Imperial Valley Press
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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Supervisors approve $797.3 million budget
EL CENTRO — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved the recommended budget for the 20262027 fiscal year on Tuesday, June 23, and it will move forward with formal budget hearings beginning on August 18 before the official adoption of the...
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Senator Steve Padilla visits valley, seeks support for legislation
EL CENTRO — State Senator Steve Padilla held an informational town hall meeting on Thursday, June 18, at the El Centro Community Center to discuss his upcoming legislative bills, including a couple of them concerning data centers and broader...
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Brawley Lions Center pool reopens to the public
BRAWLEY — The Lions Center held its grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the debut of its renovated pool after a three-year process on Saturday, June 20. “Welcome to the reopening of the Lion’s Center Pool! After three years, we are excited...
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Calexico doubles down on community clean-up efforts; invites the public to park cleanup
CALEXICO — Community clean-up efforts in the city of Calexico have intensified among both business owners and residents, who say they are tired of a decades-long cleanliness problem that continues to make the city an eyesore. Calexico residents say...
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Calipatria breaks ground on new community park
Staff Writer CALIPATRIA—The official groundbreaking ceremony for Calipatria’s new Community Center and Park took place this past Tuesday, June 16, and featured a unifying celebration to which the entire community was invited. As a small city with a...
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IVC ag students showcase research at UC Desert Research Center
HOLTVILLE — Twelve Imperial Valley College agriculture students recently presented the results of hands-on field research conducted through a partnership between Imperial Valley College and the University of California Desert Research and Extension...
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IVC graduates achieve milestone moment
IMPERIAL — Imperial Valley College celebrated its 2026 commencement ceremony this past Saturday, June 13, inside the college’s De Paoli Sports Complex, marking a major milestone in the lives of the graduation class of students and their families. This...
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Remembering the legacy of Emma Jones
EL CENTRO - Longtime educator Emma Jones recently passed away on June 9, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, care, and dedication in a career that spanned over five decades with the Central Union High School District and amongst the many students and...
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FIFA World Cup kicks off locally
EL CENTRO–The Mexican Consulate of Imperial Valley, along with several partner agencies, gathered at the Imperial Valley Mall on Thursday, June 11, kicking off the FIFA World Soccer Cup event this year. An excited crowd gathered at the food court to...
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Republican Steve Hilton to face Becerra in November
Republican Steve Hilton will advance to the November general election in the race for California governor, setting up a longshot contest against Democrat Xavier Becerra in which he’s promised to slash spending and regulations if elected. Hilton, a...
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Adaptive Catechism Program culminates year
CALEXICO—The Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Parish successfully wrapped up its first-ever adaptive catechism program this year with two recent celebrations for the entire Imperial Valley Catholic community. The parish offered the first holy communion...
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Calexico Bulldogs step into the future
CALEXICO — Calexico High School celebrated 580 graduates for its 2026 graduating class at Ward Field this past Thursday evening, June 4, amongst a large crowd of excited parents and family members who came to support their graduates as they crossed the...
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Central Union High School District celebrates graduates
EL CENTRO—The Central Union High School District wrapped up its school year with pomp and circumstance as well as a record number of graduates who walked across the stage to receive their diplomas this year, totaling almost 1,000 within the...
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Imperial Valley stays course as local primary turnout plummets to record lows
EL CENTRO—In a primary election marked by deeply subdued voter turnout, Imperial County voters stuck closely to familiar leadership in federal and state races while setting up several high-stakes local runoffs for the November general...
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Soroptimist Club hosts Lanterns of Hope event
EL CENTRO — The Soroptimist Club of Imperial Valley held a special event called “Lanterns of Hope” at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse this past Sunday, May 31, with the intention of inspiring local women and girls to dream bigger and pursue their...
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Raising Hope Collective holds soft opening
EL CENTRO — The Raising Hope Collective opened its doors on Monday, June 1, ushering in fresh possibilities and new vendors in their artistic and entrepreneurial collective indoor space in downtown El Centro. New owner Dalila Singh-Stevenson decided...
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Man arrested on drug and resisting violations
A man was taken into custody following an encounter with local law enforcement, according to public booking logs from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office. Daniel Diaz Viloria, 52, was arrested by the El Centro Police Department. Authorities pulled...
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Imperial Regional Detention Facility earns perfect score in National Health Care Audit
CALEXICO — The Imperial Regional Detention Facility has achieved a perfect score during a recent audit by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), clearing the path for official accreditation. The comprehensive health care audit,...
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Baja California engineering students headed to Global Underwater Robotics Championship in Canada
Facing freezing waters, heavy waves, and strong currents, a team of engineering students from Baja California is preparing to test their mettle on the global stage. The SeaFox Inventive team, hailing from the CETYS University Campus Mexicali School of...
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Weapons arrest executed
Brawley police officers arrested a self-employed resident for carrying a loaded weapon, according to the sheriff’s department log. Andy Jaimes Sanchez Ojeda, 22, was taken into custody along West Main Street. Sanchez Ojeda faces a felony allegation of...
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Calexico chicken restaurant wins Regional SBA Rural Business of the Year Award
CALEXICO – Twelve years ago, Beatriz and Daniel Serrano opened a small restaurant with plenty of ambition but absolutely zero industry experience. There were grueling days, steep learning curves, and moments when they seriously considered throwing in...
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