Eddie Lopez

Calipatria, California. — The County of Imperial celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Imperial County Library Calipatria Branch on Thursday, May 15, marking a meaningful investment in education, literacy, and community access for residents of Calipatria and the surrounding northern Imperial County region.

The renovated branch represents more than an improvement to a public facility. It reflects the County’s continued commitment to creating welcoming spaces where children, students, families, seniors, and lifelong learners can gather, explore, and connect with resources that support personal growth and opportunity. From access to books and technology to programs that encourage learning and community engagement, the Calipatria Branch will continue serving as an important resource for generations to come.

The ceremony brought together County officials, state and local leaders, community partners, and residents to celebrate the collaborative efforts that helped make the project possible. The program included remarks from Imperial County Librarian Mary J. Guerrero, California State Librarian Greg Lucas, Imperial County District 4 Supervisor Ryan Kelley, representatives from the City of Calipatria, the Office of Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, and the IV Regional Chamber of Commerce. Calipatria Unified School District Trustee Diego Navarro also joined the celebration, highlighting the library’s connection to local students and families.

Guests also enjoyed a special performance by Las Flores del Valle Ballet Folklórico, bringing a vibrant cultural element to the ceremony and honoring the traditions, talent, and spirit of the Imperial Valley.

“Libraries are more than buildings filled with books; they are gathering places, classrooms without walls, and safe spaces where imagination, opportunity, and lifelong learning come together,” said Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley, District 4. “The renovation of the Calipatria Library Branch is an investment in our children, students, families, seniors, and the future of our community.”

Imperial County Librarian Mary J. Guerrero emphasized the role libraries continue to play as welcoming spaces for learning, connection, and public service. “Libraries thrive because of the support from their community and communities grow from the enrichment libraries provide. As libraries adapt and grow, so does the community they serve.” 

The event concluded with the official ribbon cutting and photo opportunity, symbolizing a new chapter for the Calipatria Branch and the community it will serve.

Through the Calipatria Branch, the Imperial County Library system continues its mission to provide accessible library services, programs, technology, and resources that enrich lives and strengthen communities throughout Imperial County.

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Imperial County, CA – May 12, 2026 – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted today during its regular Board meeting to adopt the Lithium Valley Construction Workforce Ordinance, establishing workforce, hiring, and labor standards for specified land uses within the proposed Lithium Valley Specific Plan Area.

The ordinance received its first reading by title only on May 5, 2026, followed by the second reading and adoption on May 12, 2026.

The ordinance promotes high-quality construction jobs, strengthen local workforce participation, support apprenticeship utilization and workforce training, and encourage local hiring and subcontracting opportunities associated with specific land uses in the Lithium Valley Specific Plan Area.

The Board Chambers saw strong attendance from local union workers and labor representatives in support of the ordinance, reflecting significant community interest in ensuring local residents benefit from emerging economic opportunities.

Also in attendance were Chris Hannan, President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, and Danny Machain, Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local 569 and California State Building Trades Imperial County Business Manager, who joined local labor organizations, trades representatives, and community members in support of the ordinance.

“This ordinance builds pathways to long-term careers, workforce development, and economic mobility for local families, not just for today, but for generations to come,” said Peggy Price, Chairwoman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. “Today’s action prioritizes our residents, strengthens workforce development, and positions Imperial County to lead as we create a vibrant and prosperous future.”

The ordinance establishes requirements for covered projects to submit workforce plans addressing local hiring efforts, apprenticeship utilization, and workforce implementation strategies. The ordinance also encourages opportunities for local subcontractors and small businesses to participate in Imperial County’s future.

In addition, the ordinance supports career pathways for local workers, including apprentices and individuals from disadvantaged communities, helping expand access to middle-wage jobs and long-term economic opportunity within Imperial County.

“The State Building and Construction Trades Council is proud to support the Imperial County Building Trades, and the work they have done with the County on this Construction Workforce Ordinance. This Ordinance will provide career opportunities for Imperial residents, centered around safety and quality. The apprenticeship requirements are opportunities to learn skills not just for the first projects located in Lithium Valley, but for lifelong careers with outstanding wages and benefits. The reporting requirements and strong compliance, will provide the local community and workers with the information needed to maintain confidence,” said Chris Hannan, President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California.

