Assemblyman Garcia shares scope of work for 2017

IMPERIAL — Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia plans to submit more than 20 different bills covering a wide array of issues as part of his legislative agenda for 2017. Garica noted that on Feb. 17 he had submitted 28 legislative ideas, out of which 22 are already in bill form as the deadline for proposals will come...

State’s plan for the Salton Sea getting closer to be released

SALTON CITY — The state is expected to release the Salton Sea Management Program 10-year plan for the sea in following weeks, which will draw the path on how the state intends to cover up to 55,000 acres of exposed playa over the next decade. Bruce Wilcox, assistant secretary for Salton Sea Policy for the...

New approach could be game changer for geothermal

SALTON SEA — Despite the growing demand for clean sources of energy in order to meet the state’s renewable energy portfolio standard goal, which has propelled the development of solar and wind energy, others such as geothermal have been left behind. The high initial cost and the slow regulatory process to get plants permitted have...

Concerns raised during CEO’s office reorganization discussion

EL CENTRO — As part of the agenda for Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the board discussed a proposed reorganization plan within the office of the county executive officer. The reorganization of the CEO’s office has been in the works since last year when the assistant CEO and intergovernmental relations director positions became vacant. The...

Prompted by need, IVFB announces Capital Campaign to build new facility

IMPERIAL — With stiffer regulations on the horizon and the lack of refrigeration and freezer space at its current location, the Imperial Valley Food Bank announced on Friday a capital campaign in an effort to raise funds to open a new building that will meet its growing needs. The goal for the food bank is...

Drones becoming essential tool in ag-related research

HOLTVILLE — As technology continues to improve, a larger number applications for such technology emerges. When it comes to unmanned drones, it’s no different. The University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources division has begun to hold workshops through its different center throughout the state to introduce researchers to the technology and how it can...