09/ Imperial Valley Alive! / Fall 2018

Fall 2018

2

Fall 2018

Publishers' Message While some think of fall as the season in which the year starts to wind down, we here in the Imperial Valley and at this magazine know better. This is the season when everything seems to rev up after a summer stupor. Farmers are busy prepping fields and planting. Schools are back in session. The social calendar shifts into overdrive. It is, in a sense, a time of beginning in the desert, which may explain why it is the start of the publication year for Imperial Valley Alive!

This, the ninth edition of Alive, marks the beginning of our third year in print. There are days when our graying – and thinning – hair speaks volumes about the stress, the wear and tear and the hard work involved in realizing the dream that came to life in the magazine. Then, there are days when it is hard to believe the time has passed so quickly since we decided to take a leap of faith and try to create a magazine worthy of this hidden gem of a region.

In a sense Alive was – and still is – a unique experiment in community building, or at least community image building.

We had long been concerned that locals seem to take great pleasure in disparaging the Imperial Valley as less than … the coast, alm Springs (fill in your favorite poison.) We found troubling the fact that outside media often either failed to notice the Valley’s existence or portrayed it in terms bleak beyond recognition.

As former daily newspaper journalists and longtime local residents, we all have been privileged to learn about, write about and experience the vibrancy, cultural richness and uniqueness of this region. True, there are problems, but there is also promise. True, there is isolation, but there is also innovation. True, there are weeds, but there also is amazing natural wonder.

Yet we know that arguing with Valley detractors and naysayers does little but cement opposing views and create greater acrimony in an age already adrift in discontent.

Instead, we reasoned, we could create a magazine to change the conversation, by showcasing and celebrating all that makes Imperial Valley and its people unique and extraordinary. For two years we have been striving to do just that in each quarterly edition of Alive.

From the start, enthusiastic readers and a growing legion of advertisers have been the heart and soul of the village that is Imperial Valley Alive! From the start readers and advertisers took us at our word when we said we wanted to change the conversation by including your thinking and dreams in it. You have been generous with your comments, ideas and images.

William A. Gay

Sue Gay

Imperial Valley Alive! is produced and published by Reliance Public Relations, Inc., in El Centro. Reliance partners (front row) Bill and Sue Gay and (back row) Peggy Dale and Susan Giller are the magazine's editors and publishers.

The maga ine’s acebook page is full of them and they ow over onto pages of the magazine, both the print and online versions.

Thanks to your support and interest, Alive continues to grow.

So today, starting the third year of production, we present you with this ninth edition of Alive. Now, you might think that with eight editions under our ever-expanding belts, putting together yet another magazine would be a piece of cake. And you would be wrong.

Each and every edition has been a creative adventure punctuated with moments of near panic and instants of sheer joy for our sales reps, writers, editors, photographers and graphic artists. After two years, it is clear there is nothing cookie cutter about this magazine – or the community it strives to capture. And after two years of work we know that whatever success Alive enjoys is because this community is large enough to converse, to innovate together.

We hope you will enjoy the variety of the region and that you, too, find each edition to be unique and full of surprises, not unlike this region itself. 

Susan Giller

Peggy Dale Fall 2018

3

INDEX |

Volume 3, Number 1 EDITORS & PUBLISHERS Bill Gay Sue ay Susan iller Peggy Dale

CONTRIBUTORS Antoine Abou-Diwan Jayson Barniske Stefanie Campos Karina Lopez Mario Renteria

COVER PHOTO Susan

iller

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Alejandra Noriega Alejandra Pereida

Carroll Buckley spends time playing with Butch, a black Labrador retriever being trained by Buckley and his wife, Pam,.

- Photo by Joselito N. Villero

WEB DESIGNERS Jesus Uriarte Sergio Uriarte

SALES Bill Amidon Sue ay Mark Gran John Lovecchio

SOCIAL MEDIA Marissa Bowers

WATCH | Valley is home to a fascinating variety of birds, Page 6 Rodeo history holds rich tradition, Page 8 Brothers work the football chain gang, Page 14

ADVERTISING bill.amidon@reliancepr.com 760-693-5330

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Send name, address and email address along with 20.00 (plus tax) for annual subscription to:

TREAT | Brawley physician makes Cattle Call safer, Page 10

Reliance Public Relations, Inc. P.O. Box 1944 • El Centro, CA 92244

www.imperialvalleyalive.com IMPERIAL VALLEY ALIVE! is published quarterly

by Reliance Public Relations, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical for any purpose without the written permission of Reliance Public Relations, Inc.

