Category: News

Imperial County, CA — In recognition of National Agriculture Day, Imperial County proudly honors the farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, processors, shippers, and agricultural professionals whose dedication continues to sustain one of the most productive agricultural regions in California and the nation.

In Imperial County, agriculture is more than an industry. It is a way of life, a source of pride, and a driving force behind the local economy. In a region defined by hard work, resilience, and innovation, agriculture has transformed desert land into one of the most productive farming areas in the country. Year after year, Imperial County helps feed communities across the United States and beyond through the production of livestock, field crops, vegetables, seed crops, and specialty commodities. The County’s 2024 Agricultural Crop and Livestock Report valued gross production at $2,488,876,000 across 526,967 harvested acres.

Imperial County’s agricultural diversity remains one of its greatest strengths. The County’s top commodities were led by cattle at $546,023,000, followed by alfalfa at $238,752,000, broccoli at $134,822,000, leaf lettuce at $131,410,000, and head lettuce at $128,451,000. Other leading commodities included Bermuda grass hay, sugar beets, carrots, spinach, and onions, reflecting the wide range of crops and products grown throughout the Valley.

Imperial County is especially known for its role as a major producer of winter vegetables, helping supply fresh food when much of the country cannot grow at the same scale. In 2024 alone, the County reported more than $1.026 billion in vegetable and melon crops, including strong production in broccoli, lettuces, carrots, onions, spinach, romaine, sweet corn, and melons.

The County’s agricultural impact extends well beyond its borders. The 2024 report notes 16,000 federal phytosanitary certificates tied to exports reaching 81 countries, underscoring Imperial County’s role in both national and international food and agricultural supply chains.

“Agriculture is at the heart of Imperial County,” said Supervisor John Hawk. “It sustains our economy, supports local jobs, preserves our heritage, and helps feed families far beyond our region. On National Agriculture Day, we proudly recognize everyone whose dedication and hard work keep this vital industry moving forward.”

Even in the face of ongoing challenges including Colorado River discussions, rising production costs, market shifts, and extreme weather, Imperial County’s agricultural community continues to adapt and lead. That perseverance has defined generations of local producers and workers and remains central to the County’s identity and future.

National Agriculture Day is an opportunity not only to highlight economic impact, but also to recognize the people behind the work. From the fields and feed yards to packing facilities, laboratories, and transportation networks, thousands of individuals contribute every day to keeping this industry strong.

Imperial County extends its sincere appreciation to the entire agricultural community for its continued commitment, innovation, and service. Their work strengthens the County, supports the region, and reinforces Imperial County’s long standing reputation as a powerhouse of California agriculture.

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Imperial County, CA — The County of Imperial is reminding residents of the upcoming Board of Supervisors Special Meeting to be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the County Administration Building Board Chambers, 940 W. Main Street, El Centro, with overflow seating available at the County Public Health Training Center, 935 Broadway, El Centro. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Please note that standing room will be limited to space available directly against the wall, no aisles or walkways can be blocked.  

The meeting will also be recorded and available virtually. 

Overview of Special Meeting

During Special Meetings, public comments can only be made on topics on the agenda. This Special Meeting will only include one item on the agenda; an informational presentation on the proposed Imperial Data Center Project. For that reason, public comments will only be accepted on the Imperial Data Center Project and will be conducted after the informational presentation of the item. To be clear, this item is informational only and is not a public hearing. There will not be any action taken by the Board of Supervisors at this Special Meeting.  

Meeting Details:

• Call to Order 
• Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance 
• Informational Item – Imperial Data Center Project 
  • County Presentation 
  • Project Applicant Presentation 
  • Public Comment  
  • Board Discussion 

Public Comment Period

Individual topics are typically given a 15-minute public comment period; however, the County is extending the public comment period for this item to one hour. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to provide public comment. Following each speaker, the Chair may direct County staff, specialists, or the project applicant to address specific questions. All responses will be required to be succinct and directly address the specific question identified by the Chair, to ensure an efficient and productive discussion. 

While each speaker is allotted up to three minutes, those addressing topics or questions that have already been discussed are encouraged to be mindful of time and limit their remarks to allow additional unique perspectives to be heard within the allotted public comment period. The full one hour will be reserved exclusively for public comment speakers. Any responses to questions will not count towards the public comment time. 

Media, Recording Devices, and Signage

To ensure a safe and orderly meeting environment, attendees are asked to follow guidelines related to signage and media devices. Signage, handheld cameras or recording devices may be held by individuals so long as they do not block or interfere with others’ ability to view the meeting. Cameras on tripods must be placed in a designated area. Aisles must remain clear at all times, no tripods, equipment (except for mobility devices) or signage may be placed in walkways. 

Conduct

All individuals will be allowed to share their viewpoints without interruption. To maintain a respectful and orderly environment, disorderly conduct will not be tolerated. The use of obscene language, personal attacks, or other disruptive behavior is not permitted, and individuals who engage in such conduct may be asked to leave the building. 

