Local Politics · Imperial County
On Tuesday, October 13, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted down a resolution that would have placed a three-term lifetime limit for supervisors on the March 7, 2028 presidential primary ballot. Supervisors Peggy Price, Ryan Kelley, and John Hawk opposed the measure, citing concerns about timing relative to upcoming elections and the need for further legal review. Supervisors Jesus Escobar and Martha Cardenas-Singh introduced the resolution, which proposed a 12-year cap on service; it would not have been retroactive and would not affect terms beginning before January 8, 2029. Public comment during the meeting was largely in favor of term limits, while no date was set for reconsideration.
Transportation · Calexico, CA
At its Wednesday, October 7 meeting, the Calexico City Council voted 3-2 to postpone a border traffic realignment plan and a proposed $100,000 budget amendment for engineering and design costs by an Imperial County Local Transportation Authority consultant. Councilmembers Legaspi, Calderon, and Marquez voted to table the measure pending additional community outreach, while Nuricumbo and Tylenda argued existing Caltrans traffic studies provided sufficient information to proceed. The debate centers on years of worsening border-crossing congestion along the Imperial Avenue corridor, which residents and business owners say disrupts daily life and commerce. Public commenter Ben Horton urged officials to revisit a prior Caltrans-referenced plan to prevent future gridlock.
Education · Imperial County
Ten years after community colleges in San Diego and Imperial counties launched tuition-coverage Promise programs, more than 76,000 students have benefited regionally, according to the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association. Imperial Valley College launched its Promise program in fall 2025, waiving tuition and fees for 420 students over two years, with inaugural cohort members earning associate degrees and transferring to four-year universities by spring 2026. A Lightcast analysis estimates the San Diego Promise alumni alone generated over $1 billion in combined economic impact. Eligibility requires full-time enrollment (12+ units), a 2.0 GPA, an annual FAFSA or California Dream Act application, and a signed success agreement; access has expanded to include former foster youth, veterans, returning students, and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Public Safety · Imperial County
The DEA's 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering free, anonymous disposal of unneeded or expired prescription medications. In Southern California, 27 designated drop-off sites are set up across San Diego and Imperial Counties, including a drive-thru location at the El Centro Police Department at 150 N. 11th Street in El Centro. Sites will not accept illicit drugs, syringes, or sharps. Year-round disposal options remain available at more than 15,300 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses, as well as permanent drop boxes at many local police departments.
Community News · Imperial County
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors issued $17,000 in Community Benefit Funding on Tuesday, October 13, to four local organizations. Recipients include WomanHaven ($3,500 for its grand opening at 1225 West Main Street in El Centro and a $25,000 fundraising campaign for domestic violence survivors), NAF El Centro ($250 for its Navy Ball on October 16), the Civil Air Patrol's Imperial Valley Flight 144 youth program ($2,500 toward uniforms, transportation, and a first encampment for 27 cadets), and California Rural Legal Assistance ($5,750 for its Rooted & Radiant event commemorating 60 years of advocacy). Supervisors Jesus Escobar, Peggy Price, John Hawk, and Martha Cardenas-Singh each contributed portions of the funding requests.
