New CDPH Details, Government Coordination & Organic Policy Work
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Dear Ladera Health Watch Supporters,
This past week, much of our work focused on obtaining clearer information from public-health agencies,
coordinating the many government offices now involved, and developing the substance of a long-term
organic land-management policy for Ladera Ranch.
ON CANCER RESEARCH
New details from the California Department of Public Health.
We already knew that the California Cancer Registry was analyzing cancer incidence in Ladera Ranch. This week, CDPH provided several important additional details.
The assessment is geographically focused on Ladera Ranch and will use cancer-registry data through 2023. CDPH currently estimates that the analysis will be completed in fall 2026.
CDPH also confirmed that the registry has identified fewer than 11 cases of Ewing sarcoma in Ladera Ranch between 1999 and 2023, although confidentiality requirements prevent the agency from releasing a more precise number.
Importantly, CDPH clarified that its earlier review examined Orange County as a whole and was not designed to identify a localized or emerging pattern within Ladera Ranch.
The current analysis can help determine whether the number of diagnosed cancers appears higher than expected. It cannot determine whether an environmental exposure caused the cancers. That is why our work involving environmental review must continue alongside the registry review.
We are also developing potential university research projects for the fall and continuing discussions with researchers and childhood-cancer advocates about the need for better data and more research into why childhood cancers occur.
ON GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY COORDINATION
Government offices from the local to the federal level that are assisting with this effort are continuing to receive weekly updates directly from Ladera Health Watch. This helps ensure that the elected officials and agencies involved are working from the same information and that new developments are not handled in isolation.
This week, we continued communicating with the offices of Supervisor Katrina Foley, Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, Senator Catherine Blakespear and Congressman Mike Levin.
Congressman Levin’s office expects to receive a briefing from CDPH and is continuing to follow up with the EPA. Supervisor Foley’s office is separately encouraging federal involvement and requesting clearer public information from the California Cancer Registry about its review.
We will continue coordinating these efforts and pressing for a meaningful response that goes beyond simply acknowledging the community’s concerns.
ON WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
We have organized a dedicated water research group and centralized the drinking-water and infrastructure records obtained so far.
The group will help identify gaps in the available information, determine what additional records should be requested and evaluate what forms of independent testing may be useful. We are also continuing to organize information involving pesticide use, historical land use, nearby environmental sites and other potential exposure pathways.
ON ORGANIC LAND MANAGEMENT
Ahead of the August 4 LARMAC landscape advisory board meeting, we have been working on the framework for a formal Organic Land Management policy, rather than relying on a general promise to become “organic first.”
This week, we consulted with people experienced in organic landscape transitions in other California communities. One message was consistent: a successful transition requires more than replacing one chemical product with another.
The policy should establish organic practices as the standard, require documentation and approval of exceptions, provide public disclosure of pesticide use and create ongoing independent oversight. It should also include a phased plan addressing turf, planter beds, slopes, medians, irrigation, soil health
and plant selection.
Some changes, such as ending routine herbicide use and beginning safer weed-management practices, can happen quickly. Broader soil restoration and potential landscape redesign will take longer. At Tuesday’s meeting, we will push for both immediate protections and a durable long-term plan.
WHAT COMES NEXT
During the coming week, we expect to:
• Participate in the August 4 LARMAC advisory meeting.
• Continue drafting the Organic IPM policy for expert review.
• Follow up after the anticipated political briefing with CDPH on August 4.
• Further develop the proposed university research projects.
• Continue organizing water, pesticide and environmental records.
Thank you for continuing to support this resident-led effort. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is helping build the scientific, governmental and policy structure necessary to move the community’s concerns forward responsibly.
STAY CONNECTED
Please encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up for these updates through our website OCHealthWatch.org
Instagram: @LaderaHealthWatch
Facebook: Ladera Health Watch
These are our official channels for information about our investigation and advocacy.
Best,
Jackie French
