A grapevine-killing pest, the glassy-winged sharpshooter, was found on plants sold at Costco in Ukiah, threatening vineyards in Mendocino and Lake counties. - The insect can spread Pierce's disease, which kills grapevines within five years with no cure.
- Inspectors destroyed remaining plants on May 19, but many had already been sold to shoppers. - Costco refuses to release customer information, citing privacy, hampering state efforts to locate the plants.
- Growers urge the state to subpoena records, while CDFA explores legal options and relies on voluntary customer reports.