Homelessness activists protest sit-lie law by targeting downtown businesses

Continuing the Camp Hope protest from earlier this month, Wednesday night saw homeless advocates marching near several businesses downtown to protest laws they say criminalize homelessness.

The protesters, looking to repeal or reform the city’s sit-lie law, wanted to raise the attention of shoppers downtown, said organizer Alfredo LLamedo. About 15 chanted and banged bucket drums in front of River Park Square mall and marched to the Apple store, Urban Outfitters and other retail shops along Main Avenue.

“I’m putting my face in the community for laws that criminalize homelessness,” said one protester, Ken Lee.

Downtown Spokane Partnership President Mark Richard observed protesters from across the street and said they don’t represent the homeless in Spokane.

Richard has attended meetings with protesters and city officials and is continuing to talk with homeless-advocate organizations in Spokane, like the Spokane Homeless Coalition, he said.

“I think these guys are blowing it, frankly,” he said of the protesters. “They’re bothering businesses. You have a community getting a hardened heart.”

The sit-lie law is active during the daytime and when shelters have openings. It also sends violators to community court that guides them toward resources. Richard said he’d challenge anybody to find a “more holistic” sit-lie ordinance.

“It’s the only thing that separates us from communities like Portland and Seattle that have lost control,” he said.

LLamedo said he’s calling on the City Council to “hash it out” with him and other advocates.

“This doesn’t need to be everyone screaming at each other,” he said while holding a megaphone.

LLamedo led a hunger strike in front of City Hall last month before the City Council suspended the sit-lie ordinance because of a shelter-bed shortage. But in Early December, the city added warming centers and police began enforcing a no-camping law to clear out “Camp Hope.” LLamedo and one other were arrested for obstructing police at the tent encampment. His arraignment was Wednesday at the Spokane County Courthouse and he pleaded not guilty.

Protesters Wednesday chanted their own versions of Christmas carols that were aimed at city officials. About 20 feet and two glass doors separated them from a line of children and parents waiting to take pictures with Santa.

“Mayor Condon left shelters undone,” protesters sang to the tune of “Mr. Grinch.” “Sleeping outside just ain’t much fun.”

Protesters eventually made their way to the Apple Store, where LLamedo spoke through a megaphone.

“Back when they issued the second iPhone, and the sit-and-lie law was still in place … there were people that sat out here and camped all the way down to River Front Square. Not a single ticket was issued. Not a single arrest was made,” LLamedo said. “Nothing.”

LLamedo said he was planning three similar protests, at 5 p.m. Friday and at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Correction: This story was updated to state that the city used a no-camping law to remove protesters camping in front of City Hall in early December.