Thursday, December 2, 2004
By Jennifer Upshaw
IJ reporter
Coastal residents battling biting pests may get some relief now that they've elected to join the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Residents of Tomales, Nicasio, Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Drake's Beach, Inverness, Point Reyes Station, unincorporated areas and coastal Sonoma County up to the Mendocino County line approved annexation to the district, mosquito officials announced this week.
Of the 9,713 ballots returned over a 45-day period that ended Monday, 6,259 households, or 61.2 percent, voted yes, officials said. The weighted ballot required passage by private property owners who represented a majority of the assessed value of the area.
The district, which now covers 2,168 square miles, must ask permission of taxpayers to annex an area under terms of Proposition 218, the Taxpayers Right to Vote On Taxes Act of 1996.
"We're very excited to have the rest of the people come into the district," district spokesman Chris Canterbury said. "We've been concerned for a long time that the birds and the mosquitoes don't know the political boundaries."
"This will benefit everyone," Canterbury said. "Now it's all one big happy family."
Residents in previously unprotected areas will receive regular service, including mosquito reduction and monitoring, disease surveillance and control of other problem pests. Participation in the district costs homeowners $19 a year.
The move to annex the communities comes as West Nile virus establishes a stronghold in the area. In Marin, officials have confirmed that 18 birds this year have died of the disease, and in Sonoma 48 birds and one horse have died.
No people have died of the disease in the North Bay, but there have been 24 deaths in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tehama counties.
Officials said they expect the coming season to be more intense than last year.
"I think the next season is going to be much more interesting," said Roger Smith, board chairman of the mosquito district and the board's Tiburon representative. "I think we're going to have trouble.
"I think we're going to have human cases starting in April or May, but we're going to keep the mosquito mass down," he added. "If we do that like we're supposed to hopefully there will be few cases."
HOW TO AVOID VIRUS
Local, state and federal officials say the best way to avoid West Nile virus is to avoid attracting mosquitoes around your home. Other recommendations include:
- Avoid mosquitoes by eliminating stagnant water.
- If possible, wear long sleeves, pants and other protective clothing while outside.
- Use repellent containing the chemical DEET or a natural alternative, such as soybean-based bug spray.
- Raise mosquito-eating fish.
- Keep screens in good repair.
- Report dead birds within 24 to 48 hours to state officials at http://westnile.ca.gov/
- Report mosquito breeding sources to mosquito officials by calling 1-800-231-3236.
For information, call the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District at 707-285-2200.
Contact Jennifer Upshaw via e-mail at jupshaw@marinij.com