Wait, what happened?

Laguna Beach — On August 12, 2025, the Laguna Beach City Council voted to re-introduce glyphosate —the active ingredient in Roundup—in the City’s Fuel Modification Zones (Laguna Beach’s wild open spaces) as part of a multi-year fuel-modification contract and protocol addendum. This marks a shocking reversal from the herbicide-free policy adopted in January of 2024.

The 2024 herbicide ban relied entirely on mowing, trimming, and hand-removal of vegetation. Before the Council vote, Fire Chief Niko King confirmed that the current herbicide-free plan has been working effectively and does not pose a fire risk—proving mechanical methods work.

Laguna Beach promised to protect public health, the environment, and water quality with an herbicide-free approach, so why would we hold a vote without an option to maintain the current policy? Residents are left to question whether personal affiliations or prior advocacy for herbicide use among certain council members influenced this outcome.

Instead, Tuesday night’s Council approved allowing up to 5% “limited spot” use of glyphosate if mechanical methods fail to control certain invasive species. Laguna residents should wonder how could those limits possibly be measured and enforced?

Glyphosate is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization, linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other serious health risks. It is known to contaminate soil and waterways, threaten wildlife, and has been banned in multiple countries. Even limited use puts our community, especially children, and environment at risk.

The options provided by the Assistant City Manager were misleading to the public. During Tuesday night’s meeting, multiple Council members stated a preference for “no herbicide,” reinforcing the impression that the existing herbicide-free policy was being upheld. However, the adopted Option 1 quietly reintroduces glyphosate—a material policy change that was not made clear to the public.

Mechanical treatment remains the default under Option 1, but allowing even 5% herbicide use sets a precedent for future expansion. Residents are urging that this issue be re-voted. We demand a genuine herbicide-free option be clearly presented and part of the vote, for the sake of our community, children and the environment. If you believe Laguna Beach should remain 100% glyphosate-free—no exceptions