gettin uppity

[Paul n Shelley]

Eric;

Don't know if my sig counts because we're outside the county. But add my
name if you feel it helps (see letter below).

Paul Racko
Long Beach Organic

> 
> Ventura County Board of Supervisors:
> 
> Agriculture is Ventura County's leading industry. However, hazardous
> chemicals are commonly used, and increasing urban uses near agricultural
> fields are putting more people at risk from exposure to those chemicals.
> Protecting agricultural and urban uses is the duty of the agricultural
> commissioner, who should be held to the highest standard of diligence and
> integrity in carrying out the duties of the office.  Failure to abide by this
> strict code can endanger the health and safety of all who live, work, attend
> school, or vacation in Ventura County.
> 
> During the probationary period allowing for the review of the contract for
> County Agricultural Commissioner W. Earl McPhail, the undersigned propose
> that the Supervisors carefully consider the following qualities and actions
> the public should reasonably expect from an Agricultural Commissioner:
> 
> 1. Strictly enforce California pesticide regulations and take prompt
> enforcement action in penalizing growers for failure to adhere to pesticide
> regulations and conditions placed upon pesticide applications.
> 
> 2. Establish an oversight committee with representatives from the farming,
> farm worker, environmental, medical and education/school communities to
> insure compliance.
> 
> 3. Allow greater and easier access to public records of pesticide use in a
> more timely fashion.
> 
> 4. The agricultural commissioner should comply with the clear mandate of the
> California Food and Agriculture code by investigating, promoting, and, if
> feasible, employing non-toxic alternatives to pesticides for pest and weed
> management in Ventura County agriculture.  Setting up semi-annual workshops
> to instruct growers in proper pesticide handling and usage, and offering
> education and help in implementing non-toxic alternatives is imperative.
> 
> 5. Require Public pre-notification and posting when pesticides are used
> within 1.5 miles of schools, residences and public areas. Posting for a
> minimum of 72 hours after an application should be required.
> 
> 6. Set up a "hotline" for community members to report possible exposures or
> violations.
> 
> 7. Initiate training for the health community on what to look for and how to
> properly treat, report and follow-up on suspected incidents of pesticide
> poisoning.
> 
> 8. Discontinue issuing permits for the pesticides shown to contaminate water,
> for use where wells, groundwater, or runoff into waterways poses a risk to
> this vital resource.
> 
> We call upon the County Board of Supervisors to recognize the important
> information provided by the CA Department of Pesticide Regulation regarding
> Mr. McPhail's failure to, among other things, strictly adhere to California's
> statutory scheme of pesticide regulation.  We are concerned about the 20 year
> history of failure on his part to make necessary lasting changes in his
> department in order to protect the public as well as agriculture in Ventura
> County, in addition to the burden of liability on the county.  The
> undersigned organizations, therefore, request that W. Earl McPhail NOT be
> re-appointed to the office of Agricultural Commissioner for Ventura County.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> o Community & Children's Advocates Against Pesticide Poisoning
> o Paul Racko, Executive Director, Long Beach Organic, Inc.
> o
> o
> o
> o