The former Ross Homeless Camp has a new name, given it by the reopened camp’s more than 40 inhabitants. It’s being called the Phoenix Camp and police are looking to the City Council for management direction over what should be done to close the camp.
That could come later this month, but options are limited after a federal court in Idaho ruled that homeless people cannot be arrested for sleeping outside if there are no adequate indoor shelters.
Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz City Council this week agreed to create a new position for a Homeless Response Manager. The $140,000-a-year job is intended to be a liaison and problem solver. More council action is expected later this month.
