Friday night was the annual Council and Commissioners dinner to show appreciation for the volunteer commissioners. Former council members are also invited and they get a plus-one which is how I get to show up. My old buddy, Joe Galligan--former mayor and now our Mosquito Trustee--relayed some of the fascinating history of the District which you can read in full here.
The mosquito control program in San Mateo County is one of the oldest in the United States. Control work was initiated in 1904, when the Burlingame Improvement Club asked entomologists from the University of California to assist them in developing a plan to fight the city’s mosquito infestations. H.J. Quayle, an entomologist with the University Experiment Station, conducted a preliminary survey. He determined that 95% of the mosquitoes biting residents were arising from diked reclaimed salt marshes along San Francisco Bay. A control plan was developed which included ditching, repair of existing dikes and tide gates, and filling of low areas. These physical control measures were to be supplemented with oiling of the remaining standing water.
The plan was implemented in 1905, with funds provided by the Burlingame Improvement Club. This program continued for the next seven years. However, its funding dwindled over time with a corresponding decline in effectiveness. The Three Cities Mosquito Control Committee (San Mateo, Burlingame and Hillsborough) was formed in 1913. Drainage ditches and levees were repaired and extended, and mosquito control by the use of oils was resumed. The effectiveness of this campaign became known throughout the country. The Three Cities Mosquito Abatement District, which encompassed San Mateo, Burlingame, and Hillsborough, was formed in December of 1915, with services beginning in early 1916.
We love all things historic here at the Voice and stopping mosquitoes is no exception. Happy 100th! The District has had its governance issues in the past with some serious embezzlement we last discussed four years ago here. The link to the trustee list shows Joe's term expired last month, but I hope he is reappointed (or has been reappointed) since we clearly needed a sharp financial and accounting eye on the District's books.
I also think we should celebrate the Centennial together. How about a Centennial blood drive where we all donate a pint of what we still have because of all the dead skeeters? I suggested it Friday night. Anyone up for leading the charge? Here is the District building over on Rollins.
Old buddy? My how the years have changed you, Joe.
Galligan was the biggest thorn in the side of many residents years ago.
A total windbag.
I am glad he is controlling mosquitos instead of people.
Fascinating? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by: Samiselfie | March 17, 2016 at 07:26 AM