In 1982, and again in 1983, Coyote Creek spilled its banks into New Chicago Marsh and the town of Alviso. The following routine was standard in the past:

1. Alviso floods
2. San Jose politicians use the flooding as an excuse to steal Alviso by not allowing residents back in.
3. Alvisoans fight their way back into their homes.
3. San Jose does nothing to prevent future flooding.

The Coyote and Guadalupe creeks are tended pretty carefully these days, perhaps the flooding is over.