LAFCO
CSA 53 Mosquito Abatement & Vector Control
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
COUNTY SERVICE AREA 53
(Mosquito Abatement & Vector Control)
Service and Sphere of Influence Review
Adopted Version (June 14, 2023)
Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Cruz County
701 Ocean Street, Room 318-D Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Website: www.santacruzlafco.org
Phone: (831) 454-2055
TABLE OF CONTENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 2
Countywide Jurisdictional & Sphere Boundaries ..................................................................... 2
Key Findings........................................................................................................................... 3
Recommended Actions .......................................................................................................... 4
DISTRICT OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................. 6
History .................................................................................................................................... 6
Services and Operations ........................................................................................................ 6
Population and Growth ........................................................................................................... 7
FINANCES ................................................................................................................................ 8
Revenues ............................................................................................................................... 9
Expenditures .........................................................................................................................10
Fund Balance / Net Position ..................................................................................................10
GOVERNANCE ........................................................................................................................12
Local Accountability & Structure ............................................................................................13
Challenges and Opportunities ...............................................................................................14
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE ........................................................................................................16
Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act ..................................................................................................16
Current & Proposed Sphere Boundary ..................................................................................16
DISTRICT SUMMARY ..............................................................................................................18
SERVICE AND SPHERE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS ..........................................................19
Service Provision Determinations ..........................................................................................19
Sphere of Influence Determinations .......................................................................................20
APPENDICES...........................................................................................................................21
Appendix A: 1992 Formation Resolution ................................................................................21
Appendix B: 2005 Annexation Resolution ..............................................................................21
Appendix C: 2022 Annual Report ..........................................................................................21
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 1 of 21
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
This Service and Sphere of Influence Review provides information about the services and
boundaries of County Service Area 53, also known as the Santa Cruz County Mosquito
Abatement and Vector Control. The report will be used by the Local Agency Formation
Commission to conduct a statutorily required review and update process. The Cortese-
Knox-Hertzberg Act requires that the Commission conduct periodic reviews and updates
of Spheres of Influence for all cities and districts in Santa Cruz County (Government Code
Section 56425). It also requires LAFCO to conduct a review of municipal services before
adopting Sphere updates (Government Code Section 56430). CSA 53’s last service
review was adopted on December 5, 2018.
The municipal service review process does not require LAFCO to initiate changes of
organization based on service review conclusions or findings; it only requires that LAFCO
make determinations regarding the delivery of public services in accordance with the
provisions of Government Code Section 56430. However, LAFCO, local agencies, and
the public may subsequently use the determinations and related analysis to consider
whether to pursue changes in service delivery, government organization, or spheres of
influence.
Service and sphere reviews are informational documents and are generally exempt from
environmental review. LAFCO staff has conducted an environmental review of the
District’s existing sphere of influence pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and determined that this report is exempt from CEQA. Such exemption is due to
the fact that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in
question may have a significant effect on the environment (Section 15061[b][3]).
Countywide Jurisdictional & Sphere Boundaries
CSA 53 was formed in 1992 in response to public demand for relief from mosquito
pestilence. Upon formation, service delivery was limited to a 70-square mile area in South
County, specifically Aptos, La Selva Beach, the City of Watsonville, and the Pajaro Valley.
The total population within the original service area was estimated to be 85,000. In 2005,
property owners approved the North County Mosquito and Disease Control Assessment
that expanded the CSA’s service area to the entire County, following city-supported
annexations of Capitola, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley. The CSA now serves
approximately 281,000 people within 445 square miles, as shown in Figure 1 on page 5.
Sphere Boundary
CSA 53’s original sphere was adopted on December 9, 1992, as part of the formation
action. The sphere was amended and increased on May 4, 2005, to reflect the countywide
expansion. Since then, the sphere has remained coterminous with CSA 53’s jurisdictional
boundary. Staff is recommending that the sphere of influence be reaffirmed as part of this
review.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 2 of 21
Key Findings
The following are key findings of the 2023 Service and Sphere of Influence Review for
County Service Area 53 (Mosquito Abatement & Vector Control):
1. CSA 53 provides services to the entire county.
The CSA’s service area encompasses the entire county (445 square miles). CSA 53
is charged with the responsibility of managing the abatement of breeding mosquito
populations in order to provide residents and visitors with relief from the annoyances
and potential diseases associated with mosquito bites. CSA 53’s primary function is
mosquito surveillance and control following Integrated Pest Management practices,
which incorporates public education, biological control, breeding source reduction and
the use of pesticides that have minimal impact on people, wildlife, and the
environment. In addition to mosquito control, CSA 53 provides services related to
other vectors such as tick surveillance and rodent exclusion inspections. In 2022, CSA
53 responded to over 500 requests for service. Over 60% of those requests were
related to mosquito issues and rodent inspections.
2. CSA 53 is financially stable at this time.
The CSA has experienced two annual deficits over the past five years. Financial
statements from Fiscal Years 2017 to 2022 indicate that the CSA ended the last three
fiscal years with a surplus (FY 19-20 to FY 21-22). However, the CSA is also expecting
to experience another deficit at the end of the current fiscal year (FY 22-23). Stagnant
revenue is the primary reason why annual deficits affect CSA 53’s financial
performance as total expenses continue to rise. It is LAFCO’s understanding that
annual charges for services have remained virtually the same for the last six years.
LAFCO staff projects that this negative trend may continue unless internal operations
or budgetary practices improve.
3. CSA 53 requires improvement in governmental transparency.
State law now requires all independent special districts to maintain and operate a
website by January 1, 2020. CSA 53 is a dependent special district, and therefore, not
subject to this statutory requirement. However, CSA 53 provides an essential service
to the entire county and should be as transparent as possible. Based on LAFCO’s
analysis, the CSA only met 2 out of the 20 transparency benchmarks evaluated in this
service review. While CSA 53’s website is rich with information on prevention and
mitigation of various diseases and vectors, LAFCO’s analysis shows a lack of
transparency in CSA 53’s governance. Thus, LAFCO staff encourages the CSA to
improve its website and offer more information on how the district operates as a
governmental entity.
