BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A group of homeless people are flexing its legal muscles in a last ditch attempt to postpone the closing of International Square, KERO reported.

The city has terminated its lease on the property, which is scheduled to be demolished and returned to Union Pacific Railroad after the first of the year.

Supporters of International Square have pointed to the 33-year history. The park ahs provided shade and comfort to many homeless people.

The city has maintained an increase in cost and crime associated with International Park as a driving force for its closure.

A group of nine homeless people, led by attorney Roy Malahowski of the Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, filed an injunction in Kern County Superior Court to delay the park's closure.

The suit criticized what it calls the rush to judgement by the city to bulldoze a city park -- something supporters said goes against the general plan.

City leaders said the park has become a gathering site for not only the homeless, but also drugs, acohol and crime.

City Councilmember Sue Benham said she regretted the group's action but maintained her desire to work with the homeless to identify their needs and goals.

However, the people who filed the suit said their greatest "need" is to keep the park open.

Plaintiff Harold Stafford said, "The reason I come here is to feel safe. I have friends (here). It does mean a lot to me."

Malahowski said the real issue is dealing with the homeless population before taking away a community area like International Square.

Benham said she spoke to the Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance just three weeks ago about issues like a day-use center.

The next round of discussion will be Monday morning in Kern County Superior Court.