Podiatrist in Palo Mesa, CA

What makes a pizza perfect?

Is it gooey cheese? Tasty toppings? Crispy yet chewy crust?

Armed with recommendations from The Tribune’s Facebook followers, our intrepid staffers set off in search of San Luis Obispo County’s most satisfying slice.

Here are some of the favorite pizzas we discovered in our quest, from flavorful, wood-fired flatbreads to hearty Sicilian-style pies. (Readers’ favorites also included offerings at Bravo Pizza Plus in Atascadero, Griff’s Bistro & Pizzeria in Templeton, Village Host Pizza & Grill in San Luis Obispo and Pizza Express in Atascadero, Grover Beach and Paso Robles.)

Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments.

Del’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

$12 to $30

Looking for a heartier slice? Del’s Pizzeria in Pismo Beach doesn’t disappoint. The crust is thick, but still manages to stay crispy on the bottom and airy throughout. Generously loaded with cheese and your pick of toppings — which are all fresh and super flavorful on their own, especially the meats — it comes together in a very satisfying way. Bonus point: Enjoy complimentary rolls with seriously crave-worthy honey butter while you wait. — Kayla Missman

1101 Price St., Pismo Beach | 805-773-4438 or delspizza.com

$6.30 to $27.95

Topped with big, juicy tomato slices, long, leafy ribbons of fresh basil and a generous, good-breath-destroying sprinkling of chopped garlic, Gino’s La Margherita is one of the best local examples of the classic pie. But it’s not the only standout at this pizzeria, where the chewy, perfectly cooked crust is a thing of beauty.

You’ll feel the heat with the Spicy Mexican, loaded with chorizo, Italian sausage, jalapeños, onions and tomatoes and showered with cilantro. It’s not for the faint of heart, and that’s a good thing. — Sarah Linn

539 5 Cities Drive, Pismo Beach; 1761 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo | 805-556-0939, 805-752-1333 or www.ginospizzapismo.com, www.ginospizzaslo.com

$13 to $24

From the moment the Margherita pizza was delivered to our table, it was love at first sight. The bright green basil leaves on top of the beautiful red sauce! The purity of the melted white mozzarella! The crispy air bubbles!

Giuseppe’s Margherita is a great choice for vegetarians, though it’s not one of the most memorable pies you will ever eat. For that, try Giuseppe’s Gorgonzola — onions caramelized to perfection, mozzarella and, yes, gorgonzola. What it lacks in beauty, it more than makes up for in flavor.

Meat lovers should try the Salsiccia, decked out with tender, slightly sweet house-made sausage, tender red onions and crimini mushrooms on a house-made marinara sauce. The pizza smells and looks delicious, and it delivers. — Laura Dickinson and Stephanie Finucane

849 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo; 891 Price St., Pismo Beach | 805-541-9222, 805-773-2870 or www.giuseppesrestaurant.com

$10.99 to $27.99

Atmosphere is a big part of the appeal at Klondike Pizza, a homey pizza joint that wouldn’t look out of place on the Alaskan frontier. Kitsch is king at the original location in the adorable Village of Arroyo Grande — from the mounted moose head to the player piano to the neon beer signs, bumper stickers and travel posters blanketing the walls and ceiling.

The food is fabulous, too. I recommend the Roadkill, a meat lover’s dream with reindeer sausage, pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage and Canadian bacon, or the Veggie pie, a veritable garden of mushrooms, zucchini, black olives, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions that is, indeed, great with garlic sauce.

While you wait for your order, enjoy a complimentary basket of peanuts. (Can’t find a trash can? Just toss the shells on the sawdust-covered floor.) And don’t miss the weekly Tuesday night chowdown, featuring all-you-can-eat pizza plus salad and garlic bread. — Sarah Linn

104 Bridge St., Arroyo Grande, 2059 S. Broadway St. Santa Maria | 805-481-5288, 805-348-3667 or klondikepizza.com

$13.50 to $33

A good pizza needs to have character, and that starts with the dough and the sauce. Nardonne’s house crust is Sicilian pizza perfection, with a nice balance of crunch around the edges and along the bottom of the pie, which holds up under piles of cheese and toppings.

