WARNING: 2nd Dead Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus - District Four Sacramento County

      

DEAD BIRD TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

West Nile Virus Activity Continues in Sacramento County 

Elk Grove, Calif.- The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) received confirmation today that an American Crow has tested positive for West Nile virus. The bird, which was found in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento, is the second indication of WNV activity for this season. Earlier this year the first positive bird was found in Elk Grove.  "Finding a positive bird is significant because it means that the virus is present in our area" said David Brown, District Manager.  "Dead birds provide an early indication of where positive mosquito samples may also be found. At the same time, this is also a reminder for the public to take precautions such as wearing a good insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and decrease the risk of human cases developing later in the season."  The hot weather of the past few days and the beginning of summer have increased the abundance of mosquitoes and increased virus activity in the state. As a response to the detection of WNV, the District will increase its mosquito trapping and surveillance in the area to find sources where mosquitoes may be breeding.

The public is encouraged to report dead birds by calling the California Department of Public Health hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).  Some species of birds such as crows, jays and magpies are very susceptible to the virus and are more likely to die from the infection. Though not all birds that are called in will be picked up and tested, the reports provide valuable information and assist with mosquito surveillance and control efforts that help protect public health. Birds are hosts for WNV and mosquitoes transmit the virus by biting an infected bird and then biting a person or other animal.  

In 2010, 6 deaths and 111 human WNV cases were reported in California.

Practice the District D's of Mosquito Prevention: 

DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes. 

DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors.   

DRESS appropriately be wearing long sleeves and pants when outside. 

DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent.  Make sure to follow label directions! 

DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.

DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net

                                                         Contact: Luz Maria Rodriguez, Public Information Officer

Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337

E-mail: lrodriguez@FIGHTtheBITE.net

REDISTRICTING???? yes or no

I don't want to get into politics per say but I felt that this little piece of information could be very important to the residents Citrus Heights in the near future. You read about it and make your own decisions.

The City of Citrus Heights is now being proposed to be out of our Congressional District and lumped with the City of Sacramento in Mrs. Matsui's District.

 I am NOT sure that we want to see this happen.  The City Council and the residents of Citrus Heights need to think about sending letters to the Commission expressing their desires to be in a Congressional District with cities of like size and your communities of like interest. 

The Commissioner who is asking for this to happen is saying that Citrus Heights has more in common with Downtown Sacramento because Citrus Heights is off the Highway 80 corridor than Elk Grove.  This makes no sense as Elk Grove is a total commuter city to the city of Sacramento.

Additionally, I believe the Citrus Heights would be at a HUGE disadvantage if they were with the City of Sacramento as the City is 450,000 people and you are 82,000 people.  Your voice will be muted as compared with cities of similar size and with a Member of Congress who will be more accessible to you.

This is something to really give some thought too. If you have questions about this I suppose a good place to start asking questions is at our own City Council Meetings, our Mayor and Council members.

Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce needs our support!!

The Citrus Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce  (www.chchamber.com) is sponsoring a shop local, benefit local program to promote local businesses, support fundraising groups and keep vital sales tax dollars in the community to fund important services to Citrus Heights residents. The Chamber Discount Card offers hundreds of great discounts from restaurants, retailers, professional services and more for only $25. In addition, new merchants are always being added to the program, with the value of your card growing all year long!

The Chamber Discount Cards are also available for fundraising groups to sell. Non-profit groups will earn revenue on not only each card sold, but also on reorders, year after year!

For merchants looking to offer their discounts through the Chamber Discount Card, all you have to do is sign-up and offer a good discount to your customers when they present the card. Sign-up is free and your business and discount will be featured on the Chamber Discount Card website.

The Chamber Discount Card is a great way to support your local community and businesses. To buy your Chamber Discount Card today go to the Chamber Discount Card website by clicking here or call (888) 608-0882.

Citrus Heights General Plan Update & Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan

The City of Citrus Heights has scheduled the final public hearings on the City’s General Plan Update and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.

The project includes a focused update of the Citrus Heights General Plan in the areas of sustainability, mobility/complete streets, and water quality/flooding. The project also includes adoption of the City’s first Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. 

Environmental Determination: A Final Environmental Impact Report has been prepared and will be considered for certification at the public hearings. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program has also been prepared.

Scheduled Hearings:

Meeting #1                              Planning Commission

                                                Wednesday, July 27, 2011

                                                7:00 PM

                                                Citrus Heights City Council Chambers

                                                7117 Greenback Lane

                                                Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Meeting Purpose:  The Planning Commission will review the project and make a recommendation that will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.

Meeting #2                              City Council

                                                Thursday, August 11, 2011

                                                7:00 PM

                                                Citrus Heights City Council Chambers

                                                7117 Greenback Lane

                                                Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Meeting Purpose:  The City Council will review a resolution that would certify the Final Environmental Impact Report, adopt the Mitigation Monitoring Program, adopt the focused update to the General Plan, and adopt the City’s first Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.

Documents will be available at City Hall or on the General Plan Project website at www.chgpupdate.net after 5:00 pm on Friday, June 22nd

For additional information contact the Planning Division at (916) 727-4740.