Publishers' Message
A warm June. A blistering July. And a sweltering August has finally quit “busting out all over.”
Forgive this tortured analogy to a famous song from the Rogers and Hammerstein classic Carousel, but it was September that “went out like a (very warm) Lion.” Fall is on its way.
“You kin feel it come…You kin see it in the ground! …Look around…”
Yep. A taste of fall spices up this edition of Imperial Valley Alive.
Fall temperatures provide a chance to enjoy so much of what makes life here in the Valley special. The season also ushers in the Nov. 5 election and lets us vote our voices about issues that affect our communities.
To help improve voter turnout in the Valley, many are working to share a message of how important it is to be informed and cast votes.
We spent time with Brawley resident Eric Reyes and his Los Amigos de la Communidad, Inc., along with others who have found creative ways to engage the community. Their grant-funded Viva Maze Civic Engagement Arts project is just one example of community engagement designed to inspire interest in our community and voting.
Alive and so much livelier in the fall
to our desert environment.
Then there’s Cattle Call coming up Nov. 8-10, and with it, everything rodeo. Read our story about Brawley native Ruby Robbins, who at 18 is a “pioneer,” the first person in the Valley to participate in the new and fast-growing rodeo sport of break-away roping.
Through hands-on fine arts events, people of all ages learned about voting processes and the joy of getting involved in the community. We share that story with you as our cover feature, highlighting how Viva Maze traveled throughout the Valley, holding various events for our Valley communities from February through August.
Activities featured dazzling art, performing arts, cosplayers, and fun activities for youth. And the events drew enthusiastic crowds.
Fall is also a great time to start a garden. Take a look at our story about a group from the Imperial Valley gardening community that gathers monthly to encourage people to take up gardening and develop sustainable practices suited
Fall, of course, also means football. Throughout Valley high school football history, local radio station KXO has broadcast the games. After researching the station’s nearly century of service to the Valley, we are excited to share its history with you– it’s a history that goes beyond football and includes highlighting some of the most critical moments in our Valley. Ultimately, this pioneering radio station became (and still is) a vital thread in the fabric of Imperial Valley life. Then, look ahead to the 2025 California Mid-Winter Fair, which promises big and fun changes. Enjoy our story on preparations that are underway for the upcoming fair. With its Mardi Gras-oriented theme, “Valley
Gras,” the 2025 fair will make history as it expands from a 10-day event to a 13day event spread over three weekends. While we are at it, we, too, want to encourage you to vote and take advantage of the cooler weather: step out and become engaged. Volunteers are desperately needed in many ventures around the Valley. You could, for instance, join copublishers Bill and Sue Gay, who will be volunteering on Nov. 5 to work in a Valley polling place. The county Registrar of Voters is recruiting civic-minded residents willing to serve the community by working at one of the county’s polling places. More information is available at https://bit.ly/3TZl1Ng Help is needed everywhere. Because, with apologies again to Rogers and Hammerstein, events are exploding here.
Because it’s Fall! Fall—Fall-Fall Jest because it’s Fall-Fall-Fall!
Volume 9, Number 1
EDITORS & PUBLISHERS
Bill Gay
Sue Gay
Susan Giller
Bill Amidon
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Darren Simon
CONTRIBUTORS
Bill Gay
Kayla Kirby
Susan Giller
Darren Simon
COVER PHOTO
VIVA Maze/Far South Border North
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bill Amidon
Bill Gay
Joselito N. Villero
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Alejandra Noriega
Alejandra Pereida
WEB DESIGNERS
Sergio Uriarte
Jesus Uriarte
SALES
Bill Amidon
John Lovecchio
ADVERTISING
bill.amidon@reliancepr.com 760-693-5330
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Send name, address and email address along with $20.00 (plus tax) for annual subscription to: Reliance Public Relations, Inc. P.O. Box 1944 • El Centro, CA 92244
www.imperialvalleyalive.com
IMPERIAL VALLEY ALIVE! is published quarterly by Reliance Public Relations, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical for any purpose without the written permission of Reliance Public Relations, Inc.
8
VIVA MAZE
builds healthy communities by teaching and celebrating voting,
Page 6
BREAKAWAY ROPING
Brawley native pioneers her path in popular new rodeo sport, Page 8
KXO-AM
for 97 years, local radio station broadcasts keep Imperial Valley informed, in touch and entertained, Page 10
GREEN THUMBS
Valley gardeners meet up to sow seeds and passion for plants, Page 12
COVER PHOTO; One young participant gets guidance on using the ballot box as he votes for his favorite action hero at one of Viva Maze's events.
-Photo courtesy of VIVA Maze/Far South Border North
VALLEY VEGETABLE GROWERS
harvest the unique, exotic and often unexpected, Page 14
COLAB
advocates for Lithium Valley success, Page 16
A FAIR EXPERIENCE
Mid-Winter Fair expands to three weekends of fun, Page 38
INSIDE |
Publishers’ message, Page 3
Dining options, Page 18
Calendar of events, Page 24
Kidwise, Page 28
VIVA Maze
By Susan Giller
Teaching the power of community and the vote
Los Amigos de la Comunidad, Inc. (LADLC) just wrapped up a unique Valleywide project that featured a kaleidoscope of arts, theater, and community participation events to breathe new vitality into civic engagement and voting.
The grant-funded Viva Maze Civic Engagement Arts Project provided a rare opportunity to harness the power of creative expression to infuse new passion and hope for building community and electoral participation and helping overcome Imperial County’s chronic low voter turnout.
“We united local artists to educate and encourage the Imperial Valley community to engage in civic activities and promote the idea that ‘your vote is your voice,’" said Eric Reyes, executive director of the nonprofit LADLC. “Viva Maze engaged people by making everything fun and festive. And the community murals we painted in Brawley, El Centro, and Calexico will be up and continue to remind people to vote for a long time."
Cosplayers, historical figures and other performers pose during one of the VIVA MAZE community events.
- Photos courtesy of VIVA Maze/Far South Border North
With a $142,000 Far South Border North (FSBN) grant, Viva Maze put on a traveling show of events in various communities and online from February through August. The events that featured dazzling art, performing arts, cosplayers, and fun activities for youth drew enthusiastic crowds. FSBN is a program that works to expand the arts in San Diego and Imperial counties. Viva Maze, like several other local groups, is working to increase civic engagement through dedication to the belief that it takes a community to raise and nurture future voters. One such organization is the Imperial Valley Social Justice
Committee, which coordinated voter registration efforts at local high schools on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 17.
"Understanding the importance of voting doesn’t just happen overnight," said Marlene Thomas, a member of the social justice committee that advocates for political reform in the Valley. "Getting someone involved takes time."
"Teaching civics and the importance of civic engagement is something schools need to do more. Since they don’t, we get involved," Thomas said while at the voter registration table in the Central Union High School cafeteria as it rapidly filled with students on a lunch break.
LADLC’s Viva Maze was unique because it brought together a village of local artists, including painters, actors, musical and stage performers, and others, in a dynamic cast dedicated to teaching the importance of community and voting. Local awardwinning filmmaker Roy Dorantes was the lead artist for Viva Maze.
"Eric's passion is promoting civic engagement; my job was to bring together the local artists, performers, and practitioners dynamic enough to transmit the energy, enthusiasm, and fun to keep people engaged," Dorantes said. "I saw that happen at each event, and that is where the learning happened."
At the project's final event, held in August at the Prestige Event Center in Heber, attendees wandered through a maze of performances by singers and dancers and a roaming cast of cosplayers who breathed life into the superheroes and historical figures they portrayed. They were also treated to activities, including a backpack giveaway, face painting, and voting activities.
There was also a ballot box where children, young adults, and parents could vote for their favorite superhero or historical figure.
CONTINUED | PAGE 27
Voter Information Box
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 21.
Register: online at http://registertovote.ca.gov/ in person at 940 W Main St, Room 206 in El Centro For information, call (442) 265-1060.
Voters may return their vote-by-mail ballots:
By Mail: Must be postmarked on or before Nov. 5 and received by the Registrar of Voters by no later than Nov. 12.
Drop Box: In one of the eight official drop boxes in the county. Drop boxes are open 24 hours a day, from Oct. 7 until 8 p.m. Nov. 5, Election Day.
