Imperial Valley Press
Vintage & Coffee celebrates their one year anniversary in style
EL CENTRO — Vintage & Coffee, a unique new coffee business with vintage fashion finds, recently celebrated its first anniversary and official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 8, marking a milestone in its business brand and in the downtown...
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Imperial Valley non-profit ‘Sabrina’s Wish’ faces shutdown after operating funds run dry
EL CENTRO — An Imperial Valley initiative that has provided formalwear to more than 600 students since 2024 is facing an existential financial crisis after running completely out of operating funds, organizers announced. Sabrina’s Wish, a project...
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Female bodybuilder shares wisdom, reflects on life lessons
IMPERIAL VALLEY — Traditionally considered a male sport or hobby, bodybuilding has come a long way in its cultural popularity and inclusivity. This is exactly the case for one local mother and fitness enthusiast who has taken this hobby and elevated it...
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Imperial High student rallies community with Pilates fundraiser for breast cancer ICFB announces Farmer of the Year
Staff Writer IMPERIAL — An Imperial High School student is turning her passion for helping others into action by hosting a special event that combines fitness, education, and community support during this month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness...
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IVH2O initiates sustainability campaign; fights to protect local water rights
EL CENTRO — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a $65,000 Public Benefit Grant to the Imperial Valley Water (IVH2O) on Tuesday, October 6, to expand its policy education and public outreach efforts through the ongoing development of 2026...
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Pioneers Museum hosts antique women’s fashion lecture
IMPERIAL — Pioneers’ Museum held a lecture series on Women’s Fashion of the 1900s entitled “A Decade of Women’s Clothing, from 1905-1915” this past Friday evening, resulting in a full house for the museum, plenty of interest, and a lively discourse...
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Brawley set to ratify new police chief
BRAWLEY — The Brawley City Council is slated to consider the formal ratification of an employment agreement for incoming Police Chief Jonathan Blackstone during its regular meeting Tuesday evening, marking a key leadership transition for the municipal...
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ICOE’s Autumn & the Arts champions kids
IMPERIAL COUNTY - ICOE’s Foundation for Education hosted its 6th annual Autumn & the Arts dinner and art auction event at the Imperial County Office of Education on Thursday, October 1. Dubbed “a celebration of students, arts, and education,” the...
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ECESD Perfect Score dinner celebrates achievement
EL CENTRO — The El Centro Elementary School District hosted a ‘Perfect Score’ dinner for students and families of students in the district who have achieved perfect scores on statewide academic tests, held at De Anza Magnet School on Wednesday,...
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Youth Art Contest on the border draws crowd
CALEXICO — A youth art show showcased the artistic talent and creativity of dozens of youth in the border city and surrounding areas, with a grand opening reception held on Tuesday, September 29, at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center. Norma...
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7th Imperial Valley Comic Con draws big crowds, high energy
IMPERIAL — The 7th annual Imperial Valley Comic Con culminated in a successful day-long event at the Cambria Hotel on Saturday, September 26, much to the delight of local pop culture fans who attended the event. Ruben Najera, the man behind the local...
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Pioneers Museum celebrates 100 years of The Winning of Barbara Worth
IMPERIAL — An afternoon of literature, film, and history came together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Winning of Barbara Worth at the Pioneers Museum in Imperial on Saturday, September 26. The event was a fundraiser sponsored by the...
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Cobra Coffee creates 100 sensory backpacks for Imperial County first responders
IMPERIAL COUNTY — A family-led autism awareness initiative has created 100 sensory backpacks to help Imperial County first responders communicate with and support autistic people during emergencies. Cobra Coffee planned to distribute the backpacks...
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Recall effort relaunched against Imperial County Supervisor Peggy Price over transparency, safety concerns
EL CENTRO — A former local official served formal notice Tuesday to initiate a recall campaign against Imperial County Supervisor and Board Chairwoman Peggy Price, citing mounting public dissatisfaction over emergency response delays, fire station...
