Fire Chief David Lancer told supervisors the county should declare a local emergency because forecast models point to a strong El Niño that typically raises winter rainfall; the board approved a proclamation to prepare and coordinate regional resources and preposition materials.

Auditor-Controller Karina Alvarez said she could not sign off on proposed tax-levy rate calculations because requested supporting documentation and consultant adjustments were not provided; the board directed staff to pursue options and did not ratify the resolution at the meeting.

Speakers during public comment urged Imperial County supervisors to speed repairs to the century-old Picacho Road bridge, saying closures harm tribal communities' access to emergency services and alleging disrespectful treatment of tribal members on video. Public Works says multiagency permitting and funding constraints limit immediate replacement.

Benchmark Resources presented a Surface Mining and Reclamation Act overview, emphasizing the county's role as lead agency for ~30 mining operations, financial-assurance requirements and three sites that will soon return to the board including Mesquite and Picacho mines.

Public Works reported dozens of aging bridges countywide, described emergency repairs underway for several structures and said full replacements will require multiagency permitting and significant funding; the department has applied for multiple federal grants and allocated county lithium-related funds to road and bridge projects.

The Registrar told supervisors a mailing error produced 160 duplicate ballots to confidential voters; staff issued FAQs and PSAs. The registrar also warned that new state law (SB 884) could delay counties' release of election-night results if voting hours are extended elsewhere in California.

The Planning Commission continued two Western Mesquite Mines items (consolidated reclamation plan amendment and addendum) to Dec. 9, 2026, after extensive public comment from tribal leaders and conservation groups who urged a new EIR and more meaningful government-to-government consultation; company counsel and consultants defended the addendum and technical studies.

The Imperial County Planning Commission on Oct. 28 recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider approvals for Apex Energy Solutions' North Star 2: a 130 MW photovoltaic facility paired with a 175 MW battery storage system at 3016 E. US Highway 78. Staff and the environmental consultant described the project, its water use and mitigations; the commission recorded roll-call recommendations forwarding the project.

via US news | The Guardian — A modern-day prospector promised rural Imperial thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue – but his plan has set off a firestorm of resistance Sebastian Rucci zoomed in on a map in late 2024, looking closely at a large block of brown earth. The barren plot sandwiched between sprawling alfalfa fields and sleepy desert suburbs was exactly what he’d been searching for – the perfect place to realize his dream of building the largest artificial intelligence datacenter in California. The dusty exp

The consultant told trustees the total fund returned 8.1% for the quarter, outperforming the policy index by 40 basis points, with equities the primary driver of gains; the consultant also discussed inflation, Fed outlook and implications for fixed income and allocations.

Planning staff proposed changes to local CEQA procedures intended to align county rules with recent state guidance. Residents, attorneys and advocacy groups warned the revisions could limit appeals and public comment; the board continued the item for one week to revise language (including shortening a document submittal deadline).

After a superior court found the county's lot‑merger approval faulty, public commenters and Supervisor Escobar urged a special election or ban on industrial‑scale data centers; the board formed an advisory committee and scheduled its first meeting for Sept. 17.

The commission recommended Board approval for a proposed ~75 MW battery storage project (CUP 24-0027) including a general plan amendment and zone change after reviewing an IS/MND and mitigation monitoring program and hearing support from a local union representative.

After a court invalidated the county's data‑center moratorium, residents at the Sept. 1 board meeting pressed supervisors for stricter protections — including a full environmental review or a ban — and questioned recent county approvals and developer concessions tied to large tech projects.

County staff proposed edits to Imperial CountyEQA procedures to require specific grounds for appeals, to limit late "document dumps," and to ensure final EIRs and responses are available at least 10 days before approval. Staff said changes respond to state guideline updates and recent court rulings.

The Imperial County Air Pollution Control officer told supervisors SB 675 would impose significant unfunded duties on the local air district and small businesses, urging the governor to veto unless funding and timelines are adjusted; the board discussed representation, costs and next steps.

Supervisor Ryan Kelly asked the board to seek an independent economic analysis of Imperial Irrigation District water transfers and to establish a mitigation program; after extensive public testimony from agriculture, labor and residents the board voted to table the item and asked staff to work with IID and key stakeholders.

A privately operated recuperative‑care campus in Heber serving people with medical and behavioral‑health needs has served 247 people since opening in December 2024, reported a 34% exit‑to‑housing rate (above national average) and operates contracts for Medi‑Cal and behavioral‑health bridge beds.

Outside counsel summarized the California Supreme Court's split decision in Lacera v. Los Angeles County, concluding county supervisors retain authority over salaries via county ordinances and MOUs while retirement boards retain certain administrative powers and remedies; the Board discussed collaborating with county HR, and a motion to adopt Scott's recommendation failed for lack of a second.

Planning staff presented proposed updates to the county's CEQA procedures; public commenters and labor groups raised legal and participation concerns, and the board voted to continue the item and schedule a community workshop for further review.

After hours of public testimony from firefighters and residents, the board approved an $850,000 augmentation to bring fire-department overtime funding to $1.5 million and approved several smaller safety and equipment items; speakers urged longer-term staffing and funding fixes.

Public commenters offered contrasting views on economic development: critics said Lithium Valley and data-center pushes have produced failed promises and legal vulnerability, while supporters called for responsible growth that creates jobs; the debate surfaced repeatedly during public comment and the CEQA discussion.

The Navajo County Sheriff's office released details Monday on the arrest of powerful Imperial Valley farmer Michael Abatti on suspicion of murder.

Kerri Abatti was killed on Nov. 20 by gunshot. While the case is still under investigation, the people in Pinetop — her family's home — are reeling. She was the sixth generation of Mormon settlers. An...