In Person: On or before Election Day at the county Registrar of Voters’ Office, 940 W. Main St., Suite 206, El Centro, or at any polling site on Election Day. More information is available at: /elections.imperialcounty.org
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day
Voters can track when their ballot is mailed, received, and counted by signing up at https://California.ballottrax.net/voter
Breakaway Roping
Brawley native makes her mark on new rodeo sport
By Darren Simon
When it comes to rodeo in the Imperial Valley, Brawley native Ruby Robbins is a pioneer.
At 18 years of age, she is breaking the mold, by all accounts, to be the first in the Valley to participate in the new and fast-growing sport of breakaway roping. The competition of speed, accuracy. and skill was officially added as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event in 2019.
Brawley’s Cattle Call Rodeo added the sport two years ago. It was added
to the competitive event roster last year and will return for the 2024 Cattle Call Rodeo on Nov. 8, 9, and 10.
Robbins, who graduated from high school this year, is now attending the University of Arizona, where she is studying physiology. This year, she’ll embark on a college rodeo career after a successful history at the junior and high school levels of competition—and breakaway roping will be a part of her college journey.
Due to timing, though, she may have to skip this year’s Cattle Call.
“I’ve been rodeoing since I was 5
years old,” she said. “I started running barrels and pole bending, and then I won play rope in a competition. After that, I decided I wanted to continue to rope.”
She added, “I started team roping at the California Junior Association level, and then in the sixth grade, I started breakaway roping.”
Breakaway roping is similar to the traditional rodeo event of calf or tie-down roping. Each is a race against time.
A rider atop a horse waits behind a gate for a calf to be released from an adjacent chute. After a breathless moment of hanging behind so as not to break the
Ruby Robbins of Brawley ropes a calf during a breakaway roping competition. - Photo courtesy of Ruby Robbins
barrier too soon, the rider then races after the calf, swinging a rope overhead to lasso the calf – all within seconds. Once successfully roped, the roper drops the rope, allowing the calf to break away.
The event honors the role of women in Western heritage. Historically, women worked on ranches in all jobs, including roping livestock.
First sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, breakaway roping started with a few rodeo events in 2019. In 2020, it was added as an event at the National Finals in Las Vegas. The event has become increasingly popular over the last few years, now a part of nearly 500 rodeos, including the Cattle Call Rodeo.
“It was beginning to be a popular event, and we thought we’d give it a try and see what the response was,” said Cattle Call Rodeo Committee member Carson Kalin. “The event saw a positive response, so we decided to sanction it through the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.”
The plan, he said, is for breakaway roping to continue to be part of Cattle Call going forward.
Rodeo Committee member Danny
Williams said he expects breakaway roping to very quickly become a fan favorite as spectators come to understand the event and the speeds involved in succeeding.
He said at least 30 competitors are expected to compete in the event at Cattle Call this year, all vying for prize money and points to earn them spots in winter rodeos and potentially the 2025 Nationals.
Williams said all will come from parts outside of the Valley, from San Diego to Nevada and Arizona. He doesn’t expect any from the Valley this year, noting that Robbins is very likely the only sports practitioner in the Valley.
For Robbins, breakaway roping is an important addition to the sport of rodeo, adding a new level of excitement for competitors and spectators.
“I just love it,” Robbins said. “It’s such a fast-paced sport. You have to be under two and a half seconds. Not to mention, you have to know your horse. There is no room for error, but it’s special when you can be at your best.”
To be at your best takes time and practice, and Robbins has devoted much of her life to rodeo.
CONTINUED PAGE 34
KXO AM
By Bill Gay
On the night of Jan. 25, 1927, commercial radio was still in its infancy when Frank Bowles and Earl R. Irey surprised the Imperial Valley with a live radio broadcast.
While the first radio receivers arrived in the Valley about five years earlier, local residents could only listen to out-of-area stations.
Bowles and Irey planned to change that. On that day 97 years ago, they broadcasted an on-air test for KGEN, which had been licensed several weeks earlier to the El Centro businessmen. The two had good reason to want a local radio station–they operated a local store that sold radios, fixed radios, and carried radio parts.
From its humble beginnings, the new enterprise, later renamed KXO, quickly established itself as more than just a radio station—it became a vital thread in the
97 years of local radio, community service
fabric of Imperial Valley life.
Today, the station remains at the heart of the community by holding onto its roots of providing local news, entertainment, and other broadcasts even as it has adapted to modern technology.
“That culture has not changed,” said Gene Brister, station co-owner along with Carroll Buckley. Brister, station president and general manager, added, “Hyperlocal is the byword.”
Looking back at the station’s history, two days after its original broadcast, the Calexico Chronicle related in its Jan. 27, 1927, edition that local residents who “just happened to have their machines set so that they caught the air message” learned the Valley’s first radio station was on the air.
“They are broadcasting no regular programs yet… regular programs at certain intervals will be announced,” the Chronicle reported.
Otis Tout’s “First 30 Years,” the
signature history of life in the Valley from 1901 to 1931, captured the essence of the new station’s formative years.
Calling KXO “an institution,” Tout noted it “has been a source of continuous entertainment, instruction, and convenience to the Valley.”
A year after its test broadcast, KGEN became KXO. A three-letter radio call
Gene Brister, sitting and Carroll Buckley of KXO Radio. - Photo by Bill Gay
Broadcasting from Southwest football game at KXO - Photo by Joselito N. Villero
sign is rare today, designating the station as a pioneer.
Buckley and Brister didn’t arrive at KXO until the early 1970s. Buckley, now KXO vice president, had recently left the Army and got to the station first. He began his Valley career as the news director at KECY-TV, Channel 9, then headquartered in El Centro. KXO hired him in June 1972 to do a morning show and to beef up the station’s local news presence.
Brister, a native of Calipatria, planned to be a professional performer. Instead, he was selling Xerox equipment in 1973 when he said he received “an offer I couldn’t refuse” and joined the station’s sales department.
In those days, some strong Valley leaders ran the station. Gordon Belson was president, Ed Snively was general manager, and Ed “Muzy” Muzylowski was vice president.
At the time, there were three other popular English-language commercial AM radio stations: KAMP, El Centro; KROP, Brawley; and KICO, Calexico.
Since KXO’s start,12 other AM and FM radio stations have broadcast in the Valley, but KXO AM/FM is the only remaining locally-based English-language commercial station. Other formats broadcasting locally today are regional or local nonprofit Christian stations, Spanish-language stations, and public broadcasting outlets.
Brister noted that KXO was “absentee-owned” only once in its history. “That lasted three years, then it went back to local ownership.”
In its early days, however, there were doubts about this new form of communication.
On Oct. 20, 1932, KXO petitioned the Central Union High School District (CUHS) board for permission to broadcast Central football games.
The board’s reaction is chronicled in a book by Virginia L. Ritter, a longtime secretary to the CUHS district superintendent from 1966 to 1990. Ritter compiled summaries of board minutes for the district from 1908 through 1983.
The board’s football broadcast approval was based “on condition that the broadcast proves satisfactory…and provided further that permission to broadcast the games may be revoked if the service proves unsatisfactory.”
Apparently, KXO’s broadcasts passed muster.
Buckley and Jon Driffill are broadcasting Central football again this season, the station’s 92nd consecutive year.
Central and later Southwest High School games have been the staple football broadcasts. But in the past few years, KXO has expanded to broadcast Imperial High School football, anchored
CONTINUED PAGE 30
Photo above, broadcaster Traci Lyon Ramirez and Gene Brister enjoy a laugh. Below, Jon Driffill, left and Carroll Buckley at Southwest High School football game. - Photos by Bill Gay
Green Thumbs
Valley gardeners sow seeds, passion for plants
By Kayla Kirby
In a corner shaded from the warm Imperial Valley summer morning, El Centro resident Vincent Zazueta, who refers to himself as the “King Compost,” dug his hands into his compost bin, tossing the pile to help separate the different pieces of food scraps.
The rising temperature signaled to the master gardener that it was time to get to work. It wasn’t long before Zazueta began brushing his arms across his forehead to dry his sweat.
Though his hands looked covered in soil, he explained to a handful of Valley gardening enthusiasts what his compost was made of while they watched Zazueta rake his fingers through the decomposed organic matter, smashing and breaking apart the compost.
Zazueta, other gardeners, and local green thumbs gathered on the first Saturday of September as they do the first Saturday of every month in the parking lot of a unique Imperial business, Imperial Valley Colectivo, at 211 N. Imperial Ave., to swap seeds, trade tips, and pass around plants.
