Public Safety
Statewide Pesticide Enforcement Inconsistent, Investigation Finds
An investigation by Capital & Main found that of nearly 18,000 pesticide regulatory actions taken across California from January 2020 through June 2025, fewer than 30% resulted in fines, with penalties often ranging from $50 to $250. Farmworkers in the San Joaquin Valley and other agricultural regions reported health effects including nausea, burning eyes, and respiratory irritation from pesticide exposure, with many citing fear of retaliation for not reporting violations. The Department of Pesticide Regulation proposed new rules in June 2025 requiring commissioners to check companies' multi-county compliance histories, raising minimum penalties, and imposing stiffer fines on repeat offenders, though grower and agricultural industry groups oppose the changes. A September 2025 incident in a Fresno County raisin field saw worker Paola Lopez sprayed with pesticide chemicals labeled as causing skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and potential cancer risk.