County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures

09/02/2026

Aloe thrips is a new invasive pest in California that causes aloes to blacken and die back. It is currently known to be present in parts of San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties as of early 2026.

However, we suspect it's quite widespread throughout Southern California and would love your help to figure out if that's true!

If you find damage like what's in this video from UCCE San Diego, and especially if you see striped thrips on the plant as well, please report it by sending an email to [email protected]. It will be a huge help in identifying where in California this thrips is present and will help us better determine how best to control this new pest!

You can also learn more at ucanr.edu/blog/californica/article/aloe-thrips

08/31/2026

Are your aloe plants developing black spots, heavy scarring or sudden dieback? It may not be drought stress. A newly detected invasive pest called aloe thrips was confirmed in San Diego and other Southern California counties in early 2026—the first documented occurrence in North America.

Learn how to recognize the warning signs, help researchers track its spread and protect vulnerable aloe plants: ucanr.edu/blog/californica/article/aloe-thrips

Are your aloe plants developing black spots, heavy scarring or sudden dieback? It may not be drought stress. A newly detected invasive pest called aloe thrips was confirmed in San Diego and other Southern California counties in early 2026—the first documented occurrence in North America.

Learn how to recognize the warning signs, help researchers track its spread and protect vulnerable aloe plants. Explore this article and more research-based information for San Diego County in the latest issue of Extension Connection Newsletter.

https://bit.ly/457paUf

08/18/2026

We want your opinion about the County of San Diego’s policy priorities! What should the County advocate for at the state and federal levels in 2027?

Share your opinion on the 2027 Legislative Program through September 14 via [email protected] or Engage San Diego: engage.sandiegocounty.gov/2027-legislative-program

08/14/2026

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has combined the existing La Mesa and Spring Valley Mexican Fruit Fly quarantine areas after confirmed detections of additional flies; no additional agricultural operations have been affected.

The quarantine is expected to continue through Spring 2027. More details and maps can be found on CDFA's website: cdfa.ca.gov/plant/mexfly/regulation.html

08/12/2026

Invasive pests can hitchhike into California through infested fruits and vegetables brought by travelers. These destructive pests can ruin homegrown produce in your neighborhood and agriculture statewide.

Whether you’re traveling to California by air, land or sea – don’t pack a pest! Please properly dispose of any produce, plants or other natural materials before your trip.

Together, we can keep California free of invasive pests. Learn more at StopInvasivePests.com

08/11/2026

Portions of San Diego County are still impacted by a Mexican fruit fly quarantine. Also known as the Mexfly, this invasive pest can ruin many types of produce, including avocados, citrus, apples, pears and many other backyard garden favorites. Infested fruit often ripens too early, becomes soft or discolored, and may drop to the ground. Inside, larvae feed on the flesh, causing internal damage and decay.

Please check the produce in your yard regularly. If you see signs of invasive fruit flies or maggots, report it to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. 🚫🪰

For more information, visit CAFruitFly.com.

08/11/2026

Calling all Southern California landholders! Want to discover the benefits of putting your land into agricultural production?

Join us for Cultivating Your Land’s Potential, a three-week web series designed to help property owners navigate the ins and outs of agricultural leasing. Whether you have open land or want to develop or improve relationships with tenants, this program is for you!

Series Sessions: Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Zoom

• August 12 | Leasing Land for Agriculture: Benefits, Considerations, and Pitfalls
• August 19 | Doing the Groundwork: Understanding and Preparing Your Land for Leasing
• August 26 | Finding the Right Farmer: How to Connect, Build Trust, and Negotiate Your Lease

Learn how to evaluate your property, understand what farmers are looking for, and build trusted relationships that can support your land.

Secure your spot: bit.ly/cultivate-potential

Do you own land in Southern California and want to unlock its full potential? Whether you're looking to support local food systems, explore financial benefits, or implement conservation practices, agricultural leasing can be a powerful win-win for you and a local producer.

We’re excited to present Cultivating Your Land’s Potential: A Web Series for Landholders on Agricultural Leasing! This three-week virtual series is designed to guide landholders through the essential steps of preparing land for agriculture leasing and finding the right tenants.

Series Sessions: Wednesdays from 5:30-7 p.m. on Zoom

• August 12 | Leasing Land for Agriculture: Benefits, Considerations, and Pitfalls
• August 19 | Doing the Groundwork: Understanding and Preparing Your Land for Leasing
• August 26 | Finding the Right Farmer: How to Connect, Build Trust, and Negotiate Your Lease

Attendance is free, but registration is required! Sign up today: bit.ly/cultivate-potential

Each session features expert guidance and tools from leading regional organizations to help turn your vision into reality.

08/08/2026

It's Back-to-School time! And time for the shopping spree that comes with it. Remember: double-check your receipts to make sure you're not accidentally overcharged by faulty cash registers or price scanners.

Back to school season is here, and so is the shopping spree that comes with it. As you stock up on supplies, clothes and lunchbox essentials, it’s the perfect time for a quick reminder: always double check your receipts. Even the best stores can accidentally overcharge — and those small errors a...

08/07/2026

The County's Zero‑Emission Equipment Voucher Program offers up to 50% off eligible electric tools, redeemed directly at participating retailers.

Learn more and apply now through September 4: https://sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/sustainability/projects/evp

The County of San Diego - Government Zero‑Emission Equipment Voucher Program offers up to 50% off eligible electric tools, redeemed directly at participating retailers.

Applications will be accepted starting TODAY, July 13 through August 7, 2026.

Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/sdc-evp

08/07/2026

☀️ Headed to California for summer vacation? The Golden State is ready for you!

Before you pack up the car or catch your flight, remember: Invasive pests can hitch a ride in produce, plants, natural materials and even outdoor gear. These destructive pests cause irreversible damage to California’s agricultural industry and backyard gardens.

Travel smart and don’t pack a pest:
🚫 Leave homegrown produce behind.
🌱 Don’t bring plants, soil or plant cuttings.
🪵 Skip packing firewood and other natural materials.
🚗 Clean outdoor gear and vehicles before you travel.
📋 Check travel guidelines and declare items as required if traveling into the state.

Learn more: StopInvasivePests.com