The goal of these free monthly gardening events is to increase awareness about the benefits of gardening and share supplies with those in need.
For IV Colectivo co-owner Javier Gruel, who works with his wife and IV Colectivo owner Ana Vazquez Jimenez, hosting the event
Top photo, Vince Zazueta sets up for the monthly gardening event in Imperial. Teresa Jurey selects seeds.- Photos by Joselito N. Villero
fits in with his eclectic style of business where space is dedicated to an array of vendors offering from vintage clothing to handmade gifts as well as a coffee bar and deli.
“Initially, the community gathered at various locations throughout the Imperial Valley, including the Imperial Library and Eager Park,” Gruel said. “However, participants didn’t feel a strong sense of belonging at the park, so we offered them the parking lot of our business, which has now become the new gathering spot for the seed swap.”
While IV Colectivo has hosted the event for two years, this October marks the event’s fourth anniversary. Zazueta, Brawley resident Maria Bandiera, and a handful of other local individuals collaborated to organize the initial meetings.
Bandiera, who volunteers with the Brawley Senior Center and plans to start a garden for the senior center, explained her desire for more community members to get involved in gardening. She uses the CONTINUED PAGE 32
Vince Zazueta weighs compost. Below, Maria Bandiera with Moringa seeds and seedlings.
- Photo by Joselito N. Villero
Valley Veg Growers
By Susan Giller
Imperial Valley vegetable growers never shy away from growing a new crop, a different variety, or trying another way to improve the bounty that they harvest for consumers to enjoy.
That is why the Valley’s fertile fields, long heralded as the nation’s winter salad bowl, also produce some lesserknown, unique, and unexpected commodities. For instance, some Valley growers harvest potatoes, beets, parsnips, turnips, and okra. Other growers harvest an alphabet soup of unique and specialized produce, from arugula and artichoke to Swiss chard and vegetable leaf. These and other unique crops result from Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association (IVGA) members’ dedication to innovating and responding to changing markets and consumers’ increasingly sophisticated palettes. That way, they
Harvesting the unique, exotic, and unexpected
can take advantage of opportunities that arise. In 2023, for instance, one local grower, Alex Jack of Jack Bros. in Brawley, harvested a field of red jalapeños in response to a shortage of the key ingredient in Sriracha sauce. That constant effort to grow better and more diverse vegetables and melons helps keep Imperial County agriculture among the top 10 producers in the state. The 2022 produce harvest valued at $1.1 billion was the single largest crop category contributing to the county’s total agricultural output of $2.6 billion, according to the most recent data available.
Lettuce, carrots, broccoli, spinach, onions, melons, sweet corn, Romaine, and other more traditional crops comprised the lion’s share of the Valley’s total produce value. However, the aggregated value of the Valley’s unique vegetable and melon crops made up nearly a quarter of the produce value. Individually, the unique crops do
Kale growing in an Imperial Valley field. - Photo courtesy of Imperial County Agriculture Commissioner's O ce.
Freshly picked romanesco - Photo courtesy of Imperial County Farm Bureau.
not meet the multi-million-dollar threshold required for a separate listing, so they are tallied together as “Miscellaneous Vegetables” in the county Agricultural Commissioner’s annual Crop Report. In 2022, the aggregated category totaled nearly $266 million, roughly a quarter of the total produce value.
Imperial Valley’s year-round growing season, fertile land, and available water make it easy for growers to evaluate a promising crop or add it to the regular rotation.
In 2022, vegetable and melon crops grew on over 120,000 acres of Imperial Valley farmland. The Valley’s total lettuce crop grew on 22,000 acres. Yet many high-value “Misc. Vegetable crops use little acreage. Artichokes, for instance, grew on 93 acres in 2022, according to Imperial Irrigation District records.
The reasons Valley growers opt to grow unique crops are many. Some crops like Gai lan, also called Chinese broccoli, and mizuna, also known as Japanese mustard greens or spider mustard, fill a niche in Asian markets.
Other Valley vegetable crops, like kale, arugula, Napa cabbage, endive, rapini, and Bok Choy, are grown to meet consumers’ increasing appetite for healthy and diverse great leafy greens.
Romanesco, a green-faceted jewel-like form of cauliflower, grew on some 44 acres of Imperial Valley farmland in 2022, responding to the growing market to satisfy consumers’ increasingly refined and adventurous palette.
Other specialty crops, like the quick-growing radish, allow growers to add an additional crop to the annual planting cycle. Still, other crops, such as vivid fields of yellow mustard, cilantro, parsley, celery, and others, provide growers with potential winter alternatives depending on market conditions.
The 2022 miscellaneous vegetable category includes a juicy red reminder of how expensive change can be. Watermelon, now listed as miscellaneous, was, in days gone by, a highly regarded Valley produce. In 2015, the crop was valued at nearly $25 million. Conditions change. The watermelon crop value dropped to $7.6 million in the 2020 report; last year, it was listed as a separate category.
Valley vegetable growers are now cultivating the winter produce crops. But even before planting the first seed, they are working to improve food safety, conserve water, and diversify the produce they harvest to respond to market conditions and consumers’ changing tastes because they know things change.
Artichoke growing in the Imperial Valley. - Photo by Bill Amidon
COLAB
By Darren Simon
Supporting lithium development
From its outset, the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture & Business of Imperial County (COLAB) has advocated for local businesses and encouraged the growth of new industries. It intends to protect agriculture, support the workforce, and make the best use of the region’s natural resources.
Since the inception of Lithium Valley, COLAB’s effort has extended to helping the county realize the potential for economic development and job creation through the growth of the lithium industry locally.
COLAB has welcomed industry representatives into the organization. Its current president is Mark Gran, a manager for BHE Renewables, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiary, and a long-time geothermal facility operator at the Salton Sea that is now conducting lithium extraction testing.
“COLAB is supportive of industry and jobs being created in the Imperial Valley and helping create a pro-business environment here,” Gran said. “Lithium is one of those industries on the radar now that could produce a whole lot of jobs and economic development.”
Lithium Valley is the moniker attached to the Imperial Valley
Salton Sea geothermal power and lithium production at sunset - Photo by Adobe
because of the quantity of lithium that can be extracted from the sizeable geothermal resource trapped deep in the ground beneath and around the Salton Sea.
Currently, Valley geothermal processing plants produce in excess of 400 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. It is estimated that Valley’s geothermal resources could generate up to 2,400 megawatts, which can help meet the state’s clean energy and greenhouse reduction goals. Extracting lithium from geothermal fluid would provide an environmentally safe mineral source for electric car batteries and a potential critical economic driver for the region.
Imperial County officials say that as much as 17 million metric tons of lithium could be extracted, enough to serve 375 million electric vehicle batteries. This could be done in a way that coexists with the Valley’s largest economic resource, agriculture, and protects the environment.
The potential for lithium development is so critical that California Gov. Gavin Newsom, during a 2023 visit to the Valley, stated, “We’re building a hub for global innovation while ensuring this transformation benefits communities right here in Imperial Valley… The future happens here first – and Lithium Valley is fast-tracking the world’s clean energy future.”
To date, Valley geothermal developers BHE Renewables, EnergySource, and Controlled Thermal Resources are all in various stages of testing or developing lithium extraction projects.
COLAB supports their efforts and those of the county, Imperial Valley College (IVC), and San Diego State (SDSU), Imperial Valley, to support the industry, the Valley economy, and job creation potential.
CONTINUED PAGE 35
The schematic drawing depicts how ILiAD, the proprietary lithium extraction platform developed by EnergySource Minerals, will process lithium from geothermal brine at the firm's Project ATLiS site near the Salton Sea.