You can immediately taste the complexities in the homemade sauce, with spices and seasonings coming together to make one of the most delectable flavors you’ve ever tasted on a pizza. With great wine and beer selections, Nardonne’s is without a doubt one of the best spots for a pizza date on the Central Coast. — Chris Dobstaff

8501 El Camino Real, Atascadero; 715 Santa Maria Ave., Los Osos | 805-528-1976, 805-466-8858 or www.facebook.com/nadonnespizzeriabaywoodpark, www.facebook.com/nardonnesatascadero

$6.45 to $22.75

Nucci’s Pizza has been a San Luis Obispo institution for more than 20 years. The family-owned pizzeria serves up pies with chewy, delicious crust and fresh-tasting ingredients — and the prices can’t be beat, either.

Nucci’s is great for dinner, but their lunch special is the best. For $8.75, you can get a generous slice of cheese pizza, a salad and a delectable breadstick. The restaurant’s Broad Street location has a nice patio area, which is great for a mid-day meal.

I also recommend Nucci’s Hawaiian pizza, which comes with bell peppers and cashews for some extra crunch and flavor.

785 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo; 3165 Broad St., San Luis Obispo | 805-542-0152, 805-545-9444 or nuccispizza.com

$16 to $18.50

OK, so they’re called “flatbreads” here — but let’s be real, they’re pizzas. I love how incredibly light they are, with a perfectly chewy yet thin crust and fresh ingredients. My favorite here is the Pesto flatbread, which comes with dressed arugula, shaved zucchini and tiny, roasted cherry tomatoes, but you can’t go wrong with a classic Margherita. The ambiance here is great for a date night, or just a “treat yourself” night out. — Gabby Ferreira

268 Front St., Avila Beach | 805-595-4050 or oceangrillavila.com

$10.95 to $39.95 pizza, $10 to $17 wood-fired pizza

For award-winning pie with mountains of delicious toppings and exquisitely crispy crust, look no further than Palo Mesa.

Take the Ken’s Favorite, loaded mile-high with meat and veggies. Zingy banana peppers and black onions cut through the dense, rich cloud of bacon, ham, hamburger, Italian sausage and pepperoni, while green peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms add just a hint of healthiness.

I’m also fond of the Greek, a mouth-watering Mediterranean pie that features pepperoni, feta cheese and veggies sprinkled with oregano, and the Hot Hawaiian, a spicy spin on a tropical favorite. Whatever you order, it’s sure be spectacular. — Sarah Linn

2790 S. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande; 906 Rancho Parkway, Arroyo Grande; 150 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande; 3536 S. Higuera St., No. 206, San Luis Obispo | 805-474-9924, 805-481-7888, 805-904-6807, 805-784-0983 or www.palomesapizza.com

$8.95 to $23.95

When we asked The Tribune’s Facebook followers for pizza recommendations, Rustic Fire was a clear frontrunner — and I can see why. The family-friendly ambiance is relaxed and enjoyable, and there’s a huge variety of items on the menu (not to mention the delicious gelato selection).

I went with the veggie pizza, which came loaded with mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, onion, olives and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese. The edges were crispy and well-baked, but still airy on the inside. Each element was flavorful on its own; the cheese was satisfyingly gooey without getting too greasy.

My only recommendation? Opt for a pie with fewer wet ingredients. While all the flavors were on point, the thinner crust struggled a bit to hold the weight of all those toppings. — Kayla Missman

1145 24th St., Paso Robles | 805-238-7711 or rusticfire.com

$6.95 to $27.90

I remember ordering up a slice at Woodstock’s Pizza as a new Cal Poly student. Other pizza restaurants have come and gone in the 30 years since then, but Woodstock’s remains as tasty and welcoming as ever, with its great fold-over crust, savory sauce and gobs of toppings. Pound for pound, I defy you to find another spot in SLO County that loads its pizzas like Woodstock’s.

For an all-around great pick, go for The Bomb, with pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms. My No. 2 fave is the Garlic Bird, and the Pesto Primavera is a vegetarian pizza that even ardent meat lovers can enjoy. Feeling adventurous? Try the Too Loaded So Baked, which counts tater tots among its toppings. — Joe Tarica

1000 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo | 805-541-4420 or woodstocksslo.com

This story was originally published March 27, 2018, 4:59 PM.

Mesa kids have a new sustainable and accessible playground. Palo Verde Park, located at 3135 S. Dobson Road, is now open after getting a major makeover. A voter approved bond issue and a park improvement grant from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) with support from Niagara Cares, the philanthropic arm of Niagara Bottling LLC made possible this brand-new children’s play area.

“The improvements at Palo Verde add to the quality of our outstanding parks in the City,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “We are grateful for the support from Niagara, NRPA and our residents for making this a reality.”

