By: @Colleen Haley
In 2025, CSDA’s public affairs field coordinators conducted over 100 one-on-meetings, roundtables, or district tours with lawmakers and their staff in their legislative districts, connecting them with their local special districts. On October 24, 2025, CSDA Public Affairs Field Coordinator Colleen Haley coordinated a tour of the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District for California State Assembly Committee on Water Parks and Wildlife Chair Diane Papan and her staff.
San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District General Manager Brian Weber and Communications Director Rachel Curtis-Robles led Assembly Member Papan through the district’s 110+ year history of protecting public health in San Mateo County, noting that the district is one of the oldest mosquito control districts in the state. The Assemblymember was shown the laboratory, where vector ecologists breed mosquitoes for research and test mosquito and tick samples for pathogens that cause West Nile virus and Lyme disease.
District staff pointed out the modern, science-based mosquito control methods, including the use of drones, airboats, a mosquitofish breeding facility, and other innovative specialized application equipment tailored to San Mateo County’s challenges. Assembly Member Papan was pleased to learn so much about the district’s operations. Furthermore, she recounted a time when she personally used the district services and found staff to be extremely helpful.
“My visit to the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District was a powerful reminder of the vital role special districts play in protecting public health and our quality of life,” said Papan. “From disease prevention to community education, the SMCMVCD’s science-based work keeps our neighborhoods safe and demonstrates the value of essential, community-focused public services.”
In addition to Chairing the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife, Assembly Member Papan serves on the Assembly Committees on Transportation, Judiciary, Utilities and Energy, and Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. Outreach efforts by CSDA and its members raise lawmakers’ awareness and understanding of special districts so that we can best partner on the statewide challenges special districts are taking on at the local level.
If your district is interested in building a better relationship with your state or federal lawmakers, please reach out to your CSDA Public Affairs Field Coordinator.
CSDA Public Affairs Staff are happy to talk to you about ways you connect with your local legislators. Staff can also help you locate your representative if you are not already familiar with who covers your district. If you would like to contact at CSDA Public Affairs staff to help in the identifying of local representation or coordination of district meetings, roundtable or district tours, please visit our website and search by your network.
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