Expose the Local ACLU: No Help for Homeless Rights

The local ACLU Board of Directors is having its monthly meeting at 7 PM in Louden Nelson Center. While ACLU's in other cities file law suits against anti-homeless laws and issues public statements, the Santa Cruz chapter does nothing.

Previously open to the public, the ACLU's chair Peter Geldblum, apparently nervous about public view or participation, closed the meetings. An attempt by Steve Pleich to open the meeting was rejected.

The ACLU has declined to make any public statements in the last two decades about the Sleeping Ban, criminalization of the homeless, theft of homeless property, or laws restricting access to public space generally (but intended to selectively target the homeless). It has been approached repeatedly and urged to do so to no avail.

Bring signs and warm clothing and a readiness to be locked out of their meeting, even though most of their business doesn't deal with personnel or litigation matters.

For more background, check out "Local ACLU Rides...er...Hides Again!" at https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/07/23/18740295.php .

(this posting written by Robert Norse)