Category: News

The Imperial County Department of Social Services (ICDSS) is informing residents that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, benefits under the federal CalFresh Program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) will be delayed for November 2025 until funding is restored.

How This Impacts You

• Benefits for October 2025 have already been issued and are available for use as normal.
• If federal funding remains unavailable, new issuance of CalFresh benefits for November will be delayed.
• You do not need to reapply. Your case remains active. Social Services will continue to accept new CalFresh applications, and process recertifications (renewals), periodic reports and changes of household.
• Other assistance programs such as CalWORKs and MediCal are currently not impacted.
• If you still have benefits available on your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, you may continue to use them as usual

• Continue submitting any required verification requests. This ensures your case remains ready for
  benefits once federal funding is restored.
• Monitor your EBT balance and issuance status via the ebtEDGE mobile application, online portal at www.ebtEDGE.com, or call the number on the back of your card.
• If your household needs food assistance, please contact the Imperial Valley Food Bank
  https://www.ivfoodbank.com/ or (760) 370-0966.
• Stay informed by visiting www.benefitsCal.com and the Imperial County Social Services website at
  https://www.imperialcountysocialservices.org/.

To assist local families affected by this delay, consider donating or volunteering at the Imperial Valley Food Bank. Donations will help sustain food distribution efforts as the county navigates this temporary disruption in services.

Imperial County, CA – The County of Imperial is pleased to announce the appointment of Eddie López as the new Deputy CEO of Communications. In this role, López will oversee the County’s internal and external communication strategies, ensuring clear, consistent, and modern messaging across all departments and platforms.

López brings over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and multimedia across public and private sectors. As the former Administrative Analyst and Multimedia Specialist for the Imperial County Public Health Department, he played a pivotal role in the County’s communication efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing campaigns, marketing strategies, and multimedia content including design, audio, web, and social media initiatives.

Most recently, López served as the Public Information Officer at the Executive Office, where he has been instrumental in modernizing and standardizing both internal and external communications across the County. He has led public relations efforts, supported numerous departments with centralized campaigns and annual events, and played a key role in revamping the County’s visual identity and communication style.

In his new role, López is eager to build upon that foundation by introducing new branding initiatives,establishing comprehensive communications policies, and developing clear procedures that strengthen transparency and accessibility for the public. He has extensive experience in government and legislative affairs and has also provided communications support to other counties during critical events, including the Borel and Eaton Fires, all while continuing to manage and support ongoing communications operations here at Imperial County during those deployments.

López holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Arts from The Art Institute of California.

“I am truly honored to take on this role,” said López. “Serving the residents of Imperial County and supporting our teams in delivering clear and meaningful communication is both a privilege and a responsibility I take to heart. I look forward to building on our successes, introducing innovative strategies, and continuing to elevate how we connect with our community. I also want to thank my family for their unconditional love and support, which inspire and motivate me every day to give my best in service to our County.”

Chairman Hawk of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors added, “Eddie’s leadership, creativity, and experience make him the perfect person to guide our communications. His work has already had a lasting impact on our County, and we are excited to see his vision shape the future of how we engage with our residents.”

The following Imperial County departments and offices will be closed to the public on
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to allow employees to participate in
the annual Imperial County Employee Health and Benefits Fair:

• Air Pollution Control District
• Assessor’s Office
• Auditor-Controller
• Child Support Services
• District Attorney
• ICERS (Imperial County Employees’ Retirement System)
• Public Health
• Planning & Development
• Purchasing Department
• Public Works
• Treasurer & Tax Collector
• Workforce & Economic Development

Please note that the Human Resources and Risk Management Office will be closed all day on
October 22, 2025

El Centro, CA – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce that Geoffrey P. Holbrook has officially joined the County of Imperial as County Counsel, effective October 20, 2025. Holbrook returns to the organization with an extensive background in public agency law, local government operations, and strategic policy development, along with a deep commitment to serving the Imperial Valley community.

