Monthly Archives: July 2021

HUFF Another Benchlands Meeting Thursday 7-29; Tables between Courthouse & Benchlands: Sharing Sad Stories and Hopeful Happy Ones from Other Cities

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Agenda Prospects  for Thursday’s (7-29) Meeting       

+++ Rumbles and Rumors: Status of the Benchlands Lawsuit?      

+++ Pajaro River Residents Again Attacked by Watsonville PD
 +++ Possible Resistance Strategies Against Further Sweeps and Benchland Demolition in the Benchlands
 +++ Novato and Chico City-Wide Injunctions: Why Not Here?
 +++ Exclusion or Mandatory Vaccinations on the Horizon for Those Outside?
 +++ Bring Reports of Threats or Citations Using the New Camping Bans, Other Laws, or No Laws to HUFF or Alicia at 431-7766
 +++ Possible Sweep Defenses When the Cops Come Calling–Individual & Group Strategies
 +++ Laura’s Law in Santa Cruz: Did They Opt-Out?  Countering Conservatorships & “No Warning” Deportations
 +++ Untwisting the Crooked City Hall Narrative:  Mustering Past Evidence of Shelter Denial and the Susie O’Hara’s False Narrative
 +++ New Contacts with the Coastal Commission on Monitoring Illegal “Parking Limitation” Sign Placements Against Vehicular Residents

+++ Moving HUFF meetings back to the Sub Rosa, perhaps Tuesdays at Noon? 

   Whither the Weather?   Who Knows?  Come Prepared to Strip Down or Bundle Up.

Continue to Organize for pre-emptive pressure on the City with Resistance strategies and support for unhoused through Santa Cruz at these and other meetings: 
City-organized Benchlands meeting 6 PM 7-29 mid-Benchlands;              Santa Cruz Homeless Union Camp meeting 5 PM 7-30 Tables between Benchlands and Courthouse.

Tune in for ongoing reports netcasted on Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides 6 PM Thursdays on freakradio.org and 9:30 AM-3 PM Sundays.  Shows archived at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html   Likely updates from San Diego, Berkeley, Sausalito, San Rafael, and elsewhere.


Read encouraging words defending the Chico survival camps and unhoused folks at https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2021/07/10/18843676.php  (“The Chico Decision-Hope for the Homeless in Santa Cruz”).
Action Against Homes-on-Wheels Removal in Mountain View: https://www.mv-voice.com/news/2021/07/12/aclu-law-foundation-announce-lawsuit-to-stop-mountain-views-rv-parking-ban

 RV Defense in L.A. :  https://www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2021-07-27/a-federal-class-action-lawsuit-challenges-los-angeles-restrictions-on-where-hom-eless-people-can-park-rvs

Sunday 7-25-21 Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides show airs and archives 9:30 a.m. or shortly thereafter: Commander X Capture, S.C. Homeless Union Plots Resistance, More Sweeps in Salinas and Watsonville; Victory in Novato

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ON THE 7-25-21 SHOW:  
      +++  Unanswered Questions for the “Safe Parking” Program Repeated
      +++   7-21 Keith McHenry on the Capture of Commander X and Other Updates
      +++   “There’s a Policeman on Your Lawn” in Song and Narrative: https://copblaster.com/blast/26045/forest-grove-police-officer-steven-teets-cited-for-criminal-mischief
      +++   Alternate Media on the State Kidnapping of Commander X
      +++   Wes White calls for Support 7 AM in Salinas tomorrow (7-26) in Chinatown to Stop the Sweeps
      +++   7-23 Santa Cruz Homeless Union meeting plots resistance against City removal of the Benchlands Survival Encampment, finds resistance from Brent Adams      

+++   7-22 Monike Tone of the Pajaro River Homeless Union denounces unannounced sweeps by the Watsonville police earlier that morning.        

+++   7-24 Keith McHenry describes in historical perspective the disturbing implications of SCPD punishment for bringing food to the Benchlands on Friday (7-23) morning.      

+++   7-20 Jed-eye (formerly Steavn) and Kat at Food Not Bombs give updates serious and sunny.      