- Illustration courtesy of Energy Source Minerals
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1560 Pepper Dr, El Centro, CA 92243
https://bit.ly/3j3jcxd
Rabb Slabs Bbq $$
496 W. State, El Centro, CA 92243
760-970-4867
bit.ly/3y1aquf
Red Feather
Off-Road Market & Cafe $
1182 N. Imperial Hwy, Ocotillo, CA 92259
760-358-7389
https://bit.ly/3vwXwvY
Saltcedar Barbecue $
297 South Imperial Ave. Imperial, CA 92251
619-724-8162
Saltcedarbbq.com
Shake & Wake $
1490 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
442-283-5100
https://bit.ly/3EalJfZ
Sizzler $$
707 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-353-3780
http://www.sizzler.com
Sonora Fusion $$$
560 W State St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-693-5069
https://bit.ly/3wLozVP
The Burger and I
3451 S Dogwood St Spc 1396, El Centro, CA 92243
760-970-4849
bit.ly/3OqulpV
The Healthy Spot $
134 Main St, Calipatria, CA 92233
760-354-2005
https://bit.ly/40kVCO5
The Original Town Pump Steakhouse $$ 200 W Main St., Westmorland, CA 92281
760-344-3663
https://bit.ly/3wLlvch
Tropical Delights $$
221 W E St, Brawley, CA 92227
(760) 344-5051
https://bit.ly/3rakIPW
Valley Vida $$ 1560 Ocotillo Dr. Ste C El Centro, CA 92243
442-271-4103
https://valleyVida.com
Vibras Healthy
Nutrition $
136 N Plaza, Brawley, CA 92227
760-679-6277
https://bit.ly/41c6hfm
Asian Cuisine
Chef Lee's Express $ 1049 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-693-5555
https://bit.ly/3xx5M0q
Chi+Mac $$
330 Wake Ave El Centro, CA 92243
760-353-0203
bit.ly/40zTMcC
China Inn Restaurant $$
461 W Main St, Brawley, CA 92227
760-344-1038
https://bit.ly/3xlMI4W
China Palace Restaurant $$ 1075 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-353-2798
https://bit.ly/3wFTh2y
Fortune Garden $$
3309 S. Dogwood Rd, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-9888
https://bit.ly/3iJn6uQ
Fortune House $$ 1627 W Main St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-3888
https://bit.ly/3vrsZzu
Fujisan Sushi $$
1560 Ocotillo Dr Suite O, El Centro, CA 92243
760-970-4436 www.fujisaniv.com
Golden Dragon $$
928 Imperial Ave. Calexico, CA 92231
760-890-0066
Helen’s Family $$
445 W. Main St. Brawley, Ca. 92227
760-592-6962
helensfamilyvietfood. com
Hong Kong $$
550 Wake Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-970-4497
https://bit.ly/3E4Wdcb
K Sushi Bar & Grill $$
416 S. J St, Imperial, CA 92251
760-355-4440
https://bit.ly/3zyKbWT
Khan Korean BBQ $$
330 Wake Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-353-0202
https://bit.ly/3gy1hwY
Komaki Sushi & Sea Food $$
1133 Ben Hulse Hwy, Brawley, CA 92227
760-623-1033
https://bit.ly/3q5qyWB
Kotori Japanese Food $$
300 E Cole Blvd, Calexico, CA 92231
760-768-8540
https://bit.ly/3zHPbZE
Lucky Chinese Restaurant $$
500 S. 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-7680
www.luckyrestaurant.com
Los Ce-B-Ches $$
1074 E Coles Blvd Ste 7, Calexico, CA 92231
442-270-1402
https://bit.ly/35ps9sy
Mah’s Kitchen $$
290 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-8713
https://bit.ly/3q4OF3w
Peony Pavilion $$ 1505 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227
760-351-9888 https://bit.ly/3iJdGj3
Poke & Noodle
Japanese Cuisine $$
799 E. Danenberg Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9208 https://bit.ly/2UccQkB
Sushi & Noodle $$
800 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5075
Sushi & Noodles $$
630 S Brawley Ave, Unit #6, Brawley, CA 92227 760-623-1361 https://bit.ly/3E6JANF
Sushi Park $$
330 Wake Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-2377 https://bit.ly/3gB9uze
Sushi Spot $$ 115 North Imperial Ave. Ste F-G, Imperial, CA 92251 760-355-0441
https://bit.ly/39JEYUl
Volcano $$
445 E. Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9105 volcanoelcentro.com
The Thai Bistro $ 775 E. Danenberg Dr. Ste. 105 El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 592-4611 exoticthaibistro.com
Unni Korean Food $ 582 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4121 https://bit.ly/41xhJlA
Wongs Kitchen $ 102 W 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250
760-791-3227
Italian Food Assaggio Ristorante Italiano $$ 538 E St, Brawley, CA 92227
760-344-9750
https://qrco.de/Assaggio
Chuck-E-Cheese $$
803 E. Danenberg Rd, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-4785
www.chuckecheese.com
George’s Pizza $$
116 W 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250
760-356-1192
https://bit.ly/3cPgc3A
Grasso's Italian Restaurant $$
1902 Main St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-4635
https://bit.ly/3gAvSd5
Inferno $$
505 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227
760-344-7744
https://bit.ly/3B7d1gH
Johnny Carino's $$ 3203 S Dogwood Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-337-9588 www.carinos.com
Mangiamos Pizza $$ 1802 N. Imperial Ave. Ste. C El Centro, CA 92243
442-231-8293 pizzaelcentro
Mona Lisa Cocktails & Cuisine $$$ 2393 CA-86, Imperial, CA 92251
442-258-3350
https://bit.ly/45pGYrn
Mozzarelli Artisan Bistro $$ 123 W Barioni Blvd, Imperial, CA 92251
760-545-0222
https://bit.ly/3b0Ctdd
Mozzarelli Pizza & Gelato $$
950 N Imperial Ave, (inside Strikezone) El Centro, CA 92243
760-353-3300
https://bit.ly/3q7g4l2
Round Table Pizza
508 E Danenberg Dr.,#6 El Centro, Ca. 92243 760-970-4801 roundtablepizza.com
Mexican Food
Antojitos Como En Casa $$
841 W. Main St., El Centro, CA 92243 442-271-4016
Antojitos Como En Casa $$ 425 Desert Gardens Dr., El Centro, CA 92243 760-482-5621 antojitoscomoencasa.com
Asadero
Neighborhood $$
220 W Birch St. Calexico, CA 92231
760-357-0890
https://bit.ly/39LddL2
Baja Tacos $$
460 Holt Ave. Holtville, CA 92250
442-225-7126
https://bit.ly/3XTV6JD
Birrieria La Patria $$
301 Sorenson Ave. Calipatria, CA. 92233
760-354-2020 lapatriamgrestaurant. com
Birrieria y Menuderia
Guadalajaras $ 845 Imperial Ave, Calexico, CA 92231
760-890-5181
https://bit.ly/3cNjmoc
Briseida's Kitchen $$
741 Cesar Chavez Blvd, Calexico, CA 92231
760-618-9180
https://bit.ly/3b2oeod
Cardenas Markets $$ 1620 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-0139
www.cardenasmarkets.com
Celia’s Restaurant $$ 1530 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-4570
https://bit.ly/3q4ZFxQ
Cilantros La Taqueria $
643 S 4th St Ste 1, El Centro, CA 92243
760-693-5337
https://bit.ly/3gBgdJu
D’Lupita's Restaurant $$
336 W 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250
760-356-7100
https://bit.ly/3gwwvo5
D'Poly Taco, Grill & Beer $$
1573 W. Main St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-970-4243
https://bit.ly/35vdKLw
El Cañon $
625 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227
760-344-2411
El Chochis Snacks & Salads $ 1065 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-790-8242
https://bit.ly/3K9LdzB
El Jumping Bean Taqueria #2 1050 S Brawley Ave #103, Brawley, CA 92227 760-623-7030 bit.ly/3m5FCPd
El Guero Tacos & Beer $ 1560 Ocotillo Dr. El Centro, Ca. 92243 442-230-9971
El Menudazo $ 548 Broadway #C, El Centro, CA 760-970-4940 bit.ly/3n8dezl
El Merendero $$ 1702 N Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5014 https://bit.ly/3GdMxxW
El Zarape $$ 139 S. Imperial Ave, Imperial, CA 92251 760-355-4435 https://bit.ly/3gCuPrP
Flautas & Sopes $ 1622 S 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5090 www.flautasysopesusa.site
Flautas & Sopes $$ 1531 Ford Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 760-336-0825 www.flautasysopesusa.site
