MVCAC Committees

Chris Barker, DART, UC Davis (Board Liaison)
Jesse Erandio, Delta MVCD
Daisy Flores Rangel, Orange County MVCD
Shaoming Huang, San Joaquin County MVCD
Kim Hung, Coachella Valley MVCD
Kara Kelley, Sacramento-Yolo MVCD
Christopher Kilonzo, CDPH
Hannah Romo, Santa Clara County VCD
Steve Schutz, Contra Costa MVCD

1. 1. 2021 Charge: Revise the MVCAC publication “Identification of the Mosquitoes of California” to include Aedes notoscriptus.
      1. Action steps: Assess current Aedes key
      2. Resources needed: None at this time
      3. Potential Challenges: May need external collaborators
      4. Timeline: 2021
      5. Status: Assessing need for external collaborators

    

   2. 2021 Charge: Report the results of the comparison of commercially available magnetic bead-based RNA extraction kits to MVCAC members
   1. Action steps:  Compile results from project participants
   2. Resources needed:  None
   3. Potential Challenges: None
   4. Timeline: 2021
   5. Status: Ongoing

    

   3. 2021 Charge: Prepare a manuscript describing “WALS Uses for Vector Control” or “Best Practices for invasive Aedes monitoring in CA” for submission to JAMCA in collaboration with Vector Control Research Committee, if feasible.
      1. Action steps: Compile results from project participants
      2. Resources needed: None
      3. Potential Challenges: None related to MVCAC
      4. Timeline: 2021
      5. Status: Contributors identified for WALS manuscript; investigate interest in Aedes

    

   4. 2021 Standing Charge: Organize and host an annual workshop that will offer enhanced communication, training and collaboration among vector control laboratory personnel
   1. Action steps:  Surveyed membership to select one of three workshop topics.  The results of the survey showed no topic was strongly favored over the other.  Thus, the committee selected “Preparing and analyzing geospatial data.”  Recommendation was made to untether this workshop from the Annual Conference and hold it during Q1 of 2021.  Chris Barker with UC Davis and PacVec offered his support in offering this workshop.
   2. Resources needed:  Zoom account for remote workshop
   3. Potential Challenges: Unknown
   4. Timeline: All elements in place by February 2021 for workshop held Q1 of 2021
   5. Status: Planning

    

   5. 2021 Standing Charge: Negotiate with ThermoFisher Scientific on 2020 pricing for consumables used in vector laboratories. 
   1. Action steps:  Contact new ThermoFisher Scientific Representative
   2. Resources needed:  none
   3. Potential Challenges: none
   4. Timeline: January 2021
   5. Status: Ongoing

    

   6. 2021 Standing Charge: Partner with DART to establish fees for proficiency panels, positive controls, reagents and other support consumables to enhance standardization between labs.
   1. Action steps:  Complete
   2. Resources needed:  None
   3. Potential Challenges: None
   4. Timeline:  Annual
   5. Status: Complete; no change in fees

    

   7. 2021 Standing Charge. Review and update the MVCAC publication “Identification of the Mosquitoes of California” to ensure inclusion of all species of mosquito that are routinely detected in California
   1. Action steps:  Assess current key for gaps
   2. Resources needed:  potentially expert collaborators
   3. Potential Challenges: None
   4. Timeline:  Yearly
   5. Status: Ongoing

Ken Klemme, Northern Salinas Valley MAD
Erika Castillo, Alameda County MAD
Scott Schon, Placer MVCD
Wakoli Wekesa, East Side MAD
Conlin Reis, Fresno West Side MAD
Tammy Gordon, Coachella Valley MVCD
Kiet Nguyen, Orange County MVCD
Bito Larson, Coachella Valley MVCD
Joel Buettner, Placer MVCD
Marty Scholl, Sacramento-Yolo MVCD

1. Standing Charge: Monitor and inform stakeholders of regulatory and legislative issues related to use of drones for vector control (stakeholders include: Districts, related MVCAC Committees, and MVCAC Board of Directors).
2. Action steps: Prepare guidance document regarding restrictions and available exemptions. Joel Buettner will coordinate with AMCA.
3. Resources needed: District staff time
4. Potential Challenges: None apparent
5. Timeline: 2022; updated when regulations change
6. Status: Planning
7. Lead: Joel Buettner and Conlin Reis

