CVMVCD Zombies On

Refusing to accept defeat, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District will appeal the decision against it in its attempt to sue Desert Hot Springs to take Karl Baker off the board of trustees.

Vector control appealing ruling in DHS case

COACHELLA VALLEY -- The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is appealing a judge's decision not to reconsider their case against the city of Desert Hot Springs.

The vector board, a taxpayer-funded agency made up of representatives of the valley cities and unincorporated areas, has sought to remove Desert Hot Springs' appointee, Karl Baker Jr., arguing his alleged misconduct could open them up to a harassment suit.

Baker has denied the district's allegations. And the city has said the district is trying to remove Baker because he's critical of their management and financial practices.

A Riverside County judge has twice ruled against the vector board, once ruling in favor of the city's motion to dismiss and then this week deciding not to reconsider. Judge James Cox in August ordered the district to pay the city's attorney fees and court costs.

The appeal to the state Court of Appeals will be filed after Cox formalizes his ruling in writing, vector control district counsel Lisa Copeland said.