Flautas & Sopes $ 715 Cesar Chavez Blvd, Calexico, CA 92231 760-357-0655 www.flautasysopesusa.site
Hacienda Market & Snack Bar $ 941 K St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-5542 https://bit.ly/3b0ILJR
Holtville Taco Shop $ 404 E 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250 760-356-5756 www.holtvilletacoshop.com
Jalisco's Bar & Grill $$ 844 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-2515 https://bit.ly/3nhTvsZ
Johnny's Burritos
490 D St., Brawley, CA 92227
760-344-0961
https://bit.ly/3cJkERa
La Fuente Restaurant $
737 Emerson Ave, Calexico, CA 92231
Johnny's Burritos
301 Wake Ave., El Centro, CA 92243
760-353-0963
https://bit.ly/3cLY2Qb
Johnny's Burritos
105 S. Imperial Ave., Imperial CA 92251
760-355-0962
https://bit.ly/3vzAxAh
K Taquiza Restaurant $
249 E Main St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-693-5088
https://bit.ly/3GcVSpA
Karina's Mexican Food $$
845 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-337-0027
https://bit.ly/3njjQXG
La Birrieria Red Tacos $ 710 Heil St, El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 970-4406
https://bit.ly/2SHS77N
La Fonda Bar & Grill $$
1950 S 4th St #1, El Centro, CA 92243
760-353-6450
https://bit.ly/3E23yJm
760-357-5760
https://bit.ly/2ZcppyX
La Resaca $$
143 S. 6th St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-592-4971
https://bit.ly/3vFQox3
Las Chabelas Restaurant $$
749 S. Brawley Ave, Brawley, CA 92227
760-351-2991 www.laschabelas.com
Las Palmitas Taco Shop #1 $
2003 S. 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-2757
https://bit.ly/3gwEUYH
Las Palmitas Taco Shop #2 $ 880 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-370-9120
https://bit.ly/3cL3jr0
Letty's Casita $$
705 S. 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-8170
https://bit.ly/3wBPpPV
Los Cerritos Restaurant $ 411 E 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250
760-756-3097
https://bit.ly/35yM1t9
Ma Lupe's $$
2600 Thomas Dr. El Centro, Ca. 92243
Ma Lupe's $$
390 W. Aten Rd, Imperial, CA 92251
760-355-1180
Maria's Taco Shop $
401 Broadway, El Centro, CA 92243
760-675-6546
https://bit.ly/3iLMFLP
Mi Casita $$
324 S. Imperial Ave. Ste B, Calexico, CA 92231
760-556-9895
https://bit.ly/3cO17PE
Mexca Brew Co. $$ 612 W Main St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-970-4544
https://bit.ly/2SkabEM
Nana Dora's 103 W. K St., Brawley, CA 92227
760-344-2677
https://bit.ly/2S3kWex
Mr Tempo Bar & Cantinas $$
201 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243
760-693-5393
https://bit.ly/35xq51E
Nana’s Kitchen $$
502 W. Aten Rd., Imperial, CA 92251
760-457-6077
https://bit.ly/3zCHvri
Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant 644 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227
442-646-9492
bit.ly/44zYV71
Patty’s Loncheria $$ 1191 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227
760-960-9023
https://bit.ly/3B3hjHd
Puerto Nuevo Patio & Grill $$
395 Broadway, El Centro, CA 92243
760-336-0430
https://bit.ly/3iMIrUj
Rosa's Plane Food Inc. $$
445 S. Imperial Ave, Calexico, CA 92231
760-890-8860
https://bit.ly/3q5sg5Q
Rosa's Plane Food Inc. $$ 1523 Main St., El Centro, CA 92243
442-231-8040
https://bit.ly/3q5sg5Q
Sobe's Restaurant $
1151 S. 4th St. EL Centro, CA 92243
760-352-6838 sobesrestaurant.com
Sofia’s Kitchen $$
395 A St Ste B Brawley, CA 92227
760-623-1777
bit.ly/3HkRx5Z
Sofia’s Seafood & Grill $$
132 S Plaza St. Brawley, CA 92227
760-623-1080 bit.ly/3NbNgFO
Sombrero Mexican Food $$
703 E. Danenberg Dr, El Centro, CA 92243
760-337-2160
https://bit.ly/3xyamev
Tacos De Pescado Marlyn $$ 1614 S 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243
760-353-1686
https://bit.ly/2SAvbaI
The Burrito Factory $$
130 S. Imperial Ave. #3458, El Centro, CA 92243
760-693-5110
https://bit.ly/3zxSGSd
Virginia's Casita $ 645 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227
760-351-2386
https://bit.ly/3b41jck
Calendar of Events
Oct. 17
Trunk or Treat
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Holt Park, Holtville https://bit.ly/3ZPNeK4
Oct. 17
Farmers Market & Street Fair
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
121 W. Fifth St., Holtville https://bit.ly/3ZPNeK4
Oct. 19
Fiesta de Los Muertos
5 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Imperial www.cityofimperial.org
Oct. 19
7th Annual Holtville Trail Walk/ Run 8 a.m.
Pete Mellinger Alamo River Trail https://bit.ly/3ZPNeK4
Oct. 19
Floating Pumpkin Patch Noon- 3 p.m.
Aquatic Center City of El Centro cityofelcentro.org
Oct. 20
The information included in the print version of Imperial Valley Alive! is what was available by publication deadline. Visit our calendar online at www.imperialvalleyalive.com and submit your event information.
Master Chorale Fall Concert
2 – 5 p.m.
Imperial Valley Pioneers Museum, 373 E. Aten Road, Imperial pioneersmuseum.net/events
Oct. 25
Trunk or Treat
8 p.m.
Kids Market Days
Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Valley www.facebook.com/bgciv
Oct. 25
7th Annual Garden of Hope Mariposa Gala Womanhaven
6 p.m.
Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse, El Centro www.ivregionalchamber.com/events
Oct. 25
Fall Cavalcade, Anniversary of the Ride of the Century, Cattle Call historic photos, and more 6 to 10 p.m.
Imperial Valley Pioneers Museum
373 E. Aten Road, Imperial pioneersmuseum.net/events
Oct. 26
Dolomite Mine Hike 8 a.m.
Imperial Valley Museum, 11 Frontage Road, Ocotillo
IVDM Lowlanders www.ivdesertmuseum.org
Oct. 26
Octobercraft
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Imperial Valley Desert Museum www.ivdesertmuseum.org
Oct. 26
Trunk or Treat
6– 9 p.m.
Stark Field, City of El Centro cityofelcentro.org
Oct.27
Celebrate Life "Celebrate Light"
5 – 8 p.m.
First Christian Church of El Centro www.fccelcentro.com
Nov. 1
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
El Centro Town Square City of El Centro cityofelcentro.org
Nov. 2
"From Your Garden to the Community¨
8 – 10 a.m.
Imperial Valley Collectivo Parking Lot - 221 Imperial Ave, Imperial
Nov. 2
Veteran's Breakfast
7 – 9 a.m.
American Legion Hall (Holtville) www.holtville.ca.gov
Nov.2
11th Annual Veterans Day Parade
10 a.m.
5th & Walnut to Pine Ave., Holtville www.holtville.ca.gov
Nov. 2
Farmers Market & Street Fair
5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
121 W. Fifth Street, Holtville www.holtville.ca.gov
Nov. 2
Chili/Rib Cook-Off & Dia de Los Muertos Celebration
5 – 10 p.m.
Main St. & Plaza
Brawley Chamber of Commerce www.brawleychamber.com
Nov. 4
Cattle Call Mega Mixer
6 – 9 p.m.
Smith-Kandal Insurance and Real Estate
Brawley Chamber of Commerce www.brawleychamber.com
Nov. 6
Mariachi Night
5 – 10 p.m.
Main St. & Plaza
Brawley Chamber of Commerce www.brawleychamber.com
Nov. 8
Cattle Call Rodeo
7 p.m.
Cattle Call Arena
Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo Committee www.cattlecallrodeo.com
Nov. 9
Chuckwagon Breakfast Fundraiser
5 a.m.
South Plaza Park
Brawley Chamber of Commerce www.brawleychamber.com
Nov. 9
Cattle Call Parade
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Main St. & Plaza
Brawley Chamber of Commerce www.brawleychamber.com
Nov. 9
Mountain Palm Loop Hike- IVDM Lowlanders
8 a.m.
Imperial Valley IV Desert Museum, 11 Frontage Road., Ocotillo ivdesertmuseum.org
Nov. 9
Veteran's Day Flag Ceremony
11 a.m.
Glamis Sand Dunes (32 Degree- 55.40 N / 115 Degree-04.84 W)
Veterans Memorial Flagpole glamisveterans.org
Nov. 9
Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo
7 p.m.
