Eddie Lopez

El Centro, CA – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors took action during its October 20, 2026 meeting following a discussion regarding the status of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–2027 tax levy and tax-roll process, as well as the County’s draft FY 2024–2025 audit and financial statements.

The discussion, presented by County Executive Officer Dr. Kathleen Lang, focused on the County’s financial reporting responsibilities, property tax administration, and ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and appropriate oversight of public resources.

As part of the discussion, the Board reviewed the FY 2026–2027 property tax levy process, which includes establishing applicable tax rates for secured property throughout Imperial County, including rates associated with voter-approved school district and special district bonds.

According to supporting financial materials, the FY 2026–2027 property tax projections identify approximately $178.6 million in gross revenue from secured property taxes and $24.1 million from unsecured property taxes. These figures represent countywide revenue projections and do not reflect funds exclusively available to the County’s General Fund.

The Board also reviewed the status of the County’s draft FY 2024–2025 audit and financial statements, which serve as important components of the County’s annual financial reporting and accountability responsibilities.

Following the presentation, the Board of Supervisors directed the Imperial County Auditor-Controller’s Office, to complete the necessary work related to the tax levy and financial reporting matters by October 27, 2026, and return to the Board for consideration and approval.

The County of Imperial remains committed to responsible financial management, timely reporting, and transparency in the administration of public funds. Continued oversight and coordination among County departments will support efforts to maintain accurate financial records and fulfill applicable reporting obligations.

Additional information and updates will be provided as the County continues to address these matters.

Imperial County, CA – The Imperial County Registrar of Voters’ Office is aware that some voters have received more than one ballot for the November 3, 2026, General Election.

Due to a mailing error, approximately 160 voters with confidential voter status were sent an additional ballot, even though they had already been included in the original ballot mailing.

The error occurred as the Registrar of Voters’ Office was updating its procedures to follow changes in California law. Beginning January 1, 2026, elected officials and candidates for public office became eligible for confidential voter status, requiring changes to how their ballots are processed and mailed.

“We understand that receiving more than one ballot may cause confusion, and we take that concern seriously. Although this mailing error affected approximately 160 confidential voters, our commitment to conducting a secure and accurate election remains unchanged,” said Registrar of Voters Linsey Dale.

Why might someone receive more than one ballot?

There are other situations where a voter may receive an additional ballot. For example, this can happen when someone updates their voter registration information or when the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sends updated information close to Election Day.

The Registrar of Voters’ Office prepares its ballot mailing lists about eight weeks before an election. If a voter’s information changes after those lists are prepared, another ballot may be mailed to reflect the updated information.

Can someone vote more than once?

No. Receiving two ballots does not mean a person can vote twice.

“We have safeguards in place to ensure that only one ballot is accepted and counted for each eligible voter in accordance with California law.” Linsey Dale added. 

Voting more than once in the same election is illegal and may result in criminal penalties.

What should voters do if they receive two ballots?

Voters who receive more than one ballot or have questions about their ballot are encouraged to contact the Registrar of Voters’ Office for assistance via Phone: 442-265-1060.

The Registrar of Voters’ Office remains committed to providing a secure, accurate, and transparent election process for all Imperial County voters.

El Centro, CA – The County of Imperial today proclaimed a local emergency throughout Imperial County because Tropical Storm Rachael is forecast to bring high winds and rain to the County on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

The storm is expected to pose risks to people and property and damage infrastructure, including power, water, transportation, and commercial and residential structures. Anticipated impacts are beyond the control of local resources, services, personnel, and equipment.

The proclamation was issued under California Government Code section 8630 and Imperial County Codified Ordinance No. 2.104.060. A copy has been filed with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The proclamation will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for ratification within seven days.

Sandbags
Sand and Sandbags are available at all stations on a self-serve basis. For faster service, residents should bring a shovel if they can. Residents with access and functional needs can get prefilled sandbags at all County sandbag locations.

What residents should do
Secure outdoor items that can become wind hazards. Clear drains and move vehicles out of low areas if it is safe to do so. Do not drive through flooded roadways. Monitor official County updates and local forecasts, and check on neighbors who may need help preparing.

The County will provide situation updates as the storm approaches. Residents should rely on official County and emergency-services channels for instructions.

In preparation for a notable increase in moisture that could bring heavy rain and possible flooding, the Imperial County Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Services are making sand and sandbags available for self-serve pickup to residents whose properties could be affected. Please note that staff will not be on site, so bringing your own tools will make it easier to fill and transport the sandbags.

There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household. Supplies are limited, so we kindly ask everyone to take only what they reasonably need. If your home or property has experienced flooding in the past, you may find it helpful to pick some up as a precaution.

El Centro, CA — The County of Imperial Executive Office recently hosted an in-person economic development meeting with Rebecca Eusey, Business Development Manager for the Southern Region with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), to discuss state resources and incentives available to support business investment, expansion, and job creation in Imperial County.

