Re Homelessness along the San Diego River hits its highest total yet (Oct. 10): This article illustrates a disturbing trend but ignores the environmental and safety impacts of encampments by the river.

I have much empathy for the homeless, having donated many volunteer hours and dollars to Interfaith Community Center in Escondido, a wonderful organization.

But the hours I spent participating in cleanups with the San Diego River Park Foundation gave me firsthand experience of the impact of encampments. Yes, some of the refuse was due to storm drain runoff, but the litter from abandoned encampments was overwhelming. In addition to the volume of litter we also picked up batteries and needles to put in the sharps bag.

The safety of visitors should also not be ignored. We met many friendly and cooperative campers while weaving through the woods. I stopped volunteering for cleanups after I was approached by a gentleman with a machete.

— Dave Hock, Coronado