Imperial Valley Press Quick News

Light earthquake reported

CALEXICO --- Hardly anyone felt it but a light 3.9 earthquake rumbled today about 16 miles southeast of Calexico, according to the California Geological Survey's Web site.

Calexico Police reported no injuries or damages, or even any phone calls, about the 7:02 a.m.trembler that the Web site reported came out from Mexicali.

By SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer

Fourteen positions cut at Central Union High School District meeting

With a 4-1 vote, the Central Union High School District voted to cut the 14 classified positions, including 12 staff and one management and one senior management position.

“It’s hard to empathize when you’re not going through something yourself, but we have to deal with this,” Board President Jacinto Jimenez said. “It’s a difficult choice, and that’s why we’ve been at it for six or seven months.”

Few spoke at the half-full meeting, many sitting resigned in their chairs Wednesday night.

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

--ELIZABETH VARIN, staff writer

Fire in El Centro destroys trailer today

An electrical fire destroyed a mobile home in El Centro today at 9:20 a.m.

 

The fire was caused by a faulty electrical outlet, said El Centro Fire Department Capt. Michael Apalategui. The estimated damage is between $10,000 and $20,000, he said.

 

After the initial fire caused smoke damage to the interior of the mobile home and the fire department left the residence they received a call four hours later at the same location.

 

The initial fire had caused a fire in the attic due to a type of insulation that is flammable. This small fire caused additional damage to the attic.

 

The mobile home is located at a trailer park on Evan Hewes Highway. There were no reported injuries.

 

--BROOKE RUTH, digital media news editor

El Centro resident assaulted around 2 a.m. today

An El Centro resident was assaulted early this morning on the 700 block of Main Street in El Centro, the El Centro Police Department said.

Ricardo Beltran, 22, suffered a compound fracture to his right leg and a laceration to his forehead. He was treated at El Centro Regional Medical Center.

The motive for the attack is unknown. A witness described the suspect as a white male of average height and build in his 20's or 30's.

The El Centro Police Department is encouraging anyone with information on this crime to call the department at 760-337-4525.

Please read Thursday's edition online or in print for further information.

--BROOKE RUTH, digital media news editor

Williamson Act voted down by Imperial County Supes

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted to not accept new contract and not renew old contracts under the Williamson Act, which would end the program within 10 years.

The Williamson Act, formally known as the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, allows for the protection of farmland by limiting land in the designated area as only being used as farmland, said County Executive Officer Ralph Cordova. 

It gives a property tax exemptions for landowners in those areas, said Supervisor Gary Wyatt. To compensate the county for the loss of the property tax, money is supposed to be given to the county from the state.

This year, the state government did not set aside the money for the program, which was a loss for the county, Wyatt said. It also doesn't look like there will be any funding in the future for the program.

Some in the audience cautioned the board about making a final decision before the budget went out.

-- ELIZABETH VARIN, Staff Writer

Read Wednesday's edition of the Imperial Valley Press in print or online for more information.

Arizona man who died in Friday accident identified

GLAMIS --- The name of an Arizona resident who was killed Friday during an off-road accident in the Buttercup area was released today, officials said.

Stuart Hanson, 53, was the Gilbert, Ariz. man who died of unspecified fatal injuries he received during a 5:05 p.m. accident with the off-road vehicle he was taking out on a brief spin, Imperial County Supervising Coroner Charles Lucas said. Hanson was not wearing a safety belt when he drove the vehicle, Lucas said.

By SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer

Missing Calipatria senior resident found dead, officials say

CALIPATRIA --- A day-long search for a missing 70-year-old woman afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease ended tragically Sunday when she was found dead in the outskirts of the city, authorities said today.

An autopsy is scheduled Tuesday to determine the exact cause of Concepcion Settle's death, said Imperial County Supervising Coroner Charles Lucas. Relatives notified authorities of Settle's dissapearance when she apparently walked out of her family's California Avenue home late Friday and could not immediately be found, Calipatria Police Lt. Lynn Mara said.

Relatives found Settle near the city yard Sunday at about 8 a.m., Lucas said. There was no signs of trauma as it appeared Settle collapsed on the ground, Lucas said.

By SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer