Hundreds of residents in Orange County are expressing deep concerns about a series of Ewing sarcoma cases affecting children in Ladera Ranch.
On Tuesday, a community meeting was held where families and lawmakers voiced their worries and called for a federal investigation into potential environmental causes.
Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer affecting bone and soft tissue, with only about 250 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. In Ladera Ranch, a community of approximately 26,000 residents, six children have been diagnosed with the disease, raising alarm among families and local officials. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley has urged the California Department of Public Health to expedite their review of these cases.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has requested the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate potential environmental factors in the area. Residents suspect that pesticide use might be linked to the cancer cases, although no definitive evidence has been found. The Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corp. has paused the use of certain pesticides for 60 days as a precautionary measure.
State Senator Catherine Blakespear and Assemblymember Diane Dixon have pledged to remain engaged in the investigation. Dixon emphasized the importance of a transparent review to understand potential environmental exposures.
The Orange County Health Care Agency, along with other local health organizations, is analyzing cancer data to identify any patterns. Findings are expected to be shared in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, a petition with over 3,800 signatures calls for a permanent ban on toxic pesticides in the community.
Families affected by these diagnoses are seeking answers and accountability. As investigations continue, the community remains hopeful for clarity and solutions to protect their children’s health.
KFI’s Monks & Merrill interviewed OC Supervisor Katrina Foley and Jackie French, and attorney and resident who is leading the group investigating this, Ladera Health Watch. Listen to those interviews below.
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