One of the major risks facing Albany over homeless encampments on the Bulb has now materialized in San Jose: the state is pursuing a complaint that San Jose is violating the federal Clean Water Act by allowing homeless encampments along waterways. Huge daily fines against that city are a very real possibility.
The Mercury News has excellent coverage here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_25388561/state-files-water-pollution-complaint-against-s...
Hopefully, Albany's significant investment in resolving its very similar problem will win it some forbearance from the state while it works to resolve the problem in a calm and compassionate way. But this news is a timely reminder of why Albany has no real choice but to take action. Just like each of us, the city itself must follow laws that protect the natural environment, including, of course, the San Francisco Bay.
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