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Resident urges probe and ban after contractor sprays pesticide at Coronado Park; staff says contractor reprimanded
Summary
A resident said Nieves Landscape sprayed SpeedZone near children at Coronado Park without warning signs; assistant city manager said staff met with the contractor, who was reprimanded and instructed not to repeat the conduct, and staff will follow up.
Nicholas Valencia told the council he observed a crew from Nieves Landscape spraying pesticides along the Coronado Park sidewalk near his family, including his 18‑month‑old child, and said he saw no warning signs or tape. Valencia identified one chemical as SpeedZone and said the product is supposed to dry for 24 hours before people walk on treated surfaces; he called the practice “a profound breach of trust” and urged the city to investigate, hold the contractor accountable and consider a pesticide ban in parks.
Assistant City Manager Jerry Hill told the council that staff had received the complaint, met with the contractor and “he's been reprimanded, instructed to not do that again.” Hill apologized for the incident and said staff would follow up to prevent recurrence. Council Member Vasquez and others thanked the resident for raising the issue and confirmed staff would be available for follow-up correspondence.
Valencia asked the council to adopt strict contractor oversight and safeguards to prevent unmarked pesticide application in public spaces, particularly where children may be present.
