BREAKING NEWS: In a significant victory for environmental activists, Orange County officials have just announced they will cease the spraying of herbicides in local waterways, including San Juan and Trabuco creeks, near Doheny State Beach. This decision comes after a vigorous social media campaign from the community group Creek Team OC and a packed town hall meeting on Monday evening where over 200 residents voiced their concerns.
County Supervisor Katrina Foley declared, “For the indefinite future, we will not be using any spraying of any kind of herbicide, Roundup or otherwise, in the channel.” The announcement was met with applause and cheers from attendees, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against chemical use in public waterways.
For weeks, residents have protested the use of toxic herbicides that they believe harm wildlife and pose health risks to the community. Brent Linas, a San Juan Capistrano resident and the driving force behind Creek Team OC, initiated the campaign just a month ago after observing devastating changes to the local environment during his runs along the creeks. “Lush green reeds suddenly turned brown and lifeless,” he said.
The group’s Instagram account, launched on February 6, 2023, has captured significant attention, now boasting over 5,400 followers. Posts featured images of herbicide spraying and creative AI-generated illustrations with the slogan “Stop the Ecocide!”
Foley explained that the county will now remove unwanted vegetation manually or with equipment while exploring alternative methods for managing plant growth in flood channels. “We want to reduce the amount of chemical toxins that we’re using in the community overall,” she stated, reflecting the community’s shared values.
Residents are not resting on their laurels. Linas emphasized that their efforts will continue beyond the local creeks, with plans to advocate for an end to herbicide use along the Santa Ana River, which flows into the ocean near Huntington Beach.
Foley has long been an advocate for minimizing herbicide use in waterways, having previously raised concerns about the use of Roundup in the San Juan Creek flood channel last year. “When the community gets involved and engaged, it helps me to push initiatives,” she said.
The activism displayed by Creek Team OC underscores the power of community action in local governance. Linas hailed the turnout at the town hall as a testament to democracy in action, stating, “This is democracy, right here. We can change things.”
As the county moves forward with its new approach, all eyes are on potential developments regarding vegetation management strategies and further community involvement in environmental protection efforts.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Orange County navigates its commitment to a greener future.