2. Standing Charge: Identify districts that use drones for vector control and how they are being used.
3. Action steps: Prepare online resource that members can access and update (e.g. Google Sheet) with the goal to extend it nationally via AMCA.  Provide a way for districts to learn how drones can be used effectively by vector control districts.
4. Resources needed: District staff time
5. Potential Challenges: Maintaining updated data.
6. Timeline: 2022; updated regularly.
7. Status: Planning
8. Lead: Kiet Nguyen and Ken Klemme

3. Standing Charge: Promote public health use of drones in urban areas for vector control.
4. Action steps: Identify knowledgeable people.
5. Resources needed: District staff time
6. Potential Challenges: None related to MVCAC
7. Timeline: Q4 2021
8. Status: Planning
9. Lead: Erika Castillo and Tammy Gordon

4. 2021 Charge: Prepare pre- and post-flight safety and data security checklists.
5. Action steps: Contact each District with a UAS program for example documents. 
6. Resources needed: District staff time
7. Potential Challenges: None related to MVCAC
8. Timeline: Q4 2021
9. Status: Planning
10. Lead: Scott Schon (pre- and post-flight safety checklists) and Marty Scholl (data security checklist).

5. 2021 Charge: Literature review of drone impacts on wildlife (summary with bibliography).
6. Action steps: Identify knowledgeable people.
7. Resources needed: District staff time
8. Potential Challenges: None related to MVCAC
9. Timeline: Q3 2021
10. Status: Planning
11. Lead: Eric Haas-Stapleton and Wakoli Wekesa (develop outline to share with Vector Control Research Committee).

6. 2022 Charge. Develop and A-Z guide for how to start up a drone program.

Conlin Reis, Fresno Westside MAD

Bob Achermann, AMG
Ed Manning, KP
Matt Ball, Butte County MVCD
Jared Dever, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Gary Goodman, Sacramento/Yolo MVCD
Tamara Davis, Marin-Sonoma MVCD
Rick Howard, Orange County MVCD
Eddie Luchessi, San Joaquin Co. MVCD
Bryan Jackson, CDPH/VBDS Liaison
Joel Buettner, Placer MVCD
Ryan Clausnitzer, Alameda MAD

1. 2021 Charge: Pursue dedicated funding for The California Mosquito Surveillance and Research Program (CalSurv Gateway), established under HSC 2101.

2. Action steps: 

   1. Continue budget efforts (KP).
   2. Membership outreach in key districts.
   • Continue to update materials to demonstrate CalSurv capabilities. Align with ongoing expansion of invasive Aedes. 

   Resources needed:  CalSurv updates.  Extended capabilities multimedia presentations.

   Potential Challenges: Unknown

   Timeline:  Jan-June 2021

   Status:  Ongoing efforts by KP. 

    

    

   2. 2021 Charge: Pursue appropriations to assist vector control district/agencies with invasive Aedes prevention, control, and public education efforts.

   Action steps: 

   1. Pursue budget effort if feasible under current legislative climate.
   2. Increase local office outreach utilizing new outreach materials.
   • Update and expand materials to stay current with the expansion if invasive Aedes.
   1. Updated survey to assess costs associated with invasive Aedes (new districts, first years of arrival).

   Resources needed:  District feedback (specifically impacts on districts with new infestations)

   Potential Challenges: Reduced support for non-pandemic bills.

   Timeline: March 2021 for survey/updated materials.

   Status: Ongoing

    

   3. 2021 Charge: Protect public health pesticide exemptions from legislation targeting their elimination, municipal control, or reclassification

   Action steps: 

   1. Initiate proactive outreach regarding IVM and responsible use of pesticides.
   2. Coordinate with AMCA to protect FIFRA preemption statutes from federal and state action.

   Resources needed:  None at this time. 

   Potential Challenges: Identification of problematic legislation.  Review of local, state and federal efforts.

   Timeline: Dependent on date legislation is introduced.

   Status: IVM White Paper complete.   Ongoing outreach efforts.

    

   4. 2021 Charge: Prepare for Remote Legislative Advocacy Day (Week)

   Action steps: 

   1. Maximize district participation through assisted scheduling and remote materials preparation.
   2. Evaluate need for online symposium on key mosquito control issues.
   • Prepare talking points for longer format “local office” meetings.
   1. Coordinate with Mosquito Awareness Week?

