Eddie Lopez

“Parenting can be complicated. Support can be simpler.”

El Centro, CA — The Imperial County Department of Child Support Services (ICDCSS) is proud to recognize August as Child Support Awareness Month, joining California and communities across the nation in highlighting the vital role child support plays in strengthening families.

Parenting comes with many responsibilities and challenges, but accessing child support services shouldn’t be one of them. This year’s Child Support Awareness Month theme, “Parenting can be complicated. Support can be simpler,” reflects ICDCSS’s commitment to making services easier to access, easier to understand, and more responsive to the needs of today’s families.

To celebrate Child Support Awareness Month and connect with families throughout Imperial County, ICDCSS will host “Child Support on Wheels,” a series of community outreach events where staff will be available to answer child support case questions, provide general information about services, and assist the public. No appointment is necessary.

Child Support on Wheels Schedule:

Camarena Memorial Library
850 Encinas Ave. • Calexico, CA 92231
(Thursday, August 6, 13, 20, and 27)
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Imperial County Probation Department – Iran Martinez Probation Services Building (Day Reporting Center)
324 Applestille Road • El Centro, CA 92243
(Thursday, August 6, 13, 20, and 27)
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m

Holtville City Library
101 E. 6th Street. • Holtville, CA 92250
(Tuesday, August 18 & 25)
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Consulate of Mexico in Calexico
408 Heber Ave. • Calexico, CA 92231
(Friday, August 14 & 28)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

ICDCSS encourages parents, guardians, and community members to take advantage of these convenient outreach opportunities to learn more about available child support services and receive assistance close to home.

For more information about Child Support Awareness Month or the services provided by the Imperial County Department of Child Support Services, please contact ICDCSS at (866) 901-3212 or visit the office at 2795 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243.

El Centro, CA —The Imperial County Department of Social Services recently welcomed externs from the Imperial County Superior Court to the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home for an educational tour focused on the services and partnerships that support vulnerable children and youth throughout the county. Assistant Presiding Judge D., who currently presides over juvenile court proceedings, joined the visit and provided opening remarks to the externs. His remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration among the Court, County departments and community partners in serving youth and families. During the tour, externs received a firsthand look at how the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home provides a safe, stable and supportive environment for children and youth who need emergency placement during times of crisis. Staff explained that the Receiving Home’s work extends beyond temporary shelter. Each youth’s immediate needs are evaluated and addressed, including safety, medical care, education, behavioral health, recreation, religious services and other supportive resources that promote stability and overall well-being while longer-term placement plans are developed. “The visit provided an important opportunity for the externs to better understand the connection between the Court and the services provided at the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home,” said Paula S. Llanas, Director of the Imperial County Department of Social Services. “Our role is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where each youth’s immediate needs are met and they have access to the resources necessary to help stabilize them during a difficult transition.” Externs also met with members of the Imperial County Behavioral Health Services Positive Engagement Team, known as PET. The team discussed its innovative work with trained animal handlers and dogs to provide positive interventions and help reduce the stigma associated with mental health services. Throughout the visit, externs asked questions about the intake process, daily programming and the coordinated efforts of the Court, Behavioral Health Services, Child Welfare Services, law enforcement, education partners, the PET team and Receiving Home staff. These discussions demonstrated the multidisciplinary approach required to provide individualized care and support to every child, whether they are arriving at the Receiving Home for the first time or returning for an additional stay. Opportunities such as this strengthen the partnership between the Superior Court and the County while providing future legal and public-service professionals with a broader understanding of the dependency system and the work that takes place beyond the courtroom. Imperial County is one of the communities that benefits from having an emergency shelter home available to support children and youth. By seeing the facility and meeting the professionals involved in its daily operations, externs gained a deeper understanding of how judicial decisions, social services and community partnerships work together to promote the safety, well-being and long-term success of children and families. The County is proud to partner with the Imperial County Superior Court in creating educational experiences that encourage collaboration, shared responsibility and a greater understanding of the network of professionals dedicated to serving local youth. The County also appreciates the Court’s commitment to preparing the next generation of legal and public-service professionals and looks forward to continuing this important partnership.

El Centro, CA — Imperial County departments recently coordinated assistance for residents of Lark Spa Mobile Home & RV Park near Niland who were affected by an extended electrical disruption associated with unsafe and unpermitted electrical work at the property.

On July 9, 2026, the Imperial County Planning & Development Services Department inspected the property after receiving a complaint regarding electrical wiring located on the ground and within an open trench. An Attention–Action Required Notice was issued directing the park operator to stop the unpermitted work, de-energize the affected electrical line and obtain the required permit before completing the repairs.

The notice addressed the unsafe electrical installation. The County did not direct the operator to disconnect electrical service throughout the entire park.

