Imperial Valley Press
Sarah Michelle Gellar says one executive made ‘Bu y’ reboot an ‘uphill battle’ from the start
LOS ANGELES — It turns out the “Buffy” reboot was fighting its own metaphorical monster: an executive who was outspoken about his lack of love for the original series. Sarah Michelle Gellar has addressed Hulu’s decision to kill the much-anticipated...
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Disney’s Dana Walden sets leadership team; Bergman remains film studios chief
LOS ANGELES — Walt Disney Co.’ incoming president and chief creative officer, Dana Walden, has unveiled her leadership team, which includes several familiar faces from the company’s film, television and marketing units. Walden will become Disney’s...
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Imperial parent alleges pattern of abuse, retaliation by middle school administrator
IMPERIAL — A local father is calling for the immediate removal of a Frank Wright Middle School administrator, alleging a years-long pattern of ignored bullying, due process violations, and criminal witness intimidation targeting his son. Jeffrey...
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Diocese of Mexicali to host regional march for ‘Life and Dignity’
The Diocese of Mexicali is calling on the faithful and the general public to take to the streets later this month for a coordinated march aimed at promoting family values and human dignity. The event, titled “Walking Together for Family, Life, and...
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Misty Copeland, ballerina who promoted ‘Marty Supreme,’ reacts to Timothée Chalamet comments
LOS ANGELES — Misty Copeland, the trailblazing ballet star formerly of the American Ballet Theatre, has joined the chorus of fine arts personalities rebuking Timothée Chalamet for his dismissive comments about ballet and opera. During a panel this...
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Desperation or genius? The 49ers go all in on Mike Evans
The San Francisco 49ers’ signing of wide receiver Mike Evans is not just a splashy, big-name transaction to start off NFL free agency. No, it’s a terrifying, exhilarating, high-wire act performed without a safety net, hovering over a pit of hungry...
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SAG-AFTRA extends contract negotiations as WGA finalizes demands before meeting with major studios
LOS ANGELES — As Hollywood writers continue contract negotiations with major studios, one topic remains front and center: the role of AI. On Friday, the Writers Guild of America released a list of contract demands which 97% of the union membership...
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‘Doing more with less’: Imperial County fights federal cost-shifts threatening 100,000 Medi-Cal residents
EL CENTRO — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved sending letters regarding the impacts of H.R. 1 and the county’s 2026 state budget priorities on Tuesday, March 3. The board directed the County Executive Office to submit the letters to...
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High School Madness tradition alive and well in 2026
IMPERIAL — High School Madness was alive in an electric sea of noise, with students from all of the seven major high schools in the Valley waving neon sticks and cheering on their schools with their representative school colors, pride, and...
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Tourism slump hits Baja California following death of Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’
Cross-border tourism in Baja California has plummeted by as much as 30% following a wave of violence triggered by the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” business leaders said this...
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Woman apprehended on narcotics and paraphernalia offenses
A 44-year-old woman was arrested after police allegedly found her in possession of drugs and paraphernalia. Ana Vannessa Rodriguez was arrested on Ross Avenue. El Centro Police booked Rodriguez at 3:37 a.m. on Feb. 28 for possession of a controlled...
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Holtville High Senior nominated for prestigious Presidential Scholars Program
HOLTVILLE — For Kyle Self, the blue corduroy jacket of the FFA is more than just a uniform; it’s a catalyst for a life driven by purpose. The Holtville High School senior was recently named one of only five students in California nominated for the...
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Imperial Valley College welcomes Dr. “Jules” Johnson as Vice President of Academic Services
IMPERIAL — Imperial Valley College recently welcomed a new Vice President of Academic Services, Dr. “Jules” Johnson, who has been in their new position for approximately two months now. Excited to join the IVC campus, Dr. Jules originally hails from...
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Rolling Stones reportedly deny giving ‘blessing’ for their song to be in ‘Melania’
Sources close to Mick Jagger dispute a claim by the producer of Melania Trump’s controversial documentary that he and the Rolling Stones were closely involved in their song, “Gimme Shelter,” being used in the film’s soundtrack. A spokesperson for the...
