Vincent & Joanne Vega: Homeless can’t be allowed to pollute our rivers, burn our oaks

In Modesto, the homeless population has grown 20 percent in the last year to 1,800 people. The growth in the homeless of homeless was apparent when kayaking down the Tuolumne River by the Santa Fe Avenue bridge. There is a large homeless camp, with garbage everywhere and the smel of feces. These toxic substances will enter the water shed and pollute our drinking water.

All along the rivers, the homeless are setting fires to the old oak groves. In the Tuolumne River Regional Park, four fires were set this summer alone, burning up countless oak trees. The homeless problem is complex with many solutions needed. However, there should be zero tolerance to illegal camping along our precious Valley rivers. The homeless need a place to stay with running water, bathrooms and garbage services away from our waterways. Elected officials must make the homeless situation a priority and make our rivers clean again.

This story was originally published November 7, 2016 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Vincent & Joanne Vega: Homeless can’t be allowed to pollute our rivers, burn our oaks."