4

Fall 2018

ON THE COVER: Chris Schoneman, project manager of the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge, talks about the birds and wildlife at the Salton Sea while sitting among the displays in the visitor's center at 906 W. Sinclair Road in Calipatria.

- Photo by Susan Giller

DESIGN | Jeweler crafts one-of-a-kind pieces, Page 12

| INDEX

SAMPLE | Popular restaurant takes name from popular drink, Page 18

"Chiles gueritos con camaron wrapped in bacon. Fried yellow chiles stuffed with shrimp and cheese served over blanket of rice.¨ Source: Las Chabelas menu - Photo by Joselito N. Villero

Football chain gang members (left) Don Shank holds a "yard marker¨ and his brother, Bob Shank, holds a "down marker¨ during a game between Brawley Union High School's Wildcats and Yuma Catholic's Shamrocks at Warne Field in Brawley. Photo by Joselito N. Villero

INSIDE | Publishers’ Message,

Page 3 Map, Pages 22-23 Kidwise, Page 28 Calendar, Pages 34-37

Your Photos, Page 46 Fall 2018

5

WATCH |

A Costa's hummingbird drinks from a feeder near the Salton Sea. - Photo by Velma Ruiz Pacrem

Birds in Imperial Valley

By Susan Giller

6

It is hard not to see birds in the Imperial Valley. They are everywhere, often in large numbers. ou can find them in all shapes, sizes and colors.

From the tiniest of hummingbirds to the lumbering white pelicans that seemingly defy aerodynamics to get airborne on wings spanning 9 feet, they all spend time here.

Some migrate with the seasons.

Some stay to breed and hatch their young in large breeding colonies in the spring. Some arrive in vast ocks to winter in the Valley’s temperate climate.

And some find the Valley’s climate and food source too welcoming to ever leave.

“Where can you find birds here asked Bob Miller, a respected Fall 2018

Feathered friends come in all shapes, sizes and colors

You don't have to be an expert to notice the birds that become part of the ebb and flow of life here. Some say they can predict the arrival of fall by the appearance of large flocks of seagulls... birdwatcher based in Brawley. He has guided numerous bird tours here and elsewhere and also co-authored a guide to birds in Imperial County. “All you have to do is walk outside and open your eyes.

You don’t have to be an expert to notice the birds that become part of the ebb and ow of life here. Some

say they can predict the arrival of fall by the appearance of large ocks of seagulls in town. Others contend the first sight of large hawks toward the end of summer is the harbinger of fall’s approach.

The Salton Sea is the undisputed mecca for birds and birdwatchers. More than 420 species of birds have been recorded at the Sonny Bono Wildlife efuge at the southern end of the Sea. That’s more species than have been recorded at any other federal wildlife refuge in the nation, according to Chris Schoneman, who manages the 3 , 00acre Sonny Bono refuge, much of which is inundated by the Sea. Species here include some rarities, like the secretive endangered Yuma clapper rail and others rarely seen elsewhere in the U.S., like the yellow-footed gull.

The sheer number of birds ocking to the area is equally awe-inspiring.

Schoneman said until recently it was common in a single day to count 200,000 to 300,000 individual birds on the Sea and at the refuge, which also maintains freshwater habitats and natural vegetation areas along the New and Alamo rivers.

