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Home My WebLink About06 - Creating the Integrated Pest Management Ad Hoc Advisory Committee - CorrespondenceReceived after Agenda Printed April 29, 2025 Item No. 6 From: City Clerk's Office Sent: April 23, 2025 12:17 PM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Protect the People of Newport- STOP the use of toxic sprays! From: Garrett, Errica <eaarrett(a)newportbeachca.gov> Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 12:16:51 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Clerk's Office <CityClerk@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: FW: Protect the People of Newport- STOP the use of toxic sprays! Errica Garrett Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and City Council City Manager's Office Office: 949-644-3004 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Chelsea Rokos <crrokos@gmail.com> Sent: April 23, 2025 12:15 PM To: Pekar, Kevin <KPekar@newportbeachca.gov>; Webb, Dave (Public Works) <DAWebb@newportbeachca.gov>; Weigand, Erik <eweigand@newportbeachca.gov>; Grant, Robyn <rgrant@newportbeachca.gov>; Blom, Noah <NBlom@newportbeachca.gov>; Kleiman, Lauren <lkleiman@newportbeachca.gov>; Weber, Sara <SWeber@newportbeachca.gov>; Stapleton, Joe <istapleton@newportbeachca.gov>; Barto, Michelle <MBarto@newportbeachca.gov>; Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Protect the People of Newport- STOP the use of toxic sprays! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button above. Dear Newport Beach Officials, I am a mother of two children, who both attend Andersen Elementary and we currently live in the Port Streets. I am writing to express deep concern and urgent frustration over the continued spraying of toxic chemical herbicides and pesticides in our community. These chemicals are known to be hazardous to human health, and their use in our parks, sidewalks, and public spaces is entirely unacceptable. Scientific research has consistently linked synthetic herbicides and pesticides to a wide range of serious health effects. These include, but are not limited to: • Increased cancer risks (including non -Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, colon and prostate cancer) • Endocrine disruption • Neurological damage and developmental delays in children • Reproductive harm • Asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions • Skin and eye irritation • Gut microbiome disruption We are witnessing a troubling rise in cancer rates and chronic illnesses nationwide, and the association with prolonged chemical exposure is well -documented. The World Health Organization has even classified some commonly used herbicides as "probably carcinogenic to humans." The residents of Newport Beach deserve to live in a safe, healthy environment free from hidden chemical threats. Our public spaces should promote wellness — not pose a risk to people simply enjoying the outdoors. As taxpayers and residents, we believe we should have more input on the products and methods used on city property. Decisions that impact our health and environment should not be made solely by city employees without meaningful community involvement. We propose the creation of a resident advisory committee — one that includes local voices, promotes transparency, and allows for public feedback before any chemical applications or landscape maintenance decisions are made. Many of us would be willing to participate and collaborate to find safe, sustainable solutions. We demand that the City of Newport Beach immediately halt all spraying of toxic chemical herbicides and pesticides in our community and adopt safe, non -toxic alternatives for landscaping and pest control. Cities across the country have already transitioned successfully to organic, eco-conscious maintenance programs — and Newport Beach can do the same. We are not asking — we are insisting — on change. Our health and the well-being of future generations depend on it. Sincerely, Chelsea Rokos From: City Clerk's Office Sent: April 23, 2025 8:52 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Concerned resident re: USE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS IN OUR CITY From: Garrett, Errica <egarrett@newportbeachca.gov> Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 8:52:13 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Clerk's Office <CityClerk@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: FW: Concerned resident re: USE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS IN OUR CITY Errica Garrett Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and City Council City Manager's Office Office: 949-644-3004 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Tammi Belcher <tammibelcher@gmail.com> Sent: April 23, 2025 8:51 AM To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>; Weigand, Erik <eweigand@newportbeachca.gov>; Grant, Robyn <rgrant@newportbeachca.gov>; Blom, Noah <NBlom@newportbeachca.gov>; Kleiman, Lauren <lkleiman@newportbeachca.gov>; Stapleton, Joe <jstapleton@newportbeachca.gov>; Weber, Sara <SWeber@newportbeachca.gov>; Barto, Michelle <MBarto@newportbeachca.gov> Cc: Pekar, Kevin <KPekar@newportbeachca.gov>; Webb, Dave (Public Works) <DAWebb@ newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Concerned resident re: USE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS IN OUR CITY [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button above. Dear Newport Beach City Council, We are writing today in regards to my concerns about the pesticide use in the Newport Beach public parks. Newport Beach Public works continues to apply toxic pesticides on public spaces after the community has advocated for alternative landscape management methods for well over a decade. As a decision maker, it is imperative that you become aware of the growing body of evidence in scientific literature showing that pesticide exposure can adversely affect endocrine, neurological, immune, and