Category: News

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.

The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Hell’s Kitchen Lithium Project underwent a rigorous review process, including multiple public meetings, consultation with stakeholders and agencies, and careful consideration of all input. After a thorough review process, on January 23, 2024, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved the Hell’s Kitchen project and certified the EIR. On March 13, 2024, Comite Civico del Valle (CCV) and Earthworks filed lawsuit with the Imperial County Superior Court against the County and the project. On October 31, 2024, the court ordered clarification on key disputes, allowing both parties an opportunity to provide additional information. On January 10, 2025, the court issued a tentative ruling against CCV and Earthworks. On February 6, 2025, in response to the anticipated dismissal, CTR announced plans to begin construction as early as June 2025 and stated hiring for long-term positions would begin around that time as well. On February 26, 2025, the court officially denied the writ of mandate and deemed the CCV and Earthworks case as meritless. On March 10, 2025, CCV and Earthworks announced initiating an appeal for the case to be heard in the 4^th District Court of Appeal.

You may be wondering what allows someone to appeal the decision of a superior court to be re-considered in an appeals court. The appellate courts of California state a person can appeal the ruling of a superior court if, “A person can claim there was a legal error in their trial,” “the judge made a mistake in applying the law or did not allow important evidence to be included,” or “the law itself can be challenged as unconstitutional.” Interestingly, while CCV and Earthworks continue the appeals process in the Hell’s Kitchen Project, they also continue parallel efforts to receive a financial settlement from the Project, which they state would result in them dropping the lawsuit. On September 22, 2025, in a press release Earthworks stated, “A simple agreement would pave the way for Hell’s Kitchen to move forward: the creation of an environmental impact program funded by a fee tied to the project’s annual water use,” stated Jared Naimark. Naimark continued by saying, “We have been and remain open to settlement talks to implement reasonable environmental mitigation measures.” Is this lawsuit on Hell’s Kitchen Project about an error of the superior court and a violation of CEQA or is the lawsuit about leverage for a financial settlement?  In addition to the strictest environmental regulations and fees in the country, should environmental justice groups also be entitled to imposing additional programs and fees on industry or development in our region?

Today, we are twenty months past the day the County approved the Hell’s Kitchen project. Twenty months past the opportunities and benefits this project could have brought to our community. By the end of this year, this project could have been producing clean, renewable energy for our State and a domestic supply of critical minerals for our country. This project, which has an all-trades agreement, could have already employed over 500 construction jobs and could be in the process of hiring 75 full-time employees to start new, high paying careers. Imperial Valley College’s Lithium Industry Force Training (LIFT) program could have graduates engaged with this geothermal and commercial lithium facility and ready to transition into full time roles. San Diego State University’s new STEM facility, opening this January, could have students and teachers learning at the heart of innovation, right here in Imperial Valley. Calipatria School District and Pioneers Memorial Health District could be receiving millions of dollars in property tax payments over the next few years. The Hell’s Kitchen project could already be bringing tremendous economic growth to this region and real community benefits to all its residents.

“Imperial County has made it clear: we take our environmental responsibilities seriously, and we follow the law,” added Supervisor Ryan E. Kelley. “Rather than working together to elevate the region, this lawsuit created costly and unnecessary delays for a project that will deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits to our residents.”

The County remains steadfast in its belief that CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen project EIR complies fully with CEQA requirements and provides a robust framework for balancing environmental stewardship with economic development. Further, the County is confident that its CEQA analysis for the Hell’s Kitchen project meets all legal and environmental standards.

Lithium Valley – Addressing a Broader Pattern

It is increasingly clear that the tactics being deployed against the Hell’s Kitchen project may be part of a broader pattern that will continue by some groups as development opportunities arise across our region, including Lithium Valley. Some advocacy groups have shifted from raising legitimate environmental concerns into using the CEQA process as leverage to extract concessions and impose additional fees that go beyond the law’s intent. What is happening with Hell’s Kitchen is a cautionary example: if this approach becomes the norm, every subsequent project in Lithium Valley will risk being delayed, saddled with duplicative costs, or forced into settlements that prioritize outside agendas over the real needs of Imperial County residents.

This dynamic does not serve local communities like ours that face over an 18% unemployment rate and 21% poverty, nor does it advance California’s clean energy or national security priorities.

The County values all voices in our community and will continue to promote development that both protects the environment and ensures projects can move forward in a fair and timely way.

Rejecting Mischaracterizations and Unnecessary Bureaucracy

The recently released report by CCV and Earthworks misrepresents the facts, portrays Imperial County as inattentive to environmental concerns, and advances proposals that would only delay development while creating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. The County strongly disagrees with the report’s claims and believes they are intended to obstruct progress rather than support it.