Holbrook’s legal career spans nearly two decades and includes experience advising public agencies on a broad range of issues such as land use, environmental compliance, water rights, contracts, and governance. He previously served within the Imperial County Counsel’s Office before continuing his public service as General Counsel for Imperial Irrigation District (IID), where he provided legal leadership on complex matters involving infrastructure, resource management, and interagency coordination. His experience navigating the intersection of local, state, and federal regulations has earned him recognition for his ability to find practical solutions to complex challenges.

In his new role, Holbrook will oversee all legal affairs for the County, providing direct counsel to the Board of Supervisors, elected officials, and department heads. His appointment represents a renewed focus on strengthening in-house legal capacity, ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates, and supporting efficient, transparent governance across all County operations.

“Mr. Holbrook brings a strong combination of legal expertise, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership,” said Chairman John Hawk. “His familiarity with Imperial County and his proven ability to guide public agencies through complex legal matters make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

Holbrook expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the County of Imperial, emphasizing his long-standing connection to the region and his passion for public service.“It is an honor to return to the County of Imperial and to continue to serve the community that has shaped my life and career. I’m eager to work with the Board, County leadership, and dedicated employees to strengthen our organization and support the Board in advancing the County’s mission of serving its residents.”

Holbrook holds a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, a diploma in taxation from the University of San Diego, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a member of the State Bar of California and is known for his collaborative approach and commitment to ethical, solutions-oriented public service. Holbrook lives in Imperial with his wife, Courtney, and their four children.

With his return, the County Counsel’s Office looks forward to continued progress in providing effective legal guidance, fostering sound governance, and upholding the County’s mission to serve the residents of Imperial County with integrity and professionalism.

Imperial County, CA — The latest forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) shows an improved track for Hurricane Priscilla, with the storm now expected to weaken significantly before reaching our region. While Priscilla remains a hurricane over the Pacific, it would likely arrive in Imperial County as a tropical storm or tropical depression, bringing the possibility of isolated thunderstorms, gusty winds, and brief heavy rain later this week.

Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) and Office of Emergency Services (OES) staff are actively monitoring the situation and will attend weather briefings hosted by NWS Phoenix and NWS San Diego today, tomorrow, and Thursday to stay informed of any changes.

Even with a more favorable forecast, officials encourage residents to remain prepared, as weather conditions can change quickly.

To stay ready:

• Monitor official weather updates from the National Weather Service and local agencies.
• Avoid flooded roads and use caution when traveling through low-lying areas.
• Clear drains and gutters to reduce potential blockages from debris.
• Prepare sandbags ahead of time if you live in flood-prone areas.

Self-serve sand and sandbags are available at all Imperial County Fire Stations. Residents should bring their own shovels and be ready to fill and transport sandbags as needed. Supplies are limited and intended for personal use. 

Know the terms: 

• Tropical Depression: Winds less than 39 MPH
• Tropical Storm: Winds between 39–73 MPH
• Hurricane: Winds between 74–110 MPH
• Major Hurricane: Winds greater than 110 MPH

For the latest updates, visit www.imperialcounty.org, follow Imperial County’s official social media channels, and tune in to local media outlets for weather alerts.

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Imperial County, CA — The Imperial County Registrar of Voters (ROV) announced that all active registered voters will begin receiving their ballots in the mail starting Monday, October 6, 2025, for the upcoming Statewide Special Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Key information for voters includes:

• Mailing Ballots: All ballots must be postmarked no later than November 4, 2025. To ensure timely delivery, it is recommended that you mail your ballot at least 7 days before Election Day.
  
• Drop-Off Locations: Voters may return their ballot at any official polling site on Election Day or deposit it at one of the County’s official ballot drop boxes through November 4 (see below for locations).
  
• Early In-Person Voting: Available at the ROV Office, Monday through Friday, until Monday, November 3, 2025.
  
• Assistance: If a voter believes they should have received a ballot but did not, they are encouraged to contact the ROV Office at (442) 265-1060 or by email at VoterSupport@co.imperial.ca.us.
  
• Voter Information Guides: California Voter Information Guides are expected to arrive in mailboxes in the coming days.

Registrar of Voters officials encourage all eligible residents to participate in the democratic process by making their voice heard in the upcoming election.

For additional information, visit the Imperial County Elections Department website: https://elections.imperialcounty.org/ or contact the ROV Office at 442) 265-1060.