4. CSA 53’s sphere of influence is coterminous with its jurisdictional limits.
The Commission adopted CSA 53’s original sphere of influence back in December
1992. The sphere boundary was amended in 2005 to reflect the countywide expansion
of CSA 53. Today, the sphere boundary continues to be coterminous with CSA 53’s
service area. Staff is recommending that the current sphere boundary be reaffirmed
as part of this review.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 3 of 21
Recommended Actions
Based on the analysis and findings in the 2023 Service and Sphere of Influence Review
for County Service Area 53, the Executive Officer recommends that the Commission:
1. Find that pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, LAFCO
determined that the sphere of influence review is not subject to the environmental
impact evaluation process because it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment
and the activity is not subject to CEQA;
2. Determine, pursuant to Government Code Section 56425, the Local Agency
Formation Commission of Santa Cruz County is required to develop and determine a
sphere of influence for County Service Area 53, and review and update, as necessary;
3. Determine, pursuant to Government Code Section 56430, the Local Agency
Formation Commission of Santa Cruz County is required to conduct a service review
before, or in conjunction with an action to establish or update a sphere of influence;
and
4. Adopt a Resolution (LAFCO No. 2023-14) approving the 2023 Service and Sphere of
Influence Review for County Service Area 53 with the following conditions:
a. Reaffirm CSA 53’s current sphere of influence; and
b. Direct the Executive Officer to distribute a copy of the adopted service and sphere
review to CSA 53 representatives and any other interested or affected parties,
including but not limited to the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and the
four cities: Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 4 of 21
Figure 1: Vicinity Map
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 5 of 21
DISTRICT OVERVIEW
History
County Service Area 53 was formed on December 9, 1992, and originally served 70
square miles of land including communities such as Aptos and the City of Watsonville.
Appendix A provides a copy of the formation resolution. The original boundary identified
two separate zones: Zone 2 & 4 to reflect the associated supervisorial districts within CSA
53. In May 2005, LAFCO approved the expansion of CSA 53 to annex the remaining
portion of the county, including the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley. This
action increased CSA 53’s jurisdictional and sphere boundaries from 70 square miles to
445 square miles. Appendix B provides a copy of the annexation resolution. During the
same year, the voters also approved the North County Mosquito and Disease Control
Assessment to adequately fund the CSA’s countywide operations. CSA 53 has been
operating as a division of the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office for the last 30
years.
Services and Operations
CSA 53 first operated with revenues generated from a flat service charge on property tax
bills. In 1996, the charges for service was then converted into an assessment to meet
Proposition 218 requirements. In 2003, the original assessment was deemed inadequate
to fund the ongoing and future services. In 2004, south county property owners passed a
new benefit assessment. In 2005, an additional “north county” benefit assessment was
approved as part of the 2005 annexation which expanded CSA 53’s service area to
include the entire county. Today, CSA 53 provides an array of services tailored to protect
the public from mosquito and vector-borne diseases. The CSA’s primary function is
mosquito surveillance and control using Integrated Pest Management practices that
incorporate public education, biological control, source reduction and pesticides that have
minimal impact on people, wildlife, and the environment. Surveillance includes sampling
immature mosquitoes in water bodies and monitoring populations of adult mosquitoes
using traps. Treatments are focused on the immature, aquatic stage of the mosquito
because this approach is the most effective and environmentally sound. Services also
include monitoring for invasive mosquitoes, tick surveillance and identification, rodent
exclusion inspections, mosquito-eating fish for backyard ornamental ponds, and public
health education. The 2022 Annual Report was recently published which provides a
detailed overview of the CSA’s current and past accomplishments and projects (refer to
Appendix C).
CSA 53 operates with an Assistant Vector Control Manager, a Vector Ecologist, and five
Vector Control Specialists on an annual basis, with additional administrative support
provided by the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. The Assistant Vector Control
Manager, Vector Ecologist and field staff are certified by the California Department of
Health Services in mosquito and vector control and must complete 40 hours of continuing
education every two years. CSA 53 is an active member of the Mosquito and Vector
Control Association of California and participates regularly in meetings of mosquito and
vector control regional associations. Staff attend training programs and incorporate the
latest information on vector control and Integrated Pest Management methods and
materials into the CSA’s program.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 6 of 21
Population and Growth
Based on staff’s analysis, the population of CSA 53 in 2020 is estimated to be 281,000.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Association of Monterey Bay
Area Governments (AMBAG) provide population projections for cities and counties in the
Coastal Region. Official growth projections are not available for special districts. However,
since CSA 53 encompasses the entire county, LAFCO was able to determine the current
and projected population growth. In general, the Coastal Region is anticipated to have a
slow growth over the next fifteen years. Table A shows the anticipated population for the
CSA as well as each city and the unincorporated territory within CSA 53. The average
rate of change within CSA 53 is approximately 2.21%.
Population Projection
Based on the projections for the cities and unincorporated county territory within the
service area, LAFCO staff was able to develop a population forecast for CSA 53. Under
this assumption, LAFCO staff projects that the entire population of the CSA will be
approximately 307,000 by 2040.
Table A: Projected Population
Area 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Average
City of Capitola 10,194 10,312 10,451 10,622 10,809 1.48%
City of Santa Cruz 68,381 72,091 75,571 79,027 82,266 4.73%
City of Scotts Valley 12,145 12,214 12,282 12,348 12,418 0.56%
City of Watsonville 53,536 55,187 56,829 58,332 59,743 2.78%
County of Santa Cruz
136,891 137,896 139,105 140,356 141,645 0.86%
(unincorporated area)
CSA 53 281,147 287,700 294,238 300,685 306,881 2.21%
Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
State law requires LAFCO to identify and describe all “disadvantaged unincorporated
communities” (DUCs) located within or contiguous to the existing spheres of influence of
cities and special districts that provide fire protection, sewer, and/or water services. DUCs
are defined as inhabited unincorporated areas with an annual median household income
that is 80% or less than the statewide annual median household income.
In 2020, the California statewide annual median household income was $78,672, and
80% of that was $62,938. LAFCO staff utilized the ArcGIS mapping program to locate
potential DUCs in Santa Cruz County. It is important to note that CSA 53 is not subject to
SB 244 because it does not provide water, sewer, or fire service, and therefore, no further
analysis is required.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 7 of 21
FINANCES
This section will highlight the CSA’s financial performance during the most recent fiscal
years. Fiscal Year 2021-22 is the latest audited financial statement available. However,
LAFCO will evaluate CSA 53’s financial health from 2017 to 2022, including the last
adopted budget (FY 2022-23). A comprehensive analysis of CSA 53’s financial
performance during the past five years is shown in Table D on page 11.
At the end of Fiscal Year 2021-22, total revenue collected was approximately
$1.56 million, representing a 2% increase from the previous year ($1.53 million in FY 20-
21). Total expenses for FY 2021-22 were approximately $1.37 million, which increased
from the previous year by 8% ($1.27 million in FY 20-21). CSA 53 has ended with a deficit
twice since 2017 (FY 17-18 and FY 18-19), as shown in Figure 2. The CSA is also
expecting to end FY 2022-23 with a deficit. LAFCO staff believes this negative trend will
continue unless operational and/or budgetary changes are made.
