We, the undersigned residents and homeowners of Ladera Ranch, call on LARMAC to do the following:

Suspend all toxic pesticides including the commonly used Lifeline on LARMAC-maintained property and adopt an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy modeled on Irvine’s using non-synthetic and organic methods of pest and weed control.

Since 2013, six children in this community have been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer with roughly 200 cases a year across the entire United States. The California Cancer Registry is now conducting an analysis into a potential cancer cluster in Ladera Ranch, the California Department of Public Health has been formally notified, and the Orange County Health Care Agency has been directed to investigate.

The most common herbicide in regular use here, Lifeline, also known as glufosinate-ammonium, carries the signal word “Danger” on its own safety data sheet, and the label expressly warns against repeated exposure. Yet it is sprayed nearly every day in the places where our children play and in the bushes and grass our animals sniff.

Lifeline is banned across the European Union and the United Kingdom. Its label states that it is classified for reproductive toxicity and “may damage fertility or the unborn.” The label also states: “Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause neurological disturbances.”

This community already asked once. In May 2019, 1,869 residents put LARMAC on notice that synthetic pesticides in areas where children play posed a health risk.

Residents have asked the HOA to provide records showing what chemicals are used in Ladera, where they are applied, and in what amounts. LARMAC has refused to provide those records. Residents also asked that this issue be placed on the July 8 open-session agenda for Board discussion and a vote, and management has declined to do that too.

This petition is to show the Board that residents support immediate action.

Many Orange County cities, including Irvine, have already eliminated synthetic pesticides. In 2016, Irvine adopted an Integrated Pest Management policy after discovering 16 children in their community had cancer. As Irvine’s mayor said when the policy passed: “Why did it take a group of citizens coming forward for us to recognize that we should be doing this? This is such common sense.”

Organic and IPM programs cost roughly the same as conventional programs, often cost less over time, and use significantly less water. A beautiful Ladera Ranch and a safe Ladera Ranch are not a trade-off. Irvine proves it.

Eliminating Lifeline  and other toxic pesticides and adopting an IPM program also protects property values. A cancer-cluster analysis is underway. Ladera should get ahead of this by showing that it is family-safe, transparent, and committed to organic landscaping practices that protect both residents and home values.

The cost of being wrong about suspending pesticides is weeds.

The cost of being wrong about continuing them is our children’s health.