For more information regarding the Lithium Valley Construction Workforce Ordinance, please contact the Imperial County Executive Office.

Roadway improvements are underway in the Imperial Townsite area as part of the Imperial Townsite Roadway Improvement Project Phase I, a County infrastructure project designed to improve local road conditions, support safer travel, and extend the life of existing roadways.

On March 3, 2026, under Minute Order No. 62, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution awarding Rove Engineering, Inc. as the successful bidder for the project and approved a capital expense of $2,199,999 for County Project No. 6995RMRA, funded by SB 1.

The project includes pavement grinding, crack sealing, asphalt concrete resurfacing, slurry sealcoat, pothole repairs, shoulder grading, road striping, utility adjustments, and other related roadway improvements. Work is taking place within the County Road right-of-way and includes various road segments in the Imperial Townsite area, including locations near Lee Road, Powell Court, Hamblet Road, and Nance Road.

“Investments like this are important to the daily lives of our residents,” said Chairwoman Peggy Price, District 3 Supervisor. “These improvements help provide safer, smoother, and more reliable roads for the families, workers, emergency responders, and community members who use them every day. I want to thank the Imperial County Public Works Department for their continued dedication and hard work in coordinating projects that directly benefit our communities.”

Imperial County remains committed to maintaining and improving local infrastructure through responsible planning, available funding opportunities, and continued coordination with project partners. The Imperial Townsite Roadway Improvement Project Phase I reflects the County’s ongoing work to support safe and reliable transportation throughout its communities.

As we approach Election Day, Imperial County reminds the public that electioneering is prohibited within the immediate vicinity of voters in line to cast a ballot or within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling place, vote center, curbside voting location, or ballot drop box. This includes asking someone to vote for or against a candidate or ballot measure; displaying or distributing campaign materials; wearing clothing, hats, buttons, stickers, or signs that support or oppose a candidate or measure; circulating petitions; blocking access to ballot drop boxes; or speaking to voters about their eligibility to vote. These rules help ensure that every voter can cast their ballot freely, safely, and without interference. Violations may result in fines and/or imprisonment. For more information, please visit the California Secretary of State’s electioneering guidance.

Imperial County, CA. — The Imperial County Assessor wishes to remind business, aircraft and vessel owners that the deadline for filing timely property statements is May 7, 2026. Property statements received or postmarked after May 7, 2026, are subject to a 10 percent late filing penalty.  Informational letters with instructions for filing 2026 property statements were mailed to business filers, general aircraft owners and vessel owners earlier in 2026.

The California Revenue and Taxation Code requires that business property be assessed annually.  Ownership and taxability of business assets, aircraft and vessels is determined as of January 1st each year.  All businesses, financial institutions, multi-residential apartments and general aircraft owners are required to file a property statement annually.  Individuals who acquired vessels in 2025 are also required to file a property statement.  Individuals who own a vessel that was assessed in 2024 are only required to notify the Assessor if there was a transfer of ownership or a change in the condition of their vessel in 2025.

Business owners can electronically file (e-file) their annual property statements.  Electronic filing offers several advantages including the direct transmittal of data to the Assessor, an electronic receipt with a date and time stamp and after the initial set up, the e-forms will automatically populate in subsequent years with prior year data.  In future years, property filters will only need to add or delete assets acquired or disposed of each year to complete their annual statement.

Other methods for filing an annual property statement include utilizing the fillable forms available on the Assessor’s web site, at www.assessor.imperialcounty.org.  Property statements can be completed online and then mailed or delivered to the Assessor.  Paper forms are also available upon request.  Call (442) 265-1300 or e-mail assessor@co.imperial.ca.us if you need forms or have filing questions.

Assistance with forms and e-filing is available by contacting the Assessor’s Unsecured Property Section at (442) 265-8805 or by sending an e-mail inquiry to BusinessProperty@co.imperial.ca.us.