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Nexstar lays o local TV journalists including KTLA’s Glen Walker and Lu Parker
Nexstar Media Group is slashing personnel from its TV stations, including several on-air veterans at Los Angeles outlet KTLA. Glen Walker and Lu Parker, anchors of KTLA’s late morning and midday newscasts, are out along with meteorologist Mark Kriski,...
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HAPPENING TOMORROW
Feb. 26 Law Enforcement Prayer Posse WHEN 9 a.m. WHERE Imperial County Sheri’s Oce, 328 Applestill Rd., El Centro INFO Please pray with us for their protection from your home, work or alongside us. Call 760-353-5059 for information about the full...
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The stories behind all 5 Oscar-nominated original songs
The 2026 original song contenders come from deep inside the characters singing them: a simple man wistfully looking back on his ordinary life; a budding bluesman with talent to burn down the house; a 17-time Oscar nominee; a demon-hunting K-pop star...
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Borderlands ignite for the Year of the Fire Horse
Celebrations are planned for Chinese New Year 2026 in both Mexicali and Imperial Valley, signifying a growing tradition and pride in our local shared Chinese culture and heritage. This year marks the year of the Fire Horse, which symbolizes energy,...
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‘Ripped from me’: Soldotna family taken by ICE deported to Mexico as teen remains in Anchorage jail
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — On Tuesday morning, Alexander Sanchez-Ramos went outside to smoke a cigarette on the porch of his Soldotna home when he noticed a cluster of unmarked SUVs with tinted windows gathering on his street. At first, he wasn’t sure...
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Calexico Gran Plaza Outlet hosts job fair
CALEXICO — The Gran Plaza Outlets in Calexico hosted an Abilities in Action Job & Resource Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Although the weather had just turned cold and windy, job seekers and employers were undeterred in connecting with each other and...
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Spirit of Renewal: Imperial Valley Islamic Center begins Month of Ramadan
EL CENTRO — As the sun dipped below the horizon last night, the Muslim community in the Imperial Valley and around the globe began a month of reflection, discipline, and communal renewal. Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, began on...
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Teen violence awareness panel draws attention to a sensitive community issue
CALEXICO — A public forum entitled “Teen Dating Violence Awareness” took place on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Kiki Camarena Library, intending to raise awareness about an issue that affects many adolescents, their families, and their peers. A panel of...
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Local family restaurant ‘Cabañas, Pupusas y Más’ outshines national chains in Google community ratings
EL CENTRO — In the competitive landscape of the Imperial Valley food scene, a small family-run business operating out of a local home located just across from Central Union High School on Brighton Avenue has achieved the unthinkable: outranking major...
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El Centro honors outgoing Mayor Sonia Carter for a year of ‘unwavering commitment’
EL CENTRO – In a ceremony marked by a five-inch-thick binder of accomplishments and a parade of local and federal dignitaries, the El Centro City Council celebrated the tenure of outgoing Mayor Sonia Carter on Wednesday night. Despite the evening...
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‘Hostile environment’: Local parents allege pattern of bullying and misconduct at Cross Elementary
IMPERIAL — Lucina Loo has seen her son’s academic success—he is a consistent Honor Society student—overshadowed by what she describes as years of systemic harassment, physical injury, and emotional trauma at Cross Elementary School. In a recent...
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Trusted Care Home Health to host free senior health fair at Imperial Valley Mall
EL CENTRO — For many seniors in Imperial Valley, quality medical care doesn’t always happen in a hospital. Increasingly, it is happening right at home. Trusted Care Home Health is working to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Trusted Care, a...
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Recycled art, literacy, and community: Taco Takes a Trip comes to life at After Hours Bookstore
EL CENTRO — On Saturday, El Centro’s After-Hours Bookstore transformed into a space of imagination, learning, and community connection as author and educator Raquel Kelemen presented her children’s book Taco Takes a Trip. The event brought together...
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Gonzalez amasses major cash lead in reelection race for California’s 36th Assembly District
SACRAMENTO — Incumbent Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez has entered the 2026 election cycle with a formidable financial lead, outraising his Democratic challengers by a wide margin, according to campaign finance disclosures filed Feb. 2. Gonzalez,...
