blanket Ban and 6.36.010(c) the Camping Ban.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The largest problems with these laws are that they criminalize the homeless for using public spaces, and sleeping and camping at night. It is well documented that there is a lack of adequate emergency shelter in Santa Cruz. People are being criminalized when they make their own shelter or try to form protective groups. Other outward problems are lack of adequate medical care, community prejudice, political cowardice and rigorous Police enforcement. It’s not quit clear how homeless people are expected to live. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Our focus is on defending, restoring, and establishing civil rights for homeless people rather than lobbying for more services. We believe people should be free from police, state, and community harassment. Free to organize and to form self-help communities. It is to these ends we are willing to spend time and effort. We are looking forward to hearing from anyone about whatever legal help you can bring to the issues or questions you have.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> We are looking for volunteers to work with attorneys and plaintiffs, help with community education on the issue, write letters and make phone calls.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> We are in need of funds, any donations (tax deductible) can be sent to the address below.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Community Defense Inc.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> For: Santa Cruz Anti-Sleeping Lawsuit</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> P.O. Box 7649</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Santa Cruz, CA 95061</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Endorsed by:</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Santa Cruz Human Rights Organization (HRO), </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" ><u><a href="http://www.humanrightsorg.org/">www.humanrightsorg.org</a></u></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(831) 425-4467 or 345-9685</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom (HUFF), </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" ><u><a href="http://www.huffsantacruz.org/">www.huffsantacruz.org</a></u></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(831) 423-4833</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Housing Now! In Santa Cruz, </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" ><u><a href="mailto:Linda4homes4all@sbcglobal.net">Linda4homes4all@sbcglobal.net</a></u></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Humanity for Homeless, </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" ><u><a href="http://humanityforhomeless.blogspot.com/">http://humanityforhomeless.blogspot.com/</a></u></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This update was compiled by Bob Patton HRO and legal committee member.</span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">We ask for the right not to sleep anywhere and everywhere -- but somewhere.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3232512964742921171.post-68324116342618895892008-01-11T23:35:00.000-08:002008-01-25T18:07:23.343-08:00We ask for the right not to sleep anywhere or everywhere , but somewhere.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/17/18467575.php"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;" >Legalize Sleep</span></a><br />Civil rights attorney David Beauvais down in Santa Cruz rounding up plaintiffs for a lawsuit against the City and city police, talks about Santa Cruz's harsh and unique "Sleeping Ban" law. MC 6.36.010 makes the act of falling asleep on all public property and much private property a $97 crime for 1300-1500 shelterless people each night.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/17/18467575.php"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwi3mTKWPhTscfUYOXZ8CqVWyAXhSHcXXVTjKpwLH-IlVLtS6AMJE42bZYl7Jm03xDli56TqjTgY72lqOMZNg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have a ticket under the following codes,<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> you may be able to enjoin in a lawsuit against the City</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> to end the Sleeping Ban</span><span style="font-size:130%;">.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span>We ask for the right to sleep NOT anywhere and everywhere , but somewhere.</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The Camping Ban (MC 6.36.010a) activists aptly named the </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Sleeping Ban</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> makes it illegal for the simple act of sleeping -- at night. The name must fit as now even our mayor is using the term. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsECLldJYvg&feature=PlayList&p=3FDCF6EBCDD928AB&index=0&playnext=1">Watch the Sleeping Ban Debate</a>)<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqTMUAal71OIKOZWYm2ZDIArve9i4C85fqiblkV-Yy9MkqhqJSZR0XBp-67TOCirY_IobgQtDHdWFkLQi5e89bvefLsbwtSpzguHHw5uFsArYYa4EVnrVQS-QM04zp_9f65Jt3DRE9Il3/s1600-h/i+want+change.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqTMUAal71OIKOZWYm2ZDIArve9i4C85fqiblkV-Yy9MkqhqJSZR0XBp-67TOCirY_IobgQtDHdWFkLQi5e89bvefLsbwtSpzguHHw5uFsArYYa4EVnrVQS-QM04zp_9f65Jt3DRE9Il3/s320/i+want+change.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154654284309796402" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-size:130%;">In Santa Cruz, the most flagrant and demoralizing example of the criminalization of poverty is this ordinance, known as the "Camping Ban," MC 6.36.010. Section (a) prohibits the act of sleeping between 11 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. anywhere outdoors or in a vehicle on both public and private property within the city limits. Activists call this the "Sleeping Ban." We are dedicated to ending this ban and finding real solutions, such as "Safe Sleeping Zones" for vehicles and campers. This is cheaper, easier to police and is a way of dealing with the issue in a legal dignified manor.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Organizations are banding together and the plaintiff list is growing. As you can see by the date of the post, the blog is just starting but will be a focal point for information, status, and ways you can help. Sleep is a human right and a basic necessity. Please help us in restoring that right.<br /><br />For more information on this draconian law see the following articles on Indybay.org<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/22/18468518.php">http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/22/18468518.php </a>(Sleeping Ban Debate Commentary)<br /><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/22/18468436.php"><br />http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/22/18468436.php</a> ( Mayor lashes out & Stonewalls on Public Meetings; Lethal SCPD Harassment Surges<strong class="heading"></strong>)<br /></span><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/17/18467575.php"><br /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/17/18467575.php">http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/12/17/18467575.php">17/18467575.php</a> ( Street Spirit Editor Denounces Mayor Coonerty As "Repulsive"<strong style="font-weight: normal;" class="heading">)<br /><a href="http://www.indybay.org/uploads/2007/12/24/brb_sb.wma"><br />http://www.indybay.org/uploads/2007/12/24/brb_sb.wma</a> (Audio) Highlights of debate with commentary played on Free Radio Santa Cruz with Robert Norse) This is an hour long but saved in FM quality so the file size is only 5.5 megs. Very worth while if you want to know the truth behind what our mayor stated during the debate.<br /><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/26/18443532.php"><br />http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/26/18443532.php</a> ( </strong><strong class="heading"></strong>Activists ask ACLU to help end sleeping ban )<br /><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/16/18441138.php"><br />http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/16/18441138.php</a> ( Open Letter to City Council regarding Sleeping Ban)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/16/18440985.php"><br />http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/08/16/18440985.php </a>( Ongoing Protest Against the Santa Cruz Sleeping Ban)<br /><br />You can additionally search Google for Sleeping Ban.<strong style="font-weight: normal;" class="heading"></strong></span><strong style="font-weight: normal;" class="heading"><br /></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer">We ask for the right not to sleep anywhere and everywhere -- but somewhere.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2