Landscaper Severs Foot in Grinder

LAGUNA HILLS — A landscape worker contracted by the city to remove trees from a park severed his right foot Monday when he lost control of a stump grinder, officials said.

Jose Ambriz-Alarcon, 24, possibly of Fullerton, was cutting and grinding trees about 2 p.m. at Costeau Park near Costeau Street and Alicia Parkway when he lost control of the grinding machine, Sheriff’s Lt. Richard Paddock said.

The man’s foot was severed by the blade, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Joe DeFort said. Ambriz-Alarcon was in serious condition at Western Medical Center-Santa Ana, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Ambriz-Alarcon has been working for S C Yamamoto Inc. Landscaping and Maintenance, which contracts with the city, Paddock said. The state Occupational Safety and Heath Administration was notified of the accident, Paddock said.