+++   “The Face of Anonymous”: Canadian TV interviews Commander X about his film in the days before his kidnapping by Mexican and U.S. authorities https://vimeo.com/545553396
 The Face of Anonymous QA_FINAL.mp4 This is “The Face of Anonymous QA_FINAL.mp4” by HotDocsFest on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them. vimeo.com

   
The show will be available on HUFF archives at the Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides under Lost/Latest Shows http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html)  as well as netcast at 9:30 AM or shortly thereafter. 

Detailed written descriptions of recent shows are at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/  (search for “Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides” on the right side of the screen).  Many older audio archives are described and currently available at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/brb-descriptions.html .  
Commentary by Ursula and more detailed descriptions of recent shows may also be available on the Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom Facebook page where you can also leave comments.  HUFF is also too slowly developing a page at http://huffsantacruz.org/ursula.html. 

BRING PHONE CHATTER BACK to FREE RADIO!
       We need studio space to restore the phone line.  Send us tips on where to rent studio space.  There’s still a $300 reward if you find us a year’s space.  FRSC also needs a location to set up our antenna again downtown– in a tree, a house, etc.  Call the HUFF line (831-423-4833) if you have any tips. 
    

Meanwhile for input into my show, contact Bathrobespierre Robert at HUFF or rnorse3@hotmail.com.  You can also comment on the Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom facebook page.

Novato Victory: Kudos to the California Homeless Union and Attorney Anthony Prince

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In mid-July Attorney Anthony Prince of the California Homeless Union successfully applied for a restraining order to stop enforcement of a thinly-disguised anti-homeless Novato city Camping ban designed to work around the Martin v. Boise decision. Perhaps activists in Santa Cruz can take similar action, long promised by the Santa Cruz Homeless Union, either with or without an attorney.
WHY AND HOW
To assist and inspire any would-be legal eagles and/or simply lay activists interested in following in successful footsteps, here’s both Prince’s application for the court Injunction as well as the Court’s positive response in Novato. Hard work by S.C. Homeless Union president and workers in large part compiled the evidence. Long-time Court survivor Keith McHenry of the allied Food Not Bombs organization has repeatedly suggested that the legal arguments, gleaned from prior applications could be mustered fairly quickly. This is something ordinary mortals could do without relying on cowed or overworked attorneys.

THE DOCUMENTS
Prince’s Application for a Restraining Order: file:///C:/Users/Robert/Downloads/516121476-California-Homeless-Union-et-al-v-City-of-Novato-et-al-complaint(1).pdf [put this link in your browser to see the full document]

The Court order: https://www.scribd.com/document/516120708/Novato-camping-restrictions-temporary-restraining-order

BACKGROUND STORIES
Attached are several stories giving background (from an establishment perspective of the Novato City Council’s conniving against Camp Compassion and the unhoused folks in that town: from the Marin Independent Journal and the San Francisco Chronicle. For completeness and amusement, I add the Novato and Police Chief’s statements as well.

FOR THE FULL STORIES & TO COMMENT, GO TO https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2021/07/24/18843907.php

Novato Victory: Kudos to the California Homeless Union and Attorney Anthony Prince : Indybay In mid-July Attorney Anthony Prince of the California Homeless Union successfully applied for a restraining order to stop enforcement of a thinly-disguised anti-homeless Novato city Camping ban designed to work around the Martin v. Boise decision. Perhaps activists in Santa Cruz can take similar action, long promised by the Santa Cruz Homeless Union, either with or without an attorney. www.indybay.org

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides 7-22-21 show netcasts 6 PM at freakradio.org : Belated Detailed Description of the FLASHBACKS from earlier Community TV Show Club Cruz featuring Kevin Clark, Richard Quigley, Linda Lemaster, Steve Argue, Kate Wells

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The show went out 7-22 at 6 PM on the net at www.freakradio.org.

To hear it now and other homeless civil rights shows at a time of your convenience, Click on http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html .

FLASHBACKS ON THE 7-22-21 SHOW:  Audios of four Club Cruz shows.
​Club Cruz was a weekly Community TV show that ran for more than a decade highlighting controversial local issues and people, produced and often hosted by Becky Johnson from 1996
Club Cruz #138  “City Eviction of a Business” Becky Johnson interviews downtown used auto dealer Kevin Clark (who later ran unsuccessfully for City Council) 11-15-00.