Palo Verde Park has new play equipment, two shade structures, playground lighting, and additional accessibility amenities including a friendship swing, cozy dome, transfer stations, ramps and accessible playground surfacing. The surrounding area also received new benches and tables.

Opportunities to play and recreate outdoors in community spaces like Palo Verde Park are vital to connecting children and families to the natural environment, encourage physical activity and ensure the health and sustainability of our community.

“Our residents know how important outdoor gathering spaces are, and the new playground here at Palo Verde Park is proof of that,” said Councilmember Francisco Heredia. “Palo Verde is important to southwest Mesa, and more kids and families will now be able to enjoy it thanks to the commitment of the City and our project partners.”

Mesa is among four communities that each received park improvement grants as part of Niagara’s 2020 Perk Your Park Project. The others are in Allentown, Pennsylvania; Temple, Texas and Puyallup, Washington. This is the sixth cycle of grants provided by Niagara Cares.

“Niagara is excited to give back in cities like Mesa where our Team Members live and work,” said Kristen Venick, Director of Niagara Cares. “It’s part of Niagara’s mission to enrich the lives of youth which includes improving access to safe spaces for children and families to explore, grow and enjoy.”

Several Niagara employees volunteered to help build the new playspace at Palo Verde Park on June 9. Working with Exerplay, the project contractor, the employees assembled playground equipment, put up signs and cleaned and prepped the space where the flooring and canopy shade were installed.

Along with the grant of $130,000, the remaining $350,000 for the Palo Verde Park improvements was from the voter approved 2018 Parks Bond Program.

City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department is the first parks and recreation organization in the U.S. and the world to become a Certified Autism Center, a designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).The department’s mission is to contribute to a healthy and vibrant community by providing exceptional experiences and services to those who live, work and play in Mesa. We are committed to provide safe spaces and places for people to enjoy and recreate and focus on services that meet the ever-changing needs of our community.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this vision by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.

Niagara Cares is a philanthropic arm of Niagara Bottling, committed to supporting local and national community initiatives by engaging stakeholders and investing its resources for disadvantaged children and their families. Niagara Cares initiatives include national strategic partnerships, local community grants, employee engagement, volunteerism and the Andrew D. Peykoff, Sr. Scholarship Program. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com/niagara-cares.

Niagara Bottling has been family owned and operated since 1963. Headquartered in Diamond Bar, CA, Niagara operates bottling facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico. As a leading beverage manufacturer in the U.S., Niagara Bottling works closely with some of the largest beverage brands, retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country. Niagara produces a variety of beverages including bottled water, sparkling, vitamin and flavored water, teas, sports drinks, ready-to-drink coffee, protein drinks and non-dairy milk products. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com.

Is your business listed in the official Prescott Valley Recreation Guide?! 60,000 copies are being printed annually! How can you add your business? Call 928-257-4177 or email info@talkingglass.media or fill out the form at https://www.signalsaz.com.

Sand and bags, or bags alone, will be available for unincorporated residents at fire stations all across the county.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif — Cool weather was forecast for Saturday in San Diego County with periods of rain and snow in the mountains, but showers will be more numerous this afternoon and evening before winding down late tonight, the National Weather Service said.

Scattered showers were moving west to east across the county Saturday morning, forecasters said.

"A few have produced moderate rainfall rates of 1/4 inch or more per hour, but most areas as of 9 a.m. have seen less than 1/4 inch of precipitation," the NWS said. "The exceptions to that are in northwest San Diego County."

Winds have decreased Saturday with peak gusts under 30 mph in the wind- prone areas.

Coastal high temperatures Saturday were expected to be around 57 degrees and there was a 70% chance of rain with overnight lows of 38-44, forecasters said. Western valley highs will be 54-59 with overnight lows of 35- 41 and scattered showers. Near the foothills, highs will be 47-52.

In the mountains, a winter weather advisory was in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday with highs expected to be 40-47 and 1-3 inches of snow with the snow level at 4,400 feet and 5,000 feet in the afternoon. Overnight lows will be 26-34. Desert highs will be 60-65 with scattered showers and overnight lows of 37-47.

"Look for a break on Sunday with some sun, but it will remain on the cool side," the NWS said. "By Sunday evening some showers will break out again and become numerous overnight into Monday."

On Monday, heavy snow will develop in the mountains and gale force winds will rake the coastal waters, including a few thunderstorms and brief heavy downpours and small hail, the weather service said.

