1. Abandoned and Neglected Vineyards Flagged as Growing Concern for Pest and Disease Spread Agricultural Commissioner Tracy Cleveland provided a detailed overview of the county's process for addressing abandoned or neglected vineyards, which can serve as reservoirs for pests like the glassy-winged sharpshooter and diseases like red blotch. The Commissioner noted that while the issue has historically been small-scale, it appears to be growing. Growers and neighbors are encouraged to report suspected neglected properties directly to the Ag Commissioner's office, which follows a progressive enforcement process—education, formal notice, farm plan requirement, and ultimately abatement and lien if needed. A new state law (AB 732, effective January 2026) also provides an additional penalty pathway of $500–$1,000 per acre for non-compliance.
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