In response to community concern from our coalition, Supervisor Ray Mueller helped facilitate San Mateo County to take action to create an ordinance preventing 3rd party contractors from participating in pesticide reward programs, therefore protecting public funds and preventing incentivized orders for pesticides!  Completed December 10th 2024. (Supervisor Ray Mueller and Melinda MacNaughton of El Granada Advocates  shown above).

In addition, Mueller worked with Parks Director, Nicholas Calderon, to implement a regular Parks Annual Report (1st one completed in December) to assess pesticide use. Nicholas also agreed to create clearer posting of notifications when pesticides are used in our Parks.  The Parks Director has not agreed to post notifications for ALL areas where pesticides are used, but we will continue to push for complete notification everywhere.

Currently, glyphosate is justified in the Parks Integrative Pest Management Program and we are asking them to take it out as it is a liability to the County and toxic to the public and our sensitive ecosystems. We continue to have discussions with the County about reducing and ending toxic pesticide use which includes PFAS (forever chemicals) and POEA contamination.

Your support has made a huge difference!  Please continue to spread the word to put pressure on the County.  Be on the look out! Pesticide applications start after the rains. This is the time to watch those spray trucks, take photos and report spraying/ask questions.  Take photos of notifications or document if none are posted.  Copy your message to us so we can keep track of what you observe: egadvocates@gmail.com. Let us know if you need County email addresses.  Thanks for your support and being on the look out!