Mission Statement: To reduce populations of public health vectors below nuisance levels, prevent human infection associated with mosquito-transmitted diseases, and prevent the loss of property values and commercial enterprise as the result of vector occurrence and activity.

Brief History

The 1950’s

1952     The Southeast Mosquito Abatement District was formed through a citizen petition aimed at controlling mosquitoes emanating from the Los Angeles River, affecting the proximate cities of Maywood, Bell, Huntington Park and portions of Los Angeles County-about 150 square miles.

1955     A new permanent headquarters was built in the city of South Gate.

The 1960’s

1965 Fourteen additional cities joined the District including most of Los Angeles City and its area referred to as the San Fernando Valley.

1968     To best serve the Valley, both economically and efficiently, the District established branch operational facilities in North Hollywood.

The 1970’s

1975     The District Entomologist was promoted to District Manager after the untimely death of the founding Manager.

1978 Proposition 13 dismantled the District’s sole funding mechanism--ad valorem property taxes, as a result, 20% of District staff was laid off.

The 1980’s

1983     An unprecedented outbreak of mosquito-transmitted St. Louis encephalitis infected 26 people, 17 within the District, killing two.

1985     Insect growth regulators, growth inhibitors, and biorational products gradually replaced organophosphate insecticides dominant in use during the 1970’s.

1986     A District-wide flat rate per parcel service charge restored funding to pre-Proposition 13 levels and the District was able to resume normal operational activities.

The 1990’s

1990     The Public Information and Education Program now called Community Outreach was considered for implementation and partially staffed.

1994     The District changed its name from Southeast Mosquito Abatement District to the present moniker.

1997     A new District headquarters was built in Santa Fe Springs, replacing the South Gate facility.

1998     A blackfly assessment zone to control black flies along a special 26-mile corridor of the Los Angeles River was established, and a proactive midge program focusing at preventing midge nuisance associated with water reclamation, water regeneration, and flood control improvement sources was implemented. The Africanized honey bee removal program began following bee colonization in Los Angeles County.

The 2000’s

2001     The Asian tiger mosquito, an imported exotic species of mosquito, was discovered in a shipment of lucky bamboo. GLACVCD was the first agency to take responsive action.

The Greater Los Angeles Mosquito and Vector Control Public Health and Educational Foundation, a newly formed 501 (C)(3) tax-exempt organization based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, was founded in March 2001 to further advance the GLACVCD’s current elementary program with a Mobile Science Elementary Education Program.

2002     District discontinues Africanized honeybee removal service. The control and removal of Africanized honeybees (AHB) continued until July 1, 2002. Currently, the District only provides informational materials on AHB. With the discontinuance of the AHB program, staff was reduced from 47 regular and limited full-time personnel to 45 employees. From May to November, the District supports its high season of vector activity with additional extra-help personnel as needed.

The implementation of the Underground Storm Drain Program was incorporated into operations to avert the spread of West Nile virus.

The north branch opens in Sylmar, replacing the North Hollywood Branch facility

2003     West Nile virus was detected in the District on October 3, 2003. The District began a collaborative research program with the Univeristy of California Davis, to investigate the urban disease ecology of WNV.

2004 West Nile virus made its presence known in 2004, particularly southern California. Statewide there were 830 human cases (28 deaths), 540 horse cases (230 deaths) and 3,232 dead birds reported to the CA Dept. of Health Services. California's human case rate was 3/100,000 which was low compared to other states. GLACVCD's statistics totaled 179 human infections with 7 deaths, 9 horses, and 610 wild birds. The District expended $500,000 in additional resources, labor, and community outreach--an unprecedented effort and the "Wipe Out West Nile Virus" public relations campaign --one which we firmly believe protected and saved countless lives.

2005: West Nile virus transmission continued throughout the state and the District. Statewide statistics indicated 926 human cases and 18 deaths. GLACVCD reported 22 human cases and no deaths. The District also implemented the use of ArcView database and mapping system to assist with mosquito surveillance and control activities. Los Angeles City passed an ordinance allowing for the swift remediation of standing water. The District continued the "Wipe Out West Nile Virus" public relations campaign.

2006: West Nile virus transmission continued throughout the state; however, the District saw a sharp reduction in the number of positives in the mosquito and avian population. Statewide statistics confirmed 272 human cases and 6 fatalities. Within the District, 7 human cases were reported with no fatalities. The District also continued the “Wipe Out West Nile virus” public relations campaign. Longtime District Manager Jack Hazelrigg retired after 31 years of service with GLACVCD and was replaced by interim manager Randy E. Narramore. At the end of the year, new permanent manager Joseph F. Sanzone was hired.

2007: California experienced a resurgence in West Nile virus activity this year, with 378 human cases reported including 16 fatalities. Within the District, 32 human cases were reported leading to 3 fatalities. These fatalities were the first in the District since 2004. In August, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for the three counties in Central California hardest hit by the virus. The Governor made approximately $10 million in emergency WNv funds available to mosquito control agencies throughout the State. GLACVCD stepped up control, surveillance, and public education efforts with grants received from the State.

Manager Joseph F. Sanzone resigned and a search for a new permanent manager was launched. Retired L.A. County Sheriff’s Chief, Kenneth L. Bayless, was hired in November.

The Underground Storm Drain Program was incorporated as a permanent component of the Operations Department.

Our Services:

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD)is a non-enterprise, independent, special district, enabled and empowered to act as a public health agency as a result of legislation incorporated in the California State Health and Safety Code.

GLACVCD is one of five mosquito and vector control districts in Los Angeles County. The District services ~6 million residents in a 1,330 square mile area, making GLACVCD the largest vector control district in Los Angeles County. Funding is supported by ad valorem taxes or property taxes. For fiscal year 2007-2008, the minimum assessment rate is $5.59 per parcel. Parcels within the black fly control assessment zone are charged an additional $0.29 for that service.

Service programs include controlling mosquitoes, aquatic midges, and simulium black flies.

GLACVCD’s objective is to prevent and control vectors and vector-borne diseases from emerging. To effectively accomplish this, five departmental components interact cooperatively. These include Administration; Operations, supplemented by 20 seasonal extra-help staff during the summer mosquito season; Scientific Technical Services; Community Outreach; and Maintenance, totaling 57 permanent full-time staff members.

Administrative Staff and Supervisory Personnel

Service Area Map:

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