"Quiet, but continued cool weather is on tap for the midweek period, but a warmer, wetter storm system is possible by week's end," forecasters said.

Rain can cause flooding and erosion, particularly in areas that aren’t covered by plants, landscaping, grass and trees. Rain runoff can sweep topsoil, mud, plant material and debris off land and downstream where it can damage homes, clog culverts and storm drains, and flood and damage roadways.

Sand and bags, or bags alone, will be available for unincorporated residents at the fire stations located below.

People should call ahead to double-check availability and remember to bring a shovel to fill the bags. Some stations may have a limited supply.

ReadySanDiego.org’s Flooding webpage has more information about how to protect yourself and your property.

Madsion and Lincoln meet for the second game in a row with berth to the Open Division championship on the line, other divisions play in quarterfinals

All Games 7 p.m. Friday unless noted

OPEN DIVISION

Semifinal

(3) Madison (9-10) at (2) Lincoln (9-1)

Preview: QB Reggie Johnson, who has thrown for 1,760 yards and 16 TDs, is the key to Madison’s attack along with WRs Jake Jackson and Dylan McFeely. The team averages 8.8 yards on 188 rushes with 18 TDs. The Warhawks’ defense has allowed 109 points. … Lincoln’s offense revolves around RB Roderick Robinson, a Georgia commit. He has averages 12.2 yards on 148 carries with 27 TDs. QB KJ Chatham has thrown for 1,436 yards and 15 TDs. The defense has allowed 113 points. … Lincoln beat Madison 24-12 two weeks ago to win the Western League championship. … Madison is 27-12 over the last four seasons while Lincoln is 31-9. … Madison is ranked No. 35 in California, Lincoln is No. 21.

Next: Winner of Poway-Carlsbad for championship on Nov. 18 at Snapdragon Stadium.

Prediction: Lincoln 28, Madison 24

DIVISION I

Quarterfinals

(9) St. Augustine (4-7) at (1) Mission Hills (7-3)

Preview: The Saints, who start as many as nine freshmen, including at QB, edged Eastlake 13-6 last week. … Mission Hills has won five in a row and boasts a defense that has allowed 131 points.

Next: (5) El Camino-(4) Helix winner

Prediction: Mission Hills 28, St. Augustine 7

(5) El Camino (8-3) at (4) Helix

Preview: El Camino dominated Scripps Ranch 35-6 in a first-round win. The Wildcats’ defense has allowed 149 points. … Helix had a bye after losing a 46-44, four-overtime game to Granite Hills.

Next: (9) St. Augustine-(1) Mission Hills winner

Prediction: El Camino 24, Helix 21

(6) La Costa Canyon (7-4) at (3) Mater Dei Catholic (6-4), 6:30 p.m.

Preview: La Costa Canyon finished the regular season with a win over archrival Torrey Pines, then beat Steele Canyon 41-14 in a first-round game last week. … Mater Dei Catholic lost its first four games of the season, but has won six in a row.

Next: (7) Torrey Pines-(2) Cathedral Catholic winner

Prediction: Mater Dei Catholic 27, La Costa Canyon 21

(7) Torrey Pines (4-7) at (2) Cathedral Catholic (5-5)

Preview: A tough Avocado League schedule served Torrey Pines well last week in a 24-0 first-round win over Rancho Bernardo. … Cathedral Catholic, a state champions last season, played one of the toughest schedules in the nation and has won two in a row.

Next: (7) Torrey Pines-(3) Mater Dei Catholic winner

Prediction: Cathedral Catholic 31, Torrey Pines 17

DIVISION II

(8) La Jolla (6-5) at (1) Granite Hills (8-2)

Preview: La Jolla comes into the game after beating Santa Fe Christian 28-21 in a first-round game last week. …. Granite Hills, the Grossmont Hills League champion, had a bye after an emotion 46-44 four-overtime game against Helix.

Next: (5) Mira Mesa-(4) Christian winner

Prediction: Granite Hills 35, La Jolla 20

(5) Mira Mesa (8-3) vs. Christian (6-4) at El Cajon Valley HS

Preview: Mira Mesa has won three in a row, including a 38-21 first-round win over Otay Ranch. … Christian, Eastern League champion, has also won three in a row, including 21-20 over Mira Mesa.

Next: (8) La Jolla-(1) Granite Hills winner

Prediction: Mira Mesa 21, Christian 20

(6) San Marcos (5-6) at (3) Ramona

Preview: San Marcos snapped a four-game losing streak with a 41-12 win over Valley Center last week. …. Ramona, which has won two in a row, beat Valley Center 42-20 earlier in the season.

