Boundaries of Medfly Spraying Areas Extended

The boundaries of aerial spray zones in the pesticide assault against the Mediterranean fruit fly were expanded Monday to include larger portions of Pasadena and Lakewood.

The expanded Pasadena zone includes a northern chunk of the city bounded by Colorado Boulevard, Los Robles Avenue, Washington and San Gabriel boulevards.

This patch is added to a 22-mile sector encompassing South Pasadena and parts of San Marino, Monterey Hills, El Sereno and Alhambra.

The zone will be sprayed with malathion Dec. 20.

In Lakewood, about six square miles bounded by Downey Avenue, Del Amo Boulevard, Studebaker Road and Hedda and Allington streets were added to a 25-mile area that includes Bellflower and parts of Downey, South Gate, Cerritos and Norwalk. That zone will be sprayed Dec. 21.

Also on Monday, county officials recommended to state and federal authorities that the Los Angeles produce market downtown be included in a Medfly quarantine zone.

If included, dealers would be forced to cover all fruit with plastic or screens during operating hours to prevent the spread of the fly.

Los Angeles County will conduct aerial spraying of malathion tonight from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Area: 16 square miles encompassing East Whittier and parts of Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights and Rowland Heights.

Precautions: Stay indoors; keep animals indoors; wash animal dishes and toys left outside; cover cars; keep doors and windows closed.

Information: Toll-free numbers for the Agricultural Commissioner: (800) 356-2894; (800) 225-1346.