Eddie Lopez

Imperial County, California — The County of Imperial announces that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has officially selected Advanced Air, LLC, as the next Essential Air Service (EAS) provider for Imperial County Airport (IPL). The four-year agreement will begin November 1, 2026, and continue through October 31, 2030. Under the new EAS agreement, Advanced Air will provide 24 nonstop round trips per week using nine-passenger Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft. The federally supported service will include 12 weekly round trips to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and 12 weekly round trips to Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR), providing access to the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Advanced Air has also announced additional connectivity for Imperial County travelers, including shuttle service between Hawthorne and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), as well as service to McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) in Carlsbad, serving the San Diego area. The selection follows a public review process during which the Imperial County Board of Supervisors unanimously recommended Advanced Air as the community’s preferred EAS provider. The Board’s recommendation reflected community feedback emphasizing the importance of maintaining frequent air service, access to Phoenix and the Los Angeles area, and reliable transportation options for residents, businesses and visitors. “Reliable air service is essential to keeping Imperial County connected and supporting our region’s economic growth,” said Peggy Price, Chairwoman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. “We are pleased to welcome Advanced Air as our new air service provider and look forward to expanding travel opportunities for our residents, businesses, and visitors. With continued access to Phoenix and the Los Angeles area, this partnership represents an important investment in our community’s connectivity and future.”   Advanced Air President and CEO Levi Stockton said the company looks forward to serving Imperial County and the broader region.   “We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Imperial County Board of Supervisors for the opportunity to serve the Imperial Valley and surrounding region,” Stockton said. “Reliable air service keeps communities connected to jobs, medical care, family, and commerce, and that’s what we intend to deliver. We look forward to welcoming passengers from across the region and from both sides of the border.”   Advanced Air enjoys an interline agreement with Alaska Airlines, providing additional opportunities for passengers to connect Imperial County Airport with the national air transportation network. Through participating interline arrangements, travelers may be able to book connecting itineraries and transfer checked baggage between participating flights. Advanced Air has also indicated that additional agreements with major carriers are forthcoming.   Flights beginning November 1 are now on sale through Advanced Air at advancedairlines.com and can also be found through major travel platforms, including Google Flights, Expedia and Orbitz.   The USDOT has established a first-year federal subsidy of $5,355,138 for the EAS service, with annual adjustments over the four-year agreement, subject to the availability of federal funding.   Advanced Air will succeed the current EAS provider, Southern Airways Express, whose existing service obligation has been extended through October 31, 2026. The USDOT expects both carriers to coordinate their efforts to ensure a smooth transition without interruption to air service.   The County looks forward to working with Advanced Air and community partners as the transition moves forward. Additional information regarding flight schedules, airport operations and travel options will be shared as it becomes available.   The USDOT’s official selection order, Order 2026-9-13, is available at regulations.gov. About Advanced Air, LLC Advanced Air is a U.S.-based air carrier headquartered in Hawthorne, California, operating under FAA Part 135 with Commuter and 10 or More Operations Specifications and holding U.S. Department of Transportation Part 380 public charter authority. The company provides scheduled and charter air service with a focsus on reliability, safety and underserved regional markets. Flights can be booked at advancedairlines.com and through major online travel sites, including Google Flights, Expedia and Orbitz. For more information, visit advancedairlines.com

El Centro, CA —  The County of Imperial is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Aguilar as the County’s new Fleet Manager, bringing approximately eight years of experience in vehicle operations, fleet management, customer service and organizational leadership to the role.

Prior to joining Imperial County, Aguilar spent eight years with Enterprise Mobility, where he began his career as an auto detailer and advanced through several positions before becoming Branch Manager in El Centro.

His progression through the organization provided hands-on experience across multiple areas of vehicle operations, including fleet utilization, vehicle readiness, maintenance coordination, safety, customer service, employee development and financial performance. As Branch Manager, Aguilar was responsible for the overall performance of the operation while also developing relationships with businesses and organizations throughout the Imperial Valley.

That experience gave Aguilar the opportunity to understand vehicle operations from the ground up and develop both the operational and leadership skills he now brings to County service.

As Fleet Manager, Aguilar will focus first on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the County’s existing fleet operations, departmental needs and current practices. His priorities will include identifying opportunities to strengthen fleet utilization, preventative maintenance, vehicle lifecycle planning, safety, cost control and overall operational efficiency.