Figure 2: Statement of Revenues & Expenditures
$1,800,000
$1,709,859
$1,623,331
$1,600,000 $1,556,442
$1,516,391 $1,518,113 $1,530,187 $1,523,794
$1,482,149
$1,449,999
$1,376,540
$1,400,000 $1,365,553
$1,266,446
$1,200,000
$1,000,000
$800,000
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$-
FY 2017-18 FY 2018-19 FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22 FY 2022-23
(Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Adopted)
TOTAL REVENUE TOTAL EXPENDITURE
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 8 of 21
Revenues
The CSA’s primary source of revenue is from Charges for Services. In FY 2021-22,
Charges for Services totaled approximately $1.5 million which represents 99% of the
CSA’s entire revenue stream. The other revenue source is from Interest and Other
Revenue.
Annual Charges
As previously mentioned, CSA 53’s main source of revenue is from annual charges, which
are adopted each year by the County Board of Supervisors. Table B shows the annual
charges for services and per unit. With only a few exceptions, the annual charges have
remained virtually the same for the past five years, including the recently adopted rates
for FY 2022-23.
Table B – Annual Rates
FY 2017-18 FY 2018-19 FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22 FY 2022-23
Annual Charges
(Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Adopted)
Mosquito Abatement
Single Family / MH with Land $ 11.58 $ 11.59 $ 11.59 $ 11.59 $ 11.59 $ 11.59
Multi-Family (2-4 units) $ 15.42 $ 15.42 $ 15.42 $ 15.42 $ 15.42 $ 15.42
Multi-Family (5 & Up) & MH Parks $ 46.38 $ 46.38 $ 46.38 $ 46.38 $ 46.38 $ 46.38
Recreational Use $ 16.70 $ 16.70 $ 16.70 $ 16.70 $ 16.70 $ 16.70
Comm / Institutional Use $ 14.14 $ 14.15 $ 14.15 $ 14.15 $ 14.15 $ 14.15
Agricultural Use $ 11.58 $ 11.59 $ 11.59 $ 11.59 $ 11.59 $ 11.59
Vacant Land $ 5.80 $ 5.80 $ 5.80 $ 5.80 $ 5.80 $ 5.80
Mosquito Disease - South County
Single Family / Institutional $ 10.48 $ 10.78 $ 11.10 $ 11.38 $ 11.60 $ 11.94
Multi-Family (2-4 units) $ 4.18 $ 4.30 $ 4.42 $ 4.52 $ 4.60 $ 4.74
Condominium / Vacant $ 5.24 $ 5.38 $ 5.54 $ 5.68 $ 5.80 $ 5.96
Mobile Home $ 2.42 $ 2.48 $ 2.56 $ 2.62 $ 2.66 $ 2.74
Industrial / Comm'l $ 5.24 $ 5.38 $ 5.54 $ 5.68 $ 5.80 $ 5.96
Office $ 14.88 $ 15.32 $ 15.78 $ 16.18 $ 16.50 $ 17.00
Apartments (5+ units) $ 4.18 $ 4.30 $ 4.42 $ 4.52 $ 4.60 $ 4.74
Auto Stor / Prkg $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.22
Agricultural $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03
Mosquito Disease - North County
Single Family / Institutional $ 15.44 $ 15.88 $ 16.36 $ 16.76 $ 17.10 $ 17.62
Multi-Family (2-4 units) $ 6.16 $ 6.34 $ 6.53 $ 6.70 $ 6.84 $ 7.04
Condominium / Vacant $ 7.72 $ 7.94 $ 8.18 $ 8.38 $ 8.54 $ 8.78
Mobile Home $ 3.54 $ 3.64 $ 3.74 $ 3.84 $ 3.92 $ 4.04
Industrial / Comm'l $ 7.72 $ 7.94 $ 8.18 $ 8.38 $ 8.54 $ 8.80
Office $ 21.92 $ 22.56 $ 23.24 $ 23.82 $ 24.30 $ 25.02
Apartments (5+ units) $ 6.16 $ 6.34 $ 6.52 $ 6.68 $ 6.80 $ 7.00
Auto Stor / Prkg $ 0.32 $ 0.32 $ 0.34 $ 0.34 $ 0.34 $ 0.34
Agricultural $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.03
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 9 of 21
Expenditures
CSA 53’s total expenditures can be categorized into five budgetary groups: Salaries &
Benefits, Services & Supplies, County Expenses, and Other Charges (County
Overhead),. Figure 3 shows that in FY 2021-22, Salaries & Benefits represented
approximately 71% of the District’s entire operational expenses. The remaining expenses
are based on the costs associated with operational tasks (services and supplies) and
overhead.
Figure 3: Total Expenditure (FY 2021-22)
Salaries and Benefits
$966,110 (70.75%)
Other Charges
$14,126 (1.03%)
County Expenses
$500 (0.04%)
Services and Supplies
$384,817 (28.18%)
Fund Balance / Net Position
As of June 30, 2022, the total net position balance ended with approximately $333,000.
The following table highlights the net position balance from 2017 to 2022. As shown in
the table below, CSA 53’s fund balance has fluctuated over the years, experiencing a
significant deficit in FY 2017-18.
Table C: Fund Balance
FY 17-18 FY 18-19 FY 19-20 FY 20-21 FY 21-22
(Audited) (Audited) (Audited) (Audited) (Audited)
Ending Balance $(415,641) $93,733 $426,427 $471,224 $332,773
Change from
$509,374 $332,694 $44,797 $(138,451)
Previous Year ($)
Change from
- 355% 11% -29%
Previous Year (%)
Footnote: Fund balance significantly reduced in FY 21-22 primarily due to remodeling/upgrading the
laboratory and safety features at the 640 Capitola Road Facility (District Headquarters).