   Resources needed:  PR assistance with longer-format materials.  Membership participation in symposium.

   Potential Challenges: Pandemic-related issues with coordinating outreach.

   Timeline: March or April 2021

   Status: Ongoing

    

   5. 2021 Charge: Mosquito Awareness Week Resolution
      1. Action steps:
         1. Review/Update Language
         2. Locate Author(s)
   • Provide Support to the PR committee for related outreach.
   1. Resources needed: None
   2. Potential Challenges: None
   3. Timeline: Start review of Language, January 2021.
   4. Status: Ongoing

    

   Standing charges

   1. Review with the Executive Director pending legislative bills and regulatory changes that may impact vector control activities.
   2. Contact members when grassroots efforts are needed to inform legislators.
   3. Represent the MVCAC and testify when appropriate on bills or regulations of concern and keep the Board of Directors informed.
   4. Work with the MVCAC’s service providers to arrange for legislators or legislative staff to speak at interim meetings and the annual conference as appropriate.
   5. The Chair coordinates with the MVCAC President, Executive Director, and Legislative Advocate to address the Association’s legislative concerns, and with other agencies as necessary to develop or modify relevant legislation.

Aaron Devencenzi, San Joaquin County MVCD
Meagan Luevano, Placer MVCD
Mustapha Debboun, Delta MVCD
Randall Diamond, Contra Costa MVCD
Anais Medina Diaz, Greater LA County VCD
Allyx Nicolici, CDPH
Conlin Reis, Fresno Westside MAD (Board Liaison)
Luz Robles, Sacramento Yolo MVCD
Levy Sun, San Gabriel Valley MVCD
Lora Young ,Orange County MVCD
Lisa Yarbrough (KP)

Charge 1: Implement third party outreach strategy to educate and engage housing related industry stakeholders, including senior housing, real estate associations, construction/architects, property managers/homeowners associations and developers of wetlands.

Subcommittee: Luz Robles, Meagan Luevano, Nola Woods and Lisa Yarbrough

Charge 2: Implement third party outreach strategy to educate and engage environmental related industry stakeholders, including the organic and conventional agriculture industries; provide support and materials to districts facing challenges from anti-pesticide groups.

Subcommittee: Aaron Devencenzi, Conlin Reis, Lora Young and Lisa Yarbrough

Charge 3: Implement third party outreach strategy to educate and engage municipal and infrastructure related industry stakeholders including municipal staff (planners/engineers/public works), utility providers, stormwater manufacturers/installers, and local government/special district associations.

Subcommittee: Randall Diamond, Meagan Luevano, Anais Medina Diaz and Lisa Yarbrough

Charge 4: Support public outreach and education related to invasive Aedes and Sterile Insect Technologies; support efforts to secure state and federal funding for mosquito control.

Subcommittee: Mustapha Debboun, Lora Young, Allyx Nicolici, Conlin Reis and Lisa Yarbrough

Standing Charges

Charge 1: Work with MVCAC leadership to promote community partnerships and encourage cooperative ventures to benefit vector control, public health, and the environment.

• Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases
  Liaison: Anais Medina Diaz

• CalSurv Gateway
  Liaison: Levy Sun

Charge 2: Promote MVCAC and assist leaders, administration, and members with proactive and reactive media outreach, development of talking points, collateral materials and digital assets.

Charge 3: In cooperation with the Legislative Committee, KP and AMG, assist in preparation for MVCAC’s annual Legislative Day, and other legislative and regulatory affairs efforts.

Charge 4: Provide materials and assist in implementing the California Mosquito Awareness Week media campaign in April 2021 and National Mosquito Awareness Week in June 2021.

Charge 5: Provide editing of content and guidance on website content management for MVCAC website.

