Imperial Valley Press Quick News

Unemployment rate decreases in November, yet still highest in state

For the second month in a row Imperial County's unemployment rate decreased, yet the county still has the highest rate in the state.

The unemployment rate for Imperial County was 29.2 percent in November, according to numbers released today by the state Employment Development Department. October's unemployment rate was 31.9 percent.

This is up from last November's unemployment rate of 25.5 percent.

California's unemployment rate for November was 12.2 percent, while the unemployment rate for the nation during the same time was 9.4 percent.

The unemployment rate hit a peak in August when it was 33.1 percent, according to archives.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition online or in print.

-- BROOKE RUTH, Digital Media News Editor

ACLU looking into supes closed session intervention decision

The American Civil Liberties Union is looking into whether the Board of Supervisors may have violated the Brown Act by not putting the closed session item on its agenda.

The County voted in closed session Tuesday to intervene in a federal case regarding Proposition 8, which made same-sex marriage illegal.

The ACLU is investigating whether or not it violated the Brown Act, which forces public boards, commissions and councils to act and deliberate in sessions open to the public.

"It's an unusual thing they've done, to be so secretive," said San Diego region ACLU Executive Director Kevin Keenan.

County Council Michael Rood insists there was no violation of the Brown Act.

"We certainly, definitely, do not agree that there has been a violation of the Brown Act," he said.

The item was posted on the agenda as potential litigation, which is legal, he said. Rood also announced the actions taken at the board meeting, which is required under the act.

Read Friday's edition online or in print for further details.

ELIZABETH VARIN, staff writer

Calexico drug tunnel discovered

US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement discovered a tunnel in a warehouse located at the intersection of Dool and Third streets in Calexico.

The warehouse is located about two blocks from the Mexican border. Agents on site declined to comment about the situation.

Check back with Quick News for more details.

-DAVID STEFFEN, Staff Writer

Supes approve Holtville law enforcement contract

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a contract between the Sheriff's Office and the City of Holtville for law enforcement services.

The contract would provide five deputies, one sergeant and a dispatcher for the Holtville area, according to the contract. It will take affect Jan. 5, 2010 and will be effective for five years.

Both parties have the option of opting out of the contract with twelve months notice, according to the contract. If not, it would last for five year.

"We're very excited about this contract," said City Manager Laura Fischer.

The contract would take over for the Holtville Police Department, which would be disbanded.

Read Wednesday's edition online or in print for further details.

ELIZABETH VARIN, staff writer

Imperial County to defend for gay marriage ban

Imperial County will be heading to federal court after the Board of Supervisors voted to intervene in a case regarding 2008's Proposition 8.

The County will be joining the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles County and a few other government agencies in defense of the Proposition 8 vote November 2008, said County Counsel Michael Rood. The case has already been through the California Supreme Court and dealt with the constitutionality of a ban on gay marriage.

The case is set to go to federal court Jan. 11, 2010, said Chairman of the Board Wally Leimgruber. The county will file a motion today in federal court to join the case.

"We wanted to come along side the voters," he said.

Imperial County had approved the proposition in 2008 with 69 percent of the vote, he said.

The board approved intervening with a 3-2 vote, he said. Leimgruber and supervisors Jack Terrazas and Louis Fuentes voted to support the intervention.

Supervisors Gary Wyatt and Mike Kelley voted against it.

Read Wednesday's edition online or in print for further details.

ELIZABETH VARIN, staff writer