That is why scientists, naturalist and birdwatchers get excited about the Sea, one calling it a "crown jewel of avian biodiversity." In 2017, the National Audubon Society described it as “one of the most CONTINUED | PAGE 38

A yellow-footed gull is shown. -Photo by Steve Ryan

T

Birdwatching resources

oday there are a number of online resources that make it easy to find, identify and learn about birds in general as well as those that ock to the region. They include: The Cornell ab of Ornithology runs a site with all kinds of information about birds, including great photos, articles about areas of concern and a bird guide. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/ The U.S. ish Wildlife Service maintains a list of birds at the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge. The list also provides information on the season in which the bird is likely to be at the refuge and how common it is to the area. https://www.fws.gov/saltonsea/pdf/ SaltonSeaWildlife ist 08. .pdf Bob Miller, a birdwatcher based in Brawley and Henry Detwiler, a birdwatcher well known in Southern California wrote a guide to birds in Imperial County in 20 . While Miller said some of the areas around the Salton Sea are no longer good sites for birding because the sea is shrinking, the guide lists several places in the Valley that provide good areas for bird watching. http://www. southwestbirders.com/ swb Imperial County Book TOC.pdf A site frequented by avid

3RD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 5PM-10PM DOWNTOWN IMPERIAL

birdwatchers, ebird.org, gives great information about the hotspots where birds are being seen. https://ebird.org The site contains lots of information about various species of birds and their behaviors. It also lets you maintain a list of birds you have seen, which can be shared with other birdwatchers. https://ebird.org/hotspot/L326350 In the search bar labeled “hotspot type Salton Sea and select from the list of 40 to 50 sites that pop up. Or, in the search bar labeled “location type Imperial County and select from the sites.

Or, you can navigate the site map which labels the areas where birdwatchers have posted information about seeing birds.

There also are some apps that can be downloaded on smart phones that provide great bird guides to take into the field.

One to try is https://www.audubon.org/app.

The app provides descriptions to help identify birds and sound clips of their calls. It allows users to keep track of sightings, take and share photos .

Another application Miller recommended is Inaturalist.org. The app allows the user to keep track of birds seen and to connect with other birdwatchers and experts who can help identify a species. Findings connect with scientific databases that help build knowledge bases about birds and their behavior.

OCTOBER 20, 2018 NOVEMBER 17, 2018 DECEMBER 15, 2018 JANUARY 19, 2019 FEBRUARY 16, 2019 MARCH 16, 2019 APRIL 20, 2019

City of Imperial | Department of Community Services | (760) 355-3316 124 W 9th Street, Suite A | Imperial, CA 92251 Fall 2018

7

WATCH |

Cattle Call

By Bill Gay When the 2nd edition of the Brawley Cattle Call odeo opens at 2 p.m. Nov. 10, it will renew a tradition that has spawned dozens of companion events over the years and attracted famous movie stars and even more famous world champion rodeo cowboys.

And it has its own award-winning salad dressing.

The first Cattle Call odeo was in at the Brawley Union High School football field. In fact, today’s home of Cattle Call was a somewhat remote city-owned slice of river bottom land “inhabited only by rattlesnakes, rabbits, coyotes and skunks, according to the Cattle Call Website.

Marial Hudson of Brawley won a $25 savings bond from the Brawley Chamber of Commerce that first year for coming up with the name of the new community event. She borrowed it from singer Eddie Arnold, who recorded a song by the same name in 1944.

A “rodeo seemed almost an afterthought that first year. In fact, pre-event publicity barely mentioned it. Advertisements did promote a dance to the music of Spade Cooley, a parade, “ ueen for a Day from NBC TV and a three-day carnival. The rodeo was publici ed as a roping event, “horsemanship contest or a junior gymkhana.

One article noted “cattle and sheep men will settle their ancient feud by a game of golf.

The event, though, did have a purpose that has survived for six decades: it is a signature event for Brawley and a celebration of the importance of the Valley’s primary industry. As Cattle Call Chairman Carson alin notes, “It is really good for the city. I like the heritage behind it and I like the fact it celebrates the cattle industry and

8

Fall 2018

Rich heritage of cattle industry and agriculture agriculture.

It was Kalin’s mom, Louise Willey, and three other Brawley residents, who took that first event and built it into what today is one of the major rodeos on the professional cowboy circuit. Two founders were unrelated businessmen named Smith Al and ichard. Then there was Cattleman Ed utherford. ounding out the team was Willey, who at the time owned the Planters Hotel on Brawley’s la a an iconic central gathering spot for the city.

In addition to the hotel, Willey was engaged in family farming and cattle feeding. In later years, she would become a major force in

FROM LEFT: Carson Kalin, Lewis Feild, the national finals rodeo champion for 1985-87, Dick Smith and Glen Drown pose for this undated photo. -Photo courtesy of Carson Kalin

water politics and agricultural issues. She was a person it was hard to say “no to.

Brawley ealtor Al Smith, in a Inland Empire article, related how he became involved. He and a friend were about to get a cup of coffee one morning at the lanters, an iconic hotel and coffeeshop, after the first Cattle Call, when Willey stopped them.

“She plucked me into her office and said, ou are the 8 Cattle Call Chairman.’ Inland Empire, at the time, was an annual magazine published in the Valley.

Smith, a former Marine and border patrolman, had left the patrol in 1955 and had gone into real estate. He accepted the job, but had a question.

“What do I do As Smith related the story, he contacted Rutherford and suggested they “should talk the city out of 40 acres of land at the river bottom and have a rodeo. The committee of the two Smiths, utherford and Willey was formed and they began to raise the $55,000 it would take to build the arena.

The four made personal donations and solicited the major community support that was needed to turn the river bottom into a rodeo arena. Local companies donated much of the equipment and material as well

as the labor to get the arena built.

The city of Brawley, meanwhile, began what has become a six-decade partnership with the rodeo by leasing 56 acres to the rodeo committee for the arena and annual rodeo.

The grandstand was built in 30 days, CONTINUED | PAGE 41

FAR LEFT: Cattle Call Chairman Carson Kalin talks about the history of Brawley Cattle Call while visiting Cattle Call Arena in Brawley.

- Photo by Joselito N. Villero ABOVE: Cattle Call special sections from years past help tell the history of the rodeo.

Fall 2018

9

TREAT |

Rodeo Doc

By Mario Renteria When Dr. George Fareed was asked to be the physician for the Brawley Cattle Call odeo more than a decade ago, he didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Since then, he has developed a close relationship with the rodeo’s announcer, andy Corley, providing him vocal cord check-ups to ensure the Imperial Valley rodeo has a top-notch showing, with a top-notch announcer.

A fan joins the show

10

Fareed came to the Imperial Valley nearly 30 years ago and has established a legacy of serving local sports that is unmatched.

He has been previously recognized by the Breitbard Hall of ame in San Diego with the Breitbard Meritorious Achievement Award for assisting Imperial Valley high school athletes for decades.

The California Medical Association awarded Fareed the Frederick K.M. Fall 2018

Brawley physician helps make Cattle Call safer for performers

Plessner Memorial Award. He has also received numerous local awards and inductions for his work.

So when he was asked to help treat injured rodeo competitors about 12 years ago, he said yes.

“I’ve been going to the rodeo since I came here, he said. “I’ve looked forward to attending every rodeo session and sitting in the bucking shoot seats with my medical kit ready to go.

During all three shows set for Nov. 0areed will keep a close eye on competitors for signs of injuries.

“Generally, we can attend to their problems when they’re just strains under the stands and they’re very appreciative of my presence, he said. “The cowboys have been very resilient.

Dangerous falls off broncs or bulls are signs the competitor might need aid.

Dr. George Fareed, top photo and above “Those are the kinds of things I watch for with rodeo announcer Randy Corley, is the in these relatively dangerous events that physician for the Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo. occur during the rodeo, he said.

-Photos courtesy of Dr. Fareed

An entertaining voice About eight years ago, Fareed was contacted by one of the rodeo coordinators, Larry Allen, who asked if he could tend to Corley, who was complaining of a minor sore throat. areed treated the announcer, helping him get through that weekend.

“I have a good relationship with him and his wife is a wonderful person, areed said.

Every year since then, Corley has arrived a day early to the Imperial Valley so the physician can give him a quick check-up to ensure his voice is strong and ready for a bucking-bronco weekend. areed said checkups for Corley, a world-famous announcer, “usually go very well.

Born in Montana and raised in Wyoming, Corley’s career is dependent on his voice. Having joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 80 for a career in rodeo announcing, he went on to win 2 CA Announcer of the ear awards. ast year Corley was inducted into the ro odeo Hall of ame.

The Brawley Cattle Call odeo is one of more than 0 CAscheduled rodeos across the Western states.

Keeping a tradition alive The soft-spoken Fareed made it a point to express the importance of showing interest in the rodeo. From sports action, exciting performances and entertaining comedy, the rodeo provides plenty of entertainment for every member of the family.

