Toxic-Free OC is thrilled to be recognized by the OC Board of Supervisors for our efforts in reducing toxic pesticides in the City of Aliso Viejo with AVCA. Below is a summary from OC Supervisor Katrina Foley's newsletter.
"The Board declared this week as “National Public Health Week.” In the Fabulous Fifth, we've prioritized public health by eliminating toxic pesticides. Irvine became the first city in Orange County to go non-toxic in 2016, followed by San Juan Capistrano. As Mayor, I declared Costa Mesa toxic-free in 2019, protecting residents with a weed abatement and pest management plan that prohibits toxic pesticides. Following suit, Fabulous Fifth communities of San Clemente, Laguna Hills, Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Aliso Viejo also adopted this organics model. The Aliso Viejo Community Association’s recent efforts de-toxified Canyon View Park in Aliso Viejo, so residents of all ages can safely enjoy playing on the grass. Orange County remains a world-class destination to work, live, and visit because we prioritize public health."
This April, because AVCA's parks were not treated with toxic chemicals, our kids finally got to join their school's Easter celebration with an egg hunt at Ridgecrest Park. In prior years, their school had to venture out to neighboring cities with non-toxic parks to celebrate such events.
We hope these organic landscaping practices continue so that residents, children, and pets can foster a vibrant community in these recreation areas!
Currently, no parks maintained by AVCA are on the spray schedule for April. Spring time has historically seen a high usage of toxic herbicides, as many as 6 different chemicals sprayed at each park in Aliso Viejo. This is a monumental change for the betterment of the community and we look for this to continue in the future.
Mission Landscape is no longer contracted and O'Connell is now responsible for all AVCA landscaping. We have noticed alternative non-toxic methods for weed prevention such as applying mulch in planters. We hope that O'Connell will continue to find alternative solutions to toxic herbicides.
KTLA just featured a news story on how AVCA’s chronic use of toxic herbicides in the city has made several residents sick. Watch the video here.
The OC Register just published an investigative story delving into the details of this public health crisis. Read the full story here.