Day Laborers sue Calif. city over ban on seeking work

The Associated Press
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- Day laborers say they have sued the city of Costa Mesa over a ban on seeking work on the street.

The workers' lawyers told reporters they filed the lawsuit Tuesday in federal court in Santa Ana, alleging the ban violates their clients' civil rights.

It is the latest in a series of lawsuits filed by day labor advocates against cities that limit workers' right to solicit employment on street corners.

The lawsuit comes after Costa Mesa police posed as employers last year and arrested a dozen laborers. It also comes as day labor advocates say they have seen more American citizens lining up at labor centers around the country because of the recession.

A voicemail message was left for Costa Mesa's city attorney.

http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/2507804.html