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Summary

In 2007-2008, residents of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties in California campaigned to stop aerial pesticide spraying by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) as part of the Light Brown Apple Moth Eradication Program. The campaign, known as Stop the Spray, used protests, lawsuits, and public meetings to demand an investigation into health complaints and an end to the spraying. The campaign succeeded in halting aerial spraying over urban areas, but the state continued spraying in rural locations.

Tactics used

Tactics used

Background

In fall 2007, the USDA ordered the CDFA to spray an experimental pheromone-based pesticide over Central Coast counties to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth, a pest deemed highly destructive. Scientists from UC-Davis and UC-Santa Cruz showed the moth had been present for years without causing harm, but the CDFA proceeded with aerial spraying. Residents reported health problems after the sprayings, and the pesticide’s ingredients were withheld as trade secrets. The campaign demanded an investigation into health complaints and an end to the aerial spraying.

What happened

In September 2007, Monterey County underwent aerial spraying, and residents reported health problems including respiratory inflammations and skin rashes [source: nv-database]. Local residents formed the Stop the Spray campaign, supported by groups like HOPE, which filed a lawsuit against the CDFA on September 24 [source: nv-database]. Weekly town hall meetings were held, and fliers were posted calling on residents to contact representatives [source: nv-database]. On October 3, over 100 protestors gathered at a meeting with CDFA Secretary Kawamura in Santa Cruz [source: nv-database]. On October 9, the Santa Cruz City Council voted to join HOPE’s lawsuit after nearly 24 residents testified [source: nv-database]. On October 11, Judge O’Farrell granted a temporary restraining order against spraying in Monterey County, but it was removed on October 20 after the state agreed to monitor health complaints [source: nv-database]. On October 26, residents rallied in Santa Cruz to protest scheduled spraying [source: nv-database]. Despite protests and the city’s lawsuit, CDFA sprayed Santa Cruz on November 7, and residents reported health problems [source: nv-database]. On December 4, protestors distributed materials at a holiday parade, and local musicians performed an anti-spray song [source: nv-database]. On January 12, 2008, 100 residents attended a city council meeting with state officials to demand action [source: nv-database]. On February 21, over 100 residents attended an information meeting, some holding signs reading ‘No Spray No Way’ [source: nv-database]. On March 1, Monterey protestors held a rally at a TED event where Al Gore spoke, gaining media exposure [source: nv-database]. On March 10, protestors marched on Sacramento [source: nv-database]. On April 24, Santa Cruz Superior Court Judge Paul Burdick halted spraying until an environmental review was conducted [source: nv-database]. On May 12, Judge O’Farrell ordered a halt to aerial spraying until an Environmental Impact Report was completed [source: nv-database]. On May 31, nearly 1,000 people marched across the Golden Gate Bridge to protest proposed Bay Area sprayings [source: nv-database]. On June 19, state officials announced the discontinuation of aerial spraying over residential neighborhoods [source: nv-database]. The CDFA released its final Environmental Impact Report in February 2010 recommending no aerial spraying ‘at this time,’ and in March 2010 shifted to a control program using ground sprays and other methods [source: nv-database].

Key people & organizations

  • Helping Our Peninsula’s Environment (HOPE)
  • StoptheSpray.ORG
  • LBAMspray.com
  • Santa Cruz City Council
  • Ed Porter
  • Tony Madrigal
  • California Alliance to Stop the Spray
  • People Against Chemical Trespass
  • Greenpeace
  • Monterey Bay Central Labor Council
  • Rainforest Action Network
  • Sierra Club
  • Santa Cruz Federation of Teachers AFT Local 2030
  • Santa Cruz Women’s League for Peace and Justice
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
  • CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura
  • California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Outcome

Verdict: partial.

The campaign achieved its primary goal of stopping aerial spraying over urban areas, but failed to halt spraying in rural locations, resulting in a partial victory. The state eventually shifted from eradication to control methods, but activists continued to protest those methods. [source: nv-database]

Lessons

  • Combining legal strategies with public protests can create multiple pressure points on government agencies.
  • Building a broad coalition of local groups, environmental organizations, and labor unions amplifies campaign reach and legitimacy.
  • Using high-visibility events and media opportunities can draw attention to local issues and build public support.

Sources

Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.

Sources & verification

  • nv-database — grounding: primary — license: link-only
  • Rewritten: 2026-06-25 via worker_casestudies_v2.py

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