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Calexico man sentenced to 12 years, probation after plea deal in child sexual misconduct case
EL CENTRO — A sentencing hearing was held on September 17 at the Imperial County Courthouse for Kain Gonzalez of Calexico, who is now a registered sex offender. The case began in February 2025 and has taken over one and a half years to come to a...
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The fine art of piano tuning
IMPERIAL VALLEY — University professor Juventino Obeso-Godinez is bringing the fine art of piano tuning to the Imperial Valley, using his expertise and skills in a little-known field that is considered niche and uncommon. With a background and a...
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Mutts & Margaritas fundraiser supports plans for new Imperial County animal shelter
EL CENTRO — Community members gathered Sunday, Sept. 20, for Mutts & Margaritas, a Humane Society of Imperial County fundraiser supporting plans for a new animal shelter designed to improve animal care and expand access to veterinary services...
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Flip the Switch event celebrates clean energy upgrades
IMPERIAL VALLEY — Two schools participated in a Flip the Switch event on Thursday, September 17, helping to make the transition to cleaner energy sources at local school districts. In partnership with Site LogicQ, Meadows Union School District and...
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New Imperial County PACE Center expands all-inclusive elder care to help seniors age at home
IMPERIAL — Raúl Cervantes traveled from Calexico, having regularly visited the medical center since May to manage his ongoing health recovery. Before seeking care at the clinic, his primary health issue was severe constipation, a condition so...
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Is Calexico a dying city?
Editor’s note: This is the second of a threepart series CALEXICO — The city of Calexico approved its 2026-27 fiscal budget over the summer, causing some concern amongst residents over the longterm future revenue for the city. Although starting with a...
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Chicanx artist Armando Rascon brings ‘Proof of Concept’ to Calexico
CALEXICO — Calexico native Armando Rascón brought his art back to his hometown roots in a powerful retrospective exhibition called “Proof of Concept,” which is now on display at the Steppling Art Gallery located inside the SDSU Imperial Valley...
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Is Calexico a dying city?
Editor’s Note: This is part one of a three-part series. CALEXICO — The border city is coming into the glare of scrutiny due to residents’ concerns regarding the lack of progress and the stalled economic development of recent years. Many wonder if...
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Brawley Farmer’s Market starts its weekly Saturday season
BRAWLEY — The city of Brawley kicked off its weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market season on Saturday, September 5, at the Brawley Boys and Girls Club. Patrick Lauterio, owner of Tumbleweed Markets, began his efforts to bring the community together...
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Club 111 Bar owner questions police practices, seeks transparency
CALEXICO — The border city’s iconic Club 111 Bar has recently made headlines with claims that the local police department may be unfairly targeting the business. Bar owner Karen Ann spoke at the City Council meeting on September 2 and said: “I am...
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End of an Era: Garlan’s officially closing its doors
CALEXICO — Garlan’s, an iconic fashion store in the border city, has officially decided to close its doors this month after 66 years of serving the community in downtown Calexico. The family-owned business opened its doors in the 1960s on Second...
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Wave of violence at schools leaves parents worried
IMPERIAL COUNTY — A recent string of violent incidents at three major local high schools is making parents worried for their children’s day-to-day safety and well-being. Although fights at school are nothing new, the safety of kids in public schools...
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ECPD station project gains council approval for $51.5M budget authorization and change orders
EL CENTRO – The El Centro City Council unanimously approved Change Order Nos. 23 and 24 for the El Centro Police Station Construction Project during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, authorizing city staff to draw from the full $51,541,315.76...
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Mollie’s life after retirement: Her next big adventure begins
BRAWLEY — A wellknown face at Carl’s Jr. restaurant here is getting ready to enjoy her golden years after having served the community for over 24 years. “I used to work there,” Mollie Willingham, a longtime local employee of the chain restaurant said....
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Annual Recovery Walk hits its stride
EL CENTRO — The office of Behavioral Health Services held their annual Recovery Walk event on Thursday, September 3, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Pavilion, where guests had an opportunity to mix and mingle with various mental health service...
