After Fighting to Keep Ross Camp Open, Homeless Woman Killed When Tree Strikes Campsite

Deseire Quintero was one of a group of homeless individuals who in April of this year sued the City as part of Quintero v. City of Santa Cruz. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed when plaintiffs failed to meet the court's deadlines, months after after the Judge gave the City the green light to remove the homeless residents from the Ross Camp and to clear away their possessions. The lawsuit was successful, however, in delaying the closure of the camp for a short period of time.

Santa Cruz County Homeless Union President Alicia Kuhl posted the following statement on Facebook:

"With horrible sadness I announce the passing of my best friend. This is devestating. She should have never been out there having to camp in the boonies for safety. She was never offered any shelter after the Ross Camp closed. I'm beyond upset. BEYOND. We will be having a memorial on Sunday at 5 at FNB meal at the post office, and another at City Hall next Tuesday. This is horrible, and it didn't have to happen. It's very fresh, my head is throbbing. I had to notify her Son this morning, he didn't know yet. This hurts really bad. Dez ???"


More information about memorial services can be found at:

Santa Cruz County Homeless Advocates/Santa Cruz California Homeless Union
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SantaCruzCountyHomelessAdvocates/