On July 17, the Imperial County Executive Office was contacted by United for Justice Inc. and informed that residents had been experiencing an extended loss of electricity. County leadership immediately began coordinating a response among the Department of Social Services, Planning & Development Services, Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services, Behavioral Health Services, Public Administrator/Area Agency on Aging, and Workforce and Economic Development.

The Department of Social Services redirected two employees to the park that afternoon to assess conditions and speak directly with affected residents. Staff determined that 27 of the park’s 77 spaces had been affected. Most residents had temporarily relocated with relatives or to hotels, while nine residents remained at the park and were staying in its air-conditioned community room.

County departments provided or coordinated the following assistance:

• Delivered 20 cots to residents remaining at the property.
• Assessed residents for CalFresh, Medi-Cal and other available public-benefit programs.
• Activated prepared-meal assistance for eligible CalFresh recipients.
• Coordinated follow-up through Behavioral Health Services and Adult Protective Services.
• Evaluated residents for available housing, transportation, healthcare and supportive services.
• Contacted the Imperial Irrigation District, which confirmed that the disruption involved customer-owned electrical infrastructure and was not an IID system outage.

“Once the County Executive Office was notified that residents were without electricity, departments mobilized that same day to assess conditions and connect residents with available assistance,” said Imperial County Executive Officer Kathleen Lang. “We appreciate the employees who responded quickly and worked across departments to support the affected residents.”

The property owner or operator was responsible for hiring a qualified contractor, obtaining the required permits and completing the electrical repairs necessary to bring the property into compliance.

Imperial County Free Libraries will be closed to the public from Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 14 while staff complete annual inventory. All library locations will reopen on Monday, August 17.

Before the temporary closure, patrons are encouraged to return overdue library materials during the Fine Forgiveness Period, taking place Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 31. Fines associated with returned overdue books will be waived, and fees for damaged returned items may also be forgiven when the total does not exceed $25. The program does not apply to previously assessed fines or lost books.

For more information, visit library.imperialcounty.org or email imperialcountylibrary@co.imperial.ca.us.

El Centro, CA – Imperial County Registrar of Voters Linsey Dale announced that the candidate filing period is now open for local offices that will appear on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 California Statewide General Election.

Individuals interested in serving their communities through elected office may obtain nomination documents beginning Monday, July 13, 2026. Candidate filing closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026.

If an incumbent officeholder does not file by the August 7, 2026 deadline, the nomination period for that office will be extended until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for all eligible candidates other than the incumbent.

Voters will elect representatives for numerous local jurisdictions throughout Imperial County, including:

• Imperial County Board of Education – Areas I and II
• Imperial Community College District – Areas 2, 5 and 7
• Calexico Unified School District
• Calipatria Unified School District
• Coachella Valley Unified School District – Areas 1 and 2
• Holtville Unified School District
• Imperial Unified School District
• San Pasqual Valley Unified School District
• Brawley Union High School District
• Central Union High School District
• Brawley Elementary School District
• El Centro Elementary School District
• Heber Elementary School District
• Magnolia Union Elementary School District
• McCabe Union Elementary School District
• Meadows Union Elementary School District
• Mulberry Union Elementary School District
• Seeley Union Elementary School District
• Westmorland Union Elementary School District
• Bombay Beach Community Services District
• Coachella Valley Water District – District 5
• Heber Public Utility District
• Imperial Valley Healthcare District – Districts 1, 2, 3 and 7
• Palo Verde County Water District
• Salton Community Services District
• Seeley County Water District
• Winterhaven Water District
• City Council seats in Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, and Westmorland
• City Clerk for the City of Imperial

Several jurisdictions include offices with both four-year and two-year terms. A complete list of offices and terms is available from the Imperial County Registrar of Voters.

Candidates must meet the qualifications established under the principal act governing their respective district or jurisdiction, including being a registered voter residing within the district or applicable division they seek to represent.

Candidates for school, county, and special district offices may obtain and file nomination documents at the Imperial County Registrar of Voters located at 940 W. Main Street, Suite 206, El Centro. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Candidates seeking office in the cities of Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, and Westmorland should contact their respective city clerk’s office for filing procedures and deadlines.

For additional information regarding candidate filing or the November 3, 2026 General Election, contact the Imperial County Registrar of Voters Office at (442) 265-1060 or visit the Registrar of Voters website at www.Elections.ImperialCounty.org.

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Thermal, CA – The County of Imperial, in partnership with the Salton Community Services District and the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, celebrated the completion of the Desert Shores Soccer Park Phase II Urban Greening Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Desert Shores Community Park. 

The project represents a $250,000 investment in the creation and enhancement of approximately 25,557 square feet of green space, providing new opportunities for community recreation, engagement, and environmental improvements in the Desert Shores and Salton City area. 

Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley welcomed residents and community partners to the ceremony and spent time engaging with community members and families throughout the event. The celebration brought residents, community partners, and local leaders together to recognize a project centered on collaboration, recreation, and continued investment in the community. 

