The Gold-spotted Oak Borer (GSOB) remains a nemesis to Hill residents. Despite a decade of efforts, the GSOB is still active and killing oak trees on the Hill.

“The infestation is still widespread, attacking most of the oaks,” said, Callie Squires, operations manager for the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council (MCFSC). “There has been no reduction in its threat to the oak population.”

MCFSC wants to help people reduce the beetle’s threat and has scheduled a community event at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25. MCFSC is inviting the community to its office at the Mountain Resource Center on Franklin Drive.

The event will be educational with discussion and descriptions of the GSOB’s behavior and danger as well as what resources, including grant funds, that MCFSC has available to help local residents.

“We currently have grant funding to assist local homeowners in treating or removing oak trees affected by GSOB. Come find out how to get assistance, what the best course of action is, and ask questions of our field staff, spray treatment contractors and tree removal contractors,” Squires said. “Learn how to identify the telltale signs of infestation on your own property.”

Activities for children and light refreshments are available, plus see Gertie, an 8-foot inflatable beetle, who is visiting from the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council.

Since 2012, nearly half the Hill’s oak trees have been removed, according to Squires. MCFSC inspectors are still finding infected and dying oaks.

If you have an oak tree or see one with its dead leaves still on the limbs, that is a sign of GSOB infestation. Other indicators, which are more apparent as spring arrives, are whether the black oak produces new leaves or even if there are fewer leaves than normal. Another is whether the leaves that do appear are smaller than usual.

MCFSC has two funding sources available to help residents and property owners. Nearly $800,000 is available, but only for tree removal. This grant requires a 25% cost share.

The second source is a Riverside County grant, which would allow spraying as well as removal. There is no cost share, but the funds are limited, Squires said.

The MCFSC hotline for requesting an inspection is 951-659-8328.