| Imperial County, CA — The County of Imperial reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and orderly environment at all public meetings, including Board of Supervisors hearings. Public meetings are a cornerstone of transparent government and civic engagement. They exist to ensure that all voices in our community have the opportunity to be heard. However, this process depends on a shared responsibility: that participants conduct themselves with respect for others, for the rule of law, and for the democratic process. Unlawful IncidentsRecent incidents in local forums have highlighted the importance of upholding standards of decorum. The County unequivocally condemns the assault of a Deputy from the County Sheriff’s Office that occurred during the Board of Supervisors Special Meeting on March 26, 2026. Disruptive behavior, intimidation, threats, or acts of violence, whether verbal or physical, undermine public participation and put community, staff, and elected officials at risk. Such conduct will not be tolerated. To ensure the safety of all participants, the following expectations remain in effect at all County meetings, including public hearings:Speakers and attendees must adhere to established rules of order and time limits.Interruptions, personal attacks, and threatening language are prohibited.Law enforcement personnel may be present to ensure safety and respond to any violations of the law.Individuals who engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior may be removed from the meeting(s) and subject to further legal consequences. About Board of Supervisor Public Hearings Public hearings are conducted in accordance with the Brown Act, including Government Code section 54954.3(c), which ensures that the public has the right to comment on matters within the Board’s jurisdiction. Comments during a public hearing must relate specifically to the item under consideration. While the public is welcome to express support, concerns, or criticism, remarks must remain relevant to the subject of the specific hearing. Comments that are unrelated may be curtailed. Opportunities to speak on non-agenda or unrelated items are provided elsewhere on the meeting agenda but are not permitted during public comment of a Public Hearing. Unlike informational presentations, such as the one held during the Board of Supervisor Special Meeting on March 26, 2026, public hearings do not include a question-and-answer exchange between the County and the public. The purpose of the hearing is to receive formal public comments on the specific agenda item. All members of the public are welcome to participate in public hearings, either in person or through available online options; all individuals who submit a request to speak through an approved channel, will be permitted time to provide their comment. Decorum The County remains steadfast in its duty to protect both the public’s right to free expression and the safety of all who attend these meetings. Respectful dialogue, even when there is strong disagreement, is essential to effective governance. We encourage all community members to participate in public meetings in a manner that reflects our shared values of civility, respect, and accountability. Board of Supervisor Meeting and Public Hearing Online Participation Instructions for April 7, 2026 Live Video/Audio Streaming:https://imperialcounty.org/bosagendas Public Comment via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82459588566?pwd=Gv8JVn8MIOi2XF0WCalZEPiFW2qghH.1 or join by phone 1-669-900-6833. Please label your device before entering the meeting with your name and item number wishing to address. Please note that the meeting cannot be viewed live via Zoom, as you are in a waiting room until you are admitted. Please keep an eye on the chats coming into the Zoom waiting room, as order of presenter will be announced in the chat box. To follow along with the meeting while you are in the Zoom waiting room, you will need to watch the meeting via Granicus in a separate tab. You can do so by visiting:https://imperialcounty.org/bosagendas then clicking on the agenda labeled April 7, 2027. Note: when you are admitted in Zoom to speak, please mute the volume of the Granicus window where you are viewing the meeting to avoid feedback. |
