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-Editorial
A century of justice and community service was celebrated on Nov. 21 as residents, officials, and legal professionals gathered to mark the 100th anniversary of the Imperial County Superior Court House located on 939 Main Street in El Centro, California. The event honored the building’s rich history and its enduring role in upholding the rule of law in the region.
Imperial County Superior Court Presiding Judge Marco Núñez delivered a tribute to a century of justice at the Imperial County Courthouse’s centennial celebration. His remarks, rich with history and reflection, encapsulated the resilience and determination that have defined the region and its judiciary.
“When the doors of this courthouse first opened in 1924, Imperial County was a fledgling community, emerging from a desert deemed uninhabitable,” Núñez began. “Government surveyors once claimed the alkaline soil made crops impossible to grow. But this community proved them wrong.”
The courthouse, with its stately Doric columns, has stood as a steadfast witness to the county’s evolution. Núñez traced its history back to the modest beginnings of the judicial system in 1908 when the first courthouse operated out of a multi-use building in a budding agricultural hub.
Throughout its century-long existence, the courthouse has weathered numerous challenges. During the Great Depression, it served as a pillar of stability. In World War II, it adapted to support both civilian and military efforts. The 1940, 1979, and 2010 earthquakes tested its structural integrity, but the dedication of court staff ensured justice remained undelayed.
“This courthouse has been a beacon of justice through the Civil Rights and Chicano movements and other pivotal moments in history,” Núñez emphasized. “It’s not just a building; it’s a testament to our commitment to fairness and equity.”
As the courthouse celebrates its 100th year, it stands in parallel with the newly inaugurated Wake Avenue Courthouse, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to criminal matters. Together, they embody the balance between honoring history and embracing progress, Núñez said.
“From a modest courtroom to a sophisticated judicial system staffed by 10 judges, a commissioner, a referee, and over 100 employees, this dual-courthouse system symbolizes how far we’ve come,” Núñez noted. “These structures are built not just of stone but of shared values and community spirit that hold us together.”
Núñez praised the visionaries who made the courthouse possible, from architects and engineers to community leaders and pioneers. He also acknowledged the contributions of every judge, attorney, and court staff member who has upheld justice within its walls.
“Let us honor the generations who brought us here and commit to building a future where justice and community remain at the heart of Imperial County,” Núñez concluded. “They once said this land was too desolate, barren, and hot. Yet here we stand, 100 years later—thriving, feeding the world, and proving them wrong.”
For Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez, the historic courthouse in El Centro is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of his roots, his journey, and his dedication to justice. From childhood visits to drink water on very hot days to his first courtroom appearance as a Deputy District Attorney, the courthouse has been a constant presence in his life.
“But what stands out even more is the time my parents came to see me in court. Both of them had limited education—my father only finished first grade, and my mother made it to sixth grade. For them, seeing their son practicing law in this beautiful building was something special.”
As a young boy attending Wilson Junior High School just blocks away, Marquez would stop by the courthouse during his walk home to find respite from the heat. “This courthouse has hosted the biggest cases in the county’s history—criminal, civil, family, everything,” he remarked. “It’s a monument to our legal system and we need to preserve it.”
“I feel very humbled that the community entrusts us to work in such an incredible environment,” said Michael Domenzain, the court’s youngest judge. “This is truly a beautiful building to come to work in every day, and I feel very blessed.”
History Lesson
Imperial County’s judicial history is filled with fascinating stories of perseverance and ingenuity, as highlighted by Judge Christopher Plourd during a presentation about the county’s early days. Through meticulous research and archival digging, Judge Plourd unveiled the details of the county’s first criminal case and the formative years of its judicial system.
Judge Plourd began by honoring one of the county’s pioneering jurists, Franklin J. Cole, who served 20 years. “Judge Cole became a prominent figure, establishing many of the judicial traditions we follow today,” he explained. After retiring, Cole moved to Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and service.
Eager to understand how the county handled judicial processes at its inception, Judge Plourd explored an index of criminal cases from 1907 to 1916. “The cataloging system was intricate, and I began my search with case number one,” he shared.
The first recorded case was against Andres Ramirez, charged with grand larceny in July 1907. Ramirez had stolen a rented buggy, two horses, and harnesses under the pretense of visiting family in El Centro but instead fled east.
Initially filed in Calexico’s Justice Court, then under San Diego County’s jurisdiction, the case was issued as a John Doe warrant since Ramirez’s identity was unknown at first. By July 23, a preliminary hearing had been held, and Ramirez was bound over for trial.
After Imperial County’s official formation later that year, jurisdiction shifted. Ramirez was transported from the San Diego County Jail to Imperial County’s newly established jail by Mobley Meadows, a magistrate who played a significant role in the fledgling legal system.
The county’s first criminal trial took place in October 1907 in an unlikely venue—the local Opera House, constructed by Holtville’s founder, Mr. Holt. With no dedicated courthouse, the court operated out of the second floor of a bank building and borrowed spaces like the Opera House as needed.
Jury selection was equally unconventional. “Judge Covington ordered Mobley Meadows to round up 50 ‘good and lawful men’ from across the county to serve as potential jurors,” Judge Plourd explained.
