The goldspotted oak borer reached Ventura County in January 2026, marking its farthest northward advance in California and raising urgent concerns for South Bay communities where Santa Clara County oak trees remain unaffected but increasingly at risk during firewood season. Anderson's Tree Care Specialists, an ISA-certified arborist company serving Saratoga and Los Gatos, is expanding oak inspection services this fall to help homeowners get ahead of the threat before symptoms appear. - The goldspotted oak borer has now been confirmed in six California counties, with Ventura County representing its northernmost confirmed location as of January 2026, putting Santa Clara County oak trees on a credible threat horizon for the first time. - The beetle's only confirmed long-distance spread pathway is infested oak firewood transported across county lines,  ...