"Although California laws prevent schools and nearby farmers from applying pesticides when students are present, cities are largely an exception.

On May 1, Patterson city staff sprayed pesticides at Floragold Park next to Apricot Valley Elementary school while kids were outside.

Apricot Valley Elementary dealt with an on-campus pesticide exposure incident on March 13 that left about 40 students and staff with itchy skin and rashes. Many of the parents and students say they still are traumatized from the incident.

“Why would they choose that park to spray at when the kids are celebrating outside?” said parent Kelly Leon at a Patterson Joint Unified school board meeting May 5."

Julietta Bisharyan reports for the Modesto Bee May 18, 2026. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Up to 30 Students, 4 Staff Impacted After Herbicide Used At Elementary School In Stanislaus County" (KCRA) [3]