Hanson Bridgett Files Suit Against National Park Service to Protect Ranch Workers’ Homes, Jobs
December 16, 2024 (San Francisco, CA) - Hanson Bridgett LLP has filed a federal lawsuit against the National Park Service to protect the homes and jobs of families who live and work on cattle and dairy ranches in the Point Reyes National Seashore.
The lawsuit filed Dec. 12 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of 100 unnamed Latino workers and family members challenges a purported legal settlement that the NPS has negotiated in secret with environmental and ranching groups that would reverse a previous decision allowing the issuance of 20-year ranching leases on park-owned land in West Marin.
“The resulting ranch closures would deprive the agricultural workers of income and evict them from their homes, in violation of our clients’ constitutional due process rights, the Fair Housing Act and the National Environmental Policy Act,” said Hanson Bridgett partner Andrew G. Giacomini, who represents the workers pro bono. “Given the region’s shortage of affordable housing, it’s very likely that these workers will end up unhoused because of the National Park Service’s actions.”
The complaint alleges that the NPS is intentionally treating the Hispanic agricultural workers differently from the ranchers, excluding the former from lawsuit-related negotiations that will affect their livelihoods and housing, while the ranchers are allowed to represent their interests. The agricultural workers also claim that the NPS is planning to compensate the ranchers, but not the workers.
The ongoing litigation stems from a 2022 lawsuit filed by three environmental organizations seeking to end agricultural activity within Point Reyes. The NPS had initially extended agricultural leases to 20-year terms under its new management plan, but the leases and ranching activities are now in jeopardy due to environmental concerns raised in the lawsuit.
“We believe that the NPS should not be allowed to settle the lawsuit with the environmentalists and that our clients should be able to remain in their homes in Point Reyes,” said Giacomini, a West Marin native. “These hardworking farmworkers are longstanding community members and neighbors, and they deserve a say in any discussions that deeply affect their lives.”
About Hanson Bridgett LLP
Hanson Bridgett LLP is a full-service AmLaw 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys across California. Creating a diverse workforce by fostering an atmosphere of belonging and intentional support has been a priority at Hanson Bridgett since its founding in 1958. We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds, both for attorneys and administrative professionals. As the first law firm recognized as a certified B Corp, we are committed to the communities where our employees live and work and consider it part of our professional obligation to serve justice by encouraging and supporting pro bono and social impact work.
For media inquiries contact:
Patrick L. Clos
Communications Manager
Hanson Bridgett LLP
415-995-5098
pclos@hansonbridgett.com