Coordinated by the Deputy CEO of Economic Development, the meeting brought together County executive staff, Workforce and Economic Development staff, and representatives from the local Workforce Development Board. The discussion provided an opportunity for local partners to engage directly with GO-Biz, strengthen coordination with the State, and learn more about programs available to support businesses throughout the region.

Eusey provided an overview of key state economic development tools, including the California Competes Tax Credit, Research and Development Tax Credit, property tax benefits, sales and use tax exemptions, and state financing and loan guarantee programs available to qualifying businesses.

Participants also discussed how these resources can complement the County’s existing economic and workforce development efforts and help position Imperial County to better support business expansion, new investment, manufacturing, and job creation.

“This collaboration strengthens our connection with the State and increases our ability to connect businesses in Imperial County with valuable economic development resources,” said Dr. Kathleen Lang. “Building these direct relationships allows us to work more collaboratively when opportunities arise and better support businesses looking to grow and invest in our community.”

The County of Imperial thanks Rebecca Eusey and GO-Biz for meeting with County leadership and local workforce and economic development partners. The County looks forward to continuing this collaboration and expanding access to state resources that support business attraction, retention, expansion, workforce development, investment, and job creation throughout Imperial County.

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors today approved an urgency ordinance repealing and setting aside Ordinance Nos. 1616 and 1618, which had established and extended an interim urgency moratorium on the approval of data center facilities within the unincorporated areas of Imperial County.

The action was taken in compliance with a Peremptory Writ of Mandate issued by the Imperial County Superior Court in connection with Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturers, LLC v. County of Imperial. The court directed the County to set aside Ordinance Nos. 1616 and 1618 and cease enforcement of the moratorium established under those ordinances.

Ordinance No. 1616 was originally adopted by the Board on June 16, 2026, establishing a temporary moratorium on the approval of data center facilities in the County’s unincorporated areas. The Board subsequently adopted Ordinance No. 1618 on July 14, 2026, extending the moratorium for an additional period.

Under the urgency ordinance approved today, both ordinances are repealed and set aside in their entirety, and the County will cease enforcement of the moratorium. The ordinance also states that the County will not apply or enforce either Ordinance No. 1616 or Ordinance No. 1618 as a basis for withholding, suspending, or refusing to accept, process, review, approve, or issue a permit or entitlement for data center facilities within the unincorporated areas of the County.

The Board’s action does not determine which zoning laws or other regulations may otherwise apply to individual data center applications. Applications remain subject to applicable County land use regulations and other requirements independent of the repealed moratorium ordinances.

The urgency ordinance takes effect immediately and directs County Counsel to take the necessary steps to comply with the court’s judgment and file the County’s return to the writ.

Community members are invited to review findings and provide feedback before the report is finalized.

Imperial County and San Diego State University (SDSU) researchers announced today the release of the Draft Lithium Valley Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and invite Imperial County residents and community partners to review the report and provide feedback during a public comment period.

Under a research agreement, Imperial County engaged the San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSURF) to conduct the HIA to better understand how direct lithium extraction (DLE) and related development may affect the health and well-being of people in Imperial County. Conducted from 2023 through 2026, the assessment brings together scientific research, local health and environmental data, existing planning documents, and input from community members. 

The HIA examines potential health effects related to areas such as air quality, water, traffic, worker health and safety, stress and well-being, health care access, employment, and other community conditions. It also identifies potential benefits and areas where more information is needed.

Because large-scale DLE is still new, there is limited published research about how it may affect health. The HIA therefore emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring, community engagement, transparent information sharing, and ongoing evaluation as projects and scientific knowledge is still being developed. 

Community Input 

Community input has helped shape the HIA throughout its development. The project team reviewed previous public comments and conducted a community survey to better understand residents’ knowledge of DLE, perceived health and community concerns, and views about potential benefits. 

The release of the draft report provides another opportunity for residents to participate.

Community members are encouraged to review the draft HIA and provide feedback. The feedback may help identify information that needs clarification, questions that remain unanswered, or issues that should receive additional consideration before the HIA is finalized.

How to Review the Draft and Share Feedback

The Draft Lithium Valley Health Impact Assessment and easy-to-read materials are available online here.

Community members can provide feedback through an online feedback survey. 

Public comments will be accepted through November 5, 2026.

Feedback may be submitted in English or Spanish. 

Next Steps

Following the public comment period, the project team will review community feedback and consider it as the final HIA is prepared. The final report and community dissemination materials will be made publicly available following completion.

“This Health Impact Assessment is about understanding how changes in our region may affect the health and well-being of our communities. Community feedback is an important part of that process, and we encourage residents to review the draft and share what matters most to them.” said Peggy Price, Chairwoman, Imperial County Board of Supervisors 

About the Health Impact Assessment

A Health Impact Assessment uses data, research, and community input to understand how a proposed project, plan, policy, or decision could affect people’s health and well-being. It also identifies ways to support positive health outcomes and reduce potential harms. 

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.

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