• MVCAC Website Editorial Team

Subcommittee: Levy Sun (Lead), Anais Medina Diaz, Nola Woods

• Agency Spotlight

Liaison: Nola Woods

Jamesina J. Scott, Lake County VCD
Bruce Eldridge, UC Davis Emeritus
Kerry Padgett, CDPH-VBDS
Kelly Liebman, Marin/Sonoma MVCD
Susanne Kluh, Greater Los Angeles County MVCD
Mustapha Debboun, Delta MVCD
Paula Macedo, Contra Costa MVCD
Rachel Hickerson, AMG

1. 1. Standing Charge: Evaluate Reeves Award applicants and determine awards.
   1. Action steps: Chair receives applications, ensures that all requirements are met, and distributes to Committee members for consideration and to MVCAC Proceedings editor. Works with MVCAC Conference Planning and Incoming MVCAC President to schedule Reeves Symposium. 
   2. Resources needed:
      1. Committee member time to evaluate manuscripts and oral presentation
      2. Time for Reeves Symposium at MVCAC Annual Conference (5 minutes for introduction + 20 minutes per applicant)
   • Time to announce awards at MVCAC Annual Banquet
   1. Potential Challenges: Nothing Significant at this time 
   2. Timeline: Annual, announcement in August, October 1 application deadline, Symposium & awards at Annual Conference
   3. Status: Ongoing

    

   1. Standing Charge: Review & Update Reeves Award Policy.
      1. Action steps: Update policy and submit to Board for approval. Simplify and clarify application process. 
      2. Resources needed: Committee Time
      3. Potential Challenges: None
      4. Timeline: July 2021.
      5. Status: Initiate

Peter Bonkrude, Shasta MVCD (Board Liaison)
Erika Castillo, Alameda County MAD
Mark Hall, Greater Los Angeles County, VCD
David Heft, Turlock MAD
Jennifer Henke, Coachella Valley MVCD
Roland Jen, Orange County MVCD
Ryan McNeil, Fresno MVCD
Mark Novak, CDPH VBDS Elk Grove
Conlin Reis, Fresno Westside MAD
Bob Achermann, AMG
Ed Manning, KP
Brian White, KP

1. Review existing and new devices proposed to capture trash in storm water structures.
   1. Action steps: Continue activities in the Trash Capture Working Group
   2. Resources needed: District staff time
   3. Potential Challenges: None at this time
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: Ongoing

2. Monitor issues around the re-use of storm water and irrigation run-off collected.
   1. Action steps: No immediate actions needed
   2. Resources needed: District staff time to identify issues as they emerge
   3. Potential Challenges: None at this time
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: Ongoing

3. Evaluate the impact of mosquito management practices as employed at wetlands managed by CDFW.
   1. Action steps: Resurrect the survey that was performed 2015 and update as needed. Ascertain from member agencies what, if any, were their results from evaluations they have performed.
   2. Resources needed: Time
   3. Potential Challenges: Funding issues at CDFW
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: Ongoing

4. Work with agencies and partners to ensure access to utility vaults.
   1. Action steps: Compile results from the survey that was sent out to determine the scope of the issue. Based on the results, utility districts and companies can be engaged with the ultimate goal of implementation of BMPs do reduce mosquito breeding.
   2. Resources needed: Time, educational aids to share with utility companies similar to those that were produced for trash capture devices.
   3. Potential Challenges: None at this time
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: Survey has been sent out to member agencies and approximately 40 responses have been recorded. Responses were due the 4^th of December.

5. Assist with permitting for Sterile Insect Releases for vector control.
   1. Action steps: Waiting on EPA and CDPR to approve the technology.
   2. Resources needed: None at this time
   3. Potential Challenges: Lengthy approval process, more data needed for registration
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: There was a data request by EPA that MosquitoMate responded to. CDPR registration has been moving along without issue.

6. Review the implementation of AB 1788 and provide support to member agencies.
   1. Action steps: Engage with CDPR of whether contractors doing work on behalf of member agencies would fall under the public health exemption.
   2. Resources needed: None at this time
   3. Potential Challenges: CDPR timeline to get initial question answered
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: Some member agencies are viewing this topic akin to how aerial contractors are able to apply public health pesticides on behalf of Districts.

7. Engage in the NPDES renewal process (CA permit expires June 2021).
   1. Action steps: Reach out to member agencies to see if there were issues with the permit or violations of it. Review list of current active ingredients. See if there are any changes (either by State Water Board or MVCAC). Consult the 303d list of impaired water bodies.
   2. Resources needed: Time and member agencies will have to pay the NPDES. Fees for consultant the write the permit.
   3. Potential Challenges: Making sure there are no drastic changes that State Water Board wants to put into place.
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: MVCAC reached out in September of 2020 and State Water Board responded that they would look at this in 2021.

