Ladera Ranch, CA – A growing number of families in Ladera Ranch are seeking answers after at least a half dozen local children have been diagnosed with rare cancers, leading to two deaths earlier this year. Parents in the South Orange County community are increasingly questioning environmental factors, primarily focusing on pesticides and herbicides used by landscapers working for their local homeowner association (HOA), according to reporting by voiceofoc.org.
Last week, approximately 400 people attended a meeting at a local middle school, organized by the Ladera Civic Council, to discuss the issue. This gathering marked the largest turnout ever for one of the civic council’s meetings, which was relocated from its usual clubhouse venue. John Gresko, Vice Chair of the Ladera Civic Council, noted the rare, bipartisan presence of elected officials at the event, united on the goal of addressing toxics in neighborhoods.
The rare cancers include Ewing sarcoma, which has been diagnosed in at least a half dozen children in recent years. Lily Dalton, 23, who spent years in Ladera, died from the disease this past January. Brody Matteson, 17, another local, died in March from complications of the rare cancer. Brian Dalton, Lily’s father, called for further investigation into environmental factors at the meeting, stating, “I don’t want another father standing where I stand today.” Residents also reported concerns about their pets, with one individual mentioning as many as 35 dogs diagnosed with unusual cancers.
Amid growing concerns, Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (Larmac), the private company managing most of the landscaping spraying for the HOA in this unincorporated area of about 25,000 residents, announced a 60-day pause on spraying weed killers. Larmac also stated it would form an advisory committee to explore organic landscaping approaches and cooperate with government investigations. In a statement shared with People Magazine, the company expressed compassion for affected families but noted that, at this time, they are not aware of any determination linking their landscape management practices to the illnesses. Larmac did not attend the public meeting.
Elected officials have responded to the community’s concerns. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli and Democratic Congressman Mike Levin have formally called on the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate potential cancer triggers in Ladera Ranch. Republican State Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez urged Governor Gavin Newsom to convene a multi-agency response, proposing soil testing and an examination of stormwater, sediment, air, and herbicides in areas frequented by children. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who supported the idea of a public dashboard, has asked the county public health department to research the issue and collaborate with the state’s cancer registry.
Residents have expressed frustration with the HOA, citing a lack of transparency. Attorney Jackie French, who has worked with families, noted records for 19 different spraying products used in June but indicated that tracking of amounts was improperly filled out. French suggested government agencies investigate incentive programs from toxic manufacturers. Bethany Nelms of the Creek Team, an activist group, shared lessons on persistence in engaging government agencies on herbicide use, recommending the community pursue a permanent ban on probable carcinogens for weed management. A petition calling for the elimination of pesticides by the main HOA has gathered nearly 5,000 signatures.
