Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho is adding environmental violations to his lawsuit against the city of Sacramento over what he calls its failure to act regarding the homelessness crisis. … Ho said debris, harmful chemicals and human waste from homeless encampments pollute the river, putting the city in violation of state wildlife statutes. “Would anybody now swim in the American River? Would anybody want to fish in the American River? Would anybody even want to kayak in the American River anymore?” Ho said. “And the answer’s no. Shame on the city.”  Critics, including homeless advocates, say Ho’s claims are false. They cite a 2021 study by the Central Valley Water Board that found birds, especially Canada geese, are the largest and most consistent source of contamination in this section of the river.

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