Fresno to receive class action lawsuit against its policies surrounding the unhoused
A class action lawsuit alleges Fresno's policies criminalize homelessness and violate the rights of unhoused individuals.Summary
A lawsuit has been filed against the City of Fresno, aiming to challenge its policies regarding the unhoused population and potentially set a precedent for other California cities. The complaint, filed on December 10th, alleges that the city’s practices and ordinances “criminalize homelessness and systemically deprives unhoused individuals” of their rights, including due process and protections against discrimination for those with disabilities. Attorney Kevin Little, representing the plaintiffs Wickey Two-Hands and Joseph Quinney, argues that the city has focused on citations and arrests instead of providing solutions, despite available funding.
City Attorney Andrew Janz stated he looks forward to taking the case to the Supreme Court, referencing the *Johnson vs. Grant's Pass* decision, but Little clarified that the lawsuit does not directly relate to that case, asserting the city’s laws punish behavior, not housing status.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for members of Fresno’s unhoused community and aims to serve as a model for other cities. The City of Fresno will be served with the complaint on December 12th, with a court date set for April.
(Source：Abc 30)