This seems to be the headline every month these days. Though San Bernardino has had only one reported case of the inflammatory disorder, vector controllers are bracing for more.
More grass attracts more rodents.
More rodents will give ticks a bigger food supply. The hot zones will be local hiking trails and back yards. Unfortunately the most common tick in local mountains is the one that transmits Lyme disease to humans. Insect repellants sprayed on clothing are a big help. For pets, a product called Frontline is available from veterinarians.