Club Cruz #139  “Take Me to a Magistrate” Robert Norse interviews helmet libertarian and police corruption fighter Richard Quigley (who ran unsuccessfully for sheriff and successfully ousted former sheriff  Mark Tracy in 2002) 11-15-00Club

Cruz #141  “Homeless Issues Task Force [HITF]”  Robert Norse interviews advocate and sometime activist “Lighthouse” Linda Lemaster, Chair of the former HITF on its failings and City Council shenangans 12-6-00

Club Cruz #89  “Free Speech and Targeted Harassment of an Outspoken Activist” “Nutcracker” Nick Whitehead and CHP editor Elizabeth Halley interview attorney “Catnip” Kate Wells and activist Steve Argue on SCPD Garner’s use of violence, selective enforcement, and false imprisonment to punish a critic.
Upcoming SC Homeless Union Camp Meet-Up 5 PM Friday July 23rd at the Benches between the County Building & Benchland Survival Encampment Community

Friday July 23, 2021, 11am-1pm Community Clean-Up
meet in San Lorenzo Park, near the picnic tables behind the Courthouse
Team starting points: Felker St. footbridge, Soquel St. underpass, Water St. underpass, Laurel St. underpass.

Dress in layers and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, prepare for sun/heat, BYO water bottle, garden gloves, and trash picker/rake/shovel if you have them. We will have supplies available: water and snacks, disposable and reusable gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, some tools, sharps and used battery containers, and lots of garbage bags Participants who are not residents of the riverbanks are requested to sign up in advance and expected to follow a community code of conduct (https://forms.gle/bCHaPgBdpj5cEsYA6) Coordinated by Benchlands Camp Council, Sanitation for the People, Food not Bombs, SC Homeless Union Supported by DSA Santa Cruz, Westside Cares, H.U.F.F.

HUFF Meetings are Back in the Benchlands! Thursday 7-22; Tables between Courthouse & Benchlands

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Agenda Prospects  for Thursday’s (7-22) Meeting       

+++ The Successful Novato Injunction–The Documentation Used and How It Might Apply to Santa Cruz
+++ Possible Resistance Strategies Against Further Sweeps and Benchland Demolition in the Benchlands
+++ Update on Pajaro River Sweep Wednesday morning from Monike Tone

+++ Wes White reports on his Union of the Homeless Tour of Marysville, Modesto, Fresno, San Diego, and Venice
+++ Bring Reports of Threats or Citations Using the New Camping Bans, Other Laws, or No Laws to HUFF or Alicia at 431-7766
+++ Rental Moratorium Prospects and Landlord Harassment–Possible Updates  
+++ Possible Sweep Defenses When the Cops Come Calling–Individual & Group Strategies
 +++ Laura’s Law in Santa Cruz: Did They Opt-Out?  Countering Conservatorships & “No Warning” Deportations
+++ Untwisting the Crooked City Hall Narrative:  Mustering Past Evidence of Shelter Denial and the Susie O’Hara’s False Narrative
+++ New Contacts with the Coastal Commission on Monitoring Illegal “Parking Limitation” Sign Placements Against Vehicular Residents

   Cool Weather Continues… Dress warmly.


Holding off the Novato Camping Ban Crapola with another Union of the Homeless Injunction (thanks to Anthony Prince–now come to Santa Cruz and do likewise!).  Also encouraging–a Chico Injunction Victory and a new lawsuit against the Mountain View RV Parking Ban,
Still, the Santa Cruz Survival Camps in the Benchlands remain in the tender arms of a hostile City Manager and government. 
Watsonville’s Pajaro River Camp was attacked by Watsonville Police Thugs Early Today (7-21) destroying 15 homes.
Continue to Organize for pre-emptive pressure on the City with Resistance strategies and support for unhoused through Santa Cruz at these and other meetings: 
City-organized Benchlands meeting 6 PM 7-22 mid-Benchlands;              Santa Cruz Homeless Union Camp meeting 5 PM 7-23 Tables between Benchlands and Courthouse.

Tune in for ongoing reports netcasted on Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides 6 PM Thursdays on freakradio.org and 9:30 AM-3 PM Sundays.  Shows archived at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html   Likely updates from San Diego, Berkeley, Sausalito, San Rafael, and elsewhere.


