If you love/d Monterey & would like to return again sometime to see its awesome otters & butterflies, please consider signing the petition to stop the apple moth spraying. The State of California is planning on experimenting on Monterey by spraying pheromones & propellants into the air, and no one knows what the effect will be on the people or its animals. The State doesn't seem to care that the residents are opposed, so I thought I would post this here because maybe they care about tourist dollars.

Above all, don't visit the Monterey area on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday unless you'd like a light bath in apple moth pheromones & its propellants.

Here are some links:
http://www.montereyherald.com

To email the guy who makes the decision, contact
Phone: (916) 654-0462
FAX: (916) 657-4240
Email: [email protected]
Secretary A.G. Kawamura

Contacting the governor might also be helpful.

California plans to try this out on other communities if they like how it works here.

I know this won't affect most of you, but we are desperately trying to stop them from experimenting on us. Thanks for reading this far. I mostly lurk, occasionally post, and really value this online community.

Jenny, post this also in the Lounge, it will get more attention.

Pheromones are not poisen to my knowledge..its just going to confuse them sexually and disrupt their mating cycle. Its also probably a pheromones specific to the apple moth and won't affect butterflies etc.

Jenny - What do you propose should be done instead to eradicate the moths?

Based on my understanding of the process, this is a reasonably unintrusive way to deal with the infestation before the moths really take hold in the area. If the problem isn't dealt with now, eradicating them later will require much more damaging methods.

Santa Cruz is using twist tie bags that emit the chemicals & traps. I think we should at least try that here. I think that a gentle solution should be tried before such a dramatic solution, and I'm not in favor of saving the apple moth. It's not the pheromones the concern me as much as the chemicals that will be use to propel the pheromones. There has never been a spraying of this sort. Forgive me if I don't want my town & its inhabitants to be the guinea pigs. I think somebody is about to make a lot of money selling California pheromones.

Here's more info:
> Background:
>
> The California Dept. of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is
> planning the aerial spraying of a synthetic chemical
> pheromone over large parts of the Monterey Peninsula,
> including Marina, Seaside, Monterey and Pacific Grove.
> This spraying could take place for three nights as
> early as next week, and then continue regularly for
> months and years to come. It is to eradicate a
> species of moth called the Light Brown Apple Moth,
> which is considered a potential threat to agriculture.
>
>
> 21 Reasons to be Concerned (feel free to add reasons
> of your own)
>
> 1. This is the first time aerial spraying of these
> chemicals has ever been done in a densely populated,
> urban area.
>
> 2. The long-term human health effects of the synthetic
> pheromone (which is designed to confuse male moths in
> their mating habit) have never been studied. Only the
> short term effects of the chemicals have been studied
> on animals, not on humans.
>
> 3. The secretary of the CDFA, who alone makes the
> decision, has a background in the agricultural
> business, and not in science, medicine or public
> health.
>
> 4. He is relying on the assurances of the chemical
> manufacturer and, to a large degree, people with a
> background in the agricultural industry, rather than
> on objective, long-term peer-reviewed studies, which
> don't exist.
>
> 5. The agriculture industry has a financial interest
> in pushing forward the aerial spraying; however, this
> financially powerful group is not expert in issues
> related to human health and environmental protection.
>
> 6. The long term effects of the active chemicals in
> the synthetic pheromone, as well as the inert
> ingredients, are unknown. In fact, the way the
> synthetic pheromone is produced is the manufacturer's
> trade secret.
>
> 7. There have been no long-term, objective,
> peer-reviewed studies on the effects of the chemicals
> and inert compounds on Monarch Butterflies, California
> Sea Otters and other sensitive and potentially
> endangered species.
>
> 8. The EPA prohibits the dumping of these chemicals
> over watersheds and other bodies of water, but not
> over people.
>
> 9. The Monterey City Council, after hearing extensive
> testimonies, lasting for days - including
> presentations made by staff of the CDFA - expressed
> their opposition to the aerial spraying. The Mayor of
> Pacific Grove is also very concerned. The mayor of
> Monterey made an emergency trip to Sacramento on
> Friday, August 31 to try to delay the spraying.
>
> 10. The long-term effects of DDT and Malathion were
> not adequately researched when large amounts of those
> chemicals were dumped years ago, having widespread,
> negative impacts on people's health and the
> environment. Governmental agencies, while having good
> intentions, sometimes act in ways that, in retrospect,
> we realize were irresponsible and even dangerous (the
> FDA is another example).
>
> 11. The planned aerial spraying over densely populated
> areas of the Monterey Peninsula is planned for three
> consecutive nights, as early as Sept 5, 6 and 7.
> Another three-night spraying campaign is planned 30 to
> 60 days later. Four to five more aerial spraying
> campaigns are planned for next year, as well as in
> subsequent years, until the moth is eradicated.
>
> 12. Repetitive exposure to toxins is one of the ways
> that people become ill from various diseases. The
> other way is massive exposure at one time. The
> repetitive exposure of chemicals that persist in the
> environment could be cause for concern (the effects
> are not adequately researched).
>
> 13. The aerial spraying will take place over our
> homes, schools and playgrounds. The chemicals in the
> spray are designed to be time-released over thirty
> days. They will stick or embed themselves into the
> environment, including our yards, playground
> equipment, sand, plants, trees and so on.
>
> 14. The long term effects of the chemicals and inert
> compounds to expecting mothers and on pre-and neonatal
> health are unknown.
>
> 15. People with chemical sensitivities, compromised
> immune systems and respiratory ailments are
> understandably concerned. Some have said they will
> have to leave the area indefinitely if the spraying
> goes through, making one question our freedom and
> democracy, and our inalienable rights to life, liberty
> and the pursuit of happiness.
>
> 16. While people have been told by the CDFA to stay
> indoors and close their windows during the spraying,
> our region's homeless people - as well as unsuspecting
> tourists out after 8:30 P.M. - will not have or be
> aware of that option.
>
> 17. The aerial spraying could compromise our region's
> important tourism industry if people outside of the
> area become concerned.
>
> 18. This spraying, if found toxic even to a few
> people, could compromise real estate values.
>
> 19. Many people did not receive the original mailing
> from the Sate of California announcing the spraying;
> even for those who did receive the mailing and who
> have attended public meetings, the information the
> state is providing is incomplete, circumventing the
> public process.
>
> 20. About 415 Light Brown Apple Moths have been
> trapped in Monterey County. Over 6,000 have been
> trapped in Santa Cruz County, an area where many
> citizens will likely vigorously oppose the aerial
> spraying.
>
> 21. Safer methods of distributing the synthetic
> pheromone exist, including localized surface spraying
> and twist-tie objects that disperse the chemicals from
> a bush or tree. The CDFA is allocating at least $15
> million to the spraying in the near term, and can
> likely afford safer, although more labor-intensive
> measures.

