Eddie Lopez

Imperial County, CA – The County of Imperial is aware of recent press releases issued by Senator Padilla’s Office regarding the proposed Imperial Data Center project. In the interest of transparency and ensuring the public has a complete and accurate understanding of the County’s engagement efforts, the County has submitted a formal letter to Senator Padilla outlining the timeline of communications and meetings to date. That letter is attached for public review.

Imperial County, CA — The California Workforce Development Board convened in the Imperial Valley for a full day of meetings, discussions, and site visits focused on workforce development, education alignment, and the region’s legacy and emerging industries.

The visit was led by Kaina Pereira, Executive Director of the California Workforce Development Board, alongside senior leadership including Michael Wiafe, Assistant Deputy Director, Angela Mendibles, Deputy Director, and Emily Sunahara, Deputy Director, underscoring the State’s commitment to place-based workforce solutions tailored to regional needs.

Local leaders welcomed state and regional partners at the San Diego State University Imperial Valley Science & Engineering Laboratories in Brawley, a newly opened, state-of-the-art facility designed to expand STEM education and directly support workforce development connected to the region’s growing clean energy and Lithium Valley economy.

“Imperial County is showing how equity-focused, regionally based workforce strategies can open doors to good jobs while meeting the talent needs of growing industries,” said Kaina Pereira, Executive Director, California Workforce Development Board. “By aligning education and training with regional priorities – from agriculture to clean energy – we are strengthening collaboration among local partners to expand opportunity and grow the regional economy.” 

The day began with guided tours of the Science & Engineering Laboratories, officially opened in August 2025. The facility represents a significant public investment in place-based talent development, providing hands-on instructional and research space that supports aligned STEM pathways, applied learning, and regional economic growth.

Workforce conversations throughout the day were grounded in the realities of the Imperial Valley. A legacy industry spotlight highlighted agriculture and food systems, focusing on workforce needs across production, research, and ag-technology, as well as strategies to support innovation, irrigation efficiency, and workforce transitions into emerging ag-tech roles.

The visit also included a stop at the Imperial Valley Research Center, where participants learned about ongoing agricultural research, innovation, and applied science supporting crop production, sustainability, and workforce training in the region. State leaders expressed strong interest in the Center’s potential to further align research, education, and workforce development, particularly as agriculture continues to intersect with technology, climate resilience, and emerging career pathways.

A working lunch brought together leaders from Imperial County Workforce Development, Imperial Valley College, and San Diego State University Imperial Valley to discuss education and workforce alignment, regional capacity and funding challenges, and opportunities to strengthen coordinated career pathways responsive to current and emerging labor market needs.

“This convening underscores the importance of coordinated workforce solutions that reflect the unique strengths and needs of Imperial County. Through strong partnerships with our local colleges, universities, and employers, we are expanding access to training and careers that support economic growth and community resilience,” said Priscilla A. Lopez, Director of Workforce & Economic Development, Imperial County.

Additional local leaders participating in the discussions included Efrain Silva, Dean of Workforce & Economic Development, Imperial Valley College and Board Member, Imperial County Workforce Development Board; Dr. Gina Núñez-Mchiri, Dean, San Diego State University Imperial Valley; and John McMillan, AVP of Economic Development, San Diego State University.

The afternoon featured presentations and discussions focused on clean energy, geothermal development, and Lithium Valley. Presenters included Vince Signorotti, Vice President of Government Relations for EnergySource Minerals, Mark Gran, Community Relations Manager for CalEnergy, Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley, and Imperial County Assistant CEO Bari Bean, who shared insights on project timelines, workforce demand, training capacity, and the importance of local hiring and wraparound support as large-scale energy and critical minerals projects advance.

Participants then joined Assistant CEO Bari Bean for a guided Lithium Valley driving tour, highlighting existing geothermal facilities, and the region’s geothermal mud pots, while providing updates on planning efforts, community engagement, and workforce opportunities tied to future development. The visit wrapped up with a stop at Westmorland Date Shake, allowing visitors to experience and support one of the areas local small businesses that features both honey and dates from the region.

Imperial County also extends its thanks to Dr. Gina Núñez-Mchiri, Dean of San Diego State University Imperial Valley, for welcoming participants into the campus and laboratory spaces, as well as to the Imperial County Workforce Development team for their coordination, leadership, and ongoing commitment to building a skilled local workforce.

###

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors is announcing updates to its 2026 meeting calendar and Board Rules, following approval at the January 13th Board meeting. These updates, effective February 3, 2026, are designed to enhance transparency, public participation, and operational efficiency.

Key Updates to Board Rules:

Roles of Board Chairperson – Public Participation: A new provision (Bullet No. 3) has been added to clarify public participation in meetings.

