The Good Guys on Your Side*

The Mosquito and Vector Control District (MVCD) uses state-of-the-art Integrative Vector Management, which includes physical, biological and chemical control of vectors, in addition to vector surveillance and public education. Response: (1) agree

The MVCD had an excess of revenues over expenditures of more than two million dollars in each of the past three fiscal years. Response: (3) partially disagree - Over the past three fiscal years, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District's (District) total net position has increased by an average of more than two million dollars annually. However, the majority of these funds are either restricted or designated in accordance with the District's Reserve Policy. Designated reserves include invasive species and other public health emergencies and reserves intended to pay for the ongoing rehabilitation of the District office building project without issuing debt. The District's Reserve Policy is reviewed and revised as necessary by the Board of Trustees.

Awareness by residents of how to identify and report Aedes mosquitos can assist in Aedes control. Response: (1) agree

Promotion of the MVCD's residential inspection service will aide in detection of invasive Aedes. Response: (1) agree

Public education in how residents can eliminate Aedes eggs in their yards will assist in stopping the spread of invasive Aedes. Response: (1) agree

MVCD uniformed inspectors sometimes encounter a level of misunderstanding regarding their mission, resulting in denial or delay of entry to property. Response: (1) agree

When residents deny inspections, it delays mosquito identification and eradication efforts. Response: (1) agree

The Antioch vacancy on the MVCD Board of Trustees contributed to a delay in the MCVD presentation on Aedes to the Antioch City Council. Response: (3) partially disagree - Having a Trustee represent each city within the District is critically important. Collectively, the Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the District, developing policies, overseeing budgets, and ensuring that designated reserves are in place for circumstances such as public health emergencies. Individually, each Trustee serves as a representative of their respective city, bringing forward its unique interests and priorities and ensuring these are met. As residents of the cities they represent, Trustees often have a deeper understanding of local concerns and are well-positioned to engage with municipal officials effectively. From the District's perspective, we work proactively to maintain strong relationships with each city. We regularly provide outreach materials, offer annual presentations, and extend invitations for city officials to visit the District and learn more about our programs and services. While we make every effort to build those connections, Trustees—as appointed officials—often have more direct access to their city's leadership. This can be especially valuable during urgent or emerging situations, such as the presence of invasive mosquitoes. Trustees may also facilitate broader support for the District by leveraging existing relationships to help schedule presentations, disseminate educational materials, and advocate for public health initiatives. In cases where city-specific challenges arise—such as the invasive mosquito concerns in Antioch—a Trustee can be a key ally in raising awareness and encouraging prompt local action. That said, city councils also have a responsibility to remain open and responsive to communications from other public agencies, particularly when those messages concern public health risks affecting their residents. While having a Trustee from Antioch would certainly strengthen that connection, the Antioch City Council should remain receptive to the District's outreach efforts regardless of the vacancy at the time. Although there may have been a delay in securing a presentation to the Antioch City Council in 2024, there was no delay in actions performed by the District to fight the invasive mosquitoes in the area to protect public health.

The MVCD website does not explain what activities should be reported to the Animal Services Department as opposed to the MVCD. Response: (1) agree

The MVCD website does not have a link to the Animal Services Department. Response: (1) agree

There are no prominent, direct links for reporting mosquitos on the home page of the MVCD website or the Animal Services Department website. Response: (3) partially disagree - Previously, residents submitted mosquito-related concerns by navigating through the "I Want To" tab and selecting "Request Service." To improve clarity and ease of access, the District recently added a direct "Report Mosquitoes" link under the "I Want To" tab, streamlining the process for users.

The MVCD does not currently leave their educational "Invasive Mosquito Species of California" identification brochure during home inspections for other vectors. Response: (3) partially disagree - The District leaves the brochure about invasive mosquitoes when providing services for other vectors, if they are in the area where the District has found Aedes aegypti, i.e. Martinez and Antioch, but currently does not provide that in other areas.

There are no current marketing partnership agreements with other counties to explore cost effective public education and awareness. Response: (3) partially disagree - Although there is no formal agreement specifically designated for marketing partnerships, the District participates in a mutual aid agreement with the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District, San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District, and Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District. Additionally, District staff actively engage with public health agencies across multiple counties through regular meetings and collaborative efforts. These interactions serve as a platform for sharing expertise, ideas, and communication materials as needed. For instance, our Public Affairs Director maintains ongoing collaboration with counterparts from Alameda, San Mateo, Marin/Sonoma, Sacramento-Yolo, Tulare, Orange, Merced, and Los Angeles agencies, routinely exchanging resources, offering assistance, and coordinating on joint projects. Through the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC), District staff also work directly with colleagues from other vector control districts statewide on a wide range of initiatives, further enhancing interagency cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

The MVCD does not currently distribute their existing Aedes information through relevant retail establishments and other public agencies unless requested. Response: (3) partially disagree - The District frequently provides information and brochures about invasive mosquitoes to other public agencies. With the 2024 discovery of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Antioch, the District reached out to various public agencies and retail establishments to provide information. As a result, information was provided to the Antioch City Council, City Hall, the Antioch Department of Recreation, Antioch Libraries, Tri-Delta Transit, the Chamber of Commerce, the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center, Antioch Starbucks restaurants, and all 22 Antioch public schools. In addition, staff regularly reach out and leave materials with garden stores and home improvement stores establishments to make available to customers.

As of May 2025, the MVCD social media presence is limited to Facebook (60 followers), Instagram (232 followers), Nextdoor, and 1,432 followers on X. Response: (3) partially disagree - The District also has a YouTube account (https://www.youtube.com/@ccmvcd), with 343 subscribers, and 52 videos published. The District's choice of social media platforms is based on data from a survey of county residents, which is done every 3-5 years.

The MVCD does not cross-market educational or promotional YouTube videos on other social media platforms. Response: (2) disagree - The District has posted their YouTube videos across multiple social media platforms on multiple occasions. For example, on May 14, 2025 the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSGEoIIOHdE appeared on Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, and Nextdoor; on September 18, 2024 the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftwxc012Jro appeared on Instagram, Facebook, and Nextdoor.