Over the last few years—and especially during the Covid-19 pandemic—Santa Clara County's Coyote Creek watershed has become an inflection point for how the South Bay must address issues surrounding its homelessness crisis and the environmental impact of creekside encampments.

With a concerted effort, Santa Clara County can restore its creeks to their natural state while housing the homeless who set up camp on their shores.

A recruitment effort is underway to bring thousands of litter picker-uppers to South Bay creeks for Coastal Cleanup Day this weekend.

In Santa Clara County’s push to end homelessness, not all agree on how to balance short-term needs with long-term solutions.