Supervisor Ferrero warns of advancing glassy-winged sharpshooter; board may consider mandatory eradication and state grants

Supervisor Ferrero told colleagues that the county’s interim agricultural commissioner reported advancing spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter into District 2 and other areas. Ferrero said noncompliance with voluntary eradication measures has been a key factor and that staff is preparing an item for the board to consider mandatory eradication measures and to pursue additional state grant funding.

"We are losing a battle," Ferrero said, summarizing staff concern about voluntary noncompliance; she said the county has received more than $5,000,000 in state funding to date and that the board will consider seeking about $1,000,000 in additional state grant support. Ferrero said the next meeting will include a formal item to consider mandatory measures if necessary.

Board members acknowledged the scale of the problem and the need for funding continuity; no formal policy decision was made during the July 28 meeting, and supervisors said they will return with options and potential funding requests.