“For me, it’s a great event that is very important to our Imperial Valley, he said. “It has a high-caliber of participants and it’s in a beautiful setting that you don’t find in other parts of the state ... as far as I know.

A cowboy rides a bucking bronco during Cattle Call. Brawley physician Dr. George Fareed tends to competitors injured during local rodeo events. - Photo courtesy of Dr. Fareed He is proud to be a part of the Cattle Call tradition.

“It’s enjoyable for me, something I admire, he added.

Each year provides different performances to complete the rodeo competition.

“It has been better and better every year, areed said. “It’s really a treat that we need to have here in the Imperial Valley.

People should take advantage and go to it. It’s something that you can’t find elsewhere very easily. or more information on the Cattle Call odeo go to www. cattlecallrodeo.com 

Fall 2018

11

DESIGN |

Custom work

By Stefanie Campos

12

Scott DeVoy wasn’t an academic type.

He worked with his hands well. He loved shop class, welding, working on his car.

He was going to be a farmer like his dad.

DeVoy may have thought he knew where his path was headed, but life had other plans.

DeVoy, a longtime El Centro resident, moved to the Imperial Valley from Irvine at age 8. He graduated from Central Union High School and went on to Imperial Valley College. When DeVoy’s older brother, who worked at Green’s Jewelry through high school and college, earned his degree, owner Chet reen asked Scott if he’d like to work there.

With the lure of air conditioning he’d never worked indoors before DeVoy began work at reen’s Jewelry in 82 as an apprentice.

Fall 2018

Jeweler crafts one-of-a-kind designs

“He basically sat down and started teaching me jewelry repair, said DeVoy, “As he got closer to retirement and decided he would close the store or sell it to me, he offered (the store) to me and I bought it.

It didn’t take long for DeVoy to graduate from apprentice to owner. In 8 , DeVoy bought the business and continues as owner of reen’s Jewelry ifts today.

“Thirty-three years I’ve been in business, DeVoy said. “Which is cra y. I blinked.

At age 57 and with a move to an even larger location, DeVoy could be considered in his prime at a time when many are looking forward to ending their careers.

“I don’t see retirement in the near future, if ever, DeVoy said. “I like what I do.

DeVoy ponders the idea for a moment and says he might slow down or take a

TOP: Scott DeVoy, owner of Green's Jewelry & Gifts in El Centro, is shown in his workbench area.

ABOVE: DeVoy prepares to set precious stones, a term referring to diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

- Photos by Joselito N. Villero

few more days off or take time to travel, “but right now this is my dream come true basically.

DeVoy is practicing a craft that is waning in the Imperial Valley. While his shop may have once been one of several of its kind, few remain. He and those in the brotherhood of independent jewelers must compete against big box stores. DeVoy credits his success in part to creating the antithesis to the homogenized products found there.

“My customers don’t want to see their ring on somebody else, DeVoy said.

Rather, he has carved out a niche in the Valley. Customers come to him because they want something different.

“I think that’s why we’ve done so well over the years … There’s fewer and fewer custom jewelers in the Valley, he said.

In a process that takes six to eight weeks, DeVoy and his customer will first come up with a design (from a sketch or from a photo). He then works up an estimate and either alters a mounting or hand-carves wax into a design that will then be used to make a mold that will be used to cast the ring. A polish and setting the stones rounds out DeVoy’s process and voila, a finished piece that’s both

DeVoy shows a custom-made diamond cluster pendant he created in his workshop. unique and meaningful.

DeVoy doesn’t get to play around a lot. Maybe someday he’ll get to his own designs it’s an expensive hobby but he does enjoy doing custom design work.

DeVoy credits his partner, Julie Hamilton, as a collaborator because of her creative eye. She will sit down with him to come up with a design and he will

take it from there and create it.

“The process can be crazy but when you get to the end and you have the end product and it’s beautiful, that makes it all worthwhile, said DeVoy. Hamilton credits DeVoy with preserving the process of hand-carving wax to CONTINUED | PAGE 42

2351 Hwy 86 • Imperial • 888-332-0426

RogersandRogersToyota.com Fall 2018

13

WATCH |

Football Field view

By Karina Lopez From the months of August through November, the Friday schedules of Bob and Don Shank haven’t changed much in about 50 years.

