06/12/2026
There has been much misinformation leading to public confusion in the press and on social media regarding this week’s Board of Supervisors vote on herbicide use in Orange County. I want to take this opportunity to clarify what was actually decided by the Board.
First, the Board approved my motion to move forward with a pilot program that will halt routine herbicide spraying in San Juan and Trabuco Creeks. This has for several months now been the stated goal of the Creek Team and the many people who spoke at our meeting. This pilot project will allow the county to evaluate the results of this halt, evaluate its positive or negative impact on the environment and our critical flood control channels, and allow the county to make informed decisions moving forward.
Specifically, and as part of my motion, the pilot program will allow Orange County to gather real-world data over the next year and evaluate the effectiveness, environmental impacts, and financial costs of alternative vegetation management methods. Staff will report back to the Board so we can determine the best path forward based on facts and measurable outcomes.
Second, the motion brought by one of my colleagues that has generated this controversy did not instruct county staff, in any of its 12 explicit directions, to actually halt any herbicide spraying. Only my motion, ultimately approved by the Board, did that.
Third, and contrary to at least one social media report, the Board's action does not direct the county to "resume" herbicide spraying. County staff had been under no board directive — before my motion — to stop any spraying. Now, as a result of my motion and the board's approval, routine herbicide spraying has been stopped in the two creeks. The Board heard the public and took responsible, appropriate action. With the further information we directed staff to gather, we can ultimately make an informed decision.
I care deeply about the health, safety and protection of all Orange County residents and the maintenance of critical flood control infrastructure. All four of my colleagues join in that concern. These are not competing priorities. They are all important responsibilities that we must balance thoughtfully.
During our public discussion at the Board meeting, the questions I asked staff revealed that many of the action items and alternative approaches that had been suggested are in fact already underway. Those efforts will continue. At the same time, the pilot program will give us valuable data about the impacts of discontinuing routine herbicide spraying in these two creeks, and potentially throughout the county.
We should ensure that we have the results of the pilot program before we make a policy countywide. This is responsible governance. Good public policy should be guided by facts, evidence, and measurable results. This pilot program will provide the information needed to make the most responsible decision for our community.