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 10 of 21
Table D: Total Revenues & Expenditures
FY 2017-18 F Y 2018-19 FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22 FY 2022-23
(Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Actual) (Adopted)
REVENUE
Interest
CSA 53 (North County Only) $ 1 0,593 $ 9 ,360 $ 8 ,566 $ 4 ,193 $ 4 ,239 $ 4 ,100
CSA 53 (Remaining County) $ 12,004 $ 13,440 $ 1 1,625 $ 4 ,318 $ 3 ,364 $ 4 ,900
Total Interest $ 22,597 $ 2 2,800 $ 20,191 $ 8,511 $ 7,603 $ 9,000
Charges for Services
CSA 53 (North County Only) $ 892,057 $ 917,313 $ 947,708 $ 965,518 $ 982,599 $ 953,167
CSA 53 (Remaining County) $ 535,345 $ 542,036 $ 550,172 $ 556,158 $ 562,496 $ 561,627
Total Charges for Services $ 1,427,402 $ 1,459,349 $ 1,497,880 $ 1,521,676 $ 1,545,095 $ 1,514,794
Other Revenue
Other Charges $ 1 ,581 $ 1 ,937 $ 1 ,789 $ - $ -
Other Revenue $ - $ - $ 42 $ - $ 3 ,744
Total Other Revenue $ - $ - $ 4 2 $ - $ 3,744
TOTAL REVENUE $ 1,449,999 $ 1,482,149 $ 1,518,113 $ 1,530,187 $ 1,556,442 $ 1,523,794
EXPENDITURE
Salaries and Benefits
Regular Pay - Permanent $ 698,342 $ 748,330 $ 625,146 $ 541,937 $ 610,050
Overtime Pay - Permanent $ 1 ,611 $ 1 ,162 $ 541 $ 2 ,311 $ -
Regular Pay - Extra Help $ 3 ,062 $ 4 ,039 $ 8 ,319 $ 3 ,947 $ 2 ,593
Differential Pay $ 2 ,598 $ 5 ,427 $ 7 ,573 $ 3 ,844 $ 3 ,022
Social Security $ 5 2,781 $ 5 5,862 $ 4 7,651 $ 4 1,654 $ 46,451
CalPERS (Pension) $ 131,653 $ 151,977 $ 145,010 $ 130,039 $ 165,288
Employee Insurance $ 187,465 $ 188,975 $ 156,927 $ 133,483 $ 136,981
Workers Compensation $ 9 ,789 $ 1 0,459 $ - $ 1 0,940 $ -
Unemployment Insurance $ 6,345 $ 4 ,489 $ 565 $ 502 $ 1 ,725
Total Salaries and Benefits $ 1,093,646 $ 1,170,720 $ 9 91,732 $ 8 68,656 $ 9 66,110 $ 1,693,948
Services and Supplies
Agricultural Expense $ 5 3,444 $ 2 9,827 $ 3 7,381 $ 2 4,186 $ 35,934
Surveillance and Lab Supplies $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 7 ,471
Clothing and Personal Supplies $ 6 ,159 $ 7 ,065 $ 4 ,937 $ 5 ,849 $ 5 ,273
Telecom Services $ 1 1,359 $ 3 2,633 $ 1 2,868 $ 7 ,951 $ 8 ,386
Maintenance-Office-Equipment Services $ 793 $ 1 ,131 $ 1 ,782 $ 2 ,453 $ 415
Other Equipment Services $ - $ 73 $ 102 $ 392 $ 133
Memberships $ 9 ,070 $ 9 ,715 $ 9 ,500 $ 9 ,500 $ 9 ,500
Miscellaneous Expenses $ 61 $ 49 $ 76 $ 459 $ 9
Duplicating Services $ 34 $ 155 $ 549 $ 68 $ 14
PC Software Purchases $ - $ 314 $ 327 $ 68 $ 407
Postage $ 126 $ 484 $ 247 $ 145 $ 176
Supplies $ 7 ,409 $ 6 ,132 $ 2 ,671 $ 6 ,361 $ 2 ,949
Inventoriable Items $ 3 6,024 $ 1 4,500 $ 1 ,661 $ 6 ,065 $ 448
Custodial Services $ - $ - $ 1 2,760 $ 1 1,355 $ 17,738
Data Processing Services $ 2 3,604 $ 2 5,106 $ 2 6,906 $ 1 6,992 $ 53,214
Management Services $ 151,968 $ 160,597 $ 160,596 $ 173,481 $ 176,546
Professional and Special Services $ 2 3,171 $ 2 5,134 $ 2 2,093 $ 3 4,191 $ 12,960
Legal Notices $ - $ 5 ,238 $ - $ 3 ,498 $ 1 ,709
Rents-Leases $ 660 $ - $ 754 $ - $ -
Small Tools and Instruments $ 1 4,205 $ 1 6,380 $ 7 ,617 $ 8 ,268 $ 665
Advertising and Promotion $ 4 ,044 $ 3 ,500 $ 180 $ 1 ,980 $ 4 ,760
Subscriptions-Books-Educational Material $ 22 $ - $ 18 $ 47 $ -
Airfare $ - $ 390 $ 430 $ - $ -
Education and Training $ 1 ,618 $ 2 ,479 $ 1 ,620 $ 1 ,265 $ 1 ,869
Lodging $ 1 ,575 $ 4 ,441 $ 1 ,782 $ - $ 3 ,017
Meals $ 576 $ 1 ,125 $ 936 $ - $ 726
Mileage $ - $ 186 $ 260 $ 95 $ 173
Other Travel $ 97 $ 369 $ 324 $ - $ -
Registrations $ 885 $ 1 ,555 $ 1 ,205 $ 633 $ 1 ,050
Service Center Charges $ 2 0,842 $ 1 9,870 $ 1 2,843 $ 2 1,526 $ 19,036
Service Center Replacement Increment $ 5 ,636 $ 5 ,029 $ 6 ,899 $ 7 ,092 $ 9 ,292
Service Center Depreciation Charges $ 1 2,412 $ 1 1,308 $ 1 4,708 $ 1 5,059 $ -
Service Center Pool Vehicle Charges $ - $ 402 $ 123 $ - $ -
Sanitation Services $ - $ - $ - $ 1 ,274 $ 1 ,337
Fixed Assets - Equipment $ - $ 3 5,269 $ - $ - $ -
Utilities $ - $ - $ - $ 9 ,565 $ 9 ,612
Total Services and Supplies $ 3 85,794 $ 4 20,455 $ 3 44,154 $ 3 69,817 $ 3 84,817 $ -
County Expenses
CSA 53 (North County Only) $ 310 $ 310 $ 310 $ 310 $ 310 $ 316
CSA 53 (Remaining County) $ 190 $ 190 $ 190 $ 190 $ 190 $ 194
Total County Expenses $ 5 00 $ 5 00 $ 500 $ 5 00 $ 5 00 $ 5 10
Other Charges (County Overhead)
CSA 53 (North County Only) $ 2 5,516 $ 1 8,994 $ 2 4,092 $ 1 6,484 $ 8 ,476 $ 9 ,241
CSA 53 (Remaining County) $ 10,935 $ 12,662 $ 1 6,061 $ 1 0,989 $ 5 ,650 $ 6 ,160
Total Other Charges $ 36,451 $ 3 1,656 $ 40,153 $ 2 7,473 $ 1 4,126 $ 1 5,401
TOTAL EXPENDITURE $ 1,516,391 $ 1,623,331 $ 1,376,540 $ 1,266,446 $ 1,365,553 $ 1,709,859
Surplus/(Deficit) $ (66,392) $ (141,182) $ 1 41,573 $ 2 63,741 $ 1 90,888 $ (186,065)
FUND BALANCE
Funds Available (End of Fiscal Year)
CSA 53 (North County Only) $ (261,318) $ 4 9,638 $ 265,815 $ 297,501 $ 213,978 -
CSA 53 (Remaining County) $ (154,323) $ 4 4,095 $ 160,612 $ 173,723 $ 118,795 -
TOTAL FUND BALANCE $ (415,641) $ 93,733 $ 4 26,427 $ 471,224 $ 3 32,773 $ 3 32,773
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 11 of 21
GOVERNANCE
All mosquito and vector control districts within the State of California operate under the
authority of the State of California, which is codified in the Health and Safety Code,
Section 2000, et seq, and which is known as the Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control
District Law. The Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law allows a district to
exercise a series of powers, including surveillance programs, property inspection,
participation in land use planning and environmental quality processes, abate nuisances
and raise revenues with special taxes, benefit assessments, and fees.
The Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law allows a district to exercise the
following powers:
➢ Conduct surveillance programs, prevent, abate, and control vectors and vector-
borne diseases;
➢ Request inspection warrants and enter property "where there is no reasonable
expectation of privacy";
➢ Participate in land use planning and environmental quality processes;
➢ Abate public nuisances and recover the districts' costs with liens;
➢ Impose a $1,000 a day civil penalty for failing to abate a public nuisance;
➢ Pay the boards of trustees' expenses and benefits but not regular stipends;
➢ Raise revenues with special taxes, benefit assessments, and fees;
➢ Borrow funds, like other local governments, for cash-flow purposes; and
➢ Manage their own finances, similar to some other special districts.
The Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law also:
➢ Provides that forming a new district requires adherence to the Cortese-Knox-
Hertzberg Act but does not require voter approval;
➢ Allows county boards of supervisors and city councils to appoint the members of
the districts' boards of trustees;
➢ Allows the Director of the State Department of Health Services to resolve disputes
between districts and other public agencies;
➢ Retains an exception from public nuisance abatement for flies from agricultural
operations that use accepted standards and practices;
➢ Exempts property that has not been artificially altered from its natural condition
from the districts' power to abate public nuisances;
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 12 of 21
➢ Clarifies the districts' annual budget procedures, increasing the controls over
budget reserves, including public health emergencies;
➢ Allows special benefit assessments to finance vector control projects and
programs, consistent with Proposition 218;
➢ Allows officials to create zones within a district to provide different levels of service
with different revenue sources;
➢ Contains cross-references to other major statutes that apply to mosquito
abatement districts as well as to other local governments;
➢ Requires officers and employees to be bonded if they manage a district's funds;
➢ Requires stricter accounting for budgetary reserves; and
➢ Repeats the requirement for the districts to conduct regular audits and file annual
reports with the State Controller.
It is important to note that several of these bullet points do not apply to CSA 53 because
it is a dependent special district and falls under the County’s rules and regulations within
the County Agricultural Commission’s Office.
Local Accountability & Structure
California Health and Safety Code Section 2022(a) states that each person appointed by
a board of supervisors to be a member of a board of trustees shall be a voter in that
county and a resident of that portion of the county that is within the district. Section
2022(b) states that each person appointed by a city council to be a member of a board of
trustees shall be a voter in that city and a resident of that portion of the city that is within
the district. California Health & Safety Code Section 2022(d) states that it is the intent of
the Legislature that persons appointed to boards of trustees have experience, training,
and education in fields that will assist in the governance of the districts.
Finally, Section 2022(e) states that all trustees shall exercise their independent judgment
on behalf of the interests of the residents, property owners, and the public as a whole in
furthering the purposes and intent of this chapter. The trustees shall represent the
interests of the public as a whole and not solely the interests of the board of supervisors
or the city council that appointed them. A mosquito abatement district trustee serves for
a fixed term of office, and not merely at the pleasure or discretion of the appointing
authority. It is LAFCO’s understanding that the County Board of Supervisors acts as the
CSA’s board of directors. The Board regularly meets on most Tuesdays in the Board of
Supervisors' Chambers, 701 Ocean St, Rm. 525. Meetings generally begin at 9:00 am.
Recently, David Sanford has been selected by the County Administrative Office as the
recommended candidate for Agricultural Commissioner. However, action by the County
Board of Supervisors is required to make the appointment official.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 13 of 21
Challenges and Opportunities
Although state laws on mosquito abatement districts date back to 1915, the state’s first
efforts to control mosquito populations occurred against salt marsh mosquitoes in San
Rafael in 1904 under the direction of Professor C.W. Woodworth of the University of
California, Berkeley. Since then, statutory revisions have occurred throughout the years.
In September 2002, Governor Gray Davis signed Senate Bill 1588, enacting the Mosquito
Abatement and Vector Control District Law which is still being used today. As part of the
SB 1588 enactment, Governor Davis issued a press release stating: “This law gives
mosquito abatement and vector control districts the tools they need to stand as guardians
of epidemics, public health emergencies, and economic disasters. California needs this
additional protection to help prevent the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes.” As
such, CSA 53 plays a key role in managing local public health emergencies. It is also
important to remember that CSA 53 is a governmental entity with statutory requirements
that go beyond mosquito abatement. The following section discusses current challenges
and identifies possible opportunities to ensure the delivery of services in a more efficient
and effective manner.
Climate Change
Changing climate and proliferating breeding sites are challenging vector control programs
nationwide in their efforts to protect humans, pets, and wildlife from emerging and re-
emerging vector-borne diseases such as West Nile, Zika, and dengue viruses. Climate
change has led invasive mosquitoes (native to tropical and subtropical regions of the
world) to establish throughout California, bringing with them an increased threat to public
health. One of these species was recently found in Watsonville (October 2022), which
has challenged CSA 53’s resources and staff in an unprecedented way. CSA 53 conducts
mosquito-borne virus surveillance by collecting dead wild birds and live mosquitoes and
submitting them to State and UC virus laboratories for testing. The CSA also cooperates
closely with Federal, State and local health, regulatory and environmental agencies and
the University of California, and has a cooperative agreement with the California
Department of Public Health. A community education program is aimed at providing
information to residents to enable mosquito and rodent control on their own property, and
to inform them of other vector-transmitted diseases.
