Pomona : Aerial Spraying Opposed

The City Council voted Monday to oppose aerial spraying of the pesticide malathion “because of the potential serious human health hazard.” Two Medflies were discovered in Pomona over the weekend.

The resolution, approved by four council members with Councilman C. L. (Clay) Bryant abstaining, urges Gov. George Deukmejian to direct a thorough study to determine the health risks from exposure to malathion.

Mayor Donna Smith said the state should discontinue aerial spraying in Southern California until studies demonstrate its safety. “Get the facts first and spray later,” she said. Councilwoman Nell Soto supported the resolution, saying she believes malathion is harmful to children.

Bryant said he could not vote on the resolution because the facts are unclear. “No one has proven that the concentration (of malathion) they are using is dangerous,” he said, “but no one has proven it is not.”

Even before the council acted, Smith had sent a letter to the governor objecting to aerial application of malathion, even though the city has not yet been sprayed. She said the city has no legal authority to stop aerial spraying, but she is hoping that public pressure will lead to a change in state policy.

The Medfly infestation covers 372 square miles in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Two immature Medflies, a male and a female, were trapped on the Cal Poly campus in Pomona over the weekend.