Project Discussion

The County encourages community members interested in the project to attend the informational meeting, join virtually, or submit a comment, recommendation, or question about the Imperial Data Center Project through the County’s website form here: https://imperialcounty.org/dc-comments/.

Imperial County, CA — The County of Imperial reminds residents and candidates that campaign sign regulations vary depending on the jurisdiction where a sign is placed. County regulations and city ordinances are not all the same, which means some campaign signs may legally appear earlier or remain posted longer than others depending on location. 

Imperial County’s sign ordinance is intended to promote the orderly and attractive placement of signs while discouraging displays that create safety hazards, distractions, or public nuisance concerns. Under County rules, temporary campaign signs may be posted for a limited period before an election and must be removed within the time required after Election Day. County standards also limit sign size in residential areas and prohibit placement at intersections where visibility for drivers may be obstructed.  

Because regulations differ from one jurisdiction to another, the public may notice variations in when campaign signs begin appearing. That does not automatically mean a candidate is out of compliance. Candidates are encouraged to review and follow the ordinance that applies to the specific city or unincorporated area where a sign is posted. 

We appreciate the community’s cooperation in helping maintain a fair, orderly, and safe election season for everyone. 

Imperial County, CA – On March 16, 2026, the County of Imperial announced a town hall scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, to discuss the proposed Imperial Data Center Project. Following that announcement, the County received community feedback requesting the participation of the Board of Supervisors in a public discussion of the Project. The County has heard this feedback and understands that many residents would like the Supervisors to be present as part of a community conversation about the proposed Imperial Data Center Project (Project).

There have also been questions regarding why Supervisors were not initially able to participate in the town hall. Under California’s Brown Act, a majority of Supervisors may not participate in the same event where issues within their future decision-making authority are discussed outside of a properly noticed Board meeting, as doing so could be interpreted as an unlawful or “serial” meeting. 

Because this Project is an active application that may come before the Board, participation in the town hall could compromise both compliance with the Brown Act and the Board’s ability to remain impartial. For that reason, Supervisors could not participate in the originally planned town hall format. 

In response to community feedback, the County will change the event from a town hall to an informational item on the Board of Supervisors agenda. To accommodate community participation outside normal working hours, this will be held as a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. 

While this item will be presented at a properly noticed Special Board Meeting, the Board will not be taking any action on the Project at that time. Because this is an active application that may come before the Board for future consideration, Supervisors must remain impartial and cannot express positions on the Project. 

The County believes this approach best accommodates community requests for Board participation while ensuring full transparency and compliance with state law. 

The meeting format will remain focused on information sharing and public engagement. The Project applicant will provide a presentation on the proposed Project, followed by an opportunity for public comment. Questions related to the specifics of the Project will be addressed by the applicant, while County staff from relevant departments will be available to respond to questions regarding County processes. 

The purpose of this informational presentation on the Project is to provide information, address questions, and receive public input, not to deliberate or make a decision. During the meeting: 

Supervisors may: 

• Listen to the presentation 
• Ask clarifying, procedural, or informational questions 

Supervisors may not: 

• Express support or opposition 
• Weigh in on the merits of the project 
• Indicate how they might vote 
• Engage in advocacy or back-and-forth debate with speakers 

To be clear, while the Board must remain impartial at this stage, it will not remain neutral indefinitely. As specific components of the Project, such as related land use actions, come before the Board at future properly noticed meeting(s) or hearing(s), the Board will take action on those items based on the information presented at that time.  

The County appreciates the community’s continued engagement and looks forward to a productive and informative discussion on the proposed Project on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6p.m. in the County Board of Supervisors Chamber, located at 904 W Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243.  

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Imperial County, CA — In response to community requests for a public forum to discuss the proposed Imperial Data Center Project, the County of Imperial will host a public town hall meeting on March 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to provide information on the project and hear community input. 

About the Imperial Data Center Town Hall 

The town hall is intended to give residents, community stakeholders, and interested parties an opportunity to receive an update on the Project and participate in an open public discussion. This meeting is informational in nature and is not a public hearing or formal decision-making proceeding regarding the Project. Because the Project is an active application that may ultimately come before the Board of Supervisors, the Board has an obligation to remain neutral and unbiased prior to any formal consideration. For that reason, members of the Board of Supervisors will not participate in the town hall.  

As requested by residents, this will be a project-specific town hall; questions related to the details of the proposed Project will be directed to and addressed by the Project applicant. Questions related to the permitting process will be responded to by the County.  

Town Hall Agenda 

1. County Update: 

• Imperial County Planning & Development Services Department will outline the status of the project and applicable County processes 
• An overview of the comments and questions the County has received via the online County Project form  

 2. Project Presentation: 

• The Project applicant will provide a presentation describing the proposed Imperial Data Center Project, including updates to the proposed Project  

3. Public Comment: 

• Up to 90 minutes of public comment will be allowed. Community members will be provided up to 3 minutes to share feedback and ask questions to the applicant about the Project  
• The Project applicant will provide responses to questions raised during public comments about the Project  
• Questions related to the permitting process will be responded to by the County 

All participants are expected to maintain a respectful and orderly environment. Disruptive behavior, including yelling, screaming, obscene language, disrespectful comments, or interrupting other speakers, will not be permitted.  

