CSUF Researchers to begin testing in Ladera, CSUD extends pesticide pause, county investigation continues & more
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
BIG UPDATE: Researchers at Cal State Fullerton have agreed to begin preliminary water and soil testing in Ladera Ranch, potentially as early as this week. |
Here are the five biggest updates from the week:
1. CSUF RESEARCHERS WILL BEGIN ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING We met with a Cal State Fullerton research team Thursday to begin developing a water and soil testing plan for Ladera, with the possibility of adding air monitoring as the work develops. We hope to begin testing this week, depending on how quickly we can obtain written approval from Capo Unified and LARMAC to test schools and fields. We are incredibly grateful to the CSUF team for moving so quickly to help us pursue answers.
2. CUSD EXTENDS ITS PESTICIDE PAUSE At Thursday night's Board meeting, Capo Unified agreed to extend its pause on weed-control spraying until a new Integrated Pest Management plan is in place, with an emphasis on moving away from synthetic pesticides. We presented findings from our public-records requests and asked the District to take a closer look at pesticide use at Ladera-area schools, particularly San Juan Hills.
3. AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER INVESTIGATION CONTINUES I spoke Friday with Orange County Agricultural Commissioner Jose Arriaga regarding the O'Connell pesticide complaint. Investigators are comparing application records with resident notices, including records we provided going back to 2020, and can also consider firsthand witness testimony. If you personally witnessed possible spraying, notice, signage or drift violations, please contact laderahealthwatch@gmail.com. The investigation is expected to continue into the winter.
4. RECYCLED WATER CONCERNS A member of our team spent last weekend documenting recycled-water conditions throughout Ladera and identified problems involving recycled-water identification, signage and irrigation near public-use areas at multiple locations. We have shared this information with LARMAC and asked them to perform the appropriate updates.
5. STATE PESTICIDE POLICY We submitted public comment for the California Legislature's joint oversight hearing examining whether the state's pesticide program is adequately protecting the public. We are continuing conversations with advocates and legislators about stronger protections and reducing reliance on higher-risk pesticides, particularly where children live, learn and play. Thank you to everyone who continues to send records, share information and help move this work forward.
Best, Jackie Ladera Health Watch |
