Sherman R. Frederick
Sausalito Marin Scope
Breaking: On Tuesday the U.S. District Court granted an induction against the City removing the tenters at Dunphy Park.)
After a hearing last week in U.S. District Court, the city is awaiting a decision on whether it can proceed with it’s plans to help the homeless encamped at Dunphy Park.
The City Council voted in February to establish Marinship Park as the official — and only — place which the homeless may take shelter in Sausalito. The city reasoned that at Marinship the city could provide running water and clean restrooms. The city would also set up a facility in which the homeless may store their belongings during the day.
But the homeless community at Dunphy Park objected, saying they liked Dunphy Park better and that being required to decamp each and every day break was oppressive and unsafe.
They matter was taken before U.S. District Court Judge Edward M. Chen who said he would make a ruling as soon as he can. As of deadline on Monday, no decision was forthcoming from the court.
The city reported that in the last week one person from Dunphy Park was placed into housing. The man was a veteran who received housing assistance from the Marin County Veterans Services Office. The office also assisted the individual in securing other benefits as well.
Over the last several weeks, the city said on its website, City officials have been meeting with local and regional governmental agencies, including the Veterans Services Office and others, to identify alternate housing for the encampment occupants. Earlier this month, the City Council approved a resolution affirming Sausalito’s commitment to explore every opportunity to provide shelter and care to those without a home.
The application under consideration by Judge Chen was filed February 16 by the Sausalito/Marin Chapter of the California Homeless Union on behalf of itself and 10 individuals. The action seeks an emergency temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to stop the relocation of the encampment occupants and suspend enforcement of a City resolution closing certain City property to camping and storage of personal property. The resolution also designates a portion of Marinship Park as a temporary, transitional overnight camping location for individuals who have no option of sleeping indoors.
The City’s opposition to the application was filed with the court on February 17. The California Homeless Union’s response to the City’s filing was filed on February 22.
(You can reach the writer via email at shermfrederick@gmail.com.)
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