Week 39 Recap: CSUF testing is underway, CUSD sampling is being pursued, and Ladera could become a model for safer community landscaping.
Updated: Sep 29
Another busy week behind the scenes. Here are some of the biggest developments:
1. CSUF researchers now have samples from Ladera.
Following LARMAC’s approval of access earlier this month, the Cal State Fullerton research team has begun collecting preliminary environmental samples in Ladera.
A quick clarification about this work: this is independent academic research led by CSUF researchers. Ladera Health Watch helped connect the researchers, facilitate access and provide background information, but the researchers determine the sampling methods, conduct the analysis and interpret the results.
The testing is exploratory and is not designed to prove that any environmental exposure caused cancer or other illness. If anything unusual is identified, it would need to be replicated, investigated further and, where appropriate, confirmed through additional accredited testing. The goal right now is simple: start collecting real data.
2. We are continuing to pursue CSUF testing at local schools.
We previously asked Capistrano Unified School District to allow the CSUF team to conduct non-invasive environmental sampling at San Juan Hills High School. The District initially directed the request through Orange County.
We have now returned to CUSD and are asking the Board of Trustees to authorize the university researchers to conduct the proposed sampling on District property. The work would be non-invasive and conducted outside school hours.
We believe independent university testing can either identify something that deserves additional investigation or provide reassurance where concerns are not supported by the data. Either outcome is useful.
3. Ladera Health Watch presented an update to the Ladera Ranch Civic Council.
On Tuesday night, I was invited to update residents at the Ladera Ranch Civic Council meeting on the work underway and the progress made over the past several months.
Representatives from the offices of Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, Senator Catherine Blakespear and Congressman Mike Levin were also present. It was another opportunity to make sure both residents and public officials understand where the various research, agency and landscape-management efforts currently stand.
4. Beyond Pesticides says Ladera could become the new model for organic community landscaping.
We met this week with Non Toxic Communities and Beyond Pesticides to continue working through the Organic Land Management Plan developed for Ladera Ranch.
One of the most encouraging things we heard: Beyond Pesticides intends to use the Ladera model going forward if we are able to successfully adopt and implement the plan.
For years, Irvine has been one of the communities other cities and organizations looked to as an example of organic land management. A decade later, much more has been learned about how these programs work in practice. The goal now is to use those lessons to create a stronger, updated model here in Ladera, one that other HOAs and communities could ultimately follow.
5. The landscape advisory process continues.
Following the Board’s September 9 approval of the proposed landscape-management resolutions, work is now moving into the implementation phase.
The next LARMAC landscape advisory committee meeting is tentatively expected around September 30, when we anticipate continuing the detailed work necessary to turn the Board’s commitments into an operational Organic Land Management Plan.
There is still a lot to work through including slopes, weeds, pest thresholds, emergency treatments, notification, documentation, costs and implementation, but this is exactly the process needed to build something that can last beyond the current pesticide pause.
What began with residents asking questions is increasingly becoming research, data collection and concrete policy work.
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Thank you to everyone continuing to help move it forward.
Sincerely,
Jackie French Ladera Health Watch
