Battle over Ross homeless encampment in federal court

UPDATE 4/26/2019 10:30 a.m. A federal judge in San Jose has heard both sides of the lawsuit about allegations that an attempt to close the Ross homeless encampment is unconstitutional Friday morning.

Now a settlement judge is talking with them about trying to come to a settlement about the temporary restraining order. The judge is with both sides having an “open discussion” about their options before the primary judge makes a ruling.

PREVIOUS STORY: After months of discussion over whether to leave the Ross homeless encampment alone or close it, the city of Santa Cruz is being taken to federal court over allegations its attempt to close the camp is unconstitutional.

The lawsuit claims part of the reason it’s unconstitutional is because there’s no space for the city’s homeless to be relocated once the camp closes down.

City leaders have established a temporary encampment over by the County office buildings on Ocean Street, but homeless residents feel it isn’t enough.

KION’s Victor Guzman is live in San Jose where the federal court hearing is expected to take place.

His live report airs on KION Newschannel 5/46 at 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.