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Vote-by-Mail ballots for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election are being mailed to all active, registered voters in Imperial County, the Imperial County Registrar of Voters announced. Depending on mail delivery, voters should expect to receive their vote-by-mail ballots shortly.

Any voter who does not receive their vote-by-mail ballot should contact the Registrar of Voters’ Office at (442) 265-1060 or votersupport@co.imperial.ca.us to request a replacement ballot.

Voters have several options to return their vote-by-mail ballots:

• Mail: Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and received by the Registrar of Voters within seven days of the election in order to be counted. No postage is required.
  
• Drop Box: Voters may deposit their ballots at an official ballot drop box located throughout Imperial County. Ballot drop boxes will be available 24 hours a day beginning May 4, 2026, and will close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
  
• In Person: Voters may return their vote-by-mail ballot in person to the Registrar of Voters’ Office, located at 940 W. Main Street, Suite 206, El Centro, or at any Imperial County Vote Center on or before Election Day.

For a list and map of all Vote Center and official ballot drop box locations, including dates and hours of operation, please visit the Registrar of Voters’ website at Elections.ImperialCounty.org. Voters may also track their ballot by email, text, or phone by signing up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.

For additional information regarding the June 2, 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election or the election process, please visit Elections.ImperialCounty.org or call the Imperial County Registrar of Voters’ Office at (442) 265-1060.

Imperial County, CA. — Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS) today celebrated the groundbreaking of the County’s new Adult Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility, marking an important milestone in expanding access to critical behavioral health and recovery services for residents across Imperial County.

The celebration brought together County leadership, community partners, project collaborators, and behavioral health advocates to recognize the collective effort behind the development of the new facility. The program opened with a welcome from Gabriela Jimenez, Assistant Director of ICBHS, followed by a Director’s Address from Leticia Plancarte-Garcia, ICBHS Director. Remarks were also provided by Imperial County Board Chairwoman Peggy Price and Dr. Kathleen Lang, Imperial County Executive Officer.

“Today marks an important milestone for Imperial County as we break ground on our Adult Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility. This project represents more than just construction, it reflects our commitment to expanding access to care and supporting individuals and families on their path to recovery.” said Dr. Kathleen Lang, Imperial County Executive Officer.

Leticia Plancarte-Garcia, ICBHS Director: “Everyone deserves the chance to recover close to home, surrounded by support. For too long, individuals have had to leave their community to access residential care. As a department, ICBHS has been intentional in expanding services and building a strong, community-based system of care, but we knew one gap remained, a local residential substance use disorder treatment facility. This facility will help close that gap and expand opportunities for individuals and families in Imperial County to heal and recover. Today’s groundbreaking represents the foundation for a stronger system of care and a healthier community”

As part of the program, Victoria Mansfield, Deputy Director of ICBHS, presented special recognitions to the many Imperial County staff members and partners whose dedication helped move the project forward. The recognitions highlighted the behind-the-scenes work of staff who, without hesitation, step in, solve problems, coordinate details, and keep projects moving, often through countless meetings, careful planning, and, as jokingly noted during the ceremony, even “immaculate spreadsheets.” Their commitment reflected the teamwork, attention to detail, and public service spirit that made this milestone possible.

A meaningful highlight of the ceremony was the heartfelt message shared by Kristen Mitosinka, Peer Support Specialist, who spoke about her personal recovery journey and the importance of support, compassion, and access to treatment. Having been in recovery for two years, Mitosinka offered a powerful reminder of why facilities like this are so important, not only as treatment spaces, but as places of hope, dignity, and new beginnings for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.

The ceremony concluded with a formal groundbreaking featuring local dignitaries and project partners, symbolizing the beginning of a facility that will provide essential residential treatment services for adults experiencing substance use disorders.

Imperial County Behavioral Health Services extends its sincere gratitude to the Department of Health Care Services, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, the Imperial County Executive Office, Imperial County Public Works Department, Information and Technology Department, Planning Department, Imperial County Fire Department, City of El Centro, ABC Recovery, Vanir Construction Management, Boulder Associates, Advocates for Human Potential, Align Builders Inc., and all partners who contributed to the advancement of this important project.

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