New facility will expand access to County services, community resources and opportunities in northern Imperial County
Calipatria CA. — The County of Imperial celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Imperial County Northend Center on Wednesday, September 30, marking an important investment in public services, community resources and economic opportunities for residents throughout northern Imperial County.
Located at 190 E. Main Street in Calipatria, the Northend Center was established to strengthen the County’s presence in the region and provide a dedicated space where residents, businesses and community partners can more easily connect with County programs, services and resources.
During the ceremony, County representatives shared the vision behind the new facility and its theme, “Growing Our Future.” The Center is designed to provide rotating County services, with departments available on scheduled days, including Public Works, Planning and Development Services, Public Health, Behavioral Health Services and others.
The County also envisions the facility serving as a hub for workshops, training opportunities and partnerships that can help residents develop new skills and explore emerging career and business opportunities. Future use of additional space within the facility is expected to provide room for community meetings, presentations and hands-on learning opportunities.
The Northend Center is scheduled to open to the public beginning Monday, October 12, with additional information regarding operating hours, participating departments and the rotating service schedule to be announced by the County.
The project was made possible through a State of California appropriation secured by State Senator Steve Padilla. The funding supported the County’s efforts to expand access to services and create new opportunities for communities in northern Imperial County.
Supervisor Ryan Kelley reflected on the years of planning that went into the Northend Center and emphasized the importance of investing directly in Calipatria.
“Anybody that doubts why we would make an investment and open an office in Calipatria doesn’t know Calipatria,” said Supervisor Kelley.
Kelley also thanked Senator Steve Padilla, state partners and County departments for their support, while recognizing Bari Bean and Carlos Lopez for their work in helping bring the many pieces of the project together.
Chairwoman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors Peggy Price reflected on the significance of the Center and what it represents for Calipatria and surrounding Northend communities.
“Calipatria deserves a place like this, a welcoming, inspiring space where residents can access services, learn new skills, share ideas, and connect with opportunities closer to home,” said Chairwoman Price.
Price also emphasized the Center’s role in bringing County services closer to residents and creating space for new programs and partnerships.
“This investment reflects our confidence in Calipatria, Lithium Valley, and in the future of Imperial County. As our region grows, we want that growth to bring meaningful benefits to the people who live here.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together representatives from the County of Imperial, Office of State Senator Steve Padilla, Office of Congressman Raul Ruiz, Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, City of Calipatria, and Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with community members and regional partners.
Following remarks from participating officials and community representatives, attendees joined County leaders for the ceremonial ribbon cutting and group photo. The celebration concluded with an open house, giving guests an opportunity to tour the new facility, view the future expansion space and learn more about the County’s vision for the Northend Center.
The County of Imperial extends its sincere appreciation to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce for its partnership and support in helping coordinate and celebrate the Northend Center ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Chamber’s collaboration helped bring together local leaders, businesses, community partners and residents to recognize this important milestone for northern Imperial County.
The County also thanks the many partners, staff members, property owners, workers and community members whose efforts helped bring the Northend Center to life. County staff recognized the coordination and behind-the-scenes work required to prepare the facility, including the technology and infrastructure necessary for multiple departments to serve residents from the Center.
The Northend Center represents another step in the County’s continued efforts to bring resources and public services closer to residents while creating new spaces for learning, collaboration and economic opportunity.
As reflected in the recognition displayed inside the Center: “The seeds we plant today will grow into the opportunities of tomorrow.”
The County looks forward to seeing the Northend Center grow into a place where residents can connect with services, develop new skills, explore new ideas and take part in shaping the future of northern Imperial County.
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