Website Requirements
Senate Bill 929 was signed into law in September 2018 and requires all independent
special districts to have and maintain a website by January 1, 2020. SB 929 identifies a
number of components that must be found within an agency’s website. Additionally, the
Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF), an independent, non-profit organization
formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special
districts, has also outlined recommended website elements as part of its District
Transparency Certificate of Excellence. This program was created as an effort to promote
transparency in the operations and governance of special districts to the public. Based
on SB 929’s criteria and the recommendations set by the SDLF, LAFCO conducted a
thorough review of the CSA’s website even though said law only applies to independent
special districts. Table E summarizes staff’s findings on whether the website is meeting
the statutory requirements. At present, the CSA does not meet the statutory requirements
under SB 929 and SDLF’s website transparency criteria. In addition to the missing items,
LAFCO staff found numerous broken links throughout the website. While the CSA has
useful information available online, the website is not considered to be transparent and is
difficult to navigate based on LAFCO’s evaluation.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 14 of 21
Table E: Website Transparency
Website Components Checkmark (Yes)
Required Items (SB 949 Criteria and SDLF Benchmarks)
1. Names and Contact Information of Board Members*
2. Board Member Term Limits
3. Names of Key Staff, including General Manager
4. Contact Information for Staff
5. Election/Appointment Procedure & Deadlines
6. Board Meeting Schedule*
7. Mission Statement ✓
8. Description of District's Services/Functions and Service Area ✓
9. Authorizing Statute/Enabling Act
10. Adopted District Budgets*
11. Financial Audits*
12. Archive of Board Meeting Agendas & Minutes*
13. Link to State Controller's Webpages for District's reported
Board Member and Staff Compensation
14. Link to State Controller's Webpages for District's reported
Financial Transaction Report
15. Reimbursement & Compensation Policy / Annual Policies
16. Home Page Link to Agendas/Board Packets
17. SB 272 - Compliance-Enterprise Catalogs
18. Machine Readable/Searchable Agendas
19. Recipients of Grant Funding or Assistance
20. Link or Copies of LAFCO’s Service & Sphere Reviews
Total Score (out of a possible 20) 2 (10%)
Additional Items (SDLF’s Recommended Elements)
1. Board Member Ethics Training Certificates
2. Picture, Bio, and Email Addresses of Board Members
3. Last Three Years of Audits
4. Financial Reserves Policy
5. Online/Downloadable Public Records Act Request Form
6. Audio or Video Recordings of Board Meetings
7. Map of District Boundaries/Service Area
8. Link to CSDA Mapping Program
9. General Description of Special Districts or Link to
www.districtmakethedifference.org
10. Link to Most Recently Filed to FPPC Forms
Total Score (out of a possible 10) 0 (0%)
*Footnote: Senate Bill 929 Statutory Requirements
LAFCO Staff Recommendation: The CSA should continue updating its website to fulfill
the legal requirements under SB 929. The CSA, as a countywide district, should also
consider translating its website and supporting documents (i.e. annual reports) in Spanish
or other languages to ensure the information is reaching the county’s diverse population.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 15 of 21
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act
City and special district spheres of influence define the probable physical boundaries and
service area of a local agency, as determined by the Commission (Government Code
Section 56076). The law requires that spheres be updated at least once every five years
either concurrently or subsequently in preparation of Municipal Service Reviews. Spheres
are determined and amended solely at the discretion of the Commission. In determining
the sphere of influence for each local agency, the Commission is required by Government
Code Section 56425(e) to consider certain factors, including:
➢ The present and planned uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space
lands;
➢ The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area;
➢ The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the
agency provides or is authorized to provide;
➢ The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency; and
➢ For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides
public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or
structural fire protection, that occurs pursuant to subdivision (g) on or after July 1,
2012, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any
disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere.
Current & Proposed Sphere Boundary
CSA 53’s original sphere was adopted on December 9, 1992, as part of the formation
action. The sphere was amended on May 4, 2005, to reflect the countywide expansion.
Since then, the sphere has remained coterminous with CSA 53’s jurisdictional boundary.
Staff is recommending that the sphere of influence be reaffirmed, as shown in Figure 4
on page 17.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 16 of 21
Figure 4: CSA Sphere Map
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 17 of 21
DISTRICT SUMMARY
CSA 53 (Mosquito Abatement & Vector Control)
Mosquito Abatement & Vector Control Law (Health & Safety Code
Formation
§2000 et seq.
County Board of Supervisors; five members; elected at-large to
Board of Trustees
four-year terms
Contact Person David Sanford, Interim Agricultural Commissioner
Employees 7 full-time employees
Facilities 640 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz CA 95062 (District Headquarters)
District Area 445 square miles (countywide)
Sphere of The sphere boundary is coterminous with the District’s jurisdictional
Influence limits and the County of Santa Cruz.
Total Revenue = $1,523,794
FY 2022-23
Total Expenditure = $1,709,859
Budget
Projected Net Position (Beginning Balance) = $332,773
Mailing Address: 640 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone Number: 831-454-2590
Contact
Email Address: David.Sanford@santacruzcounty.us
Information
Website:
https://www.agdept.com/AgriculturalCommissioner/MosquitoAbat
ementVectorControl.aspx
The Board regularly meets on most Tuesdays in the Board of
Public Meetings Supervisors' Chambers, 701 Ocean St, Rm. 525. Meetings
generally begin at 9:00 am.
Our Mission is to protect your health through responsible
management of mosquitoes and other vectors (pests that can carry
Mission Statement disease agents or cause discomfort or injury). Upon request, our
staff can inspect your property or neighborhood and provide
assistance and advice for County residents.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 18 of 21
SERVICE AND SPHERE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
The following service and sphere review determinations fulfill the requirements outlined
in the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act.
Service Provision Determinations
Government Code Section 56430 requires LAFCO to conduct a municipal service review
before, or in conjunction with, an action to establish or update a sphere boundary. Written
statements of determination must be prepared with respect to each of the following:
1. Growth and population projections for the affected area.
CSA 53 encompasses the entire county (445 square miles). It is estimated that
approximately 281,000 residents currently live within the CSA’s jurisdiction. LAFCO
staff projects that the CSA’s population may reach 307,000 by 2040.
2. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated
communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence.
CSA 53 is not subject to SB 244 because it does not provide water, sewer, or fire
service.
3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services,
and infrastructure needs or deficiencies including needs or deficiencies related
to sewers, municipal and industrial water, and structural fire protection in any
disadvantaged, unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere
of influence.
CSA 53 provides an array of services tailored to protect the public from mosquito and
vector-borne diseases. In 2022, the CSA responded to over 506 requests for service
throughout Santa Cruz County. Over 18% of those requests involved mosquito issues.
4. Financial ability of agencies to provide services.
CSA 53 has experienced two annual deficits over the past five years. Stagnant
revenue is the primary reason why annual deficits affect CSA 53’s financial
performance as total expenses continue to rise. It is LAFCO’s understanding that
annual charges for services have remained virtually the same for the last six years.
LAFCO staff projects that this negative trend may continue unless internal operations
or budgetary practices improve.
5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities.
CSA 53 is a member of the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California.
This organization is comprised of 63 public agencies and provides its members with
a number of valuable services, including cost avoidance opportunities relating to
training services and publication materials.
6. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure
and operational efficiencies.
LAFCO encourages more transparency by CSA 53 by sharing information on how
residents can participate in the CSA’s decision-making process and future actions.
Public awareness is key, especially for public health emergencies.
7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by
commission policy.
No additional local LAFCO policies are specifically relevant to this service review.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 19 of 21
Sphere of Influence Determinations
Government Code Section 56425 requires LAFCO to periodically review and update
spheres of influence in concert with conducting municipal service reviews. Spheres are
used as regional planning tools to discourage urban sprawl and encourage orderly
growth. Written statements of determination must be prepared with respect to each of the
following:
1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-
space lands.
