Imperial Valley Press
Cattle Call Mariachi Night sees biggest crowd ever
BRAWLEY — Brawley’s 70th annual 2026 Cattle Call week is in full swing, with the Mariachi night celebration having taken place in the city’s downtown area on Wednesday, November 11. According to the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Brawley, residents...
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A Veteran’s story: Agustin Saldaña, Veteran of the Year 2026
IMPERIAL — For Navy veteran Agustin Saldaña, being recognized as Veteran of the Year by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors on Thursday, November 5, at the State of the County event was the honor of a lifetime. Agustin’s story is the definition...
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Brothers in Arms lead 13th annual Imperial County Veterans Day Parade
HOLTVILLE — Hundreds of spectators turned out Saturday morning as the city hosted the 13th Annual Imperial County Veterans Day Parade, honoring local service members with a 50-minute procession that wound through downtown Holtville. The event featured...
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Elections signal voters want change
IMPERIAL COUNTY - The outcome of political races in Imperial County have been mostly decided, although 17,000 ballots still remain uncounted, according to the Imperial County Registrar’s office. According to the county’s online Election Summary...
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El Centro Mayor emphasizes community resilience in State of the City Address
EL CENTRO — Mayor Michael Crankshaw delivered Thursday the State of the City address, framing his vision for the municipality’s trajectory through the lens of “Past, Present, and Future” while acknowledging widespread public uncertainty and urging...
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Small Business Expo promotes business savvy practices and community resources
EL CENTRO — The Small Business Development Center hosted its annual Small Business Expo on Wednesday, November 4, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Pavilion. Although the event is held annually, this year’s expo proved to be a valuable reminder of the...
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Voters turn out for election
EL CENTRO — The El Centro Public Library was bustling with excitement and people on Election Day, as citizens of all ages and genders entered the voting center on November 3, exercising their civic right and duty. Imperial resident Robert Diaz has...
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A day of remembrance brings cemetery upkeep into focus
CALEXICO - Mountain View Cemetery in the border city was the site of an annual All Soul’s Day mass hosted by the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Monday, November 2. Although the cemetery is visited by hundreds of families every year,...
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Halloween celebrations embraced by community
IMPERIAL COUNTY - Halloween celebrations all across the Imperial Valley took off this week, with many of them taking place throughout the week, extending the spooky season, much to the delight of children and community members. One particular...
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Cattle Call Rodeo partners with Golden Circle of Champions
BRAWLEY — The Cattle Call Rodeo Board has partnered with Boot Barn and the Golden Circle of Champions to bring awareness about pediatric cancer to the region during this year’s November rodeo season. As part of the process, the board selected two...
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‘My whole life got destroyed:’ Fresno father, 49 years in the United States, suddenly deported to Mexicali
This story was originally published by CalMatters MEXICALI, Mexico — As the smell of manure from California’s Imperial Valley wafted across the border into this sprawling Mexican industrial city, Luis Arreguin glanced up at a burnt-orange cathedral in...
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Toys “R” Us is back, ready for the holiday season
CALEXICO — Toys R Us is back in the border city, now in a brand-new location at the Gran Plaza Outlets, and they are stocking up on toys for the holiday season, much to the delight of young and old toy lovers alike. Having closed their previous and...
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PMH nurses file petition to unionize, seeking formal recognition and seat at decision-making table
BRAWLEY — Registered nurses at Pioneers Memorial Hospital have formally taken steps to organize, filing a petition with state labor authorities to seek union representation. The Pioneers Memorial Hospital RN Organizing Committee announced that on...
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El Centro Public Library hosts Día de los Muertos display
EL CENTRO — A Día de los Muertos altar is on display for public viewing at the El Centro Public Library thanks to longtime Imperial resident Bob Díaz, who came up with the idea himself as an effort to educate the public about a widely celebrated...
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County financial docs overdue again; board room full of pointing fingers
EL CENTRO — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors discussed the County’s tax levies for fiscal year 2026-2027 on Tuesday, October 20, which are due to be adopted and submitted annually by October 3. However, the documentation that is to be...
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New $45 million CHP Headquarters opens in El Centro, expanding capacity tenfold
EL CENTRO — The California Highway Patrol celebrated the opening of its new $45 million El Centro Area headquarters with a community open house, marking the completion of a state-ofthe-art facility designed to dramatically enhance public safety...
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Honor Health Sciences graduates new nursing cohort
EL CENTRO - A graduation and pinning ceremony was held on Sunday, October 18 at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse to honor thirteen local nursing graduates launching into the profession and initiating their careers via Honor Health Sciences’ vocational...
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ECPD new headquarters is built to serve, ready for the future
El CENTRO - The El Centro Police Department officially inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art police headquarters this past Thursday, October 15, with city leaders and members of the public gathering together with law enforcement in commemoration of the...
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Should California taxpayers chip in to fund political campaigns? Prop. 4 lets you decide
This story was originally published by CalM-atters In 1988, a Democrat, a Republican and an independent in the state Legislature co-authored a ballot measure to ban most political campaigns from using public money. Their rationale? There was already...
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BOS rejects term limits; denies voters chance to decide
EL CENTRO — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors considered a resolution to impose supervisorial term limits on Tuesday, October 13, in which a lifetime limit of three terms was proposed for members of the Board of Supervisors. The Board’s approval...
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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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