SANTA CRUZ, Calif--
Occupy Santa Cruz is heading to court. City leaders are calling the protesters a public nuisance and wants them gone.
"I think ultimately it's just about them wanting us out of here sooner than later and unfortunately, our grievances aren't going to be redressed sooner than later so we just can't pack up shop and leave," said Noah Shepardson, Occupy Santa Cruz.
That's the response Occupy Santa Cruz protesters have regarding a civil suit filed by city attorneys this week. The lawsuit claims there's health and safety hazards at the campsite, among other things and names 100 "John Does" and Steve Pleich.
"They're asking the court for two things," said Pleich, Occupy Santa Cruz and a defendant named in the suit. "One, is to find the camping in San Lorenzo Park a public nuisance and if the court does find it is a public nuisance then they'll command occupy and myself individually to abate that nuisance."
Pleich says he was identified by the city as a spokesperson for the group, and that's why he was named in the lawsuit. He says protesters aren't a public nuisance and are actually practicing their right to assemble and free speech.
"This is not a public nuisance and any problems that they have here in occupy in terms of San Lorenzo Park we can handle ourselves," said Pleich. "With the cooperation of the city, with the cooperation of the police department, we can maintain this occupation and work toward our goals of creating social and economic justice."
No one from the city was available to comment on the lawsuit, Saturday. Protesters said they'll remain committed to their message no matter what. A hearing on the matter is set for Wednesday November 16.
You can read the complaint on Occupy Santa Cruz's website, occupysantacruz.org