Read encouraging words defending the Chico survival camps and unhoused folks at https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2021/07/10/18843676.php  (“The Chico Decision-Hope for the Homeless in Santa Cruz”).
Action Against Homes-on-Wheels Removal in Mountain View: https://www.mv-voice.com/news/2021/07/12/aclu-law-foundation-announce-lawsuit-to-stop-mountain-views-rv-parking-ban

Sunday 7-18-21 Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides show archived: Breaking Novato TRO win; Marin County Homeless Union’s Robbie Powelson; Wes White Tours the State Organizing… 5-21-09 Flashback –Rights Attorneys Gettleman & Beauvais/ Norse & Schmidt

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ON THE 7-18-21 SHOW:  
      +++  “Whip ‘Em Into Shape” Wes White Tour the State.  Reports from Marysville, Modesto, Fresno, San Diego, and Venice Beach.
      +++   Standing of City Council bigotry in Novato: a Successful Union of the Homeless TRO
      +++   David Rovics on Recent On-Line Harassment by Critics Right and Left
      +++  “Rough Water” Robbie Powelson of the Marin Homeless Union in 7-12 Interview updating Anchor-Out and Union resistance in the North Bay
      +++  “Mess With Me Not” Monica Tone of the Pajaro River Homeless Updates Watsonville and Both Sides of the River
      +++   Voices from the Food Not Bombs Friday Feast: FNB server Joe and “Joy in the Jungle” Union of the Homeless plaintiff Dreadeye Sound Off       +++   Throughout: David Rovcs speaking out in song

    
On the FLASHBACK  to May 21, 2009    

+++  5-17 Sidetalk Steve at the Marijuana Legalization table
+++  Matt Silver, Greenpeace Activist details SCPD harassment downtown     

+++  Gun or Taser?  The Oscar Grant Murder: http://www.sfbayview.com/2009/did-bart-cop-who-killed-oscar-grant-mistake-gun-for-taser/
     +++  Extensive In-Studio Interview with local civil rights attorney Jonathan Genttleman, defending Anna Richardson and Miguel “Lito” De Leon against “Sleep Downtown, Go to Jail” Injunction.     

+++  Berkeley attorney David Beauvais on his defense of Bathrobespierre Robert for “trespassing” (i.e. interviewing homeless) at the Metro Transit Center and prior homeless cases.

FLASHBACK  to May 2, 2001
         Audio of Community TV’s Club Cruz 151:  Robert Norse Interviews Community Business Leader and Local CEO Mike Schmidt on his unusual support for homeless civil rights in Santa Cruz.

Recent HUFF stuff:  Federal Judge Halts Novato’s Anti-Homeless Law: file:///C:/Users/Robert/AppData/Local/Temp/516121476-California-Homeless-Union-et-al-v-City-of-Novato-et-al-complaint.pdf


HUFF may be moving its meeting time and place.   CALL 831-423-4833 to confirm if you’d like to attend.

“Free Commander X”   Protest Rally at San Jose Courthouse 280 S. 1st Street, San Jose, California Tuesday Noon 7-20 Keith McHenry of Food Not Bombs writes:  “Doyon was homeless in Santa Cruz and was participating in a protest against the city’s policy of dehumanizing those who live outside. According to the 2011 Federal indictment, a December 16, 2010, DDoS attack was orchestrated as part of “Operation Peace Camp 2010” in retaliation for the enforcement of the camping ban. The City of Santa Cruz enacted Section 6.36.010 of its Municipal Code, entitled “Camping Prohibited,” which contained restrictions and definitions on camping within Santa Cruz City. This sleeping ban law was made even more repressive in early June changing its title to “Camping Services and Standards Ordinance.” The law officially took effect on July 9, 2021, and could be used to justify the relocation of all unhoused to some as not yet defined facilities that could include a dusk to dawn “safe sleeping site” in a parking lot.” Chris Doyon and Keith McHenry were broadcasting a weekly live podcast from Freedom Camp at San Lorenzo Park in Santa Cruz when Commander X was extradited to the United States. This is the last program Doyon did just days before he was captured.

The show will be available on HUFF archives at the Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides under Lost/Latest Shows http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html)  as well as netcast at 9:30 AM or shortly thereafter. 

Detailed written descriptions of recent shows are at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/  (search for “Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides” on the right side of the screen).  Many older audio archives are described and currently available at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/brb-descriptions.html .  
Commentary by Ursula and more detailed descriptions of recent shows may also be available on the Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom Facebook page where you can also leave comments.  HUFF is also too slowly developing a page at http://huffsantacruz.org/ursula.html. 

