Eddie Lopez

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. ###

The County of Imperial Planning & Development Services Department is sharing an overview of lot mergers, a common land-use process that residents may see on public hearing agendas or in mailed notices.

What Is a Lot Merger?
A lot merger is a legal process that combines two or more adjacent (contiguous) parcels into one single parcel. After a lot merger is finalized and recorded, the previously separate lot lines are removed for legal and land-record purposes. A lot merger can help simplify property boundaries, resolve old parcel configurations, and ensure parcels meet current standards. It does not automatically approve new development. Any future construction or land use must still follow zoning, building, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Two Ways a Lot Merger Can Occur in Imperial County, California
1) Lot Merger Requested by a Property Owner (application-based)
Imperial County’s Subdivision Ordinance (Title 9, Division 8, Chapter 8) establishes the County’s process for lot mergers initiated by the record property owner, including when a merger can be considered (for example: parcels must be contiguous and not separated/affected by certain easements or rights-of-way).

Key Steps Include:

• Completeness review: After submittal, the Department determines whether an application is complete within 30 days.
• Public hearing + decision: The Planning Director or the Planning Commission conducts a public hearing and approves or denies based on required findings (including conformance with state law/County ordinance, access, easements, and no creation of new lots)

2) Lot Merger Initiated by the County (notice-based, limited circumstances)
Imperial County also has procedures for County-initiated lot mergers (Title 9, Division 8, Chapter 9). These provisions describe when contiguous parcels under common ownership may be considered merged in specific circumstances, such as where a parcel does not meet minimum lot size or other listed conditions apply, and require notice to the property owner (including a Notice of Intention to Determine Status mailed by certified mail).

Can a Lot Merger Approve or Deny a Specific Project?
No. A lot merger is an administrative land record action only. It does not approve, deny, or signal support for any specific development project on the merged land. A lot merger simply determines how parcels are legally described and taxed. It does not:

• Grant other land-use entitlements
• Approve building permits
• Change zoning or allowable uses
• Establish density, intensity, or project design
• Predetermine environmental review outcomes
  

Any future development proposal on a merged parcel must still go through its own, separate review process, which depending on the zoning and the requested use may be either ministerial or discretionary. A ministerial action is a routine approval where staff confirm a project meets all existing rules and standards, with little or no judgment involved.

A discretionary action requires judgment and decision-making by the County, often includes public input, and may involve conditions of approval or environmental review.

Parcel Configuration Versus Development Entitlement
Because a lot merger does not evaluate land use, scale, impacts, or design, it cannot be used to infer how the County or any decision-making body might act on a future project. State law and County ordinances intentionally separate parcel configuration decisions from development entitlement decisions to ensure fairness, transparency, and due process. This structure ensures that:

• Property owners can correct or modernize parcel boundaries without implying development approval
• Decision-makers remain neutral during the entitlement process. At the time a complete project application is formally presented at a public hearing the decision-makers take in all information provided (verbal and physical) after which they will render a decision on the project.

In summary, a lot merger addresses how land is legally described, not how land will be developed.

Imperial County, CA – Imperial County is pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos J. Lopez as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Economic Development within the Imperial County Executive Office. In this role, Lopez will lead and advance countywide economic development initiatives focused on business attraction, workforce development, job creation, and long-term economic growth.

Lopez brings more than 20 years of experience in workforce and economic development, with a proven track record of building strong partnerships with local businesses, regional agencies, and state and federal partners. Most recently, he served as Business Services Supervisor with the Imperial County Workforce & Economic Development Department, a position he has held since 2017.

During his tenure, Lopez led business engagement strategies supporting more than 150 local employers annually and collaborated with regional partners such as the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC), Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program (IVROP), and local Chambers of Commerce. His efforts helped attract new employers to Imperial County and supported the creation of more than 150 new jobs through incentive programs and workforce training initiatives.

Lopez also played a key role in assisting more than 100 small businesses in securing relief funding during economic recovery efforts, helping retain jobs and stabilize the local economy. He has coordinated large-scale hiring events across multiple industries, overseen the day-to-day operations of the Business Development Center, and ensured compliance with state, local, and federal workforce programs, including WIOA.

Prior to his role as Business Services Supervisor, Lopez served as a Case Manager with the Imperial County Workforce Development Office from 2009 to 2017, where he managed complex workforce programs, prepared audit reports, and supported recruitment and training activities. Earlier in his career, he served as Admissions Manager for the San Diego Job Corps Center, overseeing outreach, enrollment, and federal program operations in the Imperial Valley.

“Carlos has been a trusted leader and a driving force behind many of our economic and workforce development successes,” said Dr. K, Chief Executive Officer for Imperial County. “His deep understanding of our local economy, strong relationships with the business community, and commitment to creating opportunities for Imperial County residents make him the ideal choice to serve as Deputy CEO of Economic Development. We are confident his leadership will continue to move our county forward.”

Lopez holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from San Diego State University and an Associate of Science in Psychology from Imperial Valley College. He is a graduate of Central Union High School and has dedicated his career to public service and economic advancement in Imperial County.

Lopez also acknowledged the unconditional support of his wife, Ingrid Lopez, along with the support of his family and children, who continue to be the driving force behind his work and commitment to public service.

As Deputy CEO of Economic Development, Lopez will work closely with county leadership, regional partners, and the business community to strengthen Imperial County’s economic competitiveness, support workforce innovation, and foster sustainable growth.

#

Imperial County has released the RAND Corporation’s comprehensive research report on the region’s Lithium Opportunity, titled “Empowering Imperial County: A Comprehensive Workforce and Economic Development Strategy for Harnessing the Lithium Opportunity” (RR-A3836-1). The full report and its 10-year action plan are now available for public download, marking a significant step as the County moves into the implementation phase to maximize economic and workforce benefits from the emerging Lithium Valley.

The strategic assessment, which evaluates Imperial County’s capacity to develop a strong lithium supply chain, is available for download on the RAND website. Community members can also access the report by visiting the Imperial County main website.

The RAND report provides an invaluable roadmap for ensuring that the vision of Lithium Valley translates into tangible economic growth and opportunity for every resident of Imperial County. The County urges the community, and all partners in industry, education, and government, to review these findings, which clearly articulate the actions needed to close skill gaps, accelerate infrastructure, and ensure economic benefits for Imperial County residents.

Key Highlights from the RAND Report:

The study outlines a plan of action centered on five objectives, stressing that realizing the full potential of the lithium opportunity depends on early and decisive action. Key findings include:

• Job Creation: Lithium extraction is forecasted to generate approximately 700 permanent operations jobs and 1,000 construction jobs.
  
• Full Value Chain Potential: The report states a fully built battery value chain, encompassing material refining, cell assembly, and recycling, is possible, alongside ancillary industries like data centers.
  
• Recommendations for Success: The plan calls for encouraging local hiring, aligning education providers and industry, fostering a broader industrial base through an investment fund and streamlined services, and allocating lithium tax revenues to vital infrastructure and services.
  
• Action is Needed: Decisive action is needed to ensure the opportunity of Lithium Valley is reached. Co-locating synergistic industries within Lithium Valley is a core component to the success of Lithium Valley; other similar lithium-based ecosystems are being developed in competing states and local delays could result in Imperial County missing the opportunity to attract key developers.

Imperial County is dedicated to working with all stakeholders to advance the opportunities of Lithium Valley and see this once-in-a-generation transformation be realized for our community.