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UID:Indybay-18777872
SEQUENCE:18902147
CREATED:20150920T144200Z
DESCRIPTION:OBJECTIVE; TO END LAWS MAKING HOMELESS SLEEP A CRIME\nThe Freedom Sleepers 
 is a Coalition of organizations including Food Not Bombs, Homeless Depot, 
 the Homeless Legal Assistance Project, HUFF, and Housing Now! in Santa 
 Cruz.  \n\nWe want to end the Sleeping Ban, Camping Ban, Blanket Ban, 
 Lodging Ban--and other laws that make survival camping a crime in Santa 
 Cruz.\n\nInstead of citing and arresting people under MC 6.36 (the Camping 
 Ordinance), police have been using the Closed Areas ordinance, which allows 
 city authorities to designate large areas as "forbidden to enter" at night. 
  One of these areas is the City Hall courtyard, a large grassy area in 
 front of City Hall, the seat of government in Santa Cruz.\n\nHowever in 
 other parts of Santa Cruz in the last three months, police and rangers have 
 issued nearly 1000 Sleeping Ban tickets, costing $157 each.  There is no 
 emergency shelter program operating; waiting lists for transitional 
 programs are full; and social services for such essentials as food, 
 showers, laundry, and bathrooms have been eliminated for the general 
 homeless population at the Homeless (Lack of) Services 
 Center.\n\n\nCOUNTERING VIOLENCE BY FIRST ALARM SECURITY\nAfter First Alarm 
 Security guard Nathan Hammack's violent assault on the African-American 
 homeless woman Christina Barnes, we are encouraging folks to bring lots of 
 video and audio equipment as well as witnesses.  \n\nSee  "Sleepout protest 
 fighting Santa Cruz anti-camping ordinance moves into tenth week" at 
 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2015/09/17/18777749.php\n\n"First Alarm 
 Security Guards Violently Detain Woman at Santa Cruz City Hall" at 
 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2015/09/16/18777700.php  (with video)  
 \n\n"2 Harassment Arrests, 2 "Standing in a Parking Spot" Cites at Freedom 
 Sleepers Protest #10" at 
 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2015/09/16/18777678.php \n\n\nPRESS 
 CONFERENCE 9-24 5:45 PM IN FRONT OF RIO THEATER\nCity Manager Martin Bernal 
 and Mayor Don Lane have failed to respond to concerns about these assaults, 
 other false arrests, and the ramping up of police pressure against the 
 peaceful protesters.\n\nIn response, we will be inviting the media to hear 
 accounts of police abuse by homeless folks and housed activists.   The 
 conference will feature homeless speakers and Rabbi Phil Posner as well as 
 others impacted by the new crackdown.\n\n\nSLEEPOUT WILL PROVIDE PB&J, 
 PORTAPOTTY, AND PALS\nAs we have in the recent past, there will be a 
 portapotty open for use, since Bernal and Lane refused to open the City 
 Hall bathrooms.  There will also be light snacks at night and coffee in the 
 morning (if it's not all drunk by then).  \n\nCity Council has cancelled 
 its regular second 4th Tuesday of the month meeting in deference to a 
 Jewish holiday, but declines to suspend nightly harassment of homeless 
 refugees outside who have no place to sleep (and are often hassled during 
 the day for being visibly present in public spaces).\n\n\nTHE VANCOUVER, WA 
 BREAKTHROUGH\nThe Vancouver City Council voted on 9-14 to end its nighttime 
 Sleeping Ban.  An account of this positive action and its implications for 
 Santa Cruz are described at 
 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2015/09/16/18777722.php\n\n\nEVERYONE 
 INVITED:  DO YOUR PART !\nCome on down.  This will be our 11th Weekly 
 Protest Sleep-Out.  The presence of a larger group creates a safer 
 envirionment for homeless folks who could otherwise be harassed and driven 
 away if sleeping alone or without the presence of nearby video and media.   
 \n\nWITNESSES ARE ESPECIALLY WELCOME...between 9:30 PM and midnight, when 
 police regularly descend with ticke books and handcuffs.  Bring a sleeping 
 bag, a blanket, some food, video and audio equipment, and some friends.  We 
 need your help.  The conscience of the City requires it.\n\n 
 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2015/09/20/18777872.php
SUMMARY:No Council Meet But Freedom Sleepers Gather for SleepOut #11
LOCATION:In the City Hall Courtyard as long as folks choose, and then on the 
 sidewalks nearby.   The event is scheduled to go on until 7:30 AM or 8 AM 
 Wednesday 9-23.
URL:https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2015/09/20/18777872.php
DTSTART:20150923T000000Z
DTEND:20150923T120000Z
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