Procedural Rules – Order of Business: Beginning February 3, meetings will start at8:30 a.m. and return to Open Session at 10:00 a.m.

Right of Public to Address Board: A new Section C. has been added to provide additional guidance for members of the public wishing to address the Board

The updated 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting Calendar and Board Rules are available on the County’s BoS website https://board.imperialcounty.org/. The County encourages all residents to review these updates and participate in upcoming meetings.

Imperial County, CA – The community gathered at the Imperial County Airport this past weekend for the third annual Wally Hale Aviation Day. The event, dedicated to the memory of local pilot and flight instructor Wally Hale, successfully introduced nearly 90 young residents to the world of aviation before concluding early due to a mechanical incident involving a participating aircraft.

The event is a collaborative effort between the Imperial County aviation community, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles program, and local sponsors. It serves as a tribute to Wally Hale, who was widely known for his passion for sharing the joy of flying with children. His son, Ben Hale, shared that his father loved the event because “it gave him the opportunity to share his love of flying with the community, especially with kids.”

Peggy Price, Chairwoman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors for District 3, described the event as “a beautiful experience and a great opportunity for so many children.” She noted that there were 80 pre-registered participants and 10 walk-ins, all of whom were able to experience flight thanks to local pilots and volunteers, including some from outside the area.

The event was cut short following an incident involving a single-engine airplane that experienced a landing gear issue when the front gear failed to deploy. Lt. Col. Mark Nicholson of the Civil Air Patrol explained that mechanical issues such as this are known to occur and that airport personnel and pilots are trained to respond appropriately.

Nicholson outlined the standard procedure, which includes flying overhead to confirm instrument readings and attempting to manually lower the landing gear in a designated practice area. He praised the coordinated response, stating that “the Imperial County Airport did a great job handling the situation,” adding that fire and rescue crews were prepared and ready. He emphasized that the incident demonstrated how well-equipped the airport is to manage emergencies.

Event organizers and county officials emphasized that the situation was handled professionally and safely. They extended their appreciation to law enforcement, first responders, and emergency services personnel for their quick and effective response.

Despite the early conclusion, the focus of the day remained on the positive impact made on local students. David Oshack, a 17-year-old high school senior and EAA Young Eagles volunteer, shared how meaningful the event has been for him. He explained that “events like this open up so many opportunities in the world of aviation.”

Oshack shared that through a previous Aviation Day event, he met a pilot who later connected him with a scholarship. He was recently awarded that scholarship, has begun flight training, and expects to earn his pilot’s license within the next few months. He credited the event, coordinated by Robbie Phillips, with helping open doors for young people interested in aviation.

The Civil Air Patrol Squadron 499 was also on site to provide aerospace education. Lt. Col. Nicholson noted that the program offers aviation, aerospace education, and leadership training for youths ages 12 to 21. The local squadron meets Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Imperial County Airport terminal, with new sessions beginning January 22.

Imperial County, CA – Imperial County is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Davis, PhD, SPHR, as the County’s new Director of Human Resources & Risk Management. In this executive role, Dr. Davis will lead Imperial County’s comprehensive human resources, employee–employer relations, and risk management programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while supporting a stable, high-performing public workforce.

Dr. Davis brings extensive senior-level public sector leadership experience spanning counties, cities, special districts, and educational institutions throughout California and the Southwest. His career includes service as Director, Executive Director, Deputy Director, Interim Director, and Senior Human Resources Manager in complex governmental organizations, providing both long-term leadership and interim executive oversight during periods of transition.

Most recently, Dr. Davis served as a consultant with MV Cheng & Associates and a Senior Human Resources Advisor with Regional Government Services, where he provided interim and consulting leadership to public agencies, including assignments as:

• Deputy Director of Human Resources for the County of San Luis Obispo
• Director of Human Resources for the Cities of Arvin and Rosemead, San Bernardino, and Upland
• Interim and consulting HR executive for multiple municipalities and special districts across California

Throughout his career, Dr. Davis has led and implemented classification and compensation studies, salary surveys, organizational design initiatives, labor negotiations, executive recruitment, succession planning and employee development, and HR system modernization efforts. He has extensive experience presenting technical findings and recommendations directly to boards of supervisors, city councils, commissions, and executive leadership teams, with a focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and legal compliance.

Dr. Davis previously served as Executive Director of Human Resources for the City of Scottsdale, overseeing a department of 24 staff and a $15 million budget, and as Director of Human Resources for the City of Santa Cruz, where he managed labor relations with multiple bargaining units, implemented classification and compensation reforms, and strengthened recruitment, training, and workforce development programs. He has also held senior leadership roles with Los Angeles County, supporting countywide recruitment, testing, labor relations, employee appeals, and workforce planning initiatives.