He also plans to explore opportunities to incorporate data and technology into fleet management decisions, helping ensure County vehicles remain safe, reliable, cost-effective and available to support departments in delivering services to residents.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Imperial County as Fleet Manager,” Aguilar said. “I’ve spent much of my career learning how to lead people, manage vehicle operations and continuously look for ways to improve, and I’m excited to bring that experience into public service. Imperial County is home to me and my family, which makes this opportunity even more meaningful. My goal is to build on the work already being done and help provide our County departments with a safe, reliable and efficient fleet so they can continue serving our community.”

For Aguilar, the opportunity also represents a chance to continue serving the community where he has built both his personal and professional life. Throughout his career in the Imperial Valley, he has developed relationships with local residents, businesses and organizations and gained an appreciation for the role reliable public services play throughout the region. In his new position, Aguilar looks forward to building upon the work of Fleet Services while supporting County departments and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability and long-term fleet planning.

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.

###

Imperial County, CA — The County of Imperial announced that Assistant County Executive Officer Bari Bean has chosen to conclude her service with the County, effective September 30, 2026. The County is grateful for her leadership and the many contributions she has made on behalf of Imperial County residents.

During her tenure, Bean held several leadership roles including Deputy CEO of Natural Resources, state funded Lithium Ombudsman, and a federally funded Regional Innovation Officer position. Collectively she helped lead the County’s Lithium Valley strategy, bringing together County departments, community organizations, tribal governments, educational institutions, industry partners, and state and federal agencies to turn the region’s geothermal energy and critical mineral resources into lasting local opportunity. As a member of the County Executive Office, she worked to carry out the direction of the Board of Supervisors, translating priorities into initiatives and partnerships that advance opportunities for residents.

Bean also helped advance the Lithium Valley Specific Plan and Program Environmental Impact Report, as well as initiatives supporting local jobs such as the County’s Lithium Valley Construction Workforce Ordinance and development of the new Imperial County Northend Center in Calipatria, California. She has been integral in legislative affairs where she has helped draft and testify in support of legislation on behalf of the County, including AB 2163 (adopted September 27, 2026), which establishes Strategic Clean Energy and Critical Mineral Development Zones. Bean represented Imperial County across the country, advocating with state and federal leaders for policies and resources that support regional priorities and expand revenue for infrastructure, and she represented the County across several venues including globally to attract investment to Imperial County. Beyond Lithium Valley, she worked across departments on strategic initiatives and coordinated emerging projects such as New River funding, and developing community and education grants to expand opportunities for residents and businesses throughout the County.

“Bari brought determination, creativity, and an extraordinary commitment to Imperial County to every initiative she took on,” said County Executive Officer Dr. Kathleen Lang. “She understood that realizing the promise of our region’s resources takes hard work to connect development with jobs, education, infrastructure, and meaningful benefits for residents. I am grateful for her partnership, her leadership, and the lasting contributions she has made to our County.”

The County thanks Bean for her service and wishes her success in whatever comes next in her career.

Imperial County, CA – Imperial County and Imperial Valley College (IVC) are working collaboratively to provide the public with clear and accurate information regarding the significant increase in the property tax rate associated with IVC’s general obligation bonds for the 2026–27 fiscal year. 

The Imperial County Auditor-Controller’s Office is solely responsible for calculating the annual bond tax rate. Preparation and completion of the secured property tax billing process involves coordination between the County Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector offices. IVC is not involved in the calculation or preparation of the annual bond tax rate. 

Why the 2026–27 Rate Increased 

During the 2025-26 fiscal year, County staff overstated the amount of funds available for repayment of IVC’s bonds. Although these funds had not actually been collected, the over-allocation caused the bond fund to appear higher than it was.

Once the corrected balance was established, it was necessary to restore the bond fund in order to meet the current year’s principal and interest obligations. 

County staff and its financial consultants evaluated several options for addressing the deficiency. The County chose to correct the shortfall within the current fiscal year. 

IVC was neither consulted on this decision nor notified of it before tax bills were prepared and mailed. In previous years, the County had communicated with IVC representatives regarding adjustments to bond rates. 

For the current tax year, this is expected to result in a larger one-time increase for property owners. The County believes spreading the correction over several years could have left the fund without enough money to make required bond payments, resulting in additional borrowing and interest costs for taxpayers. 

