Category: News

Help Shape the Future of Voting in Imperial County

The Imperial County Registrar of Voters invites you to attend our upcoming community workshops to provide feedback on the Draft Election Administration Plan (EAP). These meetings, held under the Voter’s Choice Act, are your opportunity to ask questions and help improve our local election process.

Workshop Schedule:
August 7 – 6:00 PM, Imperial City Council Chambers
August 11 – 6:00 PM, El Centro City Council Chambers
August 12 – 6:00 PM, Holtville City Council Chambers
August 14 – 6:00 PM, Calexico City Council Chambers
August 18 – 6:00 PM, Brawley Teen Center
August 27 – 6:00 PM, Calipatria City Council Chambers

View the draft plan: www.Elections.ImperialCounty.org
Need accommodations? Contact (442) 265-1060 or LinseyDale@co.imperial.ca.us at least 5 days before the meeting.

Now Open: AB 617 North-Imperial Phase 1 Community Paving Project RFP

The Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) has officially released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the AB 617 North-Imperial Phase 1 Community Paving Project. This opportunity is available exclusively to organizations and stakeholders within the AB 617 Community Corridor of Brawley, Westmorland, and Calipatria.

To view or download the RFP, visit: https://www.icab617community.org/request-for-proposals

We kindly ask for your support in sharing this opportunity with eligible partners and community members.

Imperial County Moves Forward with Transition to Voter’s Choice Act Model

EL CENTRO, CA — Imperial County has taken a significant step toward adopting the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA), a modernized election model aimed at increasing voter accessibility, flexibility, and participation. On June 10, 2025, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved the use of Local Assistance Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) grant funds to support the infrastructure needed for Vote Centers and other VCA-related resources.

Imperial County is set to become the 30th county in California to adopt the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) voting model. Originally introduced by Senator Ben Allen in 2017 and piloted in five counties the following year, the VCA has steadily expanded under the leadership of Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. Today, it serves more than 17 million registered voters across the state—offering them more days and more ways to cast their ballots.

While the County is not yet officially conducting elections under the VCA, this approval enables the Registrar of Voters (ROV) to begin implementing the necessary equipment, supplies, and community engagement efforts required to transition from traditional polling places to a Vote Center model. The VCA will be implemented in time for the June 2026 Primary Election.

Starting with the upcoming election, Imperial County voters will benefit from this flexible model. They’ll be able to vote in person for up to 10 days before Election Day, drop off their ballots at secure drop boxes starting 28 days before the election, or return their ballots by mail anytime up to and including Election Day.

“We appreciate the community’s interest in this important transition,” said Linsey Dale, Imperial County Registrar of Voters. “It’s critical to note that the draft Election Administration Plan (EAP) has not yet been finalized. Over the coming months, we will be engaging the community through stakeholder consultations, public workshops, and a formal comment period before the final EAP is submitted for approval.”

Under the VCA model, all active registered voters will receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot and have the option to vote in person at any Vote Center in the County. Vote Centers offer extended hours, same-day voter registration, accessible voting equipment, and multilingual assistance.

The draft EAP, which outlines proposed Vote Center and Ballot Drop Box locations, is currently available for public review. Community members—especially those representing seniors, people with disabilities, and Spanish-speaking residents—are encouraged to provide feedback and attend upcoming consultation meetings.

The County’s VCA transition will also include robust bilingual outreach and accessibility improvements to ensure all eligible voters are informed and empowered to participate in upcoming elections.

To view the draft Election Administration Plan or request information in accessible formats, visit www.Elections.ImperialCounty.org or contact the Registrar of Voters at (442) 265-1060 or VoterSupport@co.imperial.ca.us.

Download Press Release (PDF)

County Reaffirms Commitment to Employee Safety and Accountability

Imperial County has been made aware of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former employee against Supervisor Jesus Eduardo Escobar. We take these allegations seriously and remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all employees.

While the County cannot comment on the specifics of pending litigation, we want to reaffirm our commitment to accountability, transparency, and the well-being of our workforce. As part of that commitment, the County is taking immediate action to address these concerns.  Additionally, the County is taking the following proactive steps to reinforce workplace safety and trust:

  1.  Requiring mandatory sexual harassment prevention training for all County employees and elected officials.
  2.  Establishing a confidential hotline for reporting misconduct or inappropriate behavior.
  3.  Exploring the implementation of a digital reporting and alert system, such as STOPit, to allow for timely and anonymous reporting.

Employees who wish to report concerns, misconduct, or inappropriate behavior are encouraged to contact our Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at (442) 265-1017.

“Leadership and accountability go hand in hand,” said Chairman John Hawk. “We are committed to acting responsibly and ensuring our workplace remains one where every employee feels safe, supported, and respected.”

Due to the legal nature of this matter, no further comment will be provided at this time.

End of the Summer Bash 2025

Join the County of Imperial and IID for a fun-filled End of Summer Bash at Sunbeam Lake on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM! Enjoy water activities, free hot dogs (250 available while supplies last), shaved ice, refreshing drinks, and a special appearance by IID’s Dippy Duck from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. This free family event is proudly sponsored by IID’s Summer Water Activities Grant—don’t miss out!

ICBHS Earns Psychiatry Residency Accreditation with UC San Diego

Imperial County, CA — Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS) is proud to announce that it has officially received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to establish as a Psychiatry Residency Program. This achievement follows wo-year collaborative efforts with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and was made possible by a $2.5 million grant awarded in January 2023 by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). 

“This is a significant milestone for our department and Imperial County as a whole,” said Leticia Plancarte-García, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services Director. “It marks a moment of progress and partnership. By investing in the education and development of future psychiatrists, we are also investing in the long-term health and well-being of our community.” 

“We are proud to mark this moment of progress and partnership,” said Leticia Plancarte-García, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services Director “This program is not only an investment in future physicians but a direct investment in the health and well-being of our community.” 

Dr. Steve Koh, Chief Clinical Professor and Director of the UCSD Community Psychiatry Fellowship, has been instrumental in guiding the program’s development. UCSD’s leadership, faculty, and administrative teams have provided invaluable support throughout this journey, offering their expertise in curriculum development, accreditation readiness, and clinical training infrastructure. Their partnership has been critical to the successful launch of this program. 

UCSD staff will join ICBHS and County leadership to formally recognize this achievement during a special presentation to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors on June 10, 2025.This new psychiatric residency program reflects the County’s long-term strategy to retain talent and improve access to care by preparing providers who understand and are committed to serving the unique needs of the region. Recruitment for the inaugural class of psychiatry residents is expected to begin later this year. 

While this is a significant step forward in the County’s ongoing efforts to improve access to behavioral health care, ICBHS remains committed to open communication with residents about mental health services and operations to ensure that residents voices remain central to future developments.