Last week, a 6-1 vote in favor of
banning encampments near Santa Clara County creeks and rivers was concluded by the Valley Water board. The ordinance prohibits camping within Water Resources Protection Zones, including all land where Valley Water owns the property and holds the title, has an easement, or has maintenance obligations. The Valley Water board of directors emphasized that the goal was not to be punitive towards the unhoused community, buuuuuuut, now they can impose fines or jail time on those that will violate the ordinance.
Valley Water owns and manages 333 miles of the more than 800 miles of creeks and rivers in Santa Clara County. The remaining stretches of creeks are owned by Santa Clara County, private entities, cities in which the creeks are located, and other public agencies.
Once an individual does not leave an encampment after requested, a 72-hour notice will be issued before the area is cleared. If someone is still unwilling to leave an encampment following a 72-hour notice, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. The charge would lead to either a fine of up to $500 or community service.