The County has informed the college district that the adjustment will restore the fund to the level needed to meet its bond obligations and avoid the added costs of carrying a negative balance. 

The County and IVC recognize that an unexpected increase places a real burden on property owners. The County believes this was the most prudent course of action to protect taxpayers from additional borrowing and interest costs over time.

Because the shortfall is being corrected in full this year, the bond tax rate is expected to return to prior year rates for the 2027–28 fiscal year. Final calculations are in process by the County. 

Strengthening the Process Going Forward 

As part of the review, County staff have identified several procedural improvements intended to strengthen oversight, accuracy and communication in future bond tax calculations. 

Proposed improvements include: 

• A formal review process for annual bond tax rate calculations; 
• Providing affected agencies with proposed calculations and supporting documentation before rates are finalized; 
• A detailed reconciliation of beginning fund balances, prior-year collections, debt-service requirements and levy requirements; 
• Additional internal verification of calculations; and 
• Earlier communication between the County and affected agencies when significant changes to an annual levy are identified. 

The County will continue working to review the underlying calculations and ensure that information provided to taxpayers and partner agencies is complete, consistent, and understandable. 

Both the County and Imperial Valley College are committed to transparency and to implementing safeguards that reduce the likelihood of a similar situation occurring in the future. 

Imperial County, CA — The County of Imperial celebrates Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 2163, authored by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez in close collaboration with the County. The County sponsored the bill and worked extensively with Assemblymember Gonzalez to develop a framework that can help turn Lithium Valley’s geothermal energy and critical mineral resources into investment, infrastructure, industry development, and jobs for residents. AB 2163 passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 27, 2026.

“This legislation grew out of a need to prioritize the extraordinary clean energy resources and critical minerals we have in California,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Peggy Price. “We are grateful to Assemblymember Gonzalez for working so closely with the County’s Legislative Subcommittee and Assistant County Executive Officer Bari Bean to write and advance a bill that connects geothermal energy and critical minerals with the infrastructure, workforce, and economic development needed to benefit our residents.”

What Is AB 2163?

AB 2163 establishes a process for the California Energy Commission (CEC), in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and other state agencies, to designate Strategic Clean Energy and Critical Mineral Development Zones. A qualifying county may request designation from the CEC through a submission process with it’s local County Board of Supervisors.

How Does an Area Qualify for Designation?

A proposed zone must be in a county identified by state or federal agencies as having significant critical mineral deposits or production potential. It must also meet at least two additional criteria: existing baseload renewable energy generation of at least 250 megawatts, identified geothermal potential exceeding 1,000 megawatts, proximity to qualifying high-voltage transmission infrastructure, or a proposed or adopted regional planning effort that evaluates clean energy, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, or related industries.

Imperial County’s geothermal resources, critical mineral potential, and work on the Lithium Valley Specific Plan position the region to seek designation. The County must still submit a request documenting how a proposed zone meets the statutory criteria, and the California Energy Commission must review it.

What Are the Benefits?

Designation would help focus state attention on places positioned to support clean energy and critical mineral development. AB 2163 directs certain state agencies to give priority consideration, consistent with law, to qualifying projects, infrastructure investments, and technical assistance in designated zones. It also prioritizes projects that provide prevailing wages, opportunities for apprentices, and the use of a skilled and trained workforce.

Designation is over a qualifying area, but it does not guarantee funding or approval of any individual project. All projects remain subject to applicable environmental review and permitting requirements.

Why Is It Needed?

Imperial County has the resources to help meet growing demand for reliable clean energy and domestic critical minerals. Turning those resources into operating projects and local jobs also requires transmission, roads, bridges, water (and other infrastructure), a prepared workforce, and coordination across agencies.

Other states and countries are moving quickly to attract energy and critical mineral development and the investments that come with it. AB 2163 gives California a way to identify regions with the resources and planning to compete, then better align state programs with what those regions need to succeed. For Imperial County, it creates a path to strengthen Lithium Valley’s competitiveness while keeping local coordination and community benefits central to its development.

The County thanks Assemblymember Gonzalez for his partnership and leadership in carrying AB 2163, and the members of the Legislature who supported it. The County looks forward to pursuing designation through the California Energy Commission and building on the opportunities it could bring to Imperial County residents.

