Public Safety · Imperial County
Imperial County public health officials are warning residents to take preventive measures following a sharp surge in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Surveillance data shows high detection rates, with trap positivity reaching 87% in Calexico, 71% in Brawley, and 67% in Heber. Although no local virus transmissions have been reported, the species is known to transmit diseases such as dengue fever and Zika. Officials urge residents to eliminate standing water on their properties and contact Vector Control at (442) 265-1888 for assistance.
Local Politics · Imperial County
At a recent Imperial County Board of Supervisors meeting in El Centro, a Quechan Indian Tribe representative demanded a formal apology after Supervisor John Hawk reportedly used the word "scalped" during a transportation discussion with tribal leadership. The tribe also pressed for reconstruction of the Picacho Road Bridge and raised concerns about underrepresentation through LAFCO redistricting affecting Winterhaven, Bard, and surrounding areas. Board Chairwoman Peggy Price issued a written apology on behalf of the county, acknowledging the remarks damaged trust. County officials committed to repairing Arnold Bridge Road and Indian Rock Bridge within two months and pursuing an approximately $8 million replacement of the century-old Picacho Road Bridge, with $4 million in funding still needed. The board plans to meet with tribal leadership in the coming weeks to establish early-consultation protocols.
Community News · Imperial, CA
Innercare in Imperial City has implemented a new psychological assessment model to reduce two-year wait times for neurodevelopmental evaluations among low-income and Spanish-speaking families. Led by Dr. Eric Mendoza, the initiative integrates testing into the clinic's existing medical care framework to bypass traditional barriers like long session durations and complex reimbursement models. The streamlined process produces family-friendly reports tailored for regional centers and schools, aiming to improve access to services for conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Crime · Imperial County
The Imperial Valley Press published a police blotter roundup of bookings made Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, across El Centro, Brawley, Calexico, Heber, Imperial, and Thermal. Two men face attempted murder allegations: Josue Vargas, 23, of Brawley, booked at 3:04 a.m. after being found on North Imperial Avenue in El Centro; and Francisco Padilla Alcantara, 36, of El Centro, booked at 12:05 p.m. Additional bookings include domestic battery, DUI causing bodily injury, parole violations, weapons and drug possession, and shoplifting incidents handled by El Centro, Brawley, Calexico, Imperial police, and the Imperial County Sheriff's Office.
Public Safety · Imperial, CA
The Imperial Police Department is urging parents to actively teach safe driving habits to teens during National Teen Driver Safety Week, observed October 18–24. Officials highlight that motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for teenagers aged 15 to 18, with 496 people killed in California in 2024 in collisions involving drivers aged 20 or younger. The department encourages discussions about speeding, distraction, seat belt use, and impairment, while pointing families to state resources like the DMV's Quick Reference Driver's Handbook and online driving simulators.
Social Events · Imperial, CA
More than 13,700 residents and visitors gathered in Downtown Imperial last Saturday for the annual Fiesta de los Muertos. The event featured a multi-tiered community ofrenda, live music, ballet folklorico dancers, and face-painting stations. Organizers reported that the high turnout provided a significant economic boost to local businesses along Imperial Avenue. City officials noted the celebration's role in preserving cultural heritage while supporting the downtown core.
Community brief · Calexico, CA
The Calexico Recreation Department is offering ongoing Mexican folkloric dance classes at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center. Sessions are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. through April 28, 2027. The program covers traditional techniques including arm, head, and waist movements, turns, and rhythmic footwork (zapateado). Registration fees are $25 for adults ages 18 to 54 and $5 for seniors ages 55 and older.