BRING PHONE CHATTER BACK to FREE RADIO!
       We need studio space to restore the phone line.  Send us tips on where to rent studio space.  There’s still a $300 reward if you find us a year’s space.  FRSC also needs a location to set up our antenna again downtown– in a tree, a house, etc.  Call the HUFF line (831-423-4833) if you have any tips. 
    

Meanwhile for input into my show, contact Bathrobespierre Robert at HUFF or rnorse3@hotmail.com.  You can also comment on the Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom facebook page.

Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides 7-15-21 show netcasts 6 PM at freakradio.org : Deadly Deal in Berkeley–Cornerstone Carol Denney on the Mayor’s Betrayal; Katzenjammer Keith on Efforts in the Benchlands

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The show is slated to go out tonight at 6 PM on the net at www.freakradio.org.Alternately, to hear this show (July 15, 2021) and other homeless civil rights shows at a time of your convenience,

Click on http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html .


ON THE 7-15 SHOW:
XXX  “Cornerstone” Carol Denney gives a full and angry background to the Berkeley City Council’s sell-out of low-income housing to the University of California.

XXX  Anti-Vaxer David Rodriguez held 2 weeks without bail for a competence hearing for anti-mask protests, in a court segregated from public and defendant.    https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2021/07/14/anti-mask-advocate-released-from-santa-cruz-jail-found-mentally-competent/   


XXX  Katzenjammer Keith McHenry Supplies Food and Facts in Another Update

XXX   More Oregon Songs from Songslinger David Rovics throughout

Upcoming SC Homeless Union Camp Meet-Up 5 PM Friday July 16th at the Benches between Courthouse & the Benchlands.


Saturday, July 17, 2021, 11am-1pm Community Clean-Up
meet in San Lorenzo Park, Dakota St. entrance, near the Duck Pond and pedestrian bridge Friday, July 23, 2021, after the 5pm Benchlands meeting meet in San Lorenzo Park, near the picnic tables behind the Courthouse.

  • Team starting points: Felker St. footbridge, Soquel St. underpass. Water St. underpass, Laurel St. underpass
  • Dress in layers and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, prepare for sun/heat, BYO water bottle, garden gloves, and trash picker/rake/shovel if you have them
  • We will have supplies available: water and snacks, disposable and reusable gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, some tools, sharps and used battery containers, and lots of garbage bags
  • Participants who are not residents of the riverbanks are requested to sign up in advance and expected to follow a community code of conduct (https://forms.gle/bCHaPgBdpj5cEsYA6)
  • Coordinated by Benchlands Camp Council, Sanitation for the People, Food not Bombs, SC Homeless Union
  • Supported by DSA Santa Cruz, Westside Cares, H.U.F.F

Legal Papers for the San Lorenzo Park Injunction available at this link for the next 14 days: https://cityofsantacruz.sharefile.com/d-s911ada8e59964e4c891a8e9690536bb9

HUFF Taking a Summer Break: No Meeting Thursday 7-15; Check Out PUSH Film at Tabbycat 7-14 Tonight 7:30 PM; ; Benchlands Meeting 6 PM 7-14 mid-Benchlands; SC Homeless Union 5 PM 7-15 Tables between Courthouse & Benchlands

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In the wake of the Chico Injunction Victory and a new lawsuit against the Mountain View RV Parking Ban, Santa Cruz Survival Camps in the Benchlands remain in the tender arms of a hostile City Manager and government. 
Continue to Organize for pre-emptive pressure on the City with Resistance strategies and support for unhoused through Santa Cruz at these and other meetings: 
PUSH Film master-of-ceremonied by Keith McHenry of Food Not Bombs 7:30 PM 7-14 Tabbycat Cafe  Union and Cedar;  Organize against the Dark Building Buy-Up.             

City-organized Benchlands meeting 6 PM 7-14 mid-Benchlands;              Santa Cruz Homeless Union Camp meeting 5 PM 7-15 Tables between Benchlands and Courthouse.

Tune in for ongoing reports netcasted on Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides 6 PM Thursdays on freakradio.org and 9:30 AM-3 PM Sundays.  Shows archived at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html   Likely updates from San Diego, Berkeley, Sausalito, San Rafael, and elsewhere.


