Cerritos City Council Receives Update On West Nile Virus Situation

During its July 14 meeting, the Cerritos City Council received an update from Crystal Brown, Public Information Officer from The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD), on the growing presence of the West Nile Virus in city.

According to Brown, birds are considered to be the reservoir host of the virus, which is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for West Nile virus and while only one in five infected persons show symptoms, severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis and possibly death.

This year alone, there have been three mosquito samples and eight dead birds with West Nile Virus discovered in the city, according to the district's most recent reports. Statewide, there have been 37 West Nile virus positive dead birds and 46 West Nile virus positive mosquito samples reported in 2011.

“As temperatures heat up, it’s also going to mean that the virus can actually amplify to much a quicker rate,” Brown said.

Brown said the Vector Control District is responding to the growing presence of the mosquitoes by increasing control, surveillance and education on West Nile Virus in the community.

“As far as education is concerned, we do an outreach in the community – specifically in your community,” Brown said.

District officials recommend that residents follow the 3 “D's” of West Nile virus prevention to protect themselves and their families:

• Dump/Drain: eliminate all standing water and maintaining pools and ponds.
• Dusk/Dawn: avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
• Defend: use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors. Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.

To help educate the community about West Nile Virus and prevention,

Redevelopment Agency Funds Update

During the meeting, the council also approved the payment of $2,500 to continue litigation against the state - per request by the League of California Cities and the California Redevelopment Association - pertaining to Gov. Jerry Brown’s elimination of redevelopment agencies in his proposed budget. As discussed many times this year, Cerritos relies heavily on its redevelopment agency for the completion of several construction projects. Councilmember Mark Pulido recused himself during the discussion due to possible conflict of interest.

“Losing $35,000,000 is big to us, so we should definitely fight back,” said Councilmember Joseph Cho.

According to City Manager Art Gallucci, the lawsuit is based on the elimination of redevelopment agencies being unconstitutional. Mayor Carol Chen said the city needs to evaluate all the options considering the situations the cities involved in the litigation might face.

“I do think that we have a benefit – or an advantage – with someone that’s on council who is clearly involved with the League of California Cities, and that’s Councilman Barrows who’s going to be the incoming president for the LA division," Mayor Carol Chen said. "So, we’re going to utilize his involvement with the League to get messages out to the League."

The next City Council meeting wil be held on July 28 at 7 p.m.