Jenny - I grew up in Santa Cruz and now live just over the hill. I've got plenty of family and friends in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, so I have a vested interest in this issue too. No need to get snippy about it and ask for "forgiveness".

The background information you gave brings up some good points - since I don't have a source for that information, I can't assess the accuracy. A lot of misinformation gets spread around, many times by well-meaning people, so it is important to be able to sift through what is out there and determine what information is solid and what isn't.

In this case, the moths have to be eradicated. Of course the ag industry is pushing for it. Much of the area's money comes from agriculture and if the industry is devistated by the moth, more than just the rich folks will suffer.

The crux of the issue comes down to how to erradicate the moths with the least impact to the environment. Regardless of whether the bag or spray method is used, the pheremones will be in the environment. The only difference is whether or not the propellent is introduced as well. I don't have enough information about the effects of the propellent to decide if the impact of the propellent would justify the increased spending to use the bag method.

I didn't mean to be snippy at all..I just have 2 little kids and not much time to be hanging out on the internet. What concerns me is that the State was extremely secretive in this plan...I know lots of people involved, and no one knew about this until 2 weeks ago. They first granted a 30 day stay, then decided to go ahead and do it Sunday. I went to the city council meeting tonight and learned things like the propellants have been determined to harm invertebrates, namely the sea otters food supply. People who have compromised immune systems are being told by doctors to leave town. The chemicals are time-delayed (I think that's the right word), so even if you leave town for the spraying, you won't be able to expose yourself to the ground or sand (a big deal for kids) for 30 days if you don't want to be exposed to the chemical. Putting the pheromones on trees near the moths seems to be a better compromise at the this point to me. Yes, it's synthetic pheromones, but it wouldn't expose everyone as much.

Someone also said that the moths have not been spotted here in large numbers compared to Santa Cruz, only one in Monterey. This person also said that the moth can cause curled leaves or scarred fruit, but it doesn't ruin the fruit. Obviously this is just what I've heard, but I don't really understand why we're going to experiment on a population so we can be assured pretty fruit. Agriculture is big business here, but I have always felt that Californians have more of a voice than other states I've lived in.