In addition to his government leadership experience, Dr. Davis has served as a university faculty member and adjunct professor, teaching undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral-level courses in strategic human resources management, employment practices, industrial-organizational psychology, and organizational leadership. His

academic work complements his applied public-sector experience, bringing evidence-based, legally sound practices to public administration.

Dr. Davis holds a Doctorate in Psychology, a master’s degree in industrial-Organizational Psychology, and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Society of Human Resources Senior Certified Professional.

As Director of Human Resources & Risk Management, Dr. Davis will oversee recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, risk management, benefits administration, compliance, organizational development, and workforce planning for Imperial County.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bruce Davis to Imperial County,” said Dr. Kathleen Lang, County Executive Officer. “His extensive experience leading human resources in public sector organizations, combined with his expertise in classification, compensation, and organizational development, will strengthen our workforce and help the County achieve its strategic goals.”

Dr. Davis added, “I am humbled to be selected by the County for this critical position. I look forward to providing strategic leadership and a systems perspective to the human resources team and the County Departments.”

###

Imperial County, CA – Imperial County is pleased to announce the appointment of Bari Bean as the County’s new Assistant County Executive Officer. This internal promotion recognizes Bean’s expanded responsibilities, demonstrated leadership, and central role in advancing some of the most complex and important initiatives in the County’s history.

Bean most recently served as Deputy County Executive Officer for Natural Resources, focused on extensive initiatives for the development of Lithium Valley while also executing four additional County and intergovernmental roles: County Development Concierge, Tribal Liaison, Regional Innovation Officer (a federally funded position), and California Lithium Ombudsman (a state-funded position established through Senate Bill 125). Collectively, these responsibilities reflect a scope of work that extends well beyond a traditional deputy role and places Imperial County at the center of state and federal energy, innovation, and economic development efforts. During her last two years as Deputy CEO, Bean led the development of numerous County policies, legislative and strategic marketing initiatives, and economic development frameworks designed to elevate Imperial County’s competitiveness, improve coordination across departments, and strengthen the County’s position with state, federal, and private-sector partners. Her work has focused on translating complex initiatives into actionable programs that deliver measurable benefits to both residents and businesses.

In her new role as Assistant County Executive Officer, Bean will maintain previous responsibilities while expanding her focus on Countywide strategic initiatives, community services, and enhancing County growth. As a key strategic initiative, Bean will continue to lead Lithium Valley on behalf of the County, advancing a coordinated strategy that integrates geothermal energy, lithium extraction, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, infrastructure planning, and community benefits. As Assistant County Executive Officer, Bean will collaborate closely with planning and permitting, economic development, and public works, to expand operational efficiencies, refine budget opportunities, develop new regionwide initiatives, and ensure Imperial County is a place where responsible development is encouraged and supported. Bean will continue serving as the County’s Development Concierge, focused on attracting large-scale investments that generate new revenue, create quality jobs, and establish long-term pathways for community improvements and public benefits.

Bean’s professional background includes experience in the energy industry with BHE Renewables, leadership with workforce development and chambers of commerce, entrepreneurial initiatives with local agriculture entities, where she was awarded Global Small Pet Food of the Year at the world’s largest expo

in Shanghai, as well as government proposals and advocacy in Washington, D.C. with Fortune 100 companies. This combination of public and private-sector experience has enabled her to bridge policy, innovation, and implementation in ways that deliver tangible outcomes for the region. Bean holds an Executive MBA in Energy from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree from Georgetown University in Marketing, Communication and New Media, and a business certification from Harvard University. Her undergraduate degree in Digital Arts from Chapman University has served as a foundation for directly supporting County strategic communications, marketing, design, and public engagement endeavors.

“I’m grateful for the County’s confidence and honored to continue serving Imperial County in this expanded leadership role,” said Bari Bean. “Imperial Valley is my home, and I care deeply about its future. As a lifelong resident of the region, improving opportunities for our residents is personal to me. For as long as I can remember, our communities have dealt with high unemployment, aging infrastructure, and tough environmental conditions. Imperial County deserves better roads, expanded services, and diverse career opportunities. New revenue is essential to achieving these things and to creating opportunities people can see and feel in their daily lives. I’m committed to attracting thoughtful development and creating strategic solutions that bring good jobs, new investment, and the resources needed to reach the quality of life our Valley deserves,” said Bean.

Bean also acknowledged the unwavering support of her husband, Todd Bean, and her family, whose encouragement continues to motivate her commitment to public service.

Bean’s appointment reflects Imperial County’s commitment to empowering experienced leaders to help the region reach its full potential. “Bari has consistently taken on complex responsibilities, built strong partnerships, and delivered results across multiple disciplines. Investing in leaders who are deeply committed to our community, our operations, and our long-term priorities strengthens the County as a whole and positions us well for the future. This position allows Bari to stay focused on today’s strategic initiatives, including Lithium Valley, while also providing leadership across departments to advance future priorities and deliver real, practical progress for our communities.” said County Executive Officer, Kathleen Lang.

