Imperial Valley Press
From the edge of the New River to a new beginning: One man’s fight for redemption
On the dusty banks of the Rio Nuevo, one of Mexicali’s busiest thoroughfares, Alfredo Raygoza spent years carving a life out of whatever he could find. Deported from the United States in 2019 and separated from his family in Arizona, Raygoza arrived...
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California billionaire tax proposal attracts 1.5 million signatures. Here’s what happens next
LOS ANGELES — California, home to the ultra-rich in Silicon Valley and Hollywood, is embroiled in a heated fight over whether to tax billionaires to fund healthcare. This week, supporters of the proposed billionaire tax began submitting nearly 1.6...
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Some Tijuana police officers begin wearing body cameras, with a focus on tourist areas
Police officers in Tijuana, Mexico, are now equipped with body cameras in an effort to strengthen transparency and accountability, officials said. Last week in a video posted on social media, Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño announced the initial...
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PROUD OF YOUR GARDEN?
Send us photos of your garden and we will run some in the newspaper. Send photos, caption and contact information to [email protected]
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Landscaper faces multiple drug and DUI violations
Imperial County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 51-year-old Jose Reynaldo Valdez Barraza at the intersection of Stardust and Niles Avenue. Valdez Barraza, a landscaper, faces six violations, including possession of a narcotic controlled substance,...
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From the border to the Riviera: Student filmmakers set their sights on Cannes
A group of young filmmakers from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) is one step away from trading the scorching heat of the desert for the glamour of the French Riviera. Their short film, La Hija del Sol (The Daughter of the Sun), has...
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Baja California lawmakers unanimously back federal reform to standardize femicide laws
The Baja California Assembly voted unanimously to endorse a federal constitutional reform aimed at standardizing how femicide is prosecuted across Mexico, a move designed to eliminate legal loopholes that vary by state. The reform to Article 73 of the...
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Construction worker apprehended on out-of-county warrant
A construction worker was detained on an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction. According to sheriff’s records, Juan Antonio Brito Jr., 32, was arrested on Second Street. Brito is being held on a $75,000 bail for the out-ofcounty warrant. He...
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Assemblyman Gonzalez named 2026 Veteran of the Year
IMPERIAL — Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) was named 2026 Veteran of the Year this past weekend by the Calexico Baja Runners, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, youth, and families across Imperial County. A 21-year combat...
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‘Strong Families, Safe Futures’ celebrated at Bucklin Park Children’s Fair
EL CENTRO – Bucklin Park was overtaken by youth once again this April as Imperial County Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council co-hosted its 45th Annual Children’s Fair at Bucklin Park on Saturday, April 18, with the Imperial County Office of Education....
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Sherri Kukla debuts new book Riders on the Storm
IMPERIAL — Local writer Sherri Kukla, who is from Ocotillo Wells, held a writer’s presentation of her latest book, “Riders On the Storm,” on Tuesday, April 14, at the PionYeoerusrMnuesweusm, o. ur According to the book’s blurb, Riders on the Storm “is...
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‘Feral,’ chair-throwing Adam Driver also was reportedly rude to NPR’s Terry Gross
Adam Driver is at the center of a fervid news cycle that is reminding him and everyone else that he has a reputation for being a certain type of supposedly serious actor: Temperamental, hot-headed, “spectacularly rude.” That’s because his former...
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Post-Stephen Colbert, CBS still wants an original late-night show
LOS ANGELES — CBS hasn’t given up on producing an original late-night show — despite easing Stephen Colbert out the door. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” ends next month after CBS canceled the popular program, citing financial pressures. The...
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HAPPENING TOMORROW
April 16 Al-Anon in Spanish WHEN Noon to 2:00 p.m. WHERE ALANO CLUB, 564 Broadway St., El Centro, CA 92243 INFO Fe y Esperanza group meetings are held in Spanish to provide relief to family members and friends of alcoholic individuals. Lunch @ the...
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Hollywood stars line up against Paramount’s Warner Bros. acquisition
LOS ANGELES — A constellation of stars are lining up against Paramount’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, expressing fears the blockbuster merger would devastate the industry and shrink production jobs. The letter was signed by nearly...
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Fate of Supervisor Peggy Price’s seat uncertain amid potential recall push
EL CENTRO — The sentiment for a possible recall of at least one county supervisor was triggered Your news, our passion by what some community members perceived as unfair treatment and lack of respect during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting that...
