Chronic problem. Bacterial leaf spot of lettuce has been affecting coastal California crops for many years and has become a chronic problem. The disease was first noted in California in 1964 and became an economic concern in the 1990s. Bacterial leaf spot now occurs to some degree every season. In addition, it is possible that new strains of the pathogen may cause disease in previously resistant lettuce cultivars. For these reasons researchers are continuing to study the problem and are now requesting samples from cases that occur in 2013.