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Calexico City Council discusses building fees and downtown safety
CALEXICO–The Calexico City Council will consider a series of policy actions and funding decisions aimed at improving public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and community facilities at its upcoming meeting. The Council reviewed a request...
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Republican Steve Hilton leads California governor fundraising as large pool of Democrats lag
Republican Steve Hilton is pulling in more campaign cash than nearly all other candidates in a tepid fundraising cycle for California governor in a wide-open race with no clear frontrunners, campaign finance reports filed Monday show. Hilton, a...
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Mariachi Acero to play free Valentine’s Day concert
EL CENTRO — Mariachi Acero del Valle is inviting Imperial County to celebrate with a free Valentine’s Day concert. This will be the group’s third year hosting the special event, called Noche De Amor, or Night of Love in English. Carlos Uribe, the band...
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Partial government shutdown: What you need to know
IMPERIAL COUNTY — On Thursday, January 28, the U.S. Senate did not pass a funding bill, which included additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a press release, United States...
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Local residents protest return of CBP Chief to El Centro, citing ‘lawlessness’ and misconduct
IMPERIAL — A small but vocal group of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection headquarters on Thursday, voicing sharp opposition to the return of Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino and the aggressive federal tactics they say...
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Immigration arrests quietly surge by 1,500% in San Diego, Imperial counties
While the Trump administration’s immigration blitz hit Midwestern cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, a quieter escalation unfolded in San Diego late last year with agents making thousands of arrests in and around the city. Government data analyzed...
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Athletic Art of Dance Pilates Studio celebrates first anniversary with community-focused events
CALEXICO — Athletic Art of Dance Pilates Studio is marking its first year in Calexico by celebrating what owner and instructor Karen Osuna describes as a year of growth, learning, and community connection. Founded in early January 2025, the studio has...
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Report: Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino to return to his post in El Centro
EL CENTRO — Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Border Patrol official, will be reassigned back to El Centro to resume his duties as chief of the El Centro Sector Border Patrol. This was reported by multiple news outlets, citing sources familiar with DHS...
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May the STEM be with them: Local girls explore careers at Second Annual STEAM WARS
EL CENTRO — As if traveling through time and space, girls from throughout the Valley journeyed along Central Union High School’s STEM building for the STEAM WARS & Beyond: Dream It, Be It – Career Support for Girls Conference on Saturday, Jan. 24. The...
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New El Centro manufacturer specializes in mining and water recycling systems
EL CENTRO— A steel processing and fabrication operation has quietly hit El Centro with a growing role in water recycling. The company, a family-founded steel fabrication business dating back to the 1970s, specializes in manufacturing largescale...
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Hands-on learning takes center stage at IVROP CTE Showcase
IMPERIAL–Students across Imperial Valley got the chance to showcase their skills during a Career Technical Education (CTE) showcase at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds on January 22, 2026. Alyssa Tirado, program manager for the Educational Services...
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Newsom touts gains against EBT theft as Trump presses blue states on benefits fraud
Two years after a wave of public benefit thefts that left low-income Californians scrambling to pay rent and afford food each month, Gov. Gavin Newsom is touting a significant decline in the reported amount stolen. The thefts still amounted to more...
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Calexico leaders propose ‘Light-Up-Downtown’ initiative to revitalize historic core
CALEXICO — In a bid to transform the safety and aesthetic appeal of its historic center, the Calexico City Council is considering a major shift in how it spends local transportation tax dollars. During Wednesday’s council meeting, Councilmembers Lisa...
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Imperial Valley observes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
EL CENTRO — Imperial Valley communities came together on Martin Luther King Day for a Freedom Walk, starting at the MLK Junior Sports Pavilion in El Centro and ending at the steps of the Imperial County Courthouse. King was born on January 15, 1929;...
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Portions of Imperial Valley designated National Defense Area under Navy authority
IMPERIAL COUNTY — Portions of the Imperial Valley near the southern border have been placed under expanded military authority following the designation of National Defense Area 5 (NDA 5), “Southern California-Imperial Valley,” now officially...
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Unwind & Design Creative Studio expands inclusive art programs
EL CENTRO — Unwind & Design Creative Studio in El Centro is expanding its mission, offering inclusive art and music classes designed to bring people of all ages and abilities together. Unwind & Design offers a range of classes and events, including...
