February 26, 2021

The City of Sausalito expects U.S. District Court Judge Edward M. Chen to issue a decision soon on an application seeking to halt the relocation of the occupants of the Dunphy Park encampment to nearby Marinship Park. The judge heard arguments on February 23, saying he was taking the case under consideration and would make a ruling "as quickly as possible."

This week did result in the placement of one of the initial encampment occupants into housing. The individual, a veteran, 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, 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.