8. Continue to engage with the Bureau or Cannabis Control and the Department of Pesticide Regulation on the impacts of cannabis farming on mosquito control operations.
   1. Action steps: Reengage with the Bureau of Cannabis Control and inquire on the status of the memo that they produced that outlined proposed changes to detection limits.
   2. Resources needed: None at this time
   3. Potential Challenges: As it has been a while since conversations were had with BCC, their might be a need to re-educate staff on the vector control concerns.
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: Ongoing

Daniel Wilson, Alameda County Vector Control

Eric Ballejos, Northwest MVCD
Amanda Bradford, Butte County MVCD
Mary-Joy Coburn, Greater Los Angeles County MVCD
John Fritz, San Joaquin County MVCD
Crystal Grippin, Delta MVCD
Jennifer Henke, Coachella Valley MVCD
Michael Niemela, CDPH-VBDG
Katherine Ramirez, Consolidated MAD
Rhiannon Jones, Board Liaison

1. 2021 Charge: Produce original content and secure approval of existing content to provide a sufficient number of webinars to replace live sessions to complete CEU training requirements.
   1. Action steps:  Begin planning 2019-21 cycle units
   2. Resources needed:  volunteer webinar speakers as needed
   3. Potential Challenges: Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings and meetings curtails live sessions
   4. Timeline:  June 2021
   5. Status: CE classes beginning in October / Identifying webinars from outside agencies as well as identifying MVCAC sponsored topics for webinars, to include herbicide training
   6. Work with Annual Conference planning committee to allow recorded conference presentations availability for viewing after the conference within cycle 2019-2021

1. 2021 Charge: In conjunction with CDPH, evaluate current CE Guidelines and identify potential changes to increase regional training efficiencies.
   1. Action steps:  The new Covid-19 live-unit requirement in abeyance for the rest of this 2019-2021 cycle approve by CDPH 
   2. Resources needed:  None
   3. Potential Challenges: Enough archived webinars in each category to meet cycle requirements
   4. Timeline: June 2021
   5. Status: Ongoing during Covid-19 restrictions

1. 2021 Charge: Committee members were tasked to prepare at least one Category D webinar over the next year as this is typically the most difficult category to fill.
   1. Action steps:  Notify region representatives of this requirement.
   2. Resources needed: may vary by region
   3. Potential Challenges: Finding presenters
   4. Timeline: June 2021
   5. Status: Midway and some great regional accomplishments

1. Standing Charge: Coordinate the Association’s program of regional continuing education and statewide webinar development, maintaining expected training standards.
   1. Action steps:  Continue activities throughout the cycles
   2. Resources needed: None at this time
   3. Potential Challenges: None currently
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: Ongoing

1. Standing Charge: Review submitted training curricula and recommend approval to CDPH representative.
   1. Action steps:  Will be completed on a Regional basis
   2. Resources needed:  None
   3. Potential Challenges: None
   4. Timeline:  Yearly
   5. Status: Ongoing

Tina Feiszli, CDPH/VBDS, Richmond
Susanne Kluh, Greater LA County VCD
Angie Nakano, san Mateo MVCD
William Reisen, UC Davis
Jamesina J. Scott, Lake County VCD
Kim Hung, Coachella Valley MVCD
Doug Kunz, Coachella Valley MVCD
Marcia Reed, Sacramento/Yolo MVCD
Sumiko De La Vega, San Joaquin County MVCD
Wakoli Wekesa, East Side MAD

1. 1. 2021 Charge: Develop Emerging Vector-borne Disease Operational Recommendations for invasive Aedes
      1. Action steps: Create a working group of committee members to clean up current documents & establish recommendations.
      2. Resources needed: Existing documents
      3. Potential Challenges: Agreeing on recommendations
      4. Timeline: By spring meeting, have the first draft, with multiple potential recommendations for the whole group to argue over. Done by Dec 31st, 2021
      5. Status: Ongoing

    