The present and planned land uses are based on the general plans from the County
and the four cities, which range from urban to rural uses. General plans anticipate
growth centered on existing urban areas and the maintenance of agricultural
production, rural residential uses, and environmental protection in rural areas.
2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area.
CSA 53’s administrative office is located at 640 Capitola Road in the City of Santa
Cruz. CSA 53 falls under the Agricultural Commissioner's Office which is at 175
Westridge Drive, however, the district headquarters is at 640 Capitola Road.
3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that
the agency provides or is authorized to provide.
A major factor influencing service demand is the presence of vectors (in particular
mosquitoes) and vector-borne disease agents within CSA 53. The CSA responds to
service requests within its boundaries. Any property owner, business, or resident in
CSA 53 may contact the CSA to request mosquito abatement service and staff will
respond promptly to the particular property to evaluate the threat situation and to
perform appropriate control services. The CSA indicates that it responds to all service
requests in a timely manner, regardless of location, within its boundaries.
4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if
the commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.
CSA 53’s jurisdictional boundary consists of the entirety of Santa Cruz County, which
includes the four cities: Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville.
5. For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides
public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or
structural fire protection, that occurs pursuant to subdivision (g) on or after July
1, 2012, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services
of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere
of influence.
The CSA does not provide services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water,
or structural fire protection. Therefore, this determination is not applicable.
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 20 of 21
APPENDICES
Appendix A: 1992 Formation Resolution
Appendix B: 2005 Annexation Resolution
Appendix C: 2022 Annual Report
CSA 53 –Adopted Version Page 21 of 21
APPENDIX A:
1992 Formation
Resolution
APPENDIX B:
2005 Annexation
Resolution
APPENDIX C:
2022 Annual Report
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
AGRICULTURAL
COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE
ANNUAL
REPORT
2022
MOSQUITO &
VECTOR CONTROL
CONTENTS
Preface
Free Public Services
Mosquito Control
Disease Monitoring
Invasive Species
Ticks
Rodents
Mosquito fish
Financial Position
2
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 SCCMVC
MANAGER'S STATEMENT
Thanks to the hard-working team at Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control,
I am pleased to present our 2022 Annual Report.
Our staff’s dedication and ability to provide full services to the community remained
steadfast. Staff completed over 500 service calls (Service Requests) from the
public, while maintaining almost 3,500 identified locations that breed mosquitoes
throughout the County. Additionally, the laboratory and surveillance team set over
800 mosquito traps in different neighborhoods in the community to monitor for
local species that can carry West Nile virus and invasive species that are making
their way through California.
One of such invasive species was detected in Watsonville early October 2022. The
mosquito is commonly called the Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and has
invaded the majority of Southern and Central California. The Yellow Fever Mosquito
is unique compared to our local species of mosquitoes. It prefers breeding and
living in our backyards and homes and is thus very difficult to trace and eliminate.
Despite the challenges of navigating unknown territory in containment and control
of this mosquito, our staff persevered. I commend our staff for their dedication and
skill in the critical first weeks of detection, as they spent extra hours through door-
to-door outreach to residents and combing through properties in search of
mosquitoes.
Overall, I am thankful for our team and the work they do to keep our community
safe. I look forward to the year ahead as we continue to adapt to new changes,
protect public health, and serve the beautiful County we live in.
3
About Us
Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control (MVC) is committed to protecting the public
from pests capable of transmitting disease or creating a nuisance. Our service, consultation,
and education, enable residents to resolve problems and protect themselves with a better
understanding of vector biology, behavior, and vector-borne diseases.
MVC was established in 1993 as a County Service Area program within the Agricultural
Commissioner’s Office in response to public interest in mosquito relief. In August
2005, residents voted to enhance our services to include other vectors,
as well as expand our service area to the entire county
(446 square miles, population 273,000).
WWW.AGDEPT.COM/MVC.HTML 4
ANNUAL REPORT 2022
Our Team
The Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Each member of our staff brings a
Vector Control team is dedicated to the unique skillset that, together, form a
protection of public health. Our team is highly efficient public service agency.
comprised of five Vector Control It is our honor to serve the citizens of
Specialists, one Vector Ecologist, and Santa Cruz County and educate them
our Assistant Vector Control Manager. on vectors and vector borne disease.
We operate under our Director, the We work to empower our residents to
Santa Cruz County Agricultural take control of their health, homes, and
Commissioner. families' safety.
Stephen Bowling Michael Pini Steven Driscoll Emma McDonough
Vector Control Vector Control Vector Control Vector Ecologist
Specialist Specialist Specialist
Ray Travers Nader Sidhom Amanda Poulsen Jack Barco
Vector Control Vector Control Assistant Vector Agricultural Bio.
Specialist Specialist Control Manager Seasonal Aide
5
SCCMVC 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
Requests for our
services remained
high in 2022.
Fig. 1: Service Requests in recent years.
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
0 250 500 750
Our Free Services:
• MOSQUITO CONTROL AND DISEASE
SURVEILLANCE.
• MOSQUITO FISH DELIVERY FOR PONDS,
ANIMAL TROUGHS, FOUNTAINS, AND
UNUSED SWIMMING POOLS.
• TICK IDENTIFICATION, SURVEILLANCE
AND DISEASE MONITORING.
• CONTROL OF YELLOW JACKET WASPS
IN PUBLIC AREAS.
• RODENT EXCLUSION INSPECTIONS FOR
HOMES & BUSINESSES.
• ADVICE ON BEES, BATS, RACCOONS,
FLIES, BED BUGS, MITES, HEAD LICE,
FLEAS, AND ANY OTHER PESTS.
• PUBLIC EDUCATION ABOUT VECTOR
BIOLOGY AND CONTROL.
6
ANNUAL REPORT 2022
Types of Service
SCCMVC responded to over 506
Requests requests for service in 2022. Over
18% of requests involved mosquito
issues, and 25% of requests were for
(1F5ig0. 2)
mosquito eating fish. Rodent
inspections comprised 20% of service
100 requests, and tick identifications
made up 16%. Calls about bees and
yellowjacket wasps made up 6% of
50
calls. The "Other" category made up
15% of all service request calls, which
0 included: mysterious biting, mites,
r k p t o h e fleas, bedbugs, spiders, various
e c s n t s t
O t
h Ti
B e e / W
a
R o d
e
M o s q
ui
M o s q.