Cattle Call Arena www.cattlecallrodeo.com
Nov. 10
Cattle Call Rodeo
1 p.m.
Cattle Call Arena www.cattlecallrodeo.com
Nov. 15
A Desert Fighting Championships
Prestige Event Center, Heber www.prestigeimperial.com
Nov. 16
SLAM Fest 1- 5 p.m.
Brett Driscoll Sidewinder Skatepark City of El Centro cityofelcentro.org
Nov. 16
Toby Keith Tribute Music
Prestige Event Center, Heber www.prestigeimperial.com
Nov. 23
Davies Valley Oasis (DogFriendly Hike) - IVDM Lowlanders
8 a.m.
IV Desert Museum,11 Frontage Road, Ocotillo www.ivdesertmuseum.org
Dec.6
Christmas Tree Lighting
5 – 9 p.m.
Fires Station 3, 1910 N. Waterman Ave. City of El Centro cityofelcentro.org
Dec. 7
Christmas Parade
10 a.m.
Main & 8th - City of El Centro cityofelcentro.org
Become a Sponsor at a Chamber Event
Christmas in the Park • Thursday, December 19th, 2024 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Pictures with Santa
• Free Candy Canes
• Hot Chocolate and Cookies
• Middle School and High School Band & Chorus will perform Holiday Music
*SPONSORSHIPS Available: Recognition at the Event, and Social Media Page, and you may also Host a Booth at the event.
78th Annual Carrot Festival “Hop on the Carrot Express”
Jan. 31st, 2025 to Feb. 9th, 2025
Jan. 31 st Carrot Festival Coronation/Citizen of the Year Banquet (IV Swiss Club)
Feb. 6th -9th Carnival Midway
Feb. 7th Carrot Festival Kick-Off Concert: 7PM on Holt Ave Taco Cart, & Beer Garden on Holt Ave
Feb. 8th 78th Annual Carrot Festival Parade – 10AM Craft & Food Booths on Holt Ave & Holt Park
Carnival Parade Awards
School Drumline Competition Mariachi Night at 5PM – 7PM
*SPONSORSHIPS Available: 3 Sponsorship Levels, Advertising Opportunities, Individual Event Sponsorships. All Sponsorships will include an ad in the 2025 Carrot Festival Program Book Deadline for all Sponsorship Forms, Artwork,& Payments must be received by January 3rd, 2025
2025 Carrot Festival Royalty Competition
Open to all young ladies a ending Imperial Valley Schools. (Grades K-12)
Candidates must Reside and Attend School in Imperial County & Maintain a 2.0 GPA Competition consists of 3 Parts: Ticket Sales, Speech Competition & Live Interview
Deadline to Register is Dec. 20th, 2024
Tickets will be distributed when Registration is confirmed Applications can be completed Online or In Person at the Chamber o ce
*For all Sponsorships or Competition, go to Holtville Chamber of Commerce Website at www.holtvillechamber.org or Call our Office at 760-356-2923
Dec. 7
Annual Holiday Tour
6 – 8 p.m.
Pioneers Museum, 373 E. Aten Road, Imperial pioneersmuseum.net/events
Dec. 13
Parade of Lights
6 – 8 p.m.
Downtown Imperial www.cityofimperial.org
Dec. 14
Christmas in a Small Town
1 – 5 p.m.
Downtown Imperial www.cityofimperial.org
Imperial Valley Desert Museum
11 Frontage Rd, Ocotillo, CA
Ph: 760-358-7016
Open: Wednesday – Sunday 10 AM – 4
PM
Cost: General Admission. . . $5
Website: ivdesertmuseum.org
Pioneers Museum
373 Aten Rd., Imperial, CA
Ph: 760-352-1165
Dec 14
De Anza Trail and Yuha Desert Outreach Event
Juan Bautista De Anza Trail
BLM & Imperial Valley Desert Museum www.ivdesertmuseum.org
Imperial Valley Museums
Open: September thru May
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM
Cost: General Admission. . .$10
Students/Active Duty/Senior Citizens $5
Children under 5. . . . . . . . FREE
Website: pioneersmuseum.net
Center of the World in Felicity "Museum of History in Granite¨
Dec. 28
Fossil Canyon
Hike (Dog Friendly) - IVDM Lowlanders
8 a.m.
IV Desert Museum, 11 Frontage Road, Ocotillo www.ivdesertmuseum.org
History of Humanity / The Church / Maze of Honor
Center of the World Plaza, Felicity, CA
Ph: 760-572-0100
Open: Nov 1 – April 30
(Guided Tours) Daily – 10 AM – 5 PM MST
May 1 – Oct 31
(Self Guided Tour) -7 AM – 7 PM
Costs – Include Parking
Adults $10
Children (5-12) $5
Children (Under 5) FREE Website: Historyingranite.org
“It was such a powerful sight to see parents gathered around the ballot box showing their kids how to vote," Dorantes said. "We would remind them, ‘You are the example for your children. Vote to make a difference in your community.’'’
So powerful was the message, Dorantes said, that some of the young creative cast members revised their previous views about the importance of voting.
Eduardo Castellanos, whose Batman persona was a hit with kids at many events, said he had not consistently voted in the past.
Yet, the project's message resonated with him.
“Even if you're not sure about a national candidate, you know the things that matter to your community.
Mural painter Michael Lopez, ninth from left, and from front left, El Centro Mayor Sylvia, Maroquin, Eric Reyes, Los Amigos de la Community and Isabel Solis, LADLC president, with VIVA MAZE crew at the El Centro mural - Photo courtesy of VIVA Maze/Far South Border North
K I D W I s E
Imperial Irrigation District: Burrowing Owl Conservation Program
Entries from Ms Terrazas 3rd grade at De Anza Magnet School
Ar i ana Morales
Em i ly Mendoza
El i zah Teller i a
Ivanna Marrufo
You can have a say about issues you care about.
"There are repercussions to not voting," he said. "It is our community; our voice, our vote makes a difference."
The centerpiece of Viva Maze was the design and creation of three separate community murals–one each in Brawley, El Centro, and Calexico. LADLC also had a traveling mural painted by local artist Elizabeth M. Ibarra that Reyes said will be placed at various locations for future events.
Each mural is rich with symbolism depicting the heritage of the vote and images pointing to the heritage and importance of the tradition of voting.
For Michael Lopez, the artist who designed the community murals, the opportunity to guide the project has special meaning. As a senior at Calexico High School in 1997, his final project explored the idea that graffiti offered an important means of community expression.
Since then, Lopez’s public murals have been by private commissions. His bold, iconic depictions on the walls and front of El Jumping Bean Taqueria in Brawley have become the eatery’s artistic calling card.
The three Viva Maze murals designed by Lopez and painted at community painting parties are at 912 G St. in Brawley, 423 E. Second St. in Calexico, and 128 N. Fourth St. in El Centro.
For Lopez, the Viva Maze murals were exciting because of the chance to guide a project created with many hands.
“The mural is the community’s because people help you to do it," Lopez told children who initially were timid about applying brush strokes. “It’s not only my hands, but all of us together that makes it work.”
The concept of civic engagement was not a mere buzzword for Viva Maze; it was the foundation. Even the creative cast had longstanding community ties. Lopez, for instance, had been a student of Reyes, who taught at Calexico High School before he took the reins of LADLC. Another cast member had been a student of LADLC President Isabel Solis during her early days of teaching. Still, other cast members had acted in Dorantes’ films.
“Voting is essential to healthy communities where many voices are heard, not just a few," Reyes told crowds at many of Viva Maze's events. Attendees were offered a QR code with a link to register to vote, and a pledge-to-vote form.
Though Viva Maze wrapped up in time to register and vote in the Nov. 5 presidential election, Reyes reminded attendees that the community is the priority.
“It is more important to vote locally," Reyes said. "We have more power here. Be sure to vote."
by Mickey Dale and George Grijalva.
“Imperial started when I realized it would be a good thing to do as the program grew there,” Buckley said.
New technology allowed that addition. KXO streams games over its website in addition to broadcasts. Its website and social media sites, like other Valley media, also actively cover other news stories. The website also posts podcasts.
Buckley is sensitive to the various high school rivalries. “I will not wear a team’s colors, and I give players on both sides as much positive coverage as possible. If a kid screws up, I don’t use names.”
Buckley said it is youth football. “They are out there having fun.”
