PeaceCamp2010 Marches to City Hall

Santa Cruz has a shelter emergency (declared officially repeatedly in the 90's and more pressing today than ever).

There is NO walk-in emergency shelter tonight. The City's new law makes the 4th unattended Sleeping Ban ticket a possible misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1000 fine.

Mayor Mike Rotkin had refused to consider attorney-activist Ed Frey's proposal that police call the Homeless Service Center. [Go to http://www.radiolibre.org/brb/brb100711.mp3 and fast forward past first 2/5 of the file for the Rotkin-Frey debate]

Before harassing, citing, arresting, or jailing homeless people under the Sleeping Ban we ask the police to see if there is actually a shelter bed available. If not, such harassment is not only cruel but illegal and possibly criminal.

Since City officials have refused to lift the Sleeping Ban in parts of the city to provide safe sleeping places, homeless people and their housed supporters have done so themselves.

In response, for the last three weeks, folks have been Folks sleeping at the homeless-created Peace Camp 2010 on the steps of the Courthouse, where Frey and Paul Lee are providing a portapotty.

Donations of prepared food and blankets are welcome.

Last night 55 people slept in the safe zone there. The numbers grew after city workers swept the Levy, confiscating and destroying homeless property there.

In response, Peace Camp 2010 is going to City Hall to speak to the community and demand City Council (a) end the Sleeping Ban, and (b) declare an amnesty for all past Sleeping Ban citations. They are also seeking secure and sanitary camping areas.

There will be music and merriment along with the serious purpose of the march. All are invited.