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County of Imperial urges governor to veto SB 675
County supports greater representation, diversity and transparency but warns new State requirements could impose high unfunded costs on Imperial County and its cities EL CENTRO — The County of Imperial is requesting that Governor Gavin Newsom veto...
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Local judges diverge on data center project’s future
EL CENTRO — Imperial County Superior Court Judges have handed down two differing and opposing rulings in key court cases regarding the proposed Imperial Valley Data Center, including the temporary moratorium and CEQA review requirement. On August 21,...
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Calexico youth cooking program expands to school year at Camarena Memorial Library
CALEXICO — A popular hands-on culinary program that has engaged local youth during the summer months is expanding into a yearround initiative at the Camarena Memorial Library, offering children new opportunities to develop healthy habits and practical...
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IV Mall bids farewell to iconic carousel
EL CENTRO — The Imperial Valley Mall’s carousel, a beloved childhood staple of the shopping mall, will be closing down permanently on August 30 after entertaining local children for almost two decades. “The mall just all of a sudden decided to make...
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Calexico Educational Foundation awards new scholarships
CALEXICO — The Calexico Education Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the Mexican Consulate, awarded several scholarships this past Wednesday evening, August 26, at the district’s Family Resource Center. This year, the foundation...
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Calexico prepares for El Niño storms
CALEXICO — As the Imperial Valley prepares for another potential El Niño storm, Calexico city leaders and volunteers led Wednesday preparation efforts to avoid potential flooding and to protect homes in case another big storm were to hit the border...
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Heber board members come under question for dual board positions
HEBER — Former board member Diahna Garcia-Ruiz has challenged the validity of three current board members’ right to hold a second public office when she served them with a quo warranto legal writ on Tuesday, August 18, during a regular Heber Elementary...
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San Diego matcha icon Holy Matcha named as defendant in $4.5 million fraud lawsuit
Executive fired hours after hiring lawyer following allegations of fraudulent ‘organic’ crops and worker abuse, lawsuit claims SAN DIEGO — One of San Diego’s most recognizable coffee alternatives, Holy Matcha, has been dragged into a multi-million...
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Brawley Elks honor Lisa Chapin Winkler in jeweling ceremony
BRAWLEY — The Brawley Elks Lodge held a jeweling ceremony for Lisa Chapin Winkler to officially recognize her in her new role as the South District’s Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. Lisa is a mother of two adult sons and one daughter and a grandmother of...
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IVDM volunteer rises through the ranks, encourages others to pursue community service
EL CENTRO — Springtime is often recognized for its longer daylight hours, blooming flowers, and the sentiment and symbolism of renewal and rebirth. Accordingly, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum (IVDM) sought to bring in a new executive director to...
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Border shelter strains to host families and deportees amid rising U.S. expulsions
MEXICALI — Just past the initial border intersection after crossing from Calexico into Mexicali, the blue building of La Posada del Migrante stands as a critical sanctuary for those caught in the shifting currents of U.S. immigration policy. Founded...
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County pushes forward on Lithium Valley amid economic promise, local concerns, and industry delays
EL CENTRO — Since the California Energy Commission formed the Lithium Valley Commission in 2020 to focus on uncovering what some have called buried treasure, community-based organizations, state and local officials, private investors, and community...
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Finish Line owner voices parking concerns for downtown El Centro
EL CENTRO — The Finish Line Bicycle Shop owner Alex Quintero shared some of his frustrations at this week’s annual town hall meeting, which focused on the downtown area and took place on August 11. His main concerns are with homeless vagrants, the...
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CUHSD welcomes back students and sta
EL CENTRO — Central Union High School District welcomed students and staff back to campus Monday, August 10, marking the beginning of a new school year filled with excitement, opportunity, and a renewed commitment to student success. Across the...
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Best STEP Forward expands to Brawley, bringing inclusive services closer to North County Families
BRAWLEY — Best STEP Forward is preparing to expand its services in the Imperial Valley with a new Brawley facility aimed at bringing adaptive and inclusive programs closer to families throughout the northern part of the county. The nonprofit...
