Pesticide Use on City Property

Presented resident analysis showing pesticide spending up 188% over four years and an estimated 49,000 diluted gallons sprayed; urged a stronger IPM policy, quarterly council reporting, 72-hour notification, and an independent pest control advisor.

Sierra Club Loma Prieta Conservation Chair presented 2024 pesticide data and highlighted Richmond's Adopt-a-Spot volunteer median program as a low-cost alternative.

Supported the pilot but said Panama Park alone won't teach much; wants multiple sites including heavily sprayed medians.

Thanked staff and urged an organic land management plan focused on soil health, with a three-to-five-year timeline.

Opposed synthetic pesticides and described her own success eliminating weeds with cardboard mulch and native plants.

Urged phasing out synthetic pesticides entirely and adding ecologically sensitive Baylands Park to the pilot study.

As the study's original proposer, suggested park developer fees for infrastructure transitions, declining per-acre pesticide caps, and a full IPM reevaluation.

A Marin County IPM commissioner said usage is rising with toxic products, EPA signal words are inadequate, and the IPM policy must be revised to cover human health.