Next: (7) Brawley-(2) Central Union winner

Prediction: Ramona 27, San Marcos 21

(7) Brawley (7-4) at (2) Central Union (6-3): Played late Thursday.

DIVISION III

(8) Rancho Buena Vista (6-5) at (1) University City (8-2)

Preview: RBV started the season with a five-game winning streak, lost five in a row, then beat Santana 49-14 last week. … University City, the City League champion, has won six in a row and averages 39.9 points a game.

Next: (5) Imperial-(4) Bishop’s winner

Prediction: University City 35, Rancho Buena Vista 21

(5) Imperial (8-3) vs. (4) Bishop’s (8-2) at La Jolla HS

Preview: Imperial won it regular-season finale to earn a home playoff game, then beat Patrick Henry 35-7. … Bishop’s, the Central League champion, has won five and averages 42.2 points a game.

Next: (8) Rancho Buena Vista-(1) University City winner

Prediction: Bishop’s 31, Imperial 28

(6) San Pasqual (8-3) at (3) Del Norte

Preview: San Pasqual, the Valley League champion, has won six in a row, including 41-2 last week against West Hills. … Del Norte, which averages 30.9 points a game, allows 26.5. … Del Norte beat San Pasqual 34-17 on Sept. 2.

Next: (10) Morse-(2) Point Loma winner

Prediction: San Pasqual 31, Del Norte 27

(10) Morse (7-4) at (2) Point Loma (8-2)

Preview: Morse has beaten Mission Bay and El Capitan in the first round since a 42-12 loss to Point Loma. … Point Loma averages 41.1 points while giving up 13.5 and has won two in a row.

Next: (6) San Pasqual-(3) Del Norte winner

Prediction: Point Loma 35, Morse 21

DIVISION IV

(9) Francis Parker (5-6) at (1) Fallbrook (7-3)

Preview: Parker do-everything Chris Williams scored all 24 points in a 24-21 first-round win over Hilltop. … Fallbrook’s defense allows 10.4 points.

Next: (5) Mission Bay-(4) Montgomery winner

Prediction: Fallbrook 35, Francis Parker 21

(5) Mission Bay (7-4) at (4) Montgomery (8-2)

Preview: Mission Bay got off to a 6-2 start, lost to Point Loma and Morse, but bounced back with a first-round win over Westview. … Montgomery, the Metro Mesa League champion wins with its defense, which allows 7.5 points a game, has two shutouts and has allowed one score in four games. … The Aztecs beat Mission Bay 9-6 on Sept. 16.

Next: (9) Francis Parker-(1) Fallbrook winner

Prediction: Montgomery 14, Mission Bay 12

(11) Chula Vista (7-4) at (3) Coronado (6-3)

Preview: Chula Vista, the Metro Pacific League champions, lost its first four games, but has caught fire and won its last seven, including a 35-27 upset of Calexico last week. … Coronado is a defense-first squad, allowing 14.2 points a game.

Next: (7) Palo Verde Valley-(2) La Jolla Country Day winner

Prediction: Chula Vista 21, Coronado 17

(7) Palo Verde Valley (10-1) at (2) La Jolla County Day

Preview: Palo Verde Valley, the Desert League champion, lost its opener to Calexico (13-12 in OT), but has ripped off 10 wins in a row, including a 36-27 first-round win over Mount Miguel. … La Jolla Country Day is without injured QB Bito Bass-Sulpezio, but won it season finale, shutting out Francis Parker.

Next: (11) Chula Vista-(3) Coronado winner

Prediction: Palo Verde Valley 31, La Jolla Country Day 24

DIVISION V

(8) Castle Park (4-6) at (1) Crawford (9-1)

Preview: Castle Park had a two-game losing streak before beating Southwest-El Centro, 49-31, last week in the first round of the playoffs. … Crawford has won eight in a row, including a 16-9 win over Castle Park in September.

Next: (5) Mar Vista-(4) Army-Navy winner

Prediction: Crawford 28, Castle Park 17

(5) Mar Vista (6-5) at (4) Army-Navy (9-1)

Preview: Mar Vista has rallied to win its last four, including 69-40 over Hoover last week. … Army-Navy, the Sunset League champion, has allowed just 13 points this season with nine shutouts. The offense averages 38.1.