Do you need minor home improvements but can’t afford them?

Imperial County is offering a combination of loans and grants to assist low- to moderate-income homeowners in unincorporated areas with repairs to their homes or manufactured homes.

Eligible applicants may qualify for assistance with the following types of repairs:

Weatherization

Modifications which aid the mobility of the elderly and physically disabled for American’s with DIsabilities Act (ADA) components.

HVAC rehabilitation and/or maintenance work

Water heater rehabilitation and/or maintenance work

Electrical wiring and panels

Asbestos testing and abatement

Lead-Based Paint (LBP) testing and abatement

For more Information please contact Imperial County Workforce and Economic Development at (442) 265-7180 Ext.2 or visit us at: 1250 W. Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243

Following a series of powerful late-summer storms that drenched Imperial County with record rainfall and high winds, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., toured the hardest-hit communities alongside representatives from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. The visit highlighted widespread damage to local infrastructure, agriculture, and essential utilities, and laid the groundwork for securing federal assistance to accelerate recovery.

Extensive Damage Across the Valley

The storms overwhelmed drainage systems, flooded roadways, and caused power interruptions across the Imperial Valley. Preliminary County assessments show that several rural roads remain partially closed because of washouts and debris, with key farm-to-market routes requiring emergency repairs. Standing water and strong winds damaged thousands of acres of crops, threatening the region’s two-billion-dollar agriculture industry. IID reported downed poles and stressed transmission lines, with crews working around the clock to maintain power and water delivery. Homes and businesses across unincorporated areas experienced significant flooding, prompting temporary shelter operations and ongoing debris removal.

Broader Community Challenges

While storm recovery remains a priority, County leaders also recognized the broader hardships facing residents, including the recent closure of Spreckels, a generational employment hub and critical agricultural spoke in the Valley. Over the past several months Imperial County has engaged in extensive conversations, roundtables, and even travel to Washington, D.C., to explore solutions for the Spreckels workforce and to safeguard the region’s agricultural economy. A dedicated press release with additional details will follow, but today’s tour underscored the need to address these overlapping challenges with the same spirit of collaboration.

Commitment to Federal Resources

During the tour, Congressman Ruiz emphasized the need for a swift federal response to help Imperial County recover and fortify its infrastructure against future storms. “Today I toured the communities hardest hit by Tropical Storm Mario. The disaster was overwhelming for people and local infrastructure including flooded roadways, downed power poles and widespread outages impacting thousands of residents. The people in southern Imperial Valley showed incredible resilience in the face of high winds, hail, and heavy rain. I want to thank the emergency crews and public workers who mobilized immediately to restore power, clear debris, and essential services like water and wastewater systems. I am in close coordination with local, state, and federal partners to advocate for all necessary disaster resources that Imperial County needs to build back better. I care very much for the people affected. My office is ready to help anyone with any difficulties through this recovery.  Call 760-424-8888 for any assistance.” – Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25)

Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Hawk thanked the Congressman for prioritizing the region’s needs and highlighted the importance of close coordination with state and federal agencies.

“Imperial County has faced both the recent storms and the economic shock from the Spreckels closure, yet our community’s faith and resilience remain strong. I’m grateful to Congressman Ruiz for witnessing the damage firsthand and for his commitment to help us secure the federal support we need. With God’s guidance and the dedication of our local and federal partners, we will rebuild stronger and protect the families and agriculture that keep our Valley thriving.”

“IID staff responded immediately – boots on the ground, working tirelessly to restore power and ensure the safety of our communities. Their dedication exemplifies our commitment to the customers we serve” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “We are grateful to Congressman Ruiz for visiting Imperial County, seeing the damage firsthand, and pledging his support. Federal Assistance will be critical as we strengthen our power grid against future storms and continue serving the people who depend on IID every day.”

Next Steps

Imperial County staff, IID, and municipal partners are finalizing a comprehensive damage assessment to submit to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These reports will support applications for federal disaster declarations to unlock public assistance funding, secure infrastructure resilience grants to upgrade levees, drainage channels, and roadways, and tap agricultural relief programs to offset crop and equipment losses. Congressman Ruiz committed to championing these requests in Congress and to working with federal agencies to expedite resources.