Read encouraging words defending the Chico survival camps and unhoused folks at https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2021/07/10/18843676.php  (“The Chico Decision-Hope for the Homeless in Santa Cruz”).
Action Against Homes-on-Wheels Removal in Mountain View: https://www.mv-voice.com/news/2021/07/12/aclu-law-foundation-announce-lawsuit-to-stop-mountain-views-rv-parking-ban

Sunday 7-11-21 Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides show archived and netcasting 9:30 AM -3 PM: Breaking Warren v. Chico victory; 7-9 Homeless Union Meeting; Flashbacks to 2001 w/Schmidt and Quigley

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ON THE 7-11-21 SHOW:        

+++  Introduction to the Warren v. City of Chico Injunction Victory
+++  Letter to Jon Showalter the Association of Faith Communities  on
its “Safe Parking” Program
      +++  “Laughing Heart” Lee Ann’s Resident Update on the Benchlands
      +++   More Songs from Oregon’s Haunted Past by Biteback Bard David Rovics
      +++  Benchland Occupants, Homeless Unionists, DSA-sters, HUFFists,
join an hour long Resistance Support exchange:  Warning–lots of cross talk and wind interference with the recording.

    
On the FLASHBACK  to May 5, 2001’s Club Cruz show   

+++  “Rough Rider” Richard Quigley on His Technique for dealing with
abusive deputies.


Recent HUFF stuff:  “The Chico Decision-Hope for the Homeless in Santa Cruz” athttps://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2021/07/10/18843676.php

HUFF may be moving its meeting time and place.   CALL 831-423-4833to confirm if you’d like to attend.
   
The show will be available on HUFF archives at the Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides under Lost/Latest Shows http://www.huffsantacruz.org/Lostshows.html)  as well as netcast at 9:30 AM or shortly thereafter. 

Detailed written descriptions of recent shows are at http://huffsantacruz.org/wordpress/  (search for “Bathrobespierre’s Broadsides” on the right side of the screen).  Many older audio archives are described and currently available at http://www.huffsantacruz.org/brb-descriptions.html .  
Commentary by Ursula and more detailed descriptions of recent shows may also be available on the Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom Facebook page where you can also leave comments.  HUFF is hoping to develop a blog accessible through http://huffsantacruz.org/ursula.html  at a date as yet most uncertain. 

BRING PHONE CHATTER BACK to FREE RADIO!
       We need studio space to restore the phone line.  Send us tips on where to rent studio space.  There’s still a $300 reward if you find us a year’s space.  FRSC also needs a location to set up our antenna again downtown– in a tree, a house, etc.  Call the HUFF line (831-423-4833) if you have any tips. 
    

Meanwhile for input into my show, contact Bathrobespierre Robert at HUFF or rnorse3@hotmail.com.  You can also comment on the Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom facebook page.

Chico’s Homeless Win Preliminary Injunction—Will Santa Cruz Take a Similar Path?

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The grim news of sweeps removing homeless-run encampments in Sausalito and San Rafael, as well as the RV rousts in Seaside, in recent weeks is now counterbalanced by a ray of light from a federal court in the Warren v. City of Chico case, which I transcribe here.   In mid-December, City Manager Martin Bernal unilaterally sent in Andy Mills’ SCPD last December to oust the homeless population living in San Lorenzo Park, ignoring the winter weather, COVID crisis, and lack of City shelter.

Bernal and his staff had decreed such removals with false promises of adequate alternative shelter and services from the Benchlands, 1220 River St., Ross Camp, and Phoenix Camp in prior years.

In response, community organizations set up their own tents and showed up in large numbers to interpose themselves between armed police and the threatened homeless residents. A day later the California Homeless Union and its attorney Anthony Prince got a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) blocking the removal. The order was turned into a longer term Preliminary Injunction on January 20th.

In negotiations with the City, Prince agreed to squeeze the homeless encampment into the Benchlands in March where it has grown over the last few months receiving limited support from City authorities and from Food Not Bombs and other charitable groups.

“Given the great disparity between the number of beds and the number of unhoused persons, the Court need not get into the weeds of whether the existing beds are “practically available.” There was simply not enough shelter available for the community to opt to enforce its criminal sanctions.”    –quote from the decision

TO READ JUDGE MORRISON’S DECISION GRANTING THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION, GO TO “The Chico Decision-Hope for the Homeless in Santa Cruz” AT https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2021/07/10/18843676.php .