Imperial County Opens North End Center in Calipatria
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Imperial County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 30 for the new Imperial County Northend Center, a facility intended to expand access to county services and community resources for residents in northern Imperial County.
The center, located at 190 E. Main St. in Calipatria, will provide space for county departments to offer services on a rotating schedule. Participating departments are expected to include Public Works, Planning and Development Services, Public Health and Behavioral Health Services.
The facility is scheduled to open to the public Oct. 12. The county said operating hours and a schedule identifying participating departments will be announced separately.
The center is also expected to host workshops, training programs and partnerships focused on workforce development, business opportunities and other community needs. Additional space could be used for community meetings, presentations and hands-on training.
The project was funded through a state appropriation secured by state Sen. Steve Padilla.
Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley said the center was the result of years of planning and emphasized the decision to locate the facility in Calipatria.
“Anybody that doubts why we would make an investment and open an office in Calipatria doesn’t know Calipatria,” Kelley said.
Kelley thanked Padilla, state partners and county departments involved in the project. He also recognized Bari Bean and Carlos Lopez for their work coordinating its development.
Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Peggy Price said the facility would give residents in Calipatria and surrounding communities greater access to county programs and other opportunities.
“Calipatria deserves a place like this, a welcoming, inspiring space where residents can access services, learn new skills, share ideas, and connect with opportunities closer to home,” Price said.
Price said the investment also reflects expectations for economic development associated with Lithium Valley and other regional growth.
“This investment reflects our confidence in Calipatria, Lithium Valley, and in the future of Imperial County,” Price said. “As our region grows, we want that growth to bring meaningful benefits to the people who live here.”
Representatives from Imperial County, Padilla’s office, U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz’s office, Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, the city of Calipatria and the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce attended the ceremony, along with community members and regional partners.
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees toured the facility and areas designated for potential future expansion.
The Northend Center is intended to reduce the need for northern Imperial County residents to travel farther for certain county services while providing space for community programs, training, and partnerships.