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Calexico reopens City Hall on Fridays
CALEXICO — Starting this week and after several years, City Hall will open on Fridays, the city said. In a post made on social media over the weekend, the City of Calexico announced the reopening of City Hall beginning on Jan. 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00...
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In Simple Terms Podcast highlights local community concerns in Imperial Valley
EL CENTRO — Ashley Contreras, founder and CEO of Access To Thrive, is taking on a new medium: podcasts, with the recently launched “In Simple Terms.” Contreras said the podcast aims to break down topics like local politics, energy developments, and...
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Congressman Ruiz slams CDC overhaul of childhood vaccine schedule
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) issued a blistering rebuke of the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, following a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. childhood vaccination schedule that scales back routine immunization...
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El Centro bakery o ers vegan and gluten-free Rosca de Reyes options
EL CENTRO—Catholics and Christians in the Imperial Valley and around the world are celebrating Dia de Los Reyes, or Three Kings Day—a holiday commemorating the day the three Wise Men gave gifts to baby Jesus. Traditions include leaving gifts in shoes...
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Abatti pleads not guilty; defense issues statement
EL CENTRO — Michael Abatti, the suspect in the November 20 homicide of Kerri Ann Abatti in Pinetop, Arizona, pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance in Navajo County. According to a press release from the Navajo County Attorney’s Office,...
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Sixth Annual Heber Tamale Festival returns with food, music, and cars
HEBER — The Tamale Festival here is returning for its sixth year. The event promises live music, a car show, a jalapeno contest, a dance contest, and more. The organizers, Wasupwu Productions, spoke to the Imperial Valley Press about what attendees...
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County appoints Bari Bean as Assistant County Executive O cer
EL CENTRO — Imperial County officials announced on Monday night the promotion of Bari Bean to Assistant County Executive Officer, a move intended to centralize leadership over the region’s most ambitious economic and energy initiatives. Bean, a...
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Navajo County Sheri ’s O ce gives update on Abatti murder case
HOLBROOK, Ariz. — The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference on December 29, 2025, in Arizona regarding the November 20 murder of Kerri Ann Abatti. Earlier this month, authorities executed several warrants at the properties of Mike...
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Calexico’s Denny’s destroyed in Christmas Day fire
CALEXICO – A fire engulfed the Denny’s restaurant in Calexico on Christmas Day, prompting a multi-agency emergency response, according to Calexico Fire Chief Juan Contreras. The Calexico Fire Department responded to the structure fire and was assisted...
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Simply At Home closing El Centro location after 8 years
EL CENTRO – After eight years in business, Simply At Home Antiques and Collectibles is shutting its doors at its El Centro location, marking the end of a chapter for one of the area’s longtime vintage and collectible shops. Store co-owner Bill...
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Free Book Fridges bring literature – and community spirit – to Bombay Beach and beyond
BOMBAY BEACH – What began as a simple desire to share books in one of California’s most remote desert communities has grown into an unconventional literacy project made from an unlikely material: discarded refrigerators. The Free Book Fridge project,...
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Women in Business network brings connection, strategy and self-care to Imperial Valley entrepreneurs
EL CENTRO – Women entrepreneurs from across Imperial County gathered December 13 for the latest Women in Business Network event, an in-person networking and professional development session designed to foster collaboration, personal growth and...
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Calexico Mayor, council member clash over Friday City Hall closures
CALEXICO — Tensions flared during a recent Calexico City Council meeting as Mayor Diana Nuricumbo and Council Member Lisa Tylenda accused colleagues of intentionally stalling a proposal to restore a five-day workweek at City Hall. The debate centered...
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Public weighs in on land merger tied to proposed data center
EL CENTRO – Following a nearly four-hour public meeting on a proposed land merger tied to a data center project in Imperial, the Imperial County Planning Commission did not pass the vote to approve the agenda item. Despite the vote not passing, a...
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Calexico native Mariano Velez shares childhood stories in debut book
CALEXICO — Mariano Velez III remembers a childhood defined by scraped knees, dusty baseball fields, and riding bicycles until the sun set. That era, long before smartphones, social media, and streaming services, is the heart of his debut book titled...
