Action Alert: Please Help Protect San Jose's Waterways and Address Homelessness

May 30, 2024

What Is Happening

San Jose is facing a critical environmental challenge due to the pollution caused by homeless encampments in creek corridors. The City estimates that 88% of pollutants entering its rivers and creeks stem from more than 1,000 people living in encampments along the waterways. This pollution fouls not only our waterways, but flows into the San Francisco Bay where it degrades water quality beyond our locale. As trash, toxic refuse and human excrement accumulate in the creeks and their riparian corridors, the City of San Jose faces the ominous possibility that its Stormwater Permit will not be renewed, opening up the potential for steep fines and civil penalties.

To meet the environmental mandates of the required Stormwater Permit, San Jose’s City Manager proposed budgeting $27 million this year  to provide  basic shelter to house people now living along creeks, clean up the encampments, enforce no re-encampment zones near waterways, and reduce biowaste entering storm drains to the waterways from lived-in vehicles.

However, the City Manager’s proposed budget is being met with strong opposition because it includes a temporary reallocation of Measure E funds, originally set aside for affordable housing, to immediately address the clean water issues and environmental damage caused by encampments.. 

Measure E, passed by voters in 2020, was intended to generate revenue for affordable housing development, homeless services as well as shelter. Affordable housing advocates want to retain as much funding from Measure E for permanent affordable housing, but doing so would jeopardize San Jose’s ability to move the most vulnerable homeless people out of the waterways quickly and at scale. 

We support the City Manager’s budget proposal for this year, and hope you join us in supporting it.

Why It Is Important

  1. Environmental Protection: All creeks flow to the ocean - or the Bay. Homeless encampments near waterways contribute significantly to pollution, including trash, human waste, and hazardous materials. This pollution harms local wildlife, disrupts ecosystems, and contaminates water sources, posing serious risks to public health and the environment. 
  2. Historical Context: San Jose previously faced a $100 million lawsuit settlement with the conservation group Baykeeper for the City’s Clean Water Act violations. The settlement required extensive corrective measures to clean up waterways. Eight years later, the city continues to struggle with compliance, risking further legal and financial consequences.
  3. Proactive Measures: Redirecting Measure E funds to clean up encampments is a proactive step to mitigate environmental harm and fulfill the city's legal obligations. Addressing these issues now can prevent severe penalties and higher costs in the future. 
  4. Balanced Approach: While affordable housing remains a critical need, the immediate environmental threats posed by these encampments require urgent and mandatory attention. A balanced approach that addresses both housing, homelessness and environmental concerns is essential for the well-being of the entire community.

How You Can Help

Write to the San Jose City Council: Your voice matters in ensuring that the council takes appropriate action to protect our waterways and address homelessness responsibly. Here’s how you can make your opinion heard:

  1. Identify Your Councilmember: Find out who your council member is and their contact information on the City of San Jose’s website.
  2. Compose Your Message: Use the points below to craft a persuasive message:

Subject Line: Support for City Manager’s Proposal to Protect Our Waterways

Body:

 [Dear Council Member’s Name]
 

CC: mayor@sanjoseca.gov, city.clerk@Sanjoseca.gov

I am writing to express my support for the City Manager’s proposal to address the problem of pollution caused by homeless encampments in our creek corridors. 
 
[Please add a brief personal note here. If you have participated in a creek cleanup in San Jose, or otherwise experienced the tragedy of our waterways, please share your experience.]
 
The environmental and public health risks posed by these encampments are significant and require immediate action. Cleaning up our creeks is not only essential for protecting our natural resources but also for fulfilling the city’s legal obligations and preventing future fines and lawsuits. While affordable housing is a critical need, the urgent need for homeless shelter and the need to solve the environmental issues must also be addressed to ensure a safe and healthy community for all. I urge you to support the temporary reallocation of Measure E funds to clean up our waterways and provide shelter services for those experiencing homelessness, immediately, not years from now.
 
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
 
Sincerely, 
 
[Your Name] [Your Address]
 
  1. Send Your Message: Email your council member or send a letter to their office.
  2. Attend the final hearing on the City Manager’s proposed budget: Monday, June 10th at 6pm in Council Chambers (200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose) to voice your support. 

Conclusion

San Jose's waterways are at risk, and immediate action is needed to prevent further environmental damage, while providing shelter for the homeless and protecting public health. By temporarily reallocating Measure E funds, we can address the pollution from homeless encampments and support those in need of housing. Your advocacy is crucial in urging the city council to take responsible and proactive measures. Write to your council member today and make a difference for our community and environment.