Jail Inmate Class Action Complaint To Be Heard In SF Thursday

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Santa Clara County residents who filed a class action lawsuit against the county's jails will speak during public comment in San Francisco federal court on Thursday as the case comes to a close.

Cesar vs. County of Santa Clara was filed by the Prison Law Office in 2016 on behalf of Prisoners United, a collective of prisoners who have since staged several hunger strikes in an effort to end indefinite solitary confinement, reduce the cost of jail calls and reduce the price of commissary, among other demands.

The county reached a $1.6 million settlement in the case in October, and agreed to a Remedial Plan that includes reduced wait times for inmates with health concerns, revised screening and prevention for those at risk of suicide and an improved intake and booking process to better understand inmates' medical needs.

The lawsuit was filed shortly after the death of mentally ill inmate Michael Tyree in 2015. Three jail guards were convicted in 2017 of beating Tyree to death.

On Thursday, individuals who filed the lawsuit will commend the Remedial Plan, but ask that the county continue to push for improvements in its jail system -- such as the complete removal of solitary confinement. They will also share statements from detainees in Prisoners United.

The hearing will begin at 1 p.m. in the Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse at 450 Golden Gate Ave. in San Francisco.

--Bay City News