The ceremony also included remarks from Salton Community Services District General Manager Emmanuel Ramos; community members Graciela Mendivil Ramos and Carlene Ness; and Imperial County Air Pollution Control Officer Belen Leon-Lopez. 

“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when agencies and the community work together toward a shared goal,” said Belen Leon-Lopez, Imperial County Air Pollution Control Officer. “Creating and enhancing green spaces not only supports our environmental goals, but also provides families with a welcoming space to gather, connect, and enjoy their community.” 

The Desert Shores Soccer Park Phase II Urban Greening Project is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration while expanding green space and creating a safer, more welcoming environment for local families. 

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Salton Community Services District hosted a community event where residents and families gathered to celebrate the newly improved space. 

The completion of the project highlights the ongoing collaboration between Imperial County, the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, the Salton Community Services District, and the residents who continue to advocate for investments and improvements in their community. 

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Imperial County, CA — The Imperial County Board of Supervisors is proud to recognize Supervisor Martha Cardenas-Singh for successfully completing the National Association of Counties (NACo) High Performance Leadership Academy, a 12-week professional development program designed to strengthen leadership among county officials and public servants across the nation.

The NACo High Performance Leadership Academy provides county leaders with practical tools to better serve their communities, navigate complex challenges, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and lead with purpose in a changing public service environment. Through the program, participants focus on areas such as leadership development, communication, collaboration, innovation, and strategic decision-making.

“I am honored to have completed the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy,” said Supervisor Martha Cardenas-Singh. “This experience strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my commitment to putting residents first, making informed policy decisions, and building strong partnerships that improve the quality of life in our communities. I look forward to applying these lessons to advance thoughtful, people-centered solutions for Imperial County.”

Supervisor Cardenas-Singh’s completion of the academy reflects her continued commitment to professional growth, responsive governance, and service to the residents of Imperial County. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, she has remained focused on supporting policies and initiatives that address local needs, improve public service delivery, and strengthen the County’s ability to serve its communities.

The NACo High Performance Leadership Academy, developed in partnership with the Professional Development Academy, connects county leaders from across the country and equips them with skills to lead more effectively within local government. Supervisor Cardenas-Singh now joins a national network of county leaders who have completed the program and are applying its lessons to enhance local governance and community outcomes.

For more information about the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy, visit www.naco.org.

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OCOTILLO, Calif. – On July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:59 p.m., the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD)
responded to a structure fire in the area of Sierra Vista Avenue and Agate Road in Ocotillo. The incident, designated
CAD #2026003701, rapidly escalated under extreme conditions, with ambient temperatures near 115°F and strong
winds that turned the fire into a fast-moving, wind-driven blaze, and was upgraded to a fourth-alarm assignment.

Engine 4 (Ocotillo) arrived within minutes and found a rapidly spreading fire involving multiple structures and large
LPG tanks. As the fire intensified, incident command ordered a tactical retreat after ammunition began cooking off,
creating an immediate life-safety hazard for firefighters. At the height of the incident, four structures and
outbuildings were fully involved. Firefighters faced the immediate threat of nine additional residences and the
potential involvement of up to 16 more structures.

ICFD requested mutual aid from multiple neighboring agencies. Assistance was received from the Calexico Fire
Department, the City of Yuma Fire Department, the El Centro Fire Department, the Holtville Fire Department, the
Westmorland Fire Department, the Naval Air Facility El Centro Fire Department, the Imperial County Sheriff’s
Office, American Medical Response (ambulance), CalOES Fire & Rescue, and the United States Border Patrol.
Mutual-aid support was limited due to multiple-alarm incidents occurring simultaneously across the region. A
reverse-911 notification was issued to Ocotillo residents, advising them to evacuate the area. The American Red
Cross was notified, and Imperial Irrigation District (IID) was requested to shut off power to the Sage Brush, Sierra
Vista, and Imperial Highway corridors to enhance firefighter safety.

Additional resources, including engines and command staff, were dispatched to support firefighting operations and
water supply. Firefighters successfully protected most threatened homes and brought the fire under control. No
civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Imperial County Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to all mutual-aid partners, Imperial Irrigation
District, ICSO Dispatch Center, and the residents of Ocotillo for their cooperation during this complex and
hazardous incident.

About Imperial County Fire Department / Office of Emergency Services

The Imperial County Fire Department provides all-risk fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the
unincorporated areas of Imperial County and supports mutual-aid operations throughout the region.

Media Inquiries: Please contact: Deputy Chief Cedric Ceseña at cedriccesena@co.imperial.ca.us or by calling (442) 265-6000.

Imperial County, ICAPCD, and the Salton Community Services District invite the community to celebrate the Desert Shores Soccer Park Phase II Urban Greening Project and the transformation of Desert Shores Community Park.

📅 Friday, July 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m.
📍 57 Palm Dr., Thermal, CA 92274
🎊 Ceremony followed by a community event hosted by SCSD

Come celebrate this exciting improvement for the Desert Shores community!