Brian first worked for the District in 2005 as a seasonal catch basin driver.  He subsequently worked as a Vector Control Technician and as Assistant Manager before being promoted to Manager in 2020. Brian holds an Associate of Arts from the College of San Mateo and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from San Francisco State University. 

Born and raised in the city of San Mateo, Brian has been a county resident his entire life.  He enjoys serving his community and ensuring county residents have a higher quality of life.

 

Brian's answers to a few questions about working with the District: 

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I enjoy taking on new challenges and seeking opportunities to enhance the District’s operations. My career began as a catch basin driver, which gave me an initial understanding of our fieldwork. Advancing to a technician role and eventually moving into management gave me insight into all aspects of our programs. This progression provided me with a unique, top-to-bottom perspective on how the District operates.

Drawing on my field experience and background in government management, I work closely with our staff to identify and implement improvements across every area of the District’s operations.

There is nothing more satisfying than working with staff to implement a new idea or address a problem, troubleshooting it in the office or in the field in real-time, and determining whether it meets our standards for improving overall operations. Not only do these challenges make work fun, but this approach also ensures that the District remains forward-thinking, efficient, and effective in carrying out its mission.

A great example of this was the implementation of our Mapvision database.

The database has revolutionized how we monitor and manage mosquito habitats, conduct disease surveillance, and enhance work efficiency. This is because Mapvision enables real-time mapping of all field and laboratory operations, allowing analysis that directly informs our field strategies and resource allocation. By adopting this technology, we've improved our ability to respond to the most appropriate mosquito breeding location, taking into account previous operations and the time of year. This has improved the District's goal of protecting public health while also enabling staff to work together more efficiently and prioritize tasks under constantly changing circumstances, and ultimately, conserving resources and staff time.

The development of Mapvision was a true district-wide team effort. It incorporated feedback and input from every level of the organization, from seasonal staff to District management. This collaborative approach ensured that the final product addressed the diverse needs and perspectives of all team members. As a result, Mapvision has significantly streamlined and improved the District’s operations, making it an invaluable tool in our ongoing mission to enhance public health and operational efficiency.

What do you wish more people knew about mosquitoes and other vectors?

Different mosquitoes breed in various habitat types, fly different distances, and prefer different types of water and hosts. For example, particular species rely on small, temporary pools for breeding, whereas others utilize larger, more permanent water bodies. The travel range of mosquitoes also varies significantly, influencing their ability to spread diseases and their effect on local communities. Some species stay within an area of a football field or so, while other species can fly up to 20 miles. Recognizing these differences enables the District to develop more targeted control strategies and to educate residents about the varied behaviors of mosquitoes and the need for focused prevention measures.

Besides differences in breeding and behavior, the variety of mosquito species in San Mateo County requires continuous monitoring and skilled staff to maintain effective control and prevention.

What is the most surprising mosquito source?

One of the most unexpected places we found mosquitoes breeding was at the base of a portable basketball hoop. In this instance, the homeowner had chosen to fill the hoop’s base with water rather than sand. Over time, the cover to the base was either lost or removed, leaving an opening only 2 to 3 inches wide. Despite its small size, this space provided a perfect environment for the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito to breed. This highlights the importance of regularly inspecting even the most ordinary household items for the presence of standing water.

Where is the best view in the County? What is your favorite spot in the County?

My favorite spot in the county is the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain near Laurelwood Park in San Mateo. The nearby park covers over 200 acres of hiking trails, allowing suburb residents to observe wildlife such as coyotes, snakes, rabbits, woodrats, and more. While it is not a location you would often find yourself during working hours, it is definitely a great outdoor space that county residents shouldn’t miss.