El Centro, CA · Daily edition

El Centro news for Friday, October 30, 2026

2 stories from El Centro and Imperial County, in about three minutes.

Local Politics · Imperial County

Imperial County Supervisors Weigh Legal Action Over Unadopted Tax Rates

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, October 27, and declined to adopt proposed 2026-2027 tax levy rates despite the October 3 statutory deadline. County CEO Dr. Kathleen Lang directed staff to prepare financial documents after receiving no response from elected Auditor-Controller Karina Alvarez on materials provided August 24. Alvarez stated she found the calculations correct but refused to sign off because a contracted CLA firm made material adjustments without substantiating documentation despite repeated requests. The Board directed staff to explore legal options for requiring Alvarez to fulfill her statutory responsibilities.

Source: Imperial Valley Press Read the full story ↗

Education · El Centro, CA

$357K Grant Transforms El Centro School Lot into Wellness Garden

Officials cut the ribbon on a new 16,263-square-foot "Wellness Garden" at Valley Academy in El Centro, transforming a former dirt lot into an outdoor space for students and community use. The project was funded primarily by a $357,101.39 grant from the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District under the AB 617 Community Air Protection Program for the El Centro-Calexico-Heber Corridor. The garden features water-efficient landscaping, shade structures, and an agricultural program managed with local educators. Valley Academy is operated by the Imperial County Office of Education and serves students in alternative education programs.

Source: Imperial Valley Press Read the full story ↗