Stop the blame – let’s look for solutions – Chico Enterprise-Record

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In recent years, the Conservative refrain has been about facts and truth. Well, as a conservative, let’s talk about some things that are objectively true.

In 2018, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Martin, and all, in a six-plaintiff lawsuit against the city of Boise, Idaho. The court found that the city’s ordinances prohibiting camping on public property violate the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment if the city does not have enough shelter beds available for the homeless population.

In 2019, the case was appealed to the United States Supreme Court. Contrary to popular belief, the Supreme Court did not rule on the case; they declined to hear the appeal, leaving the 9th Circuit ruling in place in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

In 2021, Warren, and all, sought legal representation against the city of Chico, alleging that the city violated the precedent of Martin v. Wooded. The judge adjudicating the litigation agreed and barred the city from enforcing its anti-camping orders and completing planned evictions of individuals from several campsites in the city.

You may disagree with the 9th Circuit’s decision on Martin v. Wooded; or with the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal; or with the judge’s decision to agree with Warren, et al, that Chico raped Martin v. Boise – I know I do – However, these things are all facts. Let’s stop pointing fingers and start solving problems.

—Timothy Lynch, Chico

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