One of the biggest games of the season is the annual Bell Game between arch-rivals Central and Brawley Union high schools. “I come to the Bell Game with no strong attachment to Central. I want a good game, and when it’s done, the games’ over and let’s move on,” Buckley said.
KXO's strength has always been news coverage. It also has
Broadcasting a Southwest High School football game
- Photo by Joselito N. Villaro
been the Valley’s Emergency Broadcasting System station for many years, making it vital in earthquakes, floods, and other disasters.
In 1975 KXO acquired KNEU, the first FM station to broadcast in the Valley. The station had been on and off the air several times. It returned to the air permanently on the nation’s Bicentennial, July 4, 1976, as KXO-FM.
KXO has broadcast reports from the scenes of numerous major news stories since 1927. It actively covered one of the largest fires in the Valley's history, when El Centro’s downtown landmark, the Barbara Worth Hotel, burned down on a Sunday afternoon in 1962.
On August 9, 1979, KXO actually found itself physically surrounded by a nationwide tragedy that occurred in El Centro’s Valley Plaza Shopping Center. At the time, KXO was located on the third floor of what was then the tallest building in the county, known as the “KXO Building”
Two FBI agents were shot to death in offices which were one floor below the station’s studios. KXO AM and FM provided onthe-scene accurate information to the Valley and the nation.
KXO also has been known for its community connections.
California Mid-Winter Fairgoers can regularly greet Buckley, Brister, or one of their other announcers who conduct live broadcasts at their permanent booth during the full run of the fair.
In 1991, to celebrate the quick victory of the first Persian Gulf War, “Desert Storm,” KXO instituted the “Freedom Fest” fireworks show on the Fourth of July that became an annual Valley tradition until it was interrupted by the COVID pandemic in 2000.
Back in the day, when school buses could get bogged down on dirt roads after a rain, which resulted in school closures, the
first place families would consult about “mud holidays” would be KXO.
For many years, Brister and Buckley anchored election night broadcasts from the courthouse in the days when ballots were hand-counted, and vote tallies were posted on a chalkboard, then later circulated on summary sheets.
While formats have changed, from that first surprise broadcast in 1927 to today’s web-based, high-technology framework at KXO, this station has stuck to its original culture.
“In some ways, there have been lots of changes but in other ways, no change. Radio is a survivor. The secret is our desire to cover the local aspects of our community,” said Brister.
Carroll Buckley interviews Southwest High School Principal Joe Derma (right) - Photo by Joselito N. Villaro
monthly seed swaps as an opportunity to teach more people about gardening, to share her supplies, and to remind the community of the benefits of gardening.
. “For me, it’s a good therapy,” Bandiera said. “You never feel depressed, you never feel like there’s nothing to do. You just get up and do what needs to be done."
Bandiera and other organizers aim to provide knowledge, provide opportunities for community members to connect and learn from each other, and to preserve invaluable agricultural knowledge.
“The younger people are starting to come more,” she said. “Young people don’t take growing too seriously because they’re busy, but now they’re coming, and I feel excited. I always give them more seeds (than they need) so they can share. I’m always trying to encourage other people to continue to start gardening.”
Zazueta, a former high school science teacher, echoed similar sentiments and has advocated for and promoted gardening for decades through various efforts, including offering free workshops. His previous employment with the University of California Cooperative Extension Center also attests to his passion for sharing knowledge with the community.
“It is community building. That’s what I see. We’re bringing like-minded people together. I’ve met the coolest people at this place that I didn’t even know existed,” Zazueta said. “We all support what we’re doing, and we’re not going to find it anywhere else but in this little area here.”
Zazueta explained the bartering system the gardening group has nurtured for years,
Presenting Sponsor:
Vincent Zazueta - Photo by Joselito N. Villero
saying it has allowed fellow participants access to items that are sometimes challenging to acquire in small quantities.
“Bartering has been around for thousands and thousands and thousands of years, and we’re just going backwards. It’s a seed swap-slash-anything swap because we don’t really, honestly, have a farmer’s market. So, this is our farmer’s market,” he said.
Bandiera handed a bag of moringa seeds to a curious plant enthusiast during the September event. Bandiera’s small table set up at the trunk of her car was covered in orchid seeds and seedlings for free. She tossed the bag of moringa seeds in her hand while listing the benefits: anti-inflammatory properties, digestion aid, skin and hair care, arsenic toxicity, and blood sugar and blood pressure reduction properties.
A plastic canister with a bright orange lid in the back of Bandiera’s open trunk stood out to another visitor. As she lifted it to eye the clear can of what looked like seeds and spiderwebs, Bandiera explained the importance of the canister’s contents. Milkweed is the only plant Monarch butterflies can lay their eggs on, making it a necessity for the threatened species. Bandiera shares milkweed seeds with community members, so they can provide a safe home for butterfly eggs.
Other traders had their truck beds covered in saplings and small seedlings as those who recognized familiar faces chatted with coffee in hand. The parking lot continued to fill throughout the morning. Event organizers announced the arrival of each new car with excitement.
With hopes of increasing attendance, Gruel wants to continue to play a key role in collaborating with the Valley’s gardening enthusiasts by working with Bandiera to spread the seed of knowledge about the gatherings.
Gruel shares the event information on multiple social media platforms, including the Imperial Valley Gardening Community Facebook group, one of the leading groups for local gardening communications, and information about monthly events.
The Facebook page is also useful for sharing tips, asking questions, and finding other like-minded individuals to buy from or trade with outside of the event dates.
“We hope that by hosting these events, we can encourage more people to take up gardening and develop sustainable practices suited to the desert environment,” Gruel said. “Additionally, we want these events to be an ongoing educational resource where attendees can gain practical knowledge from local experts and feel confident in their gardening endeavors. Ultimately, we want to foster connections between community members while promoting healthy, sustainable living through gardening.”
“It’s an everyday thing,” she said, of preparing for rodeo competitions. “It’s not just when you feel like it. It takes time every day. I’m out there every day riding or roping. Rodeo is the sport I’ve chosen—the sport I’ve committed to.”
Throughout her junior high and high school years, Robbins competed in monthly rodeo competitions. In addition to breakaway roping, she participated in team roping, barrel racing, and pole bending, among other events. She made nationals in breakaway roping in the seventh grade and won reserve champion for California. She was ranked among California's top four junior high competitors in breakaway roping. She continued to reach the nationals every year during high school but in different events.
Now, she sets her sights on college rodeo. She plans to continue to compete in breakaway roping, team roping, and barrel racing.
It’s no surprise that Robbins would excel in the sport of rodeo. It’s in her blood. Her grandfather, John Hannon, was a team roper, and her mom, Jacque Hannon, was a professional barrel racer and horse trainer.
“Riding horses has always been in my family,” Robbins said. “I’ve been riding since I could walk.”
Her mom spoke of her daughter’s dedication to the sport of rodeo, waking up early to practice and continuing to practice into the evening while focusing on her schoolwork (Robbins was home-schooled the last five years to accommodate her training schedule). That schedule included traveling outside the Valley to compete throughout the rodeo season.
“I’ve seen the tears, the sweat, and the hard times,” Hannon said.
She added that her daughter’s love of rodeo kept her motivated despite the long hours of training and the responsibility of caring for her horses and livestock.
“To see her put that much time into something that is not easy makes me proud,” Hannon said.
Robbins said the time and effort are worth it as she continues her family’s rodeo tradition. She added that she takes pride in representing the sport of rodeo and in being the first in the Valley to compete in breakaway roping.
“I would love to be able to inspire other young people to learn or start roping,” she said.
Ruby Robbins and breakway roping. - Photo courtesy of Ruby Robbins
“COLAB is dedicated to supporting the lithium industry by working with stakeholders to overcome challenges and promote best practices,” said Shelby Trimm, COLAB’s executive director. “We aim to help the industry grow sustainably and meet the rising demand for lithium while considering both environmental and economic factors.”
That effort has included hosting workshops and meetings for the business industry to provide input on Lithium Valley.
“We want to keep the lines of communication open,” Gran said. People don’t always understand what lithium is or what’s being done in the Valley. For example, the industry is just adding a new, environmentally safe process to the geothermal processes already in place. We just want to make sure correct information is out there as to the benefits to the community.”
COLAB staff and members have also served on committees supporting the ongoing development of IVC and SDSU Imperial Valley training programs to prepare the workforce for jobs within the lithium industry.
