Imperial County, CA — On March 24, 2026, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors directed staff to send a formal letter to Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez and State Senator Steve Padilla requesting their assistance regarding the future of Sonrisa Villa in Holtville and the broader need for senior care resources in Imperial County.
The Board’s action comes amid serious concerns surrounding Sonrisa Villa, which is currently operating under a Temporary Suspension Order issued earlier this year. A temporary management company was brought in under a 90-day contract set to expire next month, and approximately 70 residents remain at the facility. Sonrisa Villa is an assisted living facility currently accepting Medi-Cal residents, making it a critical resource for low-income seniors and their families.
“Our intent is not to create fear or alarm, but to make sure this issue receives the attention it deserves,” said Chairwoman Peggy Price. “This is about protecting vulnerable seniors, supporting families and workers, and ensuring that Imperial County is not left with even fewer options for assisted living and long-term care.”
In its letter, the County asks state partners to help ensure there is a safe and coordinated plan for current residents, explore options to maintain operations locally or identify a qualified operator, evaluate potential state funding or flexibility for rural assisted living capacity, and work with the County on long-term solutions to strengthen senior care services in Imperial County.
If Sonrisa Villa were to close, many residents could be forced to relocate outside the Imperial Valley, away from their families, medical providers, and support systems. The County is also concerned about the broader impacts on workers, family caregivers, hospitals, emergency services, Adult Protective Services, the Area Agency on Aging, and the Public Administrator/Public Guardian Office.
“Imperial County deserves a senior care system that allows older adults to age with dignity, remain close to their loved ones, and continue receiving care in their own community,” Price said. “We are asking the State to partner with us on both the immediate needs tied to Sonrisa Villa and the longer-term challenge of building a stronger continuum of care in rural communities like ours.”
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors remains committed to working collaboratively with the State, local partners, and the County’s legislative delegation to support resident well-being, continuity of care, workforce stability, and long-term planning for senior services in the Imperial Valley. That collaborative, non-alarmist framing is consistent with the letter itself.