SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Nine women inmates have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and county of San Francisco, alleging unconstitutional conditions inside a county jail.
The attorney representing the group accuses the city, county and sheriff’s office of violating inmates’ rights under the Fourth, Eighth and 14th Amendments and is urging the facility to be shut down.
According to the lawsuit, the women are experiencing unhealthy conditions compared to male inmates. The complaint alleges a lack of exposure to “direct sunlight” and that inmates are living “under artificial light 24 hours a day,” leading to health issues including “skin issues,” “sleep disorders,” “headaches” and “impairment of their eyesight.”
“The conditions inside this jail are unconstitutional because anyone who spends time, any significant time in this jail is going to come out with illness,” said attorney Yolanda Huang.
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Huang added, “Headaches develop into memory loss and neurological conditions. You have indigestion. You could you have Crohn’s disease.”
In 2023, a federal judge mandated that all inmates must be given access to sunlight.
The lawsuit also cites problems with the jail’s infrastructure, including “chronic plumbing malfunctions,” “inadequate hot water,” and limitations on access to toilets and flushing. It further alleges inmates are provided with a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
Standards from the California Board of State and Community Corrections state inmates must have access to “hot and cold water or tempered water.” Dietary guidelines require “one serving of a fresh fruit or vegetable per day, or seven (7) servings per week,” and facilities must ensure “toilets/urinals” are available in both single – and double – occupancy cells.
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The city attorney declined to speak on camera but said in a statement, “Once we are served with the lawsuit, we will review the complaint and respond in court.”
Huang said the city must address the conditions or “shut this down.”
The lawsuit comes weeks after another legal complaint filed in May by a group of 20 women who sued the sheriff’s department and the city over an alleged mass strip search in which they say they were recorded by deputies.
“I’m just happy that others are joining in on the fight. I think the more people who are giving voice to these women. It’s difficult for them to speak for themselves when they’re inside,” said Elizabeth Bertolino, an attorney in the earlier case.
The nine women in the current lawsuit have been granted bail, but their attorney said they cannot afford to pay and will remain in custody as they await trial. The city and county of San Francisco have 30 days to respond to the lawsuit.
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