Politics Reporter

Gabe Greschler

Oral arguments for a consequential case about how cities can enforce laws around sleeping outside were heard on Monday morning.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declined to toss out an injunction restricting homeless sweeps but asked for some clarifications. 

The number of homeless people suffering from mental illness and other chronic health conditions in San Francisco has shot up this year.

The city is considering buying the shelter, but needs more time to determine if the building is in adequate condition. 

A regional approach could allow some people to receive housing faster and cheaper than they would in San Francisco, the official said.