Santa Cruz City Council to Consider Declaration of a Homeless Shelter Crisis

On Tuesday, January 23, the Santa Cruz City Council will during its main agenda debate whether or not to declare a homeless shelter crisis within the city.

From the council's agenda report:

California Government Code Sections 8698-8698.2 allow for the legislative body of a city to formally declare a shelter crisis within the city when a situation exists “where a significant number of persons are without the ability to obtain shelter, resulting in a threat to their health and safety.” Declaring a Homeless Shelter Crisis enables the city to suspend any state or local regulatory statute, regulation, or ordinance prescribing standards of housing, health, or safety to the extent that strict compliance “would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay mitigation of the effects of the shelter crisis.” The declaration enables the city to enact alternative health and safety standards to be operative during the shelter crisis, consistent with ensuring minimal public health and safety. The declaration also grants immunity from liability for ordinary negligence in the provision of emergency shelter.

The issue will be heard by the city council some time after 1 pm on Tuesday, January 23 in council chambers.

Supporting materials:

http://scsire.cityofsantacruz.com/sirepub/agdocs.aspx?doctype=agenda&itemid=33098
http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-council/council-meetings


Photo: Homeless protest at Santa Cruz City Hall by Bradley Stuart Allen (https://bradleyallen.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/city-hall_8-16-07.jpg)