To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MICHAEL W. WEBB, CITY ATTORNEY
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING THE UNLAWFUL CAMPING PROVISIONS OF TITLE 4, CHAPTER 34 OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE
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BACKGROUND
The City Council directed the City Attorney’s Office to explore factual findings that would support adding places, outside of the Coastal Zone, such as Project Homekey or other permanent supportive housing to the anti-camping provisions of section 4-34.03 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code. However, this direction might be made moot depending upon the US Supreme Court’s decision on the case of Grants Pass v. Johnson. Oral argument is set for Monday April 22, 2024, the day before this City Council meeting. We may get insight from the argument as to how the Supreme Court might rule which could greatly impact the legality of or even the need for the proposed changes to the City’s unlawful camping ordinances. It is entirely possible that the Supreme Court will reverse the Ninth Circuit’s rulings in Grant Pass and Martin v. Boise which severely restricted the ability to enforce unlawful camping ordinances. In that case, the police would once again be able to enforce our unlawful camping ordinances without the need for further amendment or specific time and place limitations.
I will provide an update on the oral argument during our City Council meeting. Attached is the brief I joined in filing with the Supreme Court in support of the City of Grants Pass.
ATTACHMENTS
1) Amici Curiae brief filed in support of the City of Grants Pass