**Please sign only if you are a Newport Beach Resident .  City Council wants to hear from you!

This petition is to poll Newport Beach residents' support of the city dedicating a city park and sport field to demonstrate the results of an Organic Land Management (OLM) pilot program. The pilot would transition a conventionally managed landscape by eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and replacing them with organic inputs that increase soil health.  If a chemical control is necessary, only the least toxic organic product will be applied. 

The scientific proven benefits of OLM include: 

• Stronger plant roots resulting in stronger plants reducing the susceptibility of plant disease.  Stronger plants choke out the weeds naturally.
• Eliminates exposure to synthetic pesticides.
• Saves water over time.  Increased microbial life in the soil acts like a sponge and retains moisture.
• Reduces injuries.  Softer soil acts as a shock absorber.
• Greater cost savings.  Initial costs of transition are higher, however costs savings over time can be up to 25% less than conventionally managed turf.

Additionally, this petition supports the development of a transition plan to move away from synthetics for all city property with the opportunity for resident input.

Synthetic pesticides are not necessary to successfully maintain beautiful landscapes and uphold high landscape expectations.  There is overwhelming evidence from peer reviewed science that links these products to many chronic human health epidemics.  Our children and pets are exposed to poisons used for aesthetic purposes when they play on Newport Beach's playgrounds and sports fields.  While we would eventually like to see all synthetic pesticides removed from city property, this would be a valuable incremental step in protecting the health and safety of Newport Beach residents and pets.

This has been an ongoing effort which started four years ago.  City council and staff have been educated about this issue and yet the city continues to apply these toxic pesticides where our children and pets play.  On March 26, 2019, city council hosted a study session where city staff had the opportunity to present their Integrated Pest Management plan. The presentation justified their continued use of toxic herbicides like Roundup (glyphosate) and Speedzone (2,4-D). The Newport Beach Independent reported on the study session here.  A news report can be found here.

And let's not forget to mention the environmental impacts of pesticides.  We are a city by the ocean and these chemicals make their way into our bay and coastline.

Newport-Mesa Unified School District stopped the use of Roundup (glyphosate), Speedzone (2,4-D) and other synthetic pesticides over four years ago. The City of Irvine adopted an Organics First IPM policy in 2016.  The City of Costa Mesa passed a similar policy in January 2019.  Both cities have been successful in their efforts and are willing to share the knowledge and data with Newport Beach. If Irvine and Costa Mesa can succeed in organic landscape management, so can Newport Beach.  

City council members need to hear from more Newport Beach residents to make this happen. Councilman Kevin Muldoon and Councilwoman Joy Brenner are in support of our efforts. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard to support them and the community's efforts.  Help us protect our children, pets and environment from these toxic pesticides and please sign our petition.  We will bring the results when this issue is presented as an agenda item at a city council meeting.  Thank you for your support!

Learn More About Organic Land Care Here:

• Organic Land Care
• Gardening With Microbes
• Pesticides and Playing Fields
• Sustainable Turf Care
• Organic Land Care Project