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Findings and Recommendations 8 findings
F1
Asian Tiger and Yellow Fever Mosquitos are known transmitters of Zika. Zika is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and their fetuses. According to the Kern County Environmental Health Services, no known Yellow Fever cases have been identified in Kern County to date. Because of these potentially game-changing disease-carrying mosquitoes, the community would be better served if DMAD increases its focus on tracking, updating and educating the public.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Because of the dangers involved with the Zika virus, DMAD should improve, expand, and maintain media relationships, signs on vehicles and employ billboards to ensure public awareness during mosquito season and promote efforts to minimize outbreaks of mosquito borne illnesses. This should be completed by August 31, 2025. (Finding #1)
F2
Pesticides and other chemicals are stored in a temperature controlled “toolshed” which is kept locked and only accessible to authorized personnel. However, the Grand Jury observed that the building is too small, and buckets were observed outside. An RFP (Request For Proposal) is currently posted on the DMAD website soliciting bids to build a larger more secure facility. This new building would meet DMAD’s current and future needs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
DMAD should expedite the construction of a building to store chemicals to ensure the maintenance of proper temperature control and chemical security. This should be completed by March 31, 2026. (Finding #2)
F3
Technicians use Mosquito Fish traps to harvest wild Mosquito fish which are kept in the 600-gallon holding tank. The main tank can hold up to 1,000 Mosquito Fish and is restocked as needed from ten ponds across the district. There are three ponds, the main pond is for holding fish. The second aids in recirculation and the third houses a circulating pump which also provides filtration. Fish Farm Tanks Photos by Grand Jury
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The facility has no backup power; in the event of an outage, the Mosquito Fish, security cameras, and refrigeration would be in jeopardy.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
DMAD research installing a battery or generator to provide electricity at the facility and provide back-up power for security cameras and fishpond circulating pumps. This should be done by August 31, 2025. (Finding #4)
F5
The computer assisted 3D printer is used for making parts for traps, dippers and other specialty devices. Increased use of this technology should help to reduce the District’s operating costs.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The District currently contracts for aerial surveillance of neighborhoods for green pools and potential breeding hotspots. The addition of drones would allow for more frequent aerial surveillance and should reduce the cost of contracting airplane or helicopter coverage.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
DMAD work with a Grant Writer and/or the Board of Supervisors to acquire drones for green-pool surveillance. This should be completed by August 31, 2025. (Finding #6)
F7
Purchases are approved, by consent agenda, at the Board Meetings following the purchase. Purchase orders and receipts were provided. This ensures transparency and fiscal accountability.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The DMAD meets quarterly with the Kern County Public Health Department (KCPHD) and its counterparts from adjacent mosquito abatement districts. Although DMAD has established cooperative lines of communication, there is always a need to improve the dissemination of crucial information and trends to combat the spread of mosquito borne illnesses. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury extends its appreciation to the DMAD’s administrative, supervisory and field staff who graciously provided information and insight into the District’s efforts to keep the public safe from the threat of mosquito borne diseases. The staff are also motivated and receptive to innovative methods of detecting and eradicating mosquitoes. Additionally, DMAD’s Board of Directors was interested in providing the staff with the resources and directions to accomplish the extremely important mission to identify emerging threats and treat mosquito infestation in the communities it serves.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
DMAD should work with the Kern County Public Health Department to establish protocols, within the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restrictions, for ensuring the expeditious sharing of non-patient specific information that is critical to the detection and to prevent the spread of emerging mosquito borne illnesses. This should be initiated by July 31, 2025. (Finding #8) RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: Delano Mosquito Abatement District
Comments 3
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CO1REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: Delano Mosquito Abatement District Findings #1 through #8 o
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CO2PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
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CO3FOREPERSON KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury. 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury Report 12
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Delano Mosquito Abatement District
Special District
Kern County
County