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Meet the Ruck March Militia
IMPERIAL COUNTY — A local grassroots group in Imperial County called Ruck March Militia is using ruck marching—walking long distances with weighted backpacks—as a way to promote community and fitness. Jose Rodriguez, the founder and a veteran, spoke...
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Mexican Consulate, El Centro team up to bring Juarez artist’s Retrospective to Imperial Valley
EL CENTRO — The Mexican Consulate in Calexico and the City of El Centro are once again partnering to enrich the region’s cultural landscape, this time by bringing the vibrant work of renowned Ciudad Juárez artist Antonio Muñoz to the Imperial...
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City of Imperial sues County to halt massive data center project, City of El Centro responds
EL CENTRO — The City of Imperial has filed a lawsuit against Imperial County and its Board of Supervisors, seeking to block the development of a nearly 1-million-squarefoot data center complex that city officials claim was fast-tracked without proper...
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DOI to transfer public land in Imperial County to the Navy
The measure seeks to establish a National Defense Area WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior will transfer jurisdiction of roughly 760 acres of public land in San Diego and Imperial Counties, California, to the Department of the Navy for a...
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County solar cap on agricultural land goes into effect
EL CENTRO — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a temporary one-year moratorium to limit the use of agricultural land for solar or battery energy development on Tuesday, December 9, in addition to county staff ’s completion of a...
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Imperial Valley welcomes record class of new teachers in ceremony
EL CENTRO — For Elizabeth Garcia, the road to earning her teaching credential was “very tough,” but as she celebrated her graduation ceremony on Monday, her overwhelming feeling was one of pride and excitement. A lifelong Calexico resident, Garcia has...
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IID’s Festival of Lights shines bright at the Fairgrounds
IMPERIAL — The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) welcomed thousands of Imperial Valley residents on December 6, 2025, as it kicked off its second annual Festival of Lights at the Imperial Valley fairgrounds. Though best known for water and power...
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Imperial Valley event collective celebrates one year, announces venue expansion
EL CENTRO — Todo Para Eventos by IVG Events, a women-led collective of event service providers, marked its first anniversary on Saturday, November 29, reflecting on a year of significant learning, community partnerships, and preparing for an ambitious...
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Saul Alejandro Rodriguez to be extradited to Mexicali to face charges of raping a minor
IMPERIAL COUNTY — Saul Rodriguez is set to be extradited to Mexicali to face charges of rape, as previously reported by the Imperial Valley Press. Rodriguez surfaced in Texas after making a congressional bid in Texas’ District 30. On August 19, 2025,...
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Multiple warrants served at Abatti property as homicide investigation continues
EL CENTRO — The Navajo County Sheriff ’s Office has released new details in the ongoing investigation into the November 20 homicide of 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti in Pinetop, Arizona, announcing a series of search warrants executed in El Centro. On...
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Major hyperscale data center proposed near Imperial, awaits agency review
IMPERIAL — Imperial County has initiated the first formal review of a massive, technologically advanced data center campus proposed for unincorporated land near the city of Imperial. The project, which promises to bring significant digital...
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Brawley City Council to honor Jimmy Duran on his retirement
BRAWLEY — The Brawley City Council agenda for Tuesday, December 2, includes a proclamation honoring Police Chief Jimmy Duran on the occasion of his retirement. The proclamation will be presented by outgoing Mayor Gil Rebollar. The council will also...
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Conservation groups urge Feds to block California desert gold mine expansion
IMPERIAL COUNTY — A coalition of tribal and environmental leaders is calling on the federal government to halt the expansion of a gold mine in a biodiverse and culturally significant desert landscape, arguing the project threatens irreplaceable...
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CCV, UCSD release study on economic opportunities in Lithium Valley
Report outlines potential for clean-energy jobs, challenges for local workforce BRAWLEY — The Comité Cívico del Valle (CCV), in partnership with the UC San Diego Labor Center, released a comprehensive report on Tuesday analyzing the economic...
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Brawley Union High School students provide Thanksgiving for a holiday food drive
BRAWLEY — Brawley Union High School students helped make Thanksgiving a little easier for 30 of their fellow students and their families. This year, they collected more than 800 items as part of a two-week Thanksgiving drive, coordinated through the...
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