As the County continues to address longstanding challenges while pursuing new opportunities, Bean’s focus on regionwide strategic initiatives strengthens the County Executive Office and reinforces a collaborative leadership structure under the direction of the County Executive Officer. This approach is intended to enhance coordination, support Countywide priorities, and ensure the Executive Office has the capacity to advance both day-to-day operations and long-term initiatives. Through thoughtful planning, accountability, and strong partnerships, Imperial County is moving forward with a shared focus on progress and results for communities across the region.

Imperial County is providing notice and clarification regarding the upcoming public comment period for the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) and the revised Lithium Valley Specific Plan, including associated General Plan and Zoning Ordinance/Map Amendments.

This announcement is intended to ensure transparency and address questions from the community regarding how and when public input will be accepted.

The formal public review and comment period will begin on December 30, 2025, and conclude on March 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. All comments must be received by the deadline to be included in the official record.

Written comments will be accepted only through the following channels:

By Mail: Imperial County Planning & Development Services Department 801 Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243

By Email: publiccomment@co.imperial.ca.us

All submissions must clearly include “LVSP 2025” in the subject line.

To ensure fairness and consistency in the environmental review process, oral comments and submissions made outside of the methods listed above will not be accepted or responded to as part of the Final PEIR.

Additional information, including formal notices and access to project documents, will be provided when the Notice of Availability is published on December 30, 2025.

For questions regarding the public comment process, residents are encouraged to contact the Planning & Development Services Department at www.icpds.com or call 442-265-1736.

Imperial County, CA – Imperial County recognizes the community interest surrounding today’s Planning Commission meeting and appreciates the participation of residents who took time to attend and share their perspectives. The County remains committed to maintaining a respectful and transparent public process. Today’s meeting addressed several items including Lot Merger #00191, an application submitted by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, LLC. Discussion on that application reflected the passion many residents feel about land use decisions in the Imperial Valley.

Planning Commission Role and Voting Process
The Imperial County Planning Commission is composed of ten (10) commissioners, who are appointed by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. For any motion to pass, a minimum of six affirmative votes is required, regardless of how many commissioners are present at any given hearing.

Purpose of the Agenda Item “Lot Merger #00191”

Today’s hearing on Lot Merger #00191, concerned a lot merger only, not the approval of a data center project. The application outlined requests for approval to consolidate five individual parcels into a single approximately 75.39 acre site located at 2304 Clark Road, Imperial, California. No entitlement for construction or operation of a data center was considered or approved as part of this application.

Specific Actions Before the Planning Commission on Lot Merger #00191:

1. Find that Lot Merger #00191 is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Article 19, Section 15305, Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations, and that no further environmental documentation is required.
2. Find that Lot Merger #00191 is consistent with applicable zoning and building ordinances.
3. Approve Lot Merger #00191 subject to the attached conditions.

Motion’s Made on December 18, 20225, Regarding Lot Merger #00191

Commissioner Carson Kalin made a motion to approve the lot merger application, the votes on the motion were as follows:

• Yes: Schaffner, Kalin, Cabanas, Gallegos, Roben (5)
• No: Wright, Dunn (2)
• Absent: Hinojosa, Medina, Gutierrez (left prior to motion) (3)

Per County policy, although a majority of commissioners voted in favor, the motion failed because there were not six affirmative votes, which is required for approval of any item.

Following the first motion that failed, a separate motion was introduced by Commissioner Sergio Cabanas for the applicant to further discuss the project with the City of Imperial, City of El Centro, and the community before bringing the item back the Planning Commission for consideration. This motion passed, with the seven present commissioners voting affirmatively.

During the hearing, no motion was made to deny the lot merger application.

Appeal Status and Process

After the Planning Commission hearing, on December 18, 2025, the applicant filed an appeal with the County, pursuant to Imperial County Code, Title 9, Division 1; a copy of the appeal has been included with this press release. An appeal allows the next decision-making body to review the Planning Commission record, consider additional testimony as permitted by County procedures, and take action on the matter.

Next Steps and Board of Supervisors Meeting

As part of the appeal process, the matter will be scheduled for a public hearing before the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. The Board will review the appeal in accordance with County ordinances and applicable state law. Details regarding the date, time, and location of that meeting will be provided once the hearing is formally scheduled.

Imperial County remains committed to ensuring that land use decisions follow established procedures, comply with all legal requirements, and provide opportunities for meaningful public input. The County appreciates the engagement from residents in public processes and encourages community members to continue participating respectfully.

For additional information, residents may contact the Imperial County Planning and Development Services Department. ###