DATE: April 8, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Nerland, County Administrative Officer/Emergency Services Director
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 Emergency Services Director on April 2, 2025 due to the migration of the Beet Leafhopper insect.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure that the local emergency status proclaimed by the Emergency Services Director on April 2, 2025 remains in effect, allowing for commercial growers to use neonicotinoid pesticides on an emergency basis on tomato crops to combat the Beet Leafhopper (BLH) insect in Fresno County. The BLH insect is the vector of Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV), a disease known to cause serious damage to tomato crops. The areas affected are mainly in 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 the authorization for commercial growers to use neonicotinoid pesticides on tomato crops on an emergency basis to combat the BLH insect in Fresno County to prevent potentially devastating losses caused by the transmission of BCTV by the BLH.
DISCUSSION:
California Government Code, section 8630 authorizes the Director of Emergency Services, when the County Board of Supervisors is not in session, to proclaim a Local Emergency when Fresno County is threatened or likely to be threatened by conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property that are, or are likely to be, beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of this County. Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 2.44, designates the County Administrative Officer as the Emergency Service...
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