respiratory systems in humans, even at very low levels. Newport Beach routinely applies pesticides that are linked with cancer, reproductive issues, birth defects, liver and kidney damage, neurotoxicity, and hormonal disruption. Children are especially vulnerable and sensitive to these chemicals given their relative size, proximity to the grounds, and physical interactions with the environment. Their developing bodies and brains are being consistently exposed to acute and chronic doses of these chemicals right here in our own city. We reside in the Port Streets and a large portion of our neighborhood is maintained by the city. We have consistently witnessed the constant application of these chemicals often without proper signage and notification. When we moved to the neighborhood in 2019 two of our children tested above the 95% the for glyphosate exposure despite eating a mostly organic diet. Public works representatives have claimed that Newport Beach uses an `organics first' approach. However the PURS (Pesticide Usage Reports) from the past fifteen months show no evidence of this. It is time to revisit our IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Program. An overview was last conducted in March of 2019. As taxpayers and residents we feel we should have some say on what our bodies are being exposed to. There are proven alternatives to using these harmful chemicals in our public common areas. Organic land management is a process and eventual conversion can be cost-effective and save the city money as well as being environmentally sensitive by using less water to maintain. These practices have been implemented in our neighboring cities such as Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa. You play a key role in protecting the residents of our city. Please consider starting the transition of spaces in our city where residents are making contact with the grounds such as our parks and sports fields. Successful conversion requires the consultation of professionals familiar with natural organic land management. We are happy to provide references and citations to the scientific literature upon request. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Tammi and Kurt Belcher Conerned Residents From: City Clerk's Office Sent: April 24, 2025 7:35 AM To: Mulvey, Jennifer Subject: FW: Protect the People of Newport- STOP the use of toxic sprays! From: Garrett, Errica <eaarrett@newportbeachca.gov> Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2025 7:34:56 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Clerk's Office <CityClerk@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: FW: Protect the People of Newport- STOP the use of toxic sprays! Errica Garrett Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and City Council City Manager's Office Office: 949-644-3004 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 From: Tony Trevino <tony.trevinol@gmail.com> Sent: April 23, 2025 6:01 PM To: Pekar, Kevin <KPekar@newportbeachca.gov>; Webb, Dave (Public Works) <DAWebb@newportbeachca.gov>; Weigand, Erik <eweigand@newportbeachca.gov>; Grant, Robyn <rgrant@newportbeachca.gov>; Blom, Noah <NBlom@newportbeachca.gov>; Kleiman, Lauren <lkleiman@newportbeachca.gov>; Weber, Sara <SWeber@newportbeachca.gov>; Stapleton, Joe <istapleton@newportbeachca.gov>; Barto, Michelle <MBarto@newportbeachca.gov>; Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov> Subject: Protect the People of Newport- STOP the use of toxic sprays! [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button above. Dear Newport Beach Officials, I am writing to express deep concern and urgent frustration over the continued spraying of toxic chemical herbicides and pesticides in our community. These chemicals are known to be hazardous to human health, and their use in our parks, sidewalks, and public spaces is entirely unacceptable. Scientific research has consistently linked synthetic herbicides and pesticides to a wide range of serious health effects. These include, but are not limited to: • Increased cancer risks (including non -Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, colon and prostate cancer) • Endocrine disruption • Neurological damage and developmental delays in children • Reproductive harm • Asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions • Skin and eye irritation • Gut microbiome disruption We are witnessing a troubling rise in cancer rates and chronic illnesses nationwide, and the association with prolonged chemical exposure is well -documented. The World Health Organization has even classified some commonly used herbicides as "probably carcinogenic to humans." The residents of Newport Beach deserve to live in a safe, healthy environment free from hidden chemical threats. Our public spaces should promote wellness — not pose a risk to people simply enjoying the outdoors. As taxpayers and residents, we believe we should have more input on the products and methods used on city property. Decisions that impact our health and environment should not be made solely by city employees without meaningful community involvement. We propose the creation of a resident advisory committee — one that includes local voices, promotes transparency, and allows for public feedback before any chemical applications or landscape maintenance decisions are made. Many of us would be willing to participate and collaborate to find safe, sustainable solutions. We demand that the City of Newport Beach immediately halt all spraying of toxic chemical herbicides and pesticides in our community and adopt safe, non -toxic alternatives for landscaping and pest control. Cities across the country have already transitioned successfully to organic, eco-conscious maintenance programs — and Newport Beach can do the same. We are not asking — we are insisting — on change. Our health and the well-being of future generations depend on it. Sincerely, Tony Trevino Port Streets Resident 949-233-9849