'The Zone': Judge denies Phoenix's cleanup request

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney ruled in September that Phoenix must permanently clear the encampment on the edge of downtown by Nov. 4. The city asked for a stay pending a second appeal over that timing. But Blaney ruled that Phoenix had already appealed the court?s March 27 preliminary injunction and the order ?relied upon nearly identical factual findings and legal conclusions.? The judge said the plaintiffs ?face much greater hardship if the court were to delay implementation of its ruling.?