Fi
V e r t e b r
a
v u e n r k t n e o b w ra n t e p s a ra a s n i d te s i n (F v i e g r . t e 2 b ) rates, and
7
SCCMVC ANNUAL REPORT 2022
Mosquito Control
Decisions to control mosquitoes are Targeting adult mosquitoes is a last
made based on their species, resort for our program, as control of
abundance, potential to vector diseases,
larvae is more selective and efficient.
proximity to humans, and the presence
Wide area spraying (the dispersal of
of natural predators or protected wildlife
products via micro-droplets into the air)
species.
is not part of our current program and
would require approval by the County
Minimizing mosquito breeding potential
Board of Supervisors as part of the
is paramount to mosquito control. We
Emergency Disease Response Plan.
provide water management advice to
residents, stock mosquito-eating fish for
backyard ponds, and consult on new
development projects in the County. If
mosquito breeding in an area reaches
intervention thresholds, we apply low-
toxicity larvicides to the water so the
mosquito larvae do not develop into
adults. In 2022, we treated over 4,000
breeding sources. When controlling
mosquitoes in the larval stage is not
feasible, as with adult tree-hole breeding
mosquitoes, we employ other methods
like applying garlic oil-based sugar bait
barrier treatments to shrubbery.
This year we endeavored to become
FAA licensed drone pilots. Drones
allow us to treat and monitor
hard to reach locations
with less impact on
the environment.
8
ANNUAL REPORT 2022
Mosquito Monitoring
Several types of traps were utilized to collect adult
mosquitoes for population and disease monitoring. Over
800 CO2-baited and gravid traps were deployed from
March to November 2022, in which over 17,000 adult
mosquitoes were captured. Weekly trap data enables
our staff to focus our control efforts on high-risk areas.
2022 Adult Mosquito
Species Collected in Traps
(Fig. 3)
Of the species in our county capable of transmitting
West Nile Virus (WNv) to humans, Culex pipiens made
up 16% (n = 2,768) and Culex tarsalis made up 7% (n =
1,251) of all mosquitoes caught. Culex erythrothorax
were the most numerous as they made up 51%
(n=8,684) of total mosquitoes caught (Fig. 3).
Of the 125 pools of mosquitoes that were submitted to CDPH for WNV, SLEV, and EEV testing,
none were positive for any disease. Of the 57 dead birds that were reported
by the public for WNV testing, none were
positive for WNV. 9
THE INVASIVE
AEDES AEGYPTI
MOSQUITO
On October 13, 2022, we detected Aedes
aegypti (Yellow Fever Mosquito) mosquitoes in
Watsonville. It was the first detection in Santa
Cruz County. This is an aggressive mosquito
which can transmit Zika Virus, Dengue,
Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever, although
these viruses are not currently present in our
area. We immediately responded with two
rounds of door to door yard inspections, mail-
outs, and high density trap deployment. We set
125 in2care and 12 BG Sentinel traps within a
250m radius of the initial detection site. We
used CO2-baited traps with human scent lures
for intermediate monitoring, and conducted
further inspections within the 500m radius.
Data from our surveillance efforts so far
indicate that the infestation is isolated, but
still has the potential to spread. Our next
steps include the Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) strategies of monitoring
their population, continuing yard inspections,
and treating water-holding containers in
backyards to prevent the immature stages of
the mosquito from developing into adults.
Eradication efforts will need to be maintained
for at least two years, as recommended by
the California Department of Public Health.
Residents must be vigilant in eliminating
standing water from their property to
prevent mosquito breeding as we fight the
establishment of Aedes aegypti in Santa
Cruz County.
SCCMVC
10
Annual Report 2022
TICK SPECIES COLLECTED
For abundance, diversity, & pathogen
testing in Santa Cruz County in 2022.
Dermacentor Dermacentor
variabilis occidentalis TICKS
33.4% 5.7%
Lyme Disease is our most important vector
borne disease. In 2022, there were 8
Ixodes pacificus
Nymphal Ixodes
59.4% pacificus confirmed human cases of Lyme disease in
1.5%
Santa Cruz County; slightly less than the 5
year average of 12 cases per year. We
responded to 80 tick service requests, 12 of
CASES OF LYME DISEASE
which were doctor referrals. Lyme Disease is
Reported to the Public Health Department
transmitted by the bite of an infected
in Santa Cruz County over the past 5 years.
Western Black-Legged tick, Ixodes pacificus.
We provide both in person and online tick
25
species identification, Lyme disease testing
20 resources, and disease risk consultation to
the public. We post warning signs in
15
recreational areas of high tick exposure,
10
sample for species diversity and abundance,
5 and test for pathogen prevalence. Our
partners at the California Department of
0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Public Health and UC Davis support us in
testing ticks for various pathogens.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT 11
SCCMVC 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
RODENTS
Call us for free inspection and advice.
We offer free exterior rodent inspections Rat-Bite Fever, Leptospirosis, Hantavirus
for homes, businesses, and new Pulmonary Syndrome, and more. Rodent
development projects. We also provide in control should be taken seriously as they
depth consultations on rodent eradication can also destroy personal property and
and exclusion methods, empowering cause electrical fires by chewing on
Santa Cruz residents with the knowlege wires. Exclusion and sanitation are the
needed to solve their rodent issues. When foremost means of preventing rodent
additional assistance with exclusion work activity in the home. Over 20% of our
is desired, we refer residents to local pest requests for service in 2022 regarded
control operators. Rodents and their rodents, primarily rats. Our staff
ectoparasites can spread many diseases performed 102 rodent inspections this
to human beings including: Bubonic year, an increase of over 300% since
Plague, Salmonellosis, Tularemia, 2015.
12
SCCMVC 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
MOSQUITO FISH
Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) provide
excellent control of mosquitoes in many
situations. Their use in Santa Cruz
County pre-dates our program, having
been established statewide for several
decades.
FREE DELIVERY
SCCMVC cooperates with wildlife
management agencies by not introducing
mosquitofish into natural water bodies
where they may compete with native fish
and amphibians. They are stocked in
yard containers such as fountains, animal
water troughs, fishponds, and
unmaintained pools.
(831) 454-2590
640 Capitola Rd. Santa Cruz,
CA 95076
Monday - Friday
8:00AM-4:00PM
13
SCCMVC ANNUAL REPORT 2022
Serving our Community
For the MVC budget, see the County website: http://www.sccvision.us, under "Department
Budgets" and "Agricultural Commissioner".
SCCMVC provides free services funded by permit as required in waters of the United
a tax assessment that appears on your States, and reports use to the State
property bill. For rates, please visit our Water Resources Control Board (WRCB)
website: www.agdept.com/mvc.html MVC and County Agricultural Commissioner.
cooperates with the Santa Cruz County MVC has a Mosquito Management Plan
Integrated Pest Management Departmental on file with WRCB, state and federal Fish
Advisory Group and receives oversight and Wildlife agencies. We comply with
from the CA Department of Public Health Water Quality Control Board
and the Agricultural Commissioner. MVC requirements, and are in a Cooperative
applies aquatic larvicides under a National Agreement with the CA Department of
Pollution Discharge Elimination System Public Health
14