Response from Paul Helliker, Director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

You seem to blame us for people using pesticides.  That is akin to blaming the police for every murder that is committed.

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Re: Your "Registered" POISONS Are Not Needed or Wanted-----
Date: Thu, 03 Aug 2000 13:57:31 -0700
From:   "Paul Helliker" <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
 To:    <steve@getipm.com>

Dear Mr. Tvedten:

I seem to be blessed with a new-found generosity on your part.  I did take a look at your website, and send you my condolences over the loss of your unborn son.

You seem to blame us for people using pesticides.  That is akin to blaming the police for every murder that is committed.  Our mission is to regulate the use of pesticides so that they are applied safely.  Should people choose not to use pesticides, all the better.

I also don't understand why you claim that it is illegal to use any alternative methods to control pests.  The last time I checked, people were quite free to use salt and propane torches (as well as many other techniques not registered by us) to control weeds.  So, what, exactly is the nature of your complaint?

In fact, in case you're not familiar with our programs, we have a number of ongoing efforts to provide financial and regulatory incentives for individuals and organizations to use less-risky pest control methods, including biologically-integrated and non-pesticidal techniques.  We provide far more money every year than either EPA or USDA  - directly to people to develop and promote these techniques.  So, please, check our website and our other publications before you continue to blame us for promoting pesticides - such an allegation just does not bear any scrutiny at all.

Best of luck with your business!

Sincerely,

Subject:  Re: Your "Registered" POISONS Are Not Needed or Wanted----- 
Date:  Sat, 05 Aug 2000 18:37:44 -0400
From:  Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
 Organization:  Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)
To:  Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>

Dear Mr. Helliker, Is it now legal in California for pest control operators as well as the public to use unregistered alternatives to control pest problems?  If your answer is yes, we have no need of any further conversation.  Have a great day!

Steve

Further Response from Steve:

Mr. Helliker's comment that to blame the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for any deaths that their "registered" POISONS cause is like blaming the Police Department for every murder that is committed - is a ridiculous comparison. Mr. Helliker's comparison to the Police Department would only hold true if the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) historically would have allowed both the public and pest control operators to use unregistered alternatives to control pests.  There are letters (See also:  More Letters) that prove Mr. Helliker's DPR demanded that only their "registered" POISONS could "legally" be used to "control" pest problems in California.

The only other way that Mr. Helliker's comparison would be true - would be if the Police Department historically/currently would have demanded that only their "registered" guns, knives, and other weapons could/can  "legally" be used to settle disputes.  Obviously the Police Department does not and did not so demand and they have always allowed the use of any safe and far more effective unregistered alternative you wish to use to safely and effectively settle your disputes.

[Editor's Note See also:  Letter from a California PCO Regarding Soap and Water ]

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