Imperial County
IMPERIALCOUNTY.ORG
A Message from the Chair
Chairwoman
Peggy Price
March reflected the strength, resilience, and spirit of Imperial County as we continued advancing important conversations, recognizing community leadership, and celebrating the people who help move our region forward. From environmental education and public health awareness to statewide recognition for our Behavioral Health Services team’s leadership in implementing the CARE Act, this month highlighted the power of collaboration and service. We also proudly recognized Women’s History Month and Autism Awareness, honoring the contributions, experiences, and voices that help shape a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
From Pet of the Month to Forever Home
Just a few days after the Board recognized Cookie as Pet of the Month, she found her furever home. Her story is a wonderful reminder of how a little extra visibility and community support can make all the difference in helping deserving pets find loving families.
March's Sunshine Moments
Air Pollution Control District
Salton Sea Visit with Southwest High School Students through the AB 617 and Project ACE Partnership
In collaboration with the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, Southwest High School students enrolled in the Career Technical Education Community Health Worker program participated in an immersive educational field experience at the Salton Sea Management Area Restoration Site. This trip to the Salton Sea aligned with the school’s Project ACE - Air Community Education – initiative by giving their students hands-on learning experiences focused on environmental health and the impacts of air quality on community well-being.
Highschool students explored active restoration efforts at the Salton Sea designed to reduce dust emissions, improve air quality, and restore natural habitats. The Salton Sea is an area critically linked toenvironmental health and public health in the Imperial County.
Behavioral Health Services
A Statewide Leader in Behavioral Health Response
On March 2, 2026, Imperial County was named one of California’s ten inaugural CARE Champions by Governor Gavin Newsom for its strong implementation of the CARE Act. This recognition reflects the County’s leadership in connecting residents living with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders to treatment, housing, and long-term stability, strengthening recovery outcomes and overall community wellness.
Child Support Services
Leading the State in Support and Efficiency
Imperial County Department of Child Support Services ranked #1 in California for cost-effectiveness in Federal Fiscal Year 2025, collecting $4.46 for every $1 spent. This achievement reflects the department’s strong performance in delivering results and ensuring more local families receive the child support they depend on each month.
Fire Department & Office of Emergencies
Read Across America Day at Sunflower Elementary
On March 6, Imperial County Fire Department personnel joined students and staff at Sunflower Elementary to celebrate Read Across America Day. Captain Jesus Guzman was pictured reading to students, helping promote literacy and a love of learning. In the group photo are ICFD personnel: top row, left to right, Firefighter Rubin, Captain Guzman, Engineer Perez, Deputy Chief Cesena; bottom row, Engineer Ongay and Chief Lantzer, alongside Sunflower Elementary staff. The event highlighted the department’s continued commitment to community engagement and youth education.
Human Resources & Risk Management
Wellness Walk Brings March Madness Energy to Imperial County Employees
Imperial County employees had a great time at the Imperial County Wellness Walk, where this year’s March Madness theme brought extra energy and fun to the event. Participants shot hoops while getting their steps in, promoting wellness, teamwork, and employee engagement. Special thanks to Human Resources and Risk Management for organizing a successful and active event.
Public Health Department
Protecting Public Health Through Advanced Hazardous Waste Training
40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Training: This essential training enhances community safety by equipping Imperial County personnel and fire department staff with the skills needed to identify hazardous waste and implement emergency response procedures. It ensures regulatory compliance and improves coordination among response agencies, ultimately protecting public health and the environment.
Sheriffs Office
Honoring a Hero, Playing as One
The photo below features Team ICSO Enforcers, who participated in the 20th Annual Mike Benavidez Softball Tournament. The team was made up of ICSO Operations, Corrections, and civilian staff.
Also pictured is Team LE Elite, which included representatives from ICSO Corrections and Operations, the Imperial County Probation Department, and Imperial County Human Resources. Team LE Elite went on to win the tournament.
The tournament is held annually and sponsored by the El Centro Firefighters Association in honor of fallen firefighter Michael Benavidez, who passed away as a result of an on-duty injury.
Social Services
Building Trust Through Community Education
The Imperial County Department of Social Services launched a series of community presentations to help residents understand major policy changes affecting CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits. Through more than fourteen outreach events held in partnership with schools and community organizations, ICDSS provided guidance on new requirements, answered questions, and helped families prepare to maintain access to essential services.
Back-to-back Ribbon Cuttings
Niland Sanitation District Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
Community leaders and partners gathered on March 11, 2026 in Niland to mark the completion of the Niland Sanitation District Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. This important investment provides a modern and reliable wastewater system that will help protect public health and the environment. The project was made possible through partnerships with USDA Rural Development, Housing and Community Development, NAD Bank, The Holt Group, and DJM Construction.
Niland Colonia Reconstructed Homes
A second ribbon cutting celebrated five newly reconstructed homes in the Niland Colonia, built for families impacted by the devastating June 2020 fires. These homes were made possible through the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Relief (CDBG-CV) Program, managed by the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC), with Pioneer Affordable Homes, Inc. serving as the prime contractor.
Employee Spotlight
Imperial County announced the promotion of Gaby Loo to Purchasing Supervisor, effective March 20, 2026. Since joining the County in 2018 in the Behavioral Health Purchasing Department, Loo has steadily advanced through key roles, including Coordinator I in 2023 and Coordinator II in 2024, demonstrating strong leadership, accountability, and expertise in public procurement.