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Mountain View News Saturday, June 7, 2025

SGV MOSQUITO NEARS MAJOR MILESTONE IN MOSQUITO CONTROL OPERATION 
IN EATON FIRE BURN AREA


The district led, multi-agency effort to treat 1,400 fire-damaged pools is expected 
to be completed by end of June

 West Covina, Calif. (June 4, 2025)— In a sweeping wildfire recovery milestone, 
the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (SGV Mosquito/District), 
with support from local, regional, and state partners, will complete mosquito 
control treatments to 1,475 non-functional swimming pools in the Eaton 
Fire burn area by the end of June. These pools have been identified as high-risk 
mosquito breeding sources due to fire-related damage, inaccessibility, or loss of 
utilities. Left untreated, they could produce millions of mosquitoes and increase 
the risk of diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue.

The operation, which marks a first-of-its-kind response in the region, was powered 
by interagency collaboration. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency 
Services (Cal OES) supplied pesticide, personal protective equipment (PPE), 
and personnel to expand SGV Mosquito's capacity. Additional trained vector 
control specialists were deployed by the Greater Los Angeles County Vector 
Control District (GLACVCD), while the Orange County Mosquito and Vector 
Control District (OCMVCD) provided mosquito fish in large quantities from its 
own fish hatchery.

“Each untreated pool can produce thousands of mosquitoes every week,” said 
SGV Mosquito District Manager Jason Farned. “With the help of Cal OES, our 
partner agencies, and the tireless dedication of our team, we are now able to treat 
every non-functional pool in the burn area. This rapid and effective response 
will help prevent a second public health crisis in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.”

“Supporting the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District shows the state’s commitment 
to recovery and protecting public health,” said Nancy Ward, Cal OES Director. “Our collaboration 
helps reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses and directly improves the quality of life for the 
community.”

In addition to support from Cal OES, GLACVCD, and OCMVCD, SGV Mosquito received PPE from 
the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) and critical product donations from 
industry partners.

Historic Scale, Historic Coordination

Treatment efforts began in mid-March with a focus on approximately 700 priority pools located near 
residential areas. With the arrival of additional support, SGV Mosquito is expanding operations to 
complete treatment of all 1,475 pools using extended residual larvicides designed to last up to 90 days. 
In select pools with suitable water conditions, mosquito fish will be deployed to provide long-term 
biological control.

“We’re a small agency with a big mission. Through collaboration and a proactive operation, we’re 
protecting fire survivors, recovery workers, and vulnerable communities from mosquitoes and the 
diseases they can transmit,” said Farned.

Long-Term Public Health Commitment

While this initial milestone is a major public health achievement, SGV Mosquito emphasizes the work 
is far from over. Staff will continue to monitor non-functional pools, apply follow-up treatments, 
increase mosquito surveillance, and work directly with property owners to develop individualized 
long-term mosquito management plans. Depending on the pace of recovery, many of these swimming 
pools could remain non-functional for years.

To ensure continuity of operations and sustained disease prevention, SGV Mosquito is working with 
San Gabriel Valley legislative representatives for potential funding to support its work in the Eaton 
Fire burn area through 2026 and beyond.

Mosquito Protection and Prevention

Early indicators show mosquito abundance in the burn area is below average with no WNV detected 
to date. But as summer temperatures rise, the risk for WNV remains as it is endemic to the region. 
SGV Mosquito urges residents to take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their communities 
by taking the following actions to stay healthy and bite-free:

• Tip out stagnant water around the home weekly;

• Toss unused containers that can hold stagnant water; and

• Protect against bites by using insect repellent containing any one of the following CDC-

recommended ingredients: Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535.

For more information, residents can contact the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control 
District at 626-814-9466, online at SGVmosquito.org, or on social media: Facebook, X, and Instagram.

About SGVMVCD

SGVMVCD is one of five vector control districts in Los Angeles County. Year-round, the agency monitors 
stagnant water sources, such as gutters, storm drains, channels and non-functional swimming pools. 
The agency also routinely monitors populations of adult mosquitoes using traps and tests groups of adult 
female mosquitoes for the presence of mosquito-borne diseases. 


ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS NOW AVAILABLE 
AT UPPER SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT 
OFFICES IN MONROVIA

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (USGVMW) has installed three 
new electric vehicle charging stations for public use at their headquarters in Monrovia (248 
E Foothill Blvd.). The facilities include dual-port chargers for electric vehicles and plug-in 
hybrids.

The three 11kV chargers are on 100 percent green power from the Clean Power Alliance. 
Cost for charging is $0.55 per kWh. Those wishing to use USGVMW’s charging facilities 
will need to download the Monta Charge app on their smartphone to access services and 
for payment.

Please note that the chargers are owned and maintained by USGVMW. Any questions or to 
report an issue, USGVMW can be reached at (626) 443-2297.

BARGER LEADS FIRE DISASTER 
RECOVERY ROUNDTABLE IN D.C.