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READERS’ PHOTOS
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El Centro young artists to master visual storytelling at ‘Comic Stars’ workshop
EL CENTRO — Local teenagers looking to transform their sketches into cinematic stories now have a dedicated space to hone their craft. The City of El Centro Parks and Recreation department has launched “Comic Stars: Comic Illustration Fundamentals,” a...
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Blake Lively demands Justin Baldoni say if he’ll testify at trial, with no sign of settlement in case
NEW YORK — Lawyers for Blake Lively on Tuesday asked a judge to compel her “It Ends with Us” co-star Justin Baldoni and others she’s suing for retaliation to disclose whether they will take the stand at the trial starting next month, with talks over a...
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Tortoises and hares bring Easter joy to families
HOLTVILLE — Tortoises and hares joined forces on a bright and sunny spring morning in Holtville to bring joy and laughter to children as families celebrated Easter festivities at Holt Park on Saturday, April 4. The tortoise race is a unique and...
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Chicano Rap veteran Mr. Knightmare breaks barriers, embraces sobriety after 27 years in the game
EL CENTRO — In an industry often characterized by transient trends and sudden viral hits, the artist known as Mr. Knightmare is pursuing a long-term strategy. With 27 years of experience, the Mexicali-born rapper is currently witnessing the fruits of...
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Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni dismissed by judge
LOS ANGELES — A federal judge has dismissed Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni, sharply narrowing a case that has become one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal battles. In a...
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Megan Thee Stallion recovering after hospitalization for ‘extreme exhaustion, dehydration’
LOS ANGELES — Megan Thee Stallion is on the mend after a bout of “concerning symptoms” landed her in the hospital Tuesday evening, cutting her latest “Moulin Rouge” performance short. A spokesperson for the rap star, 31, confirmed to The Times on...
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Brawley tables letter to nImteprermiaeletincgouenrtyurpegtasrding county regarding Northern Horizons project chaos, sparks outrage on both sides Horizons project
receive ashes, we remember rCecHeRivISeTaINshAeUs,RwIAeRrTeEmembSetraouwr our own mortality. We’re reminded mortality. that we We’re have limited reminded time that on we this havEeLlimCEitNedTRtimOe—onAtnhis earth, and we ought to eIamrtphe, make...
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Mariska Hargitay to replace Daniel Radcli e in ‘Every Brilliant Thing’
Mariska Hargitay of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” fame is heading to Broadway to replace Daniel Radcliffe in “Every Brilliant Thing” when he leaves the solo show in May. The Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actress will breathe new life into the...
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A life of kindness: Community honors beloved educator
IMPERIAL - For the family of Lupita Olguin-Rubio, the memory of their beloved daughter, sister, wife, and mother lovingly nicknamed ‘Pita’ can be summarized in one word – kindness. Lupita Olguin was born in Mexicali on December 24, 1970 and came to...
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The Oscars are leaving Hollywood in 2029, ending long run at Dolby Theatre
LOS ANGELES — The Oscars are leaving Hollywood — or at least Hollywood Boulevard. Beginning in 2029, the Academy Awards will move from the Dolby Theatre, their home for nearly a quarter century, to L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, the Academy of...
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Stephen Colbert goes from late night to ‘Lord of the Rings’: Host set to co-write new movie script
LOS ANGELES — Stephen Colbert, with the end of his late-night series less than two months away, already has a new gig lined up: co-writing the script for an upcoming “Lord of the Rings” movie. Peter Jackson, the visionary filmmaker who adapted author...
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Bob Dylan announces 2026 summer tour. Here are all the dates
SAN DIEGO — Bob Dylan, who turns 85 on May 24, won’t be kicking back after his spring tour concludes on May 1 in Texas. The iconic singer-songwriter is hitting the road again this summer with his band for a tour that will include Dylan’s first-ever...
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READERS’ PHOTOS
Send photos, caption and contact information to [email protected]
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Schools move to minimize Chavez’s role in civil rights movement: ‘We stand with survivors of violence’
César Chávez is woven throughout California’s social studies curriculum—as a labor leader, civil rights hero, and practitioner of nonviolent protest. That’s about to change. State education officials on Wednesday urged teachers to minimize the role...
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Mexicali man arrested in fatal stabbing at Villa Florida mechanic shop
Police arrested a 39-year-old man Wednesday night after he allegedly stood up from a wheelchair and fatally stabbed a mechanic at a shop in the Villa Florida neighborhood. The incident occurred near the intersection of Paseo Florida and De Los...
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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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