City, Groups Settle in Calif. Rental Inspection Suit

Lancaster accused of abusing authority to try to drive out minority Section 8 residents

Civil rights activists have dropped a lawsuit against the city of Lancaster that alleged discrimination against nonwhite recipients of public housing vouchers, and agreed to a settlement that commits both sides to work together to ensure fair rental practices.

Wednesday's announcement puts to rest what had threatened to be a lengthy battle over race and housing in the Antelope Valley.

"What we agreed to do is … put down our rifles and pick up our shovels and use that energy to grow the city," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.