The Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California (ACLU-NC) and the group Shasta County Citizens for Democracy (SCCD) are hosting a community picnic in conjunction with a protest over Redding’s recently adopted “sit/lie” ordinance.
All members of the public are invited to this event, which takes place on Thursday, July 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in South City Park. Admission is free.
“It is important we keep the spotlight on this unjust ordinance,” said Don Yost, chairman of the local ACLU chapter.
“Being homeless or poor is not a crime, but the Redding City Council would rather fine the poor and homeless than provide them with basic necessities like a place to live,” he added.
Violators of the”sit/lie” ordinance can be fined up to $75.
“Seventy-five dollars is a fortune to a person who has nothing but the clothes on their back,” Yost believes. “How can they be expected to pay it? What happens when they aren’t able to pay it? Rather than criminalizing the homeless, we must come together as a community to find a solution that respects the dignity of our homeless residents.”
For more information, contact Don Yost at 241-8421.