 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger served in a lead role Tuesday 
at a bipartisan congressional roundtable discussion on wildfire disaster recovery, hosted in 
the U.S. Capitol by Representatives Judy Chu and Brad Sherman and Senator Alex Padilla. 
The high-level meeting convened key federal lawmakers, Los Angeles County leadership, and 
disaster recovery experts to spotlight the urgent need for federal support in the aftermath of 
devastating fires across California.

 Held in the Capitol Building, the roundtable titled “Discussion on Fire Disaster Recovery” 
brought together influential voices to address the ongoing recovery efforts, housing challenges, 
infrastructure needs, and federal partnerships essential for mitigating future disasters. 
Supervisor Barger highlighted the progress the County has made thus far, as well as what lies 
ahead for the future. Attendees also heard from Los Angeles County Firefighter-Paramedic 
and lifelong Altadena resident, Ronnie Evans, who shared his first-hand experience fighting 
to save his childhood home.

 The panel featured a comprehensive lineup of Los Angeles County leaders including Chief 
Executive Officer Fesia Davenport, Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management 
Leslie Luke, Director of Public Works Mark Pestrella, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony 
J. Marrone, and Director of the Los Angeles County Development Authority Emilio Salas.

 Supervisor Barger thanked members of Congress for their continued support, particularly 
their joint advocacy for FEMA assistance, and emphasized the importance of ongoing 
collaboration between federal and local partners.

 “Our communities are still reeling from the aftermath of recent wildfires, and it is our collective 
responsibility to ensure they are not left behind in the recovery process,” said Supervisor 
Kathryn Barger. “We cannot afford to normalize disasters. We must strengthen our federal 
partnerships to better prepare, respond, and recover. Lives and livelihoods depend on that.”

 The panel discussed the status of ongoing recovery efforts, housing displacement challenges, 
and infrastructure rebuilding. With wildfire seasons growing more destructive, the need for 
robust federal engagement and resources was a recurring theme.

 “I was grateful to host, along with Rep. Sherman, Supervisor Barger, Los Angeles County 
leaders, and members of our California delegation for an important roundtable on wildfire 
recovery,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “As we continue rebuilding after the fires, strong collaboration 
between local, state, and federal partners is essential. I will not stop fighting until additional 
federal disaster funding is passed in Congress and signed into law by the President to ensure 
every available resource reaches Altadena and Pasadena, just as Congress has done after every 
other major disaster in our country’s history.”

 Members of Congress in attendance included invited representatives from across the 
Los Angeles County delegation, as well as key members from the House Appropriations 
Committee. The event marks a critical step toward deepening federal-local collaboration and 
securing the resources Los Angeles County needs to recover and build resilience for future 
fire seasons.

PASADENA TO CELEBRATE 139TH 
BIRTHDAY JUNE 29

 Exhibition “100 Years – 100 Images” on display. 

 The Pasadena Museum of History is set to hold a party, with an artfully fun-filled afternoon 
of free activities, in honor of Pasadena’s 139th birthday. The event will be held Sunday, June 29 
from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum.

 The free event dubbed “Happy Birthday Pasadena: Cake, Paint, & Party!” with feature a 
traditional cake cutting with complimentary birthday cake and popcorn at Eva’s Sweet Shop.

 The party will coincide with the Pasadena Society of Artists (PSA) exhibition “100 Years – 100 
Images.” 

 The exhibition will feature a retrospective featuring pivotal historic pieces honoring PSA 
members across the decades, as well as a juried display of artwork by present-day PSA members. 

Highlights include works by the Society’s founding artists – such as Benjamin Brown, Marion 
Wachtel, and Orrin White – as well as pieces by early members, including Walther Askin, Jae 
Carmichael, and Jirayr Zorthian.

Events will include: 

The Pasadena Society of Artists’ hands-on Watercolor Studio.

Creating a unique custom frame for your watercolor in the Art 2 Go Craft Workshop.

A mini self-guided tours of the 1906 Fényes Mansion and Finnish Folk Art Museum.

Pasadena History Trivia and z Scavenger Hunt.

Do the Cakewalk for chances to win sweet treats.

Sing or hum tunes with The Jazz Expedition.

Pump and Splash interactive water toys.

 Pasadena Museum of History is located at 470 W. Walnut Street. For more information visit: 
pasadenahistory.org.

A COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTING 
WILDLAND EXERCISE IN DUARTE

Please be advised that the Los Angeles County Fire Department is hosting its Wildland Exercise 
in Duarte.The LA County Fire Department Division II Wildland Scrimmage is happening from 
Monday, June 23 through Wednesday, June 25 from 8:30 AM - 2 PM each day at Encanto Park (751 
Encanto Parkway). 

Local firefighters will be conducting various drills and exercises in the Duarte area to stay prepared 
for fire season. If you see Los Angeles County Fire vehicles and equipment utilized during that 
time, don’t be alarmed.

Fire season has already begun, and Los Angeles County Fire is taking the necessary steps to keep 
everyone safe. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit www.Fire.LACounty.gov

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com