Appeals Court OKs Sidewalk Storage On Skid Row For Homeless People

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld the right of homeless people on Los Angeles' Skid Row to temporarily leave their belongings unattended on sidewalks.

In the 36-page ruling issued Wednesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Los Angeles city attorney's appeal of a July 2011 district court decision.

The appellate court confirmed the lower court ruling that found seizure and destruction of property temporarily left on a sidewalk violated homeless people's constitutional rights.

The city attorney's office had no immediate comment.

The issue of property seizures has long been an issue on Skid Row.

The city contends that property left on sidewalks constitutes a health hazard, but advocates say people's valuable possessions have been destroyed while their owners were showering or eating in nearby shelters.

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