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City of Imperial honors late public servant Betty Sampson, a driving force behind regional growth
IMPERIAL — The Imperial City Council paid an emotional tribute Wednesday evening to the late Betty Sampson, honoring the former mayor and long-serving councilwoman whose nearly three-decade career in local government helped guide the municipality’s...
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Band-Aid, not a cure: federal Colorado River plan leaves states guessing every two years
Dire water conditions, missed deadlines and uncertainty on the Colorado River are complicating critical water decisions in California. No single state, water agency or federal official has shown the power, or the will, to break the deadlock among...
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COLAB hosts political candidate training workshop
IMPERIAL — The Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business of Imperial County (COLAB), in partnership with the Imperial County Registrar of Voters, hosted an informational and free political candidate training workshop on Monday, August 3. The...
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Pioneers Museum introduces maintenance Mondays
IMPERIAL — The Pioneers Museum in Imperial has initiated a volunteer maintenance program that invites residents and history enthusiasts to assist with the upkeep of the museum and the care of its historic archives on Mondays during August. The museum,...
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The long awaited Dutch Bros. co ee spot arrives in Calexico
CALEXICO — The city of Calexico welcomed the famed national coffee chain Dutch Bros. to the border city’s business landscape at their grand opening on a hot summer day on Thursday, July 30. The long-awaited opening occurred early in the morning, as...
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Imperial County Library wraps up successful summer program
IMPERIAL COUNTY — The Imperial County Library system is getting ready to wrap up the free summer library community programs, literacy services, and educational events it presented this year for residents of all ages under the theme “Plant a Seed.” The...
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Judge Anderholt to rule on data center’s future
EL CENTRO — Imperial County Superior Court Judge Anderholt presided over a hearing on Wednesday, July 29, regarding the controversial AI hyperscale data center proposed for the city of Imperial, next to a residential neighborhood but within a mixed-use...
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The Humane Society of Imperial County needs help keeping pets cool this summer
EL CENTRO — The Humane Society of Imperial County recently capped off National Pet Adoption Week with their usual weekend adoption event at PetSmart, allowing residents to take home a “fur-ever friend” and companion. The month of July has been...
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IVHRA Community celebrates excellence
IMPERIAL COUNTY The Imperial Valley Human Resources Association recently recognized two of their members for completing their doctorate degrees and for inspiring excellence and lifelong learning in other members during the process. “Having two...
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Co ee Bean Factory hosts small business mixer
HEBER – A business mixer was held at the Prestige Event Center on Thursday, July 23, hosted by the owner of The Coffee Bean Factory in collaboration with several other local businesses. Salgado recently opened a coffee shop, The Coffee Bean Factory,...
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Seeley School District hosts community resource fair and college night
SEELEY – The Seeley Unified School District hosted a resource fair and college night for students, their parents, and the entire community on Wednesday, July 22, inside the school gymnasium. The gymnasium buzzed with activity, as over 25 organizations...
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Art lover, business champion
CALEXICO – The border city of Calexico is mourning the loss of its ultimate champion, Hildy Carrillo, a legendary civic leader and arts advocate famous for her love of her hometown and the people in it. Affectionately known to generations of residents...
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Project SEARCH Internship program to launch in Imperial County
IMPERIAL VALLEY – A new work experience partnership program is on the horizon in the region thanks to Project SEARCH, which seeks to expand work training opportunities and advance inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Project SEARCH, in...
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Calexico trash wars culminate in potential commissioner removals
CALEXICO – Calexico residents have long expressed concerns about the cleanliness and maintenance of city property, including parks, streets, and the downtown area. However, city commissioners have recently been at odds over allegations of misconduct...
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California sues five cities, including Calexico, for missing deadlines for new housing
State officials escalated their campaign to build affordable housing in California on Thursday, filing lawsuits that accused five cities of flouting legal deadlines for submitting plans to meet housing shortages. The cities, each sued in their...