Updated regulations modernize County procedures and clarify environmental review, responsibilities and appeals

El Centro, California – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors today approved a resolution updating the County’s local California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Regulations, Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA, As Amended, along with related environmental review procedures and findings.

The update represents the first comprehensive revision to the County’s local CEQA procedures since 2017 and is intended to reflect changes in state law, State CEQA Guidelines and applicable court decisions that have occurred since the regulations were last amended. The County’s CEQA regulations were originally adopted in 1979 and have been periodically amended since that time.

Under state law, public agencies are required to adopt objectives, criteria and procedures for evaluating projects and preparing environmental documents under CEQA. Those local procedures must remain consistent with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines.

The County’s updated regulations provide a framework for how CEQA review is administered when Imperial County or an agency governed by the Board of Supervisors serves as a lead or responsible agency. Planning & Development Services continues to serve as the County’s principal department responsible for CEQA compliance and implementation.

Among the revisions, the updated regulations clarify the responsibilities of Planning & Development Services and County decision-making bodies, update terminology and procedures, and further define the County’s process for appealing CEQA documents. The regulations establish a 10-calendar-day period to file an appeal of a CEQA document and provide for an appeal to the Board of Supervisors when no further appeal to a non-elected County body is available.

The proposed regulations underwent review and revision during the public process, including consideration by the Imperial County Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors meetings, a County workshop and responses to comments submitted by members of the public and interested parties. Several provisions were revised during that process in response to comments and additional legal review.

The Board’s action also adopted the CEQA findings associated with the regulatory update, including the findings and exemptions identified in the September 22 agenda packet.

The local regulations are intended to implement and supplement CEQA rather than replace state requirements. The regulations expressly provide that when a local rule or procedure conflicts with CEQA or the State CEQA Guidelines, the provisions of state law and the State CEQA Guidelines control.

The updated CEQA Regulations and supporting materials are included in the September 22, 2026 Board of Supervisors agenda packet.

###

Committee completes initial organizational business and schedules next meeting for September 28

El Centro, CA — The Imperial County Data Center Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Imperial County Public Health Training Center in El Centro, completing several organizational actions as the Committee begins its advisory work.

During the meeting, Committee members took the oath of office, received an overview of the Committee’s formation and approved bylaws, and conducted the selection of officers. The Committee elected Kristian Michelle Salgado to serve as Chair, Mike Goodsell to serve as Vice-Chair, and John Grass to serve as Secretary.

The Data Center Advisory Committee was established to advise the Imperial County Board of Supervisors on potential land use and zoning options related to data center development within the unincorporated areas of Imperial County. The Committee serves in an advisory capacity, with final policy and land-use decisions remaining with the Board of Supervisors.

Under its established charge, the Committee may evaluate matters including potential amendments to the County General Plan and Codified Ordinances, planning tools related to the location and regulation of data center development, potential location or proximity standards, infrastructure and land-use compatibility, and other related policy considerations.

The inaugural meeting provided the Committee with an opportunity to establish its leadership and organizational structure in preparation for its upcoming work and future discussions.

The Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026. Additional meeting information and the agenda will be made available through Imperial County’s official meeting agenda portal in accordance with applicable public meeting requirements. The Committee’s approved bylaws provide that its meetings are open to the public and that regular meeting notices and agendas are posted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.

About the Data Center Advisory Committee

The 19-member Data Center Advisory Committee includes representatives from local government, community interests, environmental expertise, organized labor, healthcare, education, nonprofit organizations, business, and the energy industry.

###

El Centro, CA — Imperial County is reminding the community that the first meeting of the Imperial County Data Center Committee will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Imperial County Public Health Training Center, 935 Broadway Street, El Centro, CA 92243.

As the Committee’s first meeting, the agenda is primarily organizational and focused on formally establishing the Committee and preparing for its future work.

Agenda items include the administration of the oath of office, an overview of the Committee’s formation and approved bylaws, selection of a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary, and selection of a future meeting date, time, and location. The agenda also provides an opportunity for public comment, with up to three minutes allotted per speaker.

The Committee’s scheduled business for this first meeting is limited to the items identified on the posted agenda. Future meetings will provide additional opportunities for the Committee to carry out its advisory role and consider matters within its established purpose and scope.

Community members are welcome to attend. Due to limited seating capacity at the meeting location, seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The full agenda and supporting materials are available through Imperial County’s official meeting agenda portal.