The Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved a one-year pilot program to halt routine herbicide spraying in San Juan and Trabuco Creeks. This decision has sparked a significant debate between Supervisors Don Wagner and Katrina Foley regarding policy ownership and the transparency of public processes.
This move by the Board follows months of intense community feedback and conflicting directives concerning chemical pest management within the county. The vote, according to the source material, brings to light a deeper conflict regarding how Orange County should approach chemical weed control, illustrating two distinct approaches to local governance among the supervisors.
Third District Supervisor Don Wagner recently issued a public statement addressing widespread confusion, especially on social media, to clarify the board’s recent vote. Wagner stated that his approved motion specifically establishes a data-gathering framework for this pilot initiative. He further maintains that a cautious, science-backed trial is the only responsible method to ensure the protection of both the local environment and public infrastructure.
The core of the conflict was notably highlighted in May 2026 when Supervisor Katrina Foley announced a pause in herbicide spraying by OC Public Works. This announcement came after a state probe was initiated near Doheny Beach. Supervisors Don Wagner and Janet Nguyen publicly criticized Foley at that time, accusing her of overstepping her authority. They contended that Foley issued policy directives to county staff without a formal vote from the full board, which they viewed as improper. The friction during that period escalated to such an extent that Board Chairman Doug Chaffee found it necessary to temporarily gavel a meeting into a recess to restore order.
While Supervisor Foley credits local “Creek Team” activists for generating the momentum to change county pest management practices, Supervisor Wagner continues to advocate for a careful, scientifically grounded trial. He emphasizes this approach as the proper way to safeguard both the natural surroundings and essential public infrastructure. The pilot program is set for one year, after which county staff will report their findings back to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2027. This period will allow for the collection of crucial data to inform future decisions on pest management in Orange County’s vital creek systems.
