Official Dissent in Aerial Spraying Widens

Political opposition to the spraying of malathion has continued to grow in the San Gabriel Valley as more public officials this week called for a halt in the aerial campaign against the Mediterranean fruit fly.

Within the last two weeks, city councils throughout the region have approved resolutions against the spraying, citing public uncertainties over the health effects of the pesticide.

The Pomona City Council on Tuesday directed the city attorney to take whatever legal action necessary to stop tonight’s spraying.

San Dimas and Duarte approved resolutions Tuesday night, as did the Pasadena Unified School District board. Last week, San Marino, South Pasadena and Baldwin Park took stands against the spraying. In addition, officials in Pasadena, Azusa, Alhambra, Arcadia and Monrovia have spoken out against aerial spraying. Monterey Park has long opposed it.

But after discussing the issue Tuesday, the Claremont City Council decided to take no formal action.

“There is a total lack of information,” Duarte Councilwoman Ginny Joyce complained. “We cannot support something without having evidence that it is actually working.”

Duarte Mayor John Fasana was the only one voting against the resolution. Although he is alarmed by recent information regarding health hazards of spraying, Fasana said, he is concerned about a complete stop. “We might be worse off if Medflies get out of control,” he said.

Tonight, the San Gabriel Valley Assn. of Cities is to take up the issue at its meeting in Baldwin Park. Based on a “Medfly summit meeting” the association held last week in El Monte, San Dimas Mayor Terry Dipple said he will recommend that the group support a halt to the spraying.

In Pasadena, City Atty. Victor Kaleta said he will report to the Board of Directors on Tuesday whether the city can declare it a misdemeanor for helicopters to spray the community. He added that he is researching the possibility that Pasadena might join Los Angeles in a suit to stop the spraying. Pasadena already has complained to Gov. George Deukmejian.

The Pasadena Unified School District board unanimously approved its anti-spraying resolution. “There’s growing concern by all just to what long-term effects of the spraying are on children,” said Michael Klentschy, assistant superintendent. “Within the greater Pasadena community it’s become a real issue.”

Times staff writers Elena Farrington, Vicki Torres and Mike Ward contributed to this story.