BBQ with the Banbusters: Freedom Sleep-Out #38 Sizzles Into Sight

LESS CHATTER, MORE EATS
There won't be another City Council conclave of creepies until April 12th (two weeks from Tuesday). But homeless folks have to sleep every night and continue to receive $158 citations.

To bolster weary spirits and nagging appetites, Freedom Sleepers (mainly Toby, Zav, and Pat) have arranged for a barbeque as dusk falls. Bring some food to cook if you're able. Troublemaker Toby Nixon claims to be a serviceable chef.

MORE MEETINGS, MORE TALK
At the same time Paul Seever of the AFC (a faith-based group) is holding a second meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Fireside Room, 420 Melrose, last door to the west of the lower building, near Poplar St., 5:00 to 6:30 PM.

The notables conferring are apparently building on hopes that Councilmember David ("no sleep for the homeless") Terrazas's proposed "Homeless Study Task Force" to be proposed April 12 is actually more than smoke, mirror, chatter, and pretense.

City Council stonewallers created an earlier Homeless Issues Task Force, which came up with all kinds of good recommendations--including the most obvious: repeal the Camping Ordinance until there is adequate shelter. Read it and weep at http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/bds/Govstream/BDSvData/non_legacy/agendas/2000/20000502/PDF/020.pdf

It seems a little disingenuous to hook up with a "blame the County" initiative from "shift the responsibility" Terrazas when it's the City that has the most repressive anti-homeless laws (all of which he voted for).


OTHER EFFORTS
Word from the street is that some churches have expanded their protective reach with meal and sleeping options both downtown and on the Westside. No question these religious worthies are good-hearted--and a number of them spoke in favor Councilmember Lane's "strike sleep from the camping ban" initiative of March 8.

Other cities like San Jose and Sacramento--under street and legal protest pressure-- are seriously considering open air encampments. Salinas activists continue to fight the demolition of the Chinatown encampment (half swept away). Supporter are encouraged to join a nightly protest encampment outside City Hall at 200 Lincoln St.

Salinas officials councilmembers themselves have decriminalized nighttime sleeping (even camping with tents), though they've harshened the ban against setting down homeless property.


ANOTHER CASUALTY OF SANTA CRUZ CRUELTY
Christian Sean Bezore, a homeless Freedom Sleeper often present in a wheelchair, who died on March 17, will be memorialized by Freedom Sleepers, Food Not Bombs, HUFF, and others on April 12th. See https://www.facebook.com/events/803713033091146/ for more details.

Activist Abbi Samuels has released a report of her research into Chris's death, which append to this calendar entry.
"PUSH BACK" PAT COLBY STICKS IT TO THE SCPD
The SCPD only allows pick-ups of pilfered property Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12:30 and 2:30 PM. The pick-up's happen at the back door of the SCPD on Washington St. where Pat will be waiting every other Thursday (call HUFF at 423-4833 if you wish to arrange for her support).

The absurdly short amount of time when property reclamation fro the anti-homeless sweeps is permitted has never been adequately explained but seems yet another kick in the face to homeless folks with the usual "get out" message.


GIVE A SHIT INITIATIVE STILL A PRESSING ISSUE
The unannounced closing of the only full-service (sort of) 24-hour bathroom last December has prompted HUFF activists to hit Pacific Avenue with petitions to demand that the City Hall bathrooms be kept open 24-7, See https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2016/03/20/18784289.php ,

HUFFsters who are still conscious will get together at 11 AM at the Sub Rosa at 703 Pacific to sip coffee and brood over the night's events.