   2. 2021 Charge: Develop current comprehensive and specific list of surveillance, control, & existing outreach materials for invasive Aedes species response.
      1. Action steps: Create working group comprised of committee members to clean up and update current document
      2. Resources needed: Reach out to other districts not on committee, IVM
      3. Potential Challenges: Getting agencies to update it again.
      4. Timeline: Have first draft by spring meeting, done by December 31, 2021
      5. Status: Ongoing

    

   3. Standing Charge: Review and present new information on vectors and vector-borne diseases of interest to the MVCAC and make recommendations for their surveillance and control.
      1. Action steps: Reach out to contacts to make sure we’re hearing about new information. Look for the best way to distribute information. Begin plan for quarterly reports
      2. Resources needed: Time
      3. Potential Challenges: Large quantity of information, limited amoutn of time. Best way to present information. Getting on a schedule.
      4. Timeline: Try to have system in place for biannual updates in 2021, move to quarterly in
      5. Status: Ongoing

    

   4. Standing Charge: In cooperation with Laboratory Technologies Committee, develop long term plans and agreements among DPH, UC Davis and MVCAC to ensure continuation of statewide surveillance programs and appropriate diagnostics.
      1. Action steps: Reach out to Laboratory Technologies Committee
      2. Resources needed: Unknown
      3. Potential Challenges: Unknown
      4. Timeline: Unknown
      5. Status: Ongoing

    

   5. Standing Charge: Monitor and report on vector-borne diseases in California.
      1. Action steps: None needed
      2. Resources needed: Unknown
      3. Potential Challenges: Unknown
      4. Timeline: Continuous
      5. Status: Ongoing, CDPH Arbovirus Surveillance Bulletin (?)

Chris Barker, University of California, Davis
Shaoming Huang, San Joaquin County MVCD
William Reisen, University of California, Proceedings Editor
Mary Sorensen, Placer MVCD
Sarah Billeter, CDPH/VBDS, Ontario
Angela Caranci, Northwest MVCD
Katherine Brisco, UCD Mosquito Control Research Center
Mustapha Debboun, Delta MVCD
Wakoli Wekesa, East Side MAD (Board Liaison)
Rachel Hickerson, AMG

1. 2021 Charge: Continue with collaborative research investigations at the District level to improve the efficacy and efficiency of IVM programs, and encourage member districts to join such collaborative efforts.
   1. Action steps:  Working in collaboration with the Laboratory Technologies Committee a key project for 2021 will focus on WALS applications, with a goal of preparing a manuscript for publication.  
   2. Resources needed:  Participation from districts with WALS experience, ideally covering all regions
   3. Potential Challenges: Coordination across districts
   4. Timeline: 2021-22 seasons
   5. Status:  Continuing.

1. 2021 Charge: Encourage member Districts to collaborate with UC Researchers, submit joint projects to UC Center of Excellence for funding to help fill local research gaps, and provide opportunities for internships to train young researchers.
   1. Action steps:  Pilot a new internship format to take advantage of funds donated by a UC Davis alumnus. The goal is to create an opportunity where undergraduates spend a summer quarter as a paid intern at a District, during that time they will spend time working on a specific project. When the student returns to campus they will work up the collected data and present it at the MVCAC Annual Meeting.
   2. Resources needed:  University mentors and district partners
   3. Potential Challenges: COVID related restrictions
   4. Timeline:  Summer – 2022 Annual Meeting
   5. Status: Ongoing

1. Standing Charge: Collaborate with other MVCAC Committees such as Vector Borne Diseases, IVM, PR, and regulatory affairs to determine research needs and work with them for appropriate solutions.
   1. Action steps:  Collaboration with Laboratory Technologies and Vector and Vector-borne Disease Committees to coordinate document development. 
   2. Resources needed:  None
   3. Potential Challenges: see above
   4. Timeline: Continuing
   5. Status: Continuing

1. Standing Charge: Champion the 2021 list of the research priorities among researchers at the UC Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, state, and local agencies, and encourage partners to collaborate.
   1. Action steps: (1) Members will work together to identify areas where more research is needed, and (2) integrate a system for highlighting new research in the field of vector control, perhaps as a short note in the weekly Blasts.
   2. Resources needed: Platform for communication within the committee, support for publishing highlights in the Blasts.
   3. Potential Challenges: None at this time
   4. Timeline: Ongoing
   5. Status: Ongoing