DATE: April 7, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer/Director of Emergency Services
SUBJECT: Proclamation and Ratification of the Existence of a Local Emergency - Beet Leafhopper Insect in Fresno County
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution proclaiming and ratifying a local emergency proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services on April 1, 2026, due to the migration of the beet leafhopper insect.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ratify the local emergency status proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services on April 1, 2026, allowing commercial growers to use neonicotinoid pesticides on an emergency basis to combat the beet leafhopper insect (BLH) affecting tomato crops in the County. BLH is a vector of the beet curly top virus (BCTV), a disease known to cause serious damage to tomato crops. The areas affected are mainly on the west side of the County, but this item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options can be identified.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Director of Emergency Services, and the authorization for commercial growers to use neonicotinoid pesticides on tomato crops on an emergency basis to combat the BLH insect in Fresno County.
DISCUSSION:
California Government Code, section 8630 authorizes the Director of Emergency Services to proclaim a local emergency when the Board is not in session and conditions of extreme peril threaten, or are likely to threaten, the safety of persons and property beyond the control of the County's services, personnel, equipment, and facilities. Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 2.44 designates the County Administrative Officer as the Director of Emergency Services. Pursuant to these authorities, your Board must confirm the proclamation within seven days b...
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