Next: (8) Castle Park-(1) Crawford winner

Prediction: Army-Navy 42, Mar Vista 35

(6) Vincent Memorial (7-3) vs. Classical Academy at San Pasqual HS

Preview: Vincent Memorial rallied from a late-season loss to Calexico, beating Mountain Empire 42-6 in the first round. … Classical Academy has a stout defense, allowing 9.6 points a game with five shutouts and two games where it allowed one score.

Next: (7) El Cajon Valley-(2) Escondido Charter winner

Prediction: Classical Academy 31, Vincent Memorial 28

(7) El Cajon Valley (5-6) vs. (2) Escondido Charter at Valley Center HS

Preview: El Cajon Valley earned the right to play on with a 21-14 first-round win over Clairemont. … Escondido Charter, the Pacific League champion, averages 38.3 points on offense, allowing 11.9.

Next: (6) Vincent Memorial-(3) Classical Academy winner

Prediction: Escondido Charter 34, El Cajon Valley 21

EIGHT-MAN

Semifinals

(5) Coastal Academy (9-2) at (1) Victory Christian (9-0)

Preview: High-scoring Coastal Academy has put up 390 points this season, but had just trouble reaching the end zone in a 22-14 palyoff win over San Pasqual Academy last week. … Victory Christian, the Ocean League champion, has allowed just 47 points with five shutouts.

Next: (6) Foothills Christian-(2) St. Joseph Academy winner

Prediction: Victory Christian 42, Coastal Academy 31

(6) Foothills Christian (8-3) vs. (2) St. Joseph Academy (8-1) at Vista HS

Preview: Foothills Christian lost its last final two regular-season games before beating The Rock Academy 51-8 last week. … St. Joseph has won three in a row and owns a 30-22 win against Foothills.

Next: (5) Coastal Academy-(1) Victory Christian winner

Prediction: St. Joseph Academy 35, Foothills Christian 28

Last week: 17-5

Season: 99-33

News

Targeted treatment scheduled for Thursday in a limited area within both cities

Time to read: about 4 minutes

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District plans to treat a section of Palo Alto and Los Altos, highlighted above in green, to reduce the mosquito population on Oct. 20, 2022. Mosquitoes found in the area recently tested positive for West Nile virus. Courtesy Santa Clara County Vector Control District.

Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in a small area of Palo Alto and Los Altos, the Santa Clara County Vector Control District said on Wednesday.

The areas, which include ZIP codes 94304, 94306 and 94022 will be treated on Thursday starting at 10 p.m. to reduce adult mosquito populations, weather permitting. Truck-mounted equipment will apply the treatment over the area for approximately four hours.

A notice is being sent directly to the public in the treatment ZIP codes through AlertSCC and to those who subscribe to Nextdoor neighborhood networks. A general notice is being provided on various social media platforms — including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — and to those subscribed to the district's mosquito treatment notifications.

West Nile virus arrived in California in 2003. More than 7,000 people statewide have contracted the disease; nearly 400 of those cases were fatal. In 2021, there were 12 human West Nile virus-related deaths; 2015 was a record year for fatalities in the state with 55 deaths, the district said.

West Nile virus infection doesn't cause symptoms in most people, but for some individuals it can cause fever, headache, body aches and, in severe cases, significant neurological damage or death. People with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and kidney disease and older adults are most at risk for serious complications.

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The district's usual mosquito-management program largely focuses on preventing mosquitoes from reaching the adult biting stage by targeting immature stages of mosquitoes found in standing water. When a mosquito with West Nile virus is detected, the district conducts adult mosquito-control treatment to reduce the mosquito population in the area, which decreases the risk of a West Nile virus-human infection, the district said.

It's normal to see an increase in West Nile virus during the summer and early fall because mosquitoes thrive in warm weather. Although mosquitoes need water at each stage of life, they are still able to thrive during the drought conditions the state and county are currently experiencing, the district said.

Residents in the affected area do not need to relocate during the treatment. The treatments pose minimal risk to people, pets, animals and the environment when applied by a licensed vector control professional following label instructions, the district said.

Anyone wanting to take extra precautions can keep family members and pets inside during the treatment hours, with windows and doors shut. Once the sun rises, the insecticide quickly breaks down when exposed to sunlight.

The district applies the insecticides at ultra-low volume so that people and pets aren't likely to breathe or touch anything that has enough insecticide on it to be harmful. Anyone with chemical sensitivities might want to consult their physicians for additional recommendations, the district said.