CDFA SCHEDULES PUBLIC MEETINGS TO ACCEPT COMMENTS ON DRAFT EIR FOR PIERCE’S DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM

SACRAMENTO, April 4, 2002—The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has scheduled a series of five meetings throughout the state to accept public comment on a draft environmental impact report (EIR) on the Pierce’s Disease Control Program. The program is a statewide effort conducted by CDFA, County Agricultural commissioners, and the USDA to minimize the impact of Pierce’s disease in California.

The draft EIR, appendices and all documents referenced in the report are available for review at the CDFA headquarters at 1220 N Street, Room A-316, in Sacramento. Copies of the documents may also be reviewed at main branches of all county libraries, all city and county planning departments, and the Department of General Services, Environmental Services Section, 707 Third Street, third floor, West Sacramento.

Anyone wishing to comment on the draft EIR is encouraged to attend a public meeting (see schedule below), or to submit written comments by May 17, 2002 to: Susan Stratton, Sr. Environmental Planner, Department of General Services, Real Estate Services Division, Professional Services Branch, P.O. Box 989052, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052.

Pierce's disease is a lethal disease that afflicts grapevines and is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. The disease has been present in California for decades, killing thousands of acres of grapevines as far back as the late 1800s. At least 24 counties in California have reported cases of Pierce's disease. In 1999, it was discovered that an invasive pest known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, was spreading Pierce's disease in the state at an unprecedented rate.

Infestations of the glassy-winged sharpshooter have been identified in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Clara, Imperial, Sacramento, Contra Costa, Butte, Fresno, Tulare, Kern and Santa Barbara counties.

Public meetings will be held as follows:

Sacramento: April 24, 2002 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Univ. of California Cooperative Extension/Agricultural Commissioner's Office,
Large Conference Room
4137 Branch Center Road, Sacramento, California

Riverside: April 25, 2002 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
County Administrative Center, Room 13 (basement)
4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, California

Napa: April 29, 2002 - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Napa Valley Exposition, Riesling Hall
575 Third Street, Napa, California

Tulare: April 30, 2002 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tulare County Agricultural Building, Auditorium
4437 S. Laspina, Tulare, California

San Luis Obispo: May 1, 2002- 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Veterans Memorial Building, Main Hall
801 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California



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