Environmental justice groups, businesses, academia, agencies, and residents all have every right to voice concerns, but attempting to impose duplicative structures such as a new Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and additional environmental impact fees amounts to an effort to extract money from developers rather than engage in constructive solutions. Such demands, on top of the most stringent environmental regulations in the nation, risk pushing investment and jobs away from Imperial County and California altogether.

The County’s Commitment to Community Benefits

The County of Imperial does not support the creation of a Lithium Valley JPA because such a structure would be duplicative of policies and programs already enacted to ensure meaningful community investment, tribal engagement, and workforce development. Rather than adding another layer of bureaucracy, the County has taken proactive steps to directly address the needs and priorities of local residents through mechanisms that are transparent, inclusive, and accountable.

Historically, renewable energy projects in Imperial County have made a big impact on our region. For example, through the community benefits program funded by local solar projects, there has been over one million dollars given out in grants. These grants truly represent diverse opportunities that benefit our community across the region including:

$25,000: Westmorland Community Food Pantry

$25,000: Best S.T.E.P. Forward

$19,150: Calipatria Lions Club

$12,500 Christ Community Church

$11,500: Holtville Takedown Club

$25,000: Humane Society of Imperial County

$25,000: Keeping Youth on Track Education/Safety (KYOTES)

$25,000: Cancer Resource Center of the Desert

$25,000: City of Calexico Fire Department

$8,000: City of Brawley Senior Center

In addition to this County community benefit program, renewable energy projects have also invested in infrastructure improvements for the community like new bridges, the Seeley Cooling Center as well as Ocotillo community initiatives. Collectively, they have directly donated over a million dollars in the Imperial Valley through sponsorships, scholarships, and community projects.  The County has seen significant positive impact from its existing community benefit programs as well as industry community engagement and the County foresees continued success from its comprehensive Lithium Valley community benefit plans. If Lithium Valley is developed, it will not only expand clean energy and a domestic supply of critical minerals, it will also bring extensive workforce opportunities to our region, infrastructure advancements, and a new Lithium Community Benefits Program. This program will be funded through the industry paid tax, enacted through Senate Bill 125, which creates a lithium extraction excise tax that is paid by industry who are recovering lithium from the geothermal brine in our region. 

On September 10, 2024, the County Board of Supervisors passed the Lithium Extraction Excise Tax Funding Plan, which outlines a plan, in line with SB 125 legislation, for whom revenue from the tax will be distributed. This includes distribution of funds directly to cities in our region, enhancements to services offered countywide to all residents by County administration, as well as the development of Lithium Community Benefits Program. As outlined in the Plan released last year, once commercial lithium production begins, the County will establish the Quality of Life Advisory Committee (QLAC). This advisory body will provide recommendations for the Lithium Community Benefits Program.

The QLAC is composed of fourteen representatives from across the community, including agriculture, health, residents, youth, economic development, education, environmental, faith-based, labor, small business, chamber of commerce, and tribal representatives. An Imperial County Supervisor will serve as Chair. Meetings will be open to the public and will provide a forum for residents to propose ideas for community improvements. This structure ensures that lithium revenues are invested in projects that enhance the quality of life for all Imperial County residents, with a focus on long-term and equitable outcomes.

Environmental Conditions in Imperial County

Imperial County is no stranger to environmental challenges. Our residents already live with some of the poorest air quality in the state and the ongoing crisis of the receding Salton Sea. The lithium extraction excise tax, paid entirely by industry, not by residents, directly dedicates 20% of its revenue to Salton Sea restoration, creating a clear pathway to improve conditions that have plagued this region for decades. Without Lithium Valley, those revenues will never materialize, and existing conditions will remain unchanged, or grow worse. Advancing responsible lithium development is not just about jobs and economic growth, it is also about securing the environmental restoration and public health improvements that our community desperately needs.

Help Us Advance Opportunities for our Region

Imperial County is dedicated to advancing Lithium Valley in a way that delivers real and lasting benefits for our entire region and its residents. Continued litigation and delay tactics threaten to stall projects that would otherwise bring jobs, infrastructure, and environmental restoration to Imperial Valley. We encourage all community members to stay engaged and share their perspectives so that the future of Lithium Valley reflects the voices of the people who live here, rather than being defined by a limited set of voices or interests. Together, we can ensure that Lithium Valley fulfills its promise as both a clean energy hub and an engine of opportunity for generations to come.

Share your thoughts: LithiumValley@co.imperial.ca.us

Discover more: LithiumValley.Ca