Stop the blame — let’s look for solutions

In recent years, the refrain from conservatives 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, et all, in a six-plaintiff suit against the city of Boise, Idaho. The court found that city ordinances banning camping on public property violate the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment if the city does not have sufficient shelter beds available for the homeless population.

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

In 2021, Warren, et all, sought legal representation against the City of Chico, alleging that the City was violating the precedent of Martin v. Boise. The judge adjudicating the litigation agreed and enjoined the city from enforcement of its anti-camping ordinances and from completing planned removals of individuals from several camping sites within the city.

You can disagree with the 9th Circuit’s ruling on Martin v. Boise; or with the Supreme Court’s declination to hear the appeal; or with the judge’s decision to agree with Warren, et al, that Chico violated Martin v. Boise — I know I do — However, those things are all facts. Let’s stop the finger-pointing and start the problem-solving.

— Timothy Lynch, Chico