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July 2024, multiple truckloads of glyphosate—a known carcinogen—were sprayed into San Juan Creek, which empties into Doheny State Beach, popular for families and surfing. In response, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CADPR) launched an investigation into this egregious violation. But the real question remains: Will CADPR prioritize public health and environmental safety, or will they once again cave to industry influence and protect polluters?
This incident is not an isolated case—it’s a glaring example of an outdated, failing, and toxic approach to weed and vegetation management that prioritizes short-term convenience over long-term safety. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence linking glyphosate to cancer and ecological devastation, it continues to be used recklessly, especially for purely cosmetic purposes such as weed abatement.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Final Biological Evaluation for Glyphosate delivers a chilling reality: glyphosate harms or kills 93% of endangered species and negatively impacts 96% of critical habitats protected under the Endangered Species Act. In this case, glyphosate runoff flowed directly into the ocean, fueling harmful algal blooms and further disrupting fragile marine ecosystems. The science is undeniable—this hazardous practice must end now.
According to CADPR, their investigation into this spray event is “complex and ongoing.” But after six months, the public deserves more than bureaucratic delays. This is a moment of truth for CADPR—will they expose regulatory capture and industry influence, or will they finally hold violators accountable and enforce real change?
We demand bold, decisive action to protect public health and our environment. CADPR must:
- Prioritize Public Safety – Ban the use of toxic pesticides in sensitive areas such as parks, schools, and critical habitats, and hold local and county officials accountable for reckless applications that endanger communities and ecosystems.
- Prohibit Conflicts of Interest – Follow the example of San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, who led efforts to prohibit public funds from fueling pesticide cash-back rewards programs. These programs, such as the one created by Bayer (ENVU), incentivize excessive pesticide use by offering prepaid Visa gift cards—the more pesticides purchased, the greater the financial reward. These programs effectively turn public spaces like San Juan Creek into pesticide dumping zones and must be banned statewide.
- Incentivize Proven & Organic Solutions – Promote and invest in proven, fiscally sound organic and regenerative management practices that prioritize public health and environmental resilience.
Ending the reckless, pesticide-dependent approach to weed and vegetation management will benefit everyone—except the pesticide industry. Protecting people from the toxic and cumulative effects of pesticide exposure in public spaces—beaches, playgrounds, parks, and athletic fields—should be a fundamental human right. Unlike pharmaceutical incentives offered to medical professionals, where patients provide informed consent, our children playing in Orange County parks—or those who visited Doheny State Beach after the massive glyphosate spray last July—had no choice in their exposure to this known carcinogen, applied solely for cosmetic weed control. It’s time to end this dangerous practice and put public health before corporate profits.
Protecting our environment = good business! It isn’t just an ethical responsibility—it’s an economic imperative. Pesticide-FREE cities fuel tourism and bolster local economies, proving that organic and regenerative practices benefit both people and businesses.
CADPR and state officials must follow the lead of forward-thinking policymakers like Supervisor Mueller and take decisive action to protect Californians from these predatory industry practices. Will they rise to the occasion and take bold, health-first action, or will they continue to allow toxic practices to go unchecked?
The public is watching, and we demand action. We need leadership that values people over profits and health over convenience. Our health, our environment, and our future depend on it.
Kim Konte environmental advocate and founder of the national non-profit Non-Toxic Neighborhoods, Board Member of the Herd Foundation, former City of Irvine Commissioner.
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