The dangers of toxic chemicals, pesticides and pesticide drift are well known. It is important to protect our children, families, elderly and those with vulnerable health, along with local wildlife, aquatic life and our water sources from the short and long-term effects of toxic chemicals.
West Coast Tomato Growers in Oceanside, CA uses a helicopter to spray toxic chemicals: pesticides, fungicides, etc. on agricultural fields-just feet away from the San Luis Rey River, bike trail, and our homes. Additionally, tractors routinely spray toxic chemicals and have placed a layer of chemicals so thick, that it looked like white icing. (Please see photos.) Local residents have complained of the smell on patios and inside homes. Residents have noted upper respiratory effects resulting from chemical applications on the fields. Concerns about cancer have been on the minds of families who have homes feet away from the fields and who use the bike trail or the children’s play areas near the fields. No notice has been given so families can close their windows or bring children or pets inside when these toxic chemicals are being sprayed on the fields. West Coast Tomato Growers leases land from Guajome Regional Park in San Diego County.
We call on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and Guajome Regional Park to break the lease with West Coast Tomato Growers or require them to immediately and permanently stop the use of all toxic chemicals for agricultural farming: pesticide, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc, near the San Luis Rey River, bike trail and our homes. We also request the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and Guajome Regional Park to fully explore alternative use of the land for the betterment and enjoyment of the public and residents of Oceanside- not lease land to a company spraying toxic chemicals that endanger our children, families, those with health conditions, wildlife, birds & aquatic life in and around the San Luis Rey River and Guajome Park.
We call on West Coast Tomato Growers to stop the use of toxic chemicals on their fields. We call on them to go organic and use natural- environmentally friendly solutions and inform the residents and community. Please be a good neighbor and do what is right for our children, wildlife and community.
As taxpayers and concerned citizens, we believe that Guajome Regional Park in San Diego County should use land for the betterment of the community and that the San Luis Rey River, aquatic life and wildlife should be protected. Toxic chemicals for agricultural farming have no place there.
Please sign our petition and protect our children, families, wildlife, birds & aquatic life in and around the San Luis Rey River and Guajome Park.