The funniest thing I heard tonight is that the next spraying coincides with the Welcome Monarch Butterfly Parade in Pacific Grove. However, we did have a Hummer in our Earth Day parade this year, so that should not be surprising.

Thanks for responding.

JennyL,
Thank you for your important post. You are in no way being "snippy"(?). You've done a great job in getting the word out and your points against the spraying are all valid. I've lived in Pacific Grove and Carmel and a few of my family still live there and we are all very concerned. My mom and brother and his wife are taking a trip out of town to avoid being sprayed.

It's hard to believe that they will spray repeatedly right over one of the most beautiful and environmentally unique coastal areas on earth, especially with all the opposition it's recieved. And if there are so few moths on the Monterey Peninsula compared to Santa Cruz, then SC should be targeted first, not Monterey. Of course, they should use the less agressive bag or limited spray methods first, instead of indiscriminately dousing all people, animals and plants. From what I've heard, the spraying begins tonight(Sunday), then again Monday and Tuesday and maybe Wednesday (?) (Sigh). Keep up the good work, JennyL, we're right with you!

P.S.
You can register a complaint against any further sprayings with the Dept. of Ag. by calling (800) 491-1899. I hope others who care will do this. According to the rep I spoke with, they are also planning a series of aerial sprayings on the Santa Cruz area soon.

Thanks Gemstone. On Tuesday I discovered that Arnold Schwarzenegger received $144,000 in campaign contributions from the owner of the company who makes the pheromone. I guess it's hard to tell someone no who's given you that much money.

For those who don't know the spraying is scheduled to be repeated in 30 days. No hotels that were contacted had advised their guests about the spraying. I know people who are sick from this. Please be careful if you are planning a trip here.

I think you are somewhat of an alarmnist. This is not a dangerous process and the consequences of not taking control now could be extremely dangerous to California agriculture.

They already sprayed...the bastards.

I'm sorry that I thought you were being snippy. In my experience, when people ask for "forgiveness" when debating an issue such as this with someone who doesn't completely agree, it is usually in a pardon-me-for-living sort of way. Tone is hard to read on a message board.

As for the issue of the spraying, I would need more information before making up my mind whether or not it is a reasonable solution or overly harmful.

I don't mean to be an alarmist. I know at least 10 people personally who have been sickened by this with dozens reports of others who have had flulike symptoms, migraines, upper respiratory illnesses, etc. I would be so mad if I planned a relaxing California vacation and then got sprayed with an unknown substance from a plane while returning from dinner which gave me the flu. The next spraying will be around October 9.
Yes, California agriculture is important, but no one has proved that the moths are an immediate threat. It seems to be mostly about money. I hear Kawamura is planning to spray Santa Cruz next so it will be interesting to see what happens there.

Here's an article about people being sick.

http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_6934924

I've had the flu-like symptoms all week and so has one of my kids. Out of the blue, too.

Tess, if you think it's related to the spray, please report it.

Here's a note:
Citizen of the Monterey Area:



If you’ve had an adverse physical reaction to the recent aerial spraying of our area with a synthetic pheromone, please reply to this message and very briefly describe how the spraying affected you.



Some people have reported having sore or scratchy throats, runny noses and irritated eyes. Others have said they’ve had periods of dizziness, fatigue, muscle pain and feeling a bit nauseous. How have you felt the past few days? Has anything changed since prior to the spraying? Are your children feeling okay? How about your neighbors and people with whom you work?



When you reply, please be sure to copy and paste the following email addresses into the “To” or “Cc” fields; these are people tracking the effects of the spraying:

[email protected]

(A reporter covering the story for the Monterey Herald)

([email protected]

(A reporter covering story for Fox News 35, KCBA-TV)

[email protected]

(She is the assistant to the Dr. Hugh Stallworth, Health Officer of the Monterey County Public Health Dept. Her telephone number is 831-755-4526)

[email protected]

(We will compile responses and send them to a variety of organizations, including the Governor’s office and our local, state and federal representatives)

We've felt a horrible malaise for a week. One eveningl, my eyes burned horribly. My youngest is struggling to stay awake in school. I find myself dozing off and taking long, long naps. Can't believe this....

Santa Cruz dates set for November 4-8

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/arc...09breaking.htm