Additionally, COLAB representatives have served on committees helping to develop the county’s Lithium Valley Specific Plan and Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) that, once completed, will expedite the projects around the Salton Sea. The Specific Plan and PEIR are expected to be released for public review before the year’s end.
The proposed Specific Plan covers more than 50,000 acres around the
Salton Sea, setting the stage for the development of a range of commercial lithium industries including battery manufacturing.
“We want products produced here and sold here, not just produced here and shipped off,” Gran said. “There are all kinds of businesses that are looking at our area because of our renewable energy potential. They want to stay green, so they want to come here, and we want them here.”
COLAB has also appointed a member, Howard Elmore, who owns Vail Ranches at the Salton Sea, to serve on the Lithium Valley Coalition. The coalition was created in 2020 to explore the opportunities and risks of lithium recovery.
Elmore, a voice for agriculture on the coalition, said he has seen firsthand that agriculture and geothermal resources, and by extension, lithium development, can co-exist.
“I’ve had farmland next to geothermal for 30 years, and while we’ve had our differences, we’ve both been good neighbors,” Elmore said, adding that in representing COLAB and growers on the coalition, he has provided information on how pipelines can be placed so as not to impact surrounding fields.
He added, speaking on behalf of COLAB, “We want to see the Valley expand and lithium would be a great boom for the Valley. I just hope it’s not so regulated that we can’t get it done.”
A lithium testing facility at a Berkshire Hathaway Energy geothermal plant near the Salton Sea. - Photo courtesy of BHE
‘The
Art of Recovery’
September marks National Recovery Month, which began in 1989 as an initiative by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, and to celebrate the recovery community. The month also aims to increase awareness of mental health and substance use, and to highlight success stories to show that living in recovery is possible.
Each year, SAMHSA chooses a new theme to highlight a specific area of focus, and this year’s theme is “The Art of Recovery,” showcasing how creative expression can serve as a pathway to solace, healing, and empowerment. Individuals can find connection, healing, and empowerment by promoting artistic avenues as viable tools for coping, selfdiscovery, and expression. A community can come together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and substance use, fostering understanding and support for those on their journey to wellness.
In honor of this month, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS) wants to remind those struggling with substance use and/or mental health conditions the department provides support for people of all ages through its Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment programs and various mental health programs, focusing
on evidence-based treatment through its outpatient treatment services, early intervention and prevention services, and continuum of care throughout recovery.
“We continue to make tremendous e orts in educating our community on substance use disorder treatment services that are available in Imperial Valley and the importance of raising awareness, reducing stigma and showing support for individuals on a path towards recovery,” said Victoria Mansfield, deputy director for ICBHS SUD Treatment Programs. “The importance of this month is recognizing the evolving evidenced based and holistic approach treatment practices for those struggling with a SUD and mental health disorders, as well as display the commitment of our behavioral health sta , peers, county partners, and community members who continue to be dedicated in treating people who are struggling with substance use and mental health conditions.”
The treatment of SUD requires considering the full spectrum needs, such as medical and behavioral. SUD Treatment is dedicated to the wellbeing and recovery of all residents in Imperial County.
ICBHS invites everyone to join their second annual Walk for Recovery on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at 9 a.m. inside the Imperial Valley Mall.
Early Intervention Services
Outpatient Treatment Services
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Services
Recovery Services
Care Coordination
Clinician Consultation The services include the following com ponents:
Assessment
Counseling (individual and group)
Family Therapy
Medication Services
Ambulatory Withdrawal Management
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder, and other non-opioid SUD’s
Patient Education
SUD Crisis Intervention
Opioids
Alcohol
Methamphetamines
Cannabis
Benzodiazepines (sold as Xanax and Ativan) The goals of the SUD treatment programs include:
Helping clients get stabilized
Guiding them toward overcoming addiction
Encouraging them to continue their mental health treatment
ICBHS SUD treatment program for adults is available in El Centro, 2695 S. Fourth St., first floor, Suite A, and in Calexico, 25 E. 3rd St. Adolescents SUD Treatment programs are available in El Centro, 315 S. Waterman Ave. and in Calexico, 101 Hacienda Drive, Suite B.
A Fair experience
By Darren Simon
Get ready for a big change to the 2025 California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta.
In a decision years in the making, the MidWinter Fair will run three weeks rather than two, meaning it will be open over three weekends. Fair organizers say this move will benefit the fair, sponsors, vendors, and, most importantly, the community.
Mid-Winter Fair expands to three weekends
Expanding to a third weekend provides time to make up for wind or rain events that sometimes affect fair attendance.
“If we have to close on a particular day, by having additional days, we can make up for that and not cut into people’s chance to attend the fair,” Phillips said.
which oversees the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds
“The board is so excited about the opportunity to expand and grow the fair,” said Cherisse Alford, chair of the 45th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors, which oversees the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds and the annual fair. “We have been talking about this for years, and we are extremely fortunate and grateful that the timing and our fair team is right, and we are ready to try this for Valley Gras 2025 (following a Mardi Gras theme for the fair).”
The new schedule also is intended to benefit Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4H Club participation in livestock showmanship, market, and auction events. Under the new schedule, the large breeding animals will be shown during the first weekend. The second weekend will see the traditional market and showmanship events, and the auction will be held on the third weekend.
held
If the expanded week of operation proves successful, the Mid-Winter Fair will continue to be a three-week event for years to come, said Alan Phillips, the chief executive officer of the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds.
executive officer of the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds.
This will be the first time in the fair’s 117-year history that it will extend into three weekends, from Feb. 28 to March 16. As part of the change, the fair will close on its least busy days—Mondays and Tuesdays.
vendors, displays, and deep-fried foods
A key reason for the change was to provide greater community access to the fair. By gaining an additional weekend, fairgoers will have expanded access to the carnival rides, games, vendors, displays, and deep-fried foods and desserts on Saturdays and Sundays, when the fair is open 11 hours versus the five hours on Mondays and Tuesdays.
“For fairgoers and the community, this is an opportunity to enjoy more time at the fair with one more weekend on the schedule,” Alford said. “And, of course, this adds value to their price for admission,” said Alford.
Phillips added, “Our fair is the biggest
Phillips added, “Our fair is the biggest community event in the Imperial Valley. Adding days to the fair, really does give us more opportunity to celebrate our community, which is what the fair is all about.”
“This new schedule gives us the opportunity to spread out livestock events over a greater amount of time for our youth with projects like 4-H and FFA,” Alford said. She added it can also benefit parents who need to divide their time when they have more than one child raising animals. The change further benefits 4H and FFA leaders who coach a handful of youths showing at multiple locations at the fair.
“This new schedule gives us the opportunity of time for our youth with projects like 4-H and FFA,” parents who need to divide their time when they have more FFA coach
For the fair itself, the change means a chance to
both the fair and the fairgrounds.
For the fair itself, the change means a chance to increase revenue to support both the fair and the fairgrounds.
“It made our concessionaires be
“It made sense because it would give us, our vendors and concessionaires more chances to be in front of the community and that would mean more opportunities for the community to enjoy the fair,”
opportunities for the community to enjoy the fair,” we the business side, it just financially makes sense.”
Phillips said. “Then, we are a business, and so on the business side, it just financially makes sense.”
Alford added while other fairs across the nation are held in the summer when people have more time, which helps to generate attendance and revenue, the Imperial Valley fair does not have that luxury due to the summer’s intense conditions.
“Due to this, our fair has always been challenged with generating income during this time, so anything we can do to increase our revenue is a great opportunity,” she said.
The fair board decided to expand operations just before the start of last year’s Mid-Winter Fair. However, it had discussed the concept throughout 2023 and in past years.
are held in the summer when people have more which and revenue, the Imperial Valley fair does not have that to this opportunity,” she expand and
Since the decision to expand to the third week, and said
Since the decision to expand to the third week, Alford and Philips both said it has been important to ensure the community is made aware of the change. Over the last year, Phillips and his board have focused on outreach, seeking community feedback, and they said the response has been positive.
Alford voiced her appreciation to all involved with key to
Alford voiced her appreciation to all involved with the fair who have made the change possible.
“We have all the key players in place to execute this new model,” she said. “Our board recognizes and appreciates the strong values of the Imperial Valley community, and we are fortunate we have that support.”