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IVC inaugurates state-ofthe-art automotive tech complex
IMPERIAL – The brand new state-of-theart Automotive Technology Facilities Complex at Imperial Valley College was inaugurated on Wednesday, July 15, during a soft opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Members of the public and the IVC community were...
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Imperial County moves to seat data center panel while weighing moratorium extension
EL CENTRO — Facing an unprecedented wave of technological development, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors moved forward Tuesday with plans to shape the region’s digital future, advancing a diverse new advisory panel even as officials weigh a...
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Calexico native Alejandra Najera pens children’s book
CALEXICO — Calexico native and newly published author Alejandra Najera gave a reading and book talk introducing her children’s book, Sophie and Our Friends, at the Camarena Library this past Monday, July 13. She is a proud Calexico High School Bulldog...
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Ammunition explosions and 115-degree heat force tactical retreat as fire crews battle fourth-alarm blaze in Ocotillo
OCOTILLO — Under the oppressive weight of 115-degree desert heat and howling winds, local firefighters faced a dual threat of exploding ammunition and fast-moving flames during a massive fourth-alarm structure fire here Thursday afternoon. The...
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Readers choose the best of the Valley
IMPERIAL VALLEY - The Readers’ Choice Awards recently awarded several top business and organization certificates for excellence in service and products here in the Imperial Valley, decided by readers themselves. “The Imperial Valley Press Readers’...
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George’s Pizza is still the best in the Valley
HOLTVILLE – The allure and the mystique of the hometown pizzeria is still going strong after 30 years, as George’s Pizza tops the Reader’s Choice Favorites once again for the past 11 years in a row, achieving an almost cult status in the...
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Supervisors boost community funding, awarding over $17K to nonprofits and cooling centers
EL CENTRO — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved the utilization of $17,850 from the Community Benefit Fund on Tuesday, July 7, exceeding the amounts requested by various community nonprofits and programs. The four big-ticket items...
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Valley local attends FIFA World Cup
IMPERIAL VALLEY — For Imperial Valley native Santiago Palacios, soccer was always a part of life and a sport that brought families and friends together, creating community and memories that would last a lifetime. He recently had the opportunity to...
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Holtville celebrates America’s 250th birthday with small town charm
HOLTVILLE — The city of Holtville celebrated the 4th of July early and in style this year, with an afternoon of celebration that included the unveiling of a time capsule and family-friendly festivities all at Holt Park this past Friday, July 3. The...
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Calexico celebrates nation’s 250th anniversary
CALEXICO — The city of Calexico celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary with a small recognition ceremony during the intermission of its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, July 1. The celebration was held in the lobby of the Calexico City...
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West Shores Chamber disappears without a trace
SALTON CITY Grassroots community organizers in the Salton City area have made a public inquiry into the disbursement of funds that non-profit organizations were invited to apply for upon the sale of the old West Shores Chamber of Commerce...
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Calexico Volunteer Alliance Group is making a di erence, one volunteer at a time
CALEXICO — The Calexico Volunteer Alliance Group comprises individuals who dedicate countless hours to helping others, organizing community events, supporting local causes, and stepping up whenever the city needs volunteers. They do this quietly,...
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Poise Studio o ers new fitness options for the valley
IMPERIAL - Fitness enthusiasts now have a new boutique studio in the Imperial Valley, with Poise Studio having officially opened its doors at their grand opening celebration this past Friday, June 26. Poise Studio offers yoga, pilates, and even pole...
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Supervisors approve letter supporting SB 420 to tighten detention facility tax rules
EL CENTRO — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a letter of support for Senate Bill (SB) 420 on Tuesday, June 23, as requested by Chairwoman Peggy Price regarding property tax welfare exemptions for detention facilities. Existing law...
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Calexico gets tough on public safety
CALEXICO – The city of Calexico recently held a series of informational summer meetings and public forums designed to inform residents about public safety concerns shared by both the city’s residents and public officials. The first public forum, held...
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