Signage: To ensure visibility for all attendees, large signs may only be held at the back of the room, so they do not interfere with others’ ability to view the meeting. Small signs no larger than 8.5″ x 11″ in may be held, provided they do not obstruct the view of other participants. 

Because this is not a formal public hearing, the County reserves the right to amend or modify the agenda for the town hall at its discretion. 

Town Hall Details 

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Location: Imperial County Administration Building Board Chambers 

• 940 W. Main Street in El Centro 
• Overflow will be available at the Imperial County Public Health Training Center 

Virtual Participation:

The meeting will be recorded and available virtually through Granicus. Questions and public comments will be accepted in person during the meeting.  

Update Regarding the Online Comment Portal 

On January 29, 2026, the County opened a public comment portal on its website for the Imperial Data Center Project with the intent of providing an initial 45-day window for receiving community feedback, although as outlined on the site there are no limitations being set on how long people can submit comments.  

As of today, the comment form has been available for 46 days and the County has received 40 submissions through the public comment portal. 

Because many submissions included multiple questions or addressed similar topics, the County is publishing a summary document by this Friday that groups feedback by subject area. This summary is intended to help readers navigate the input efficiently. However, the County has heard the community’s requests for transparency, which is why the County will also release a consolidated PDF of all submitted comments in their original form. In response to privacy concerns raised by participants, names and contact information will be removed from the posted materials. 

Community Engagement

The County encourages community members interested in the Project to attend and participate in the town hall discussion on March 25, 2026, listen online virtually, or share their comments online on the County portal: https://imperialcounty.org/dc-comments/.

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Imperial County, CA — The Imperial County Registrar of Voters has released the official list of candidates who have filed to appear on the ballot for the June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election. The list, available on the Registrar of Voters’ website, reflects only those candidates who filed within Imperial County.

Residents can review the full list of candidates, including local, state, and federal offices relevant to Imperial County voters, by visiting elections.imperialcounty.org/current-election-activities/. This resource provides voters with the most up-to-date information on who will appear on the primary ballot.

“Transparency and accessibility are critical as we prepare for the primary election,” said Linsey Dale, Imperial County Registrar of Voters. “We encourage all voters to review the candidates and make informed decisions ahead of Election Day.”

For more information about voter registration, candidate filings, or to view the full list of candidates filing in Imperial County, visit elections.imperialcounty.org or contact the Registrar of Voters office at (442) 265-1060.

Imperial County, CA — February 27, 2026 — The County of Imperial announced today that it is extending the public review period for the Lithium Valley Specific Plan (LVSP) and accompanying Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) to provide stakeholders more time to review and submit comments.

The decision follows requests from a wide range of interested parties, including environmental justice organizations, tribal representatives, state agencies, industry stakeholders, and community groups. The County recognizes the depth of public interest in the initiative and the importance of ensuring meaningful participation in this milestone planning effort.

“Lithium Valley represents one of the most significant economic, environmental, and infrastructure initiatives in Imperial County’s history,” said Chairwoman Peggy Price. “We have been listening carefully to feedback from all organizations and individuals. Extending the review period reflects our commitment to ensuring everyone has a meaningful opportunity to participate in shaping the future of this initiative.”

The LVSP and PEIR together outline a comprehensive framework to guide future development in the region, including geothermal energy production, critical mineral recovery, manufacturing, infrastructure, workforce development, and community investment strategies. Because of the breadth of issues addressed, the County determined that extending the review period supports transparency, strengthens the planning process, and allows stakeholders to participate more fully.

The extended review period will now remain open until April 17, 2026, at 5PM, after which the County will compile and respond to all written comments on significant environmental issues, received in conformance with the Notice of Extended Comment Period/Notice of Availability. The County encourages residents, organizations, and agencies to continue reviewing the documents and providing input during this extended timeframe.

The following information is available for review on the County’s website or the County Planning and Development Department:

• Copies of the Draft PEIR, Draft PEIR Appendices A-1 through L-2 (excluding Confidential Tribal Consultation Appendix K), documents incorporated by reference, requested Draft PEIR references, the revised December 2025 LVSP, LVSP Appendices A through C, the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance/Map Amendments, and the Construction Workforce Ordinance. The Draft PEIR Executive Summary Chapter and the LVSP Executive Summary have also been translated into Spanish and previously made available on the County’s website. Copies of the Draft PEIR are also available at Imperial County Free Library, Calipatria Branch, at 105 S Lake Ave, Calipatria, CA 92233.

To review the files online or for information on how submit comments (included in the Notice of Extended Comment Period/Notice of Availability), please visit https://imperialcounty.org/lvsppeir/