Homelessness encampments affect fish populations in three primary ways: Trash from an encampment off Hamilton Avenue in San Jose. Credit: South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition For pollution, actions of concern include:  For physical modification, actions of concern include:  A barrier made of shopping carts and other materials off Cherry Avenue in San Jose. Credit: South…

1. Prevent and reduce homelessness and housing insecurity:  Before and After photos of a clean-up of an encampment near Calabazas Creek in Santa Clara County. Credit: Valley Water 2. Actions that reduce the severity and frequency of harm posed by encampments: Housed volunteers living near encampments are good candidates to assist with clean-up efforts because…

Across California, encampments of people who experience homelessness negatively affect fish populations in multiple ways. The long list of concerns includes poaching fish, cutting down trees above rivers, and polluting waterways. The best way to help fish is to assist unhoused populations get housing and remain housed. Communities also need to address the economic and…

Understanding evidentiary hearings in water rights cases The term “evidentiary hearing” means different things in different legal venues. An evidentiary hearing in a criminal court is not the same as an evidentiary water rights hearing before the quasi-judicial body of the State Water Resources Control Board (the Board). An evidentiary hearing in a water rights…

In fall 2025, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) will launch a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) program to collect data on the number and condition of fish in the Lower Mokelumne River. It is developing the program in partnership with Cramer Fish Sciences (CFS), a Portland, Oregon-based company.  Video footage of salmon mapped in…