Attorneys are investigating an unusual number of rare childhood cancer diagnoses in Ladera Ranch, an affluent community in Southern California.
Bond Legal announced it is collecting information confidentially from families whose children lived in or frequently visited the Orange County community and were diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma or other childhood cancers. The probe follows reports of at least six children connected to Ladera Ranch being diagnosed with such cancers since 2013.
Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone and soft tissue cancer, affects an estimated 200 to 240 children and teens nationwide annually, according to the American Cancer Society. The concentration of cases in a single community is a significant concern for residents.
"The concentration of cases in a single community is deeply troubling, especially to those who live there," said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. "Families deserve transparency about what their children may have been exposed to. When rare cancers appear in clusters, every environmental factor — no matter how routine it may seem — must be examined carefully."
Bond Legal is seeking details about potential exposure to pesticides, herbicides, contaminated soil or water, construction materials, or other environmental hazards. The firm stated that multiple cancer diagnoses alone do not establish a causal link and that legal claims would require reliable scientific, medical, and factual evidence.
The investigation may examine historical pesticide and herbicide applications, landscaping and pest control practices, soil and groundwater conditions, past agricultural land uses, imported fill materials, school and park environments, nearby commercial operations, and public records.
The California Department of Public Health's California Cancer Registry evaluates potential cancer clusters by comparing the observed number of cases in a specific area over a set period to the expected number based on statewide rates for similar populations, age groups, and timeframes. An apparent increase in cases in a small area does not automatically confirm a cluster or a common cause.
The renewed attention comes after months of advocacy by local parents concerned that extensive pesticide and herbicide use within the 4,000-acre community might be contributing to the illnesses. Residents have been researching public records and pressing officials for more transparency regarding chemical use.
Brody Matteson, 17, was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in August 2024. Following treatment, he developed acute myeloid leukemia as a complication and died on March 22. His mother, Megan Matteson, initiated community discussions by asking in a local Facebook group if other families had experienced cancer diagnoses, which helped reignite concerns.
State Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez has stated her office is actively gathering information and engaging with state and local agencies. "As a mom and as your Assemblywoman, these reports are deeply concerning. My heart is with every family that has been affected," Sanchez said. She pledged to advocate for a thorough review of available information, open communication, and full transparency, and to pursue legislative changes if necessary to enhance neighborhood protection.
Environmental health experts emphasize the need for careful review of the concerns, even without a direct link established. Bruce Blumberg, an environmental health expert at the University of California, Irvine, suggested minimizing pesticide use and stated that advocating for the elimination of pesticides in such situations is reasonable. He noted that many California cities have adopted organic landscaping management programs.
The management company overseeing Ladera Ranch, LARMAC, is establishing an ad hoc advisory committee to review landscape maintenance practices and identify areas for improvement. "We understand why residents are seeking answers, and we recognize the concern that recent media coverage has generated throughout our community," LARMAC stated, adding that they are not aware of any official determination linking their landscape management practices to the reported illnesses.