Homeless people and their allies came together in Fresno on February 20 and held elected officials accountable for the recent attacks against unhoused people in this community. The Homelessness Marathon, a broadcast that goes to over 100 radio stations throughout the country, was the scene for this poor people's assembly in downtown Fresno. The 14 hour program included a panel with Fresno mayor Alan Autry, two city council members, and Board of Supervisors president Bob Waterston. The event resembled a town hall meeting with an open mike where anyone could ask questions of city and county elected officials.

There were those in the crowd who described recent city action against the homeless as a scorched earth policy. That policy has included bulldozing homeless encampments, passing draconian ordinances to prevent homeless people from moving their possessions in shopping carts, an outdoor drunk tank for homeless people, and the frequent violation of their civil rights by the police. It was so bad, that a federal judge had to order the City of Fresno to uphold the U.S. constitution. A lawsuit against the city is pending.

Read more and view Photos