Imperial Valley Press Quick News

Calexico High School sophmore arrested on suspicion of sexual battery

CALEXICO --- A 16-year-old sophmore at Calexico High School faces a sexual battery charge following his arrest Thursday for allegedly threatening a girl with pliers outside the campus, Calexico Police Lt. Gonzalo Gerardo said today.

The alleged victim, who is believed to be the same age, managed to fight off the suspect when the 7:45 a.m. incident occurred at the west side of the campus before classes began, Gerardo said. The girl suffered no injuries, Gerardo said.

By SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer 

Trying fiscal challenges could lie ahead for Imperial, mayor says

IMPERIAL ---  The city of Imperial has made strides for the community during the past year but could face tough fiscal challenges in the days ahead, Mayor Geoff Dale said during the 4th annual State of the City address.

Dale spoke of such things as road improvements and arrangements made for a planned Holiday Inn at Neckle Road and Highway 86, but spoke of the budget and how a dip in revenues could adversely affect it. Imperial City Manager Marlene Best said after the address that if revenues continue to dwindle balancing the budget could be difficult.

Please read Friday's issue of the Imperial Valley Press for more information on this story.

By SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer 

Imperial County taking action against federal government agencies

Imperial County and the air district will serve their complaint in federal court against the government agencies that approved the Quantification Settlement Agreement in 2003.

The county filed complaints against the U.S. Department of Interior, its Secretary Ken Salazar, the Bureau of Reclamations and its Commissioner Michael Connor on Oct. 8, according to a county press release.

No action has been taken in the case since October, according to court records.

However, the county is planning on continuing the suit in federal court to ensure the QSA contracts comply with environmental laws, according to the press release.

"The federal lawsuit is not only necessary to protect the health of Imperial County residents. but also the viability of the County's economy," wrote County Counsel Michael Rood in a press release.

If air pollution from the Salton Sea is not controlled, the county may have to deal with more air quality regulations, he wrote. This would negatively affect the economy as businesses would have to "make up for the federal government's failure to comply with its own laws and regulations."

For more information read Thursday's edition online or in print.

--Elizabeth Varin, staff writer

Defendant sentenced to a total of nine years in state prison

Raul Jimenez, the 22-year-old man who entered a plea of guilty to second-degree attempted murder, was sentenced to a total of nine years in state prison following a highly emotional hearing today at jail court.

Jimenez entered into a plea agreement for the attack on a then 17-year-old Imperial boy in 2008 at his home. Jimenez's parents pleaded with the judge to give him leniency, but the defendant was remanded into custody amidst the cries of his relatives. Jimenez had been placed under house arrest before his sentencing.

Please read Thursday's issue of the Imperial Valley Press for more information on this story.

By SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer

Supervisors Leimgruber announces run for re-election in June

Supervisor Wally Leimgruber of District 5 has officially announced he will run for re-election on the June ballot.

Leimgruber hopes to continue to work on issues like jobs, continued county fiscal responsibility and keeping public lands accessible and clean, he wrote in a press release issued Monday night.

Leimgruber, who just completed a year as Chairman of the Board, has been on the board for 12 years, he said in a previous interview.

The supervisor in the District 5 seat represents much of eastern Imperial County, including Winterhaven, Bard, Palo Verde and parts of Brawley, Imperial and El Centro.

For more information read Wednesday's edition online or in print.

--Elizabeth Varin, staff writer

Low emission school bus program to be administered by local air district

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved allowing the local Air Pollution Control District to oversee the low emission school bus program.

The county originally approved joining a state-wide program in March 2008 to replace old school buses with new, state-of-the-art alternative fuel ones, said Air Pollution Control Officer Brad Poiriez in a previous interview. However, the state ran out of administration fees and can no longer administer the program.

The money for the buses is still available, he said.

For more information read Wednesday's edition online or in print.

--Elizabeth Varin, staff writer

Supes approve Federal Recovery Zone

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to make the county a Federal Recovery Zone, though it will still have to be sent to the state for approval.

A Federal Recovery Zone is an area designated as having significant poverty, unemployment, rate of home foreclosures or general distress, according to a letter from County Executive Officer Ralph Cordova to the board. It can also be areas that are economically stressed because of closed military installations or an area designated as an “empowerment zone.”

More than $2 billion in funds was allocated to bonds in recovery zones, according to the letter.

Two types of bonds are available within a recovery zone, according to the letter. A Recovery Zone Facility Bond is a tax-exempt bond that can be used by private businesses and non-profits. A Recovery Zone Economic Development Bond allows state and local governments to finance a broad range of projects.

For more information read Wednesday's edition online or in print.

--Elizabeth Varin, staff writer

Correctional officer faces charges after arrested by FBI, official says

CALIPATRIA --- A correctional officer at Calipatria State Prison faces charges following his arrest Friday by FBI agents on drug-related offenses, a prison official confirmed today.

Charles Rowe, 42, a 17-year employee who was assigned to Facility A, was taken into custody at his home in Brawley,Calipatria State Prison Administrative Lt. Shawn McLinn said.

Please read Tuesday's issue of the Imperial Valley Press for more information on this story.

By SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer