ABOUT US
OC Health Watch is a resident-led group working to advance transparency, research, and evidence-based solutions for healthier communities.
OUR STORY
Ladera Health Watch is a resident-led organization dedicated to collecting, organizing, and sharing public records, scientific research, government data, news coverage, and community updates related to public health and environmental issues.
The grassroots effort began in Ladera Ranch, where residents came together to seek greater transparency and answers regarding local health and environmental concerns. Reports of several recent cases of the rare cancer Ewing sarcoma within the community have further propelled many residents to seek information, ask questions, and advocate for greater transparency and accountability. As more residents from communities across Orange County have reached out with similar questions and concerns, the effort continues to grow into a broader platform for information, collaboration, and civic engagement.
Our work focuses on topics such as environmental exposures, pesticide use, water and soil quality, air quality, public transparency, and evidence-based solutions that help create healthier communities.
We provide a place for residents to access information, ask questions, share updates, and engage in respectful, fact-based discussion. By improving access to reliable information and encouraging civic engagement, we aim to promote transparency, accountability, and healthier neighborhoods throughout Orange County.
We examine questions about potential environmental exposures in our communities, including historical land use, nearby infrastructure, waste facilities, industrial activity, and other conditions that may warrant further research or testing.
We advocate for prevention-first, organic, and least-toxic land-care practices that reduce unnecessary pesticide use while supporting healthy soil, biodiversity, and effective long-term landscape management.
We seek reliable information about the quality of the water, soil, and air in our communities. This includes requesting records, identifying gaps in existing testing, and encouraging qualified agencies and researchers to investigate concerns using appropriate scientific methods.
We work to improve access to timely cancer data, environmental records, pesticide-use information, testing results, and clear communication from government agencies. Residents should be able to understand what is known, what remains unknown, and what actions are being taken.
We support independent research and practical solutions guided by credible evidence. Our goal is to help researchers examine health and environmental information, identify areas that warrant further study, and recommend responsible steps that can help create healthier communities.
We listen to residents, gather credible information, and work with researchers, public agencies, and experts to identify unanswered questions. Our approach is guided by evidence, transparency, prevention, and practical solutions that support healthier communities.
