A federal judge says all low-income African American renters in Antioch can join a lawsuit accusing the city of racial discrimination.
U.S. District Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong on Thursday approved class-action status for the suit, saying the renters had provided evidence that police practices in Antioch targeted African Americans. The suit was originally filed by a handful of women, but has grown to include about 1,000 people.

It claims Antioch police have tried to drive African American renters in federally subsidized housing out of the city through a policy of arrests and harassment. The city disputes the allegation.

Armstrong on Thursday also limited a potential damage award against the city. She said only four of the plaintiffs in the case would be able to seek damages.