That’s because the Brawley brothers have worked the chains at all the home games for the Brawley Union High football team dating back to the late 1960s or early 1970s.

“My brother usually picks me up at 6:30 p.m., said Bob, the elder of the two. “We don’t really do anything special. I think ( ridays) we’ll just eat a little sooner so we’re able to get from one side of the field to the other.

Neither of the Shanks is entirely sure how long they’ve been on the sidelines each fall at Warne Field, yet both agreed to continue to be there if the other is

14

Fall 2018

Brothers reflect on decades on the front lines

present and both are in good health.

“We mentioned it at some point that when Coach (John) Bishop retired we would too, but that was quite a few years ago, said Don with a laugh. “So now, we say we’ll keep going so long as everyone wants to do it and is able.

While the pair has missed a few games here or there over the years, they’ve essentially been on the sideline of Brawley and Imperial Valley football history for half a century, watching not only exceptional Brawley athletes take the field, but talent from the entire Imperial Valley as well. “ ou get a different perspective of the game, being on the sideline and seeing what’s going on with visiting coaches, Don said. “Although we always wonder what it’s like on the (home) side (laughs).

It’s nice to get to see the plays up close,

TOP: (L-R) Football chain gang team: Don Shank, Bob Shank and Sam Byram during a game between Brawley Union High School's Wildcats and Yuma Catholic's Shamrocks at Warne Field in Brawley.

Brawley varsity football won 41-20.

BOTTOM: Football chain gang member Don Shank carries a "yard marker¨ to another yard line during a game between Brawley Union High School´s Wildcats and Yuma Catholic´s Shamrocks at Warne Field in Brawley. Brawley varsity football won 41-20.

- Photos by Joselito N. Villero

sometimes it’s too close, but it’s always a good experience.

Born just two years apart, the Shank brothers played under the legendary Bob Farrell, who coached at both Brawley and Central Union high schools.

“Coach arrell was pretty well-known and thought to be a good coach, Bob said. “I respected him. Back then everybody believed in authority a little more than they do now. He was one of those guys that was tough but fair.

Farrell’s 1950s Brawley teams were formidable in the CI Southern Section small-school category, even winning a CI title in -- Bob’s senior season.

“What was exciting about that season, in particular, was that the year before we had a record of only two wins and seven losses, Bob recalled.

Two years after Bob’s CI title experience, Don came close to having his own.

“Well, we also had a real good team that went pretty far into the playoffs, Don recalled. “We lost in the semifinal in a game a lot of us think we could have won. We got down in the first half and came back in the second but didn’t make it all the way back.

While the brothers remember games

and moments from their own playing days with ease, neither could pinpoint a game in the years they have been working the chains that stood out most.

They are, however, thoroughly looking forward to Oct. 26, the date of this year’s Bell Game, which will be the 75th playing of one of the longest, if not the longest, high school rivalry games in the nation. “(Central) stepped up last year and looks to be the team to beat this year, Bob said. “I truly believe it’ll be Brawley and El Centro for (Imperial Valley eague) championship. Of course, anything can happen in between the time they meet, but I really think they’ll both be undefeated in league when they face each other.

Don had similar thoughts on this year’s Bell Game, expressing it will be a do-notmiss event.

“It’s going to be a tough game and definitely exciting because it might be for the league championship, Don said.

“There is always a lot of excitement around that game and certainly a lot of visitors and a lot more people will be there, and it’s a lot of fun.

As the brothers have a few games under their belts this season already and

Football chain gang members (left) Bob Shank, holds a "down marker¨, and his brother, Don Shank, holds a "yard marker¨ during a game between Brawley Union High School´s Wildcats and Yuma Catholic's Shamrocks at Warne Field in Brawley.

Brawley Wildcats 41-20.

CONTINUED | PAGE 43 - Photo by Joselito N. Villero

Fall 2018

15

Pam Buckley works with Butch, a black Labrador retriever she and her husband, Carroll, are training. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero

Guide dogs

are owners' eyes, ears

By Antoine Abou-Diwan

16

To hear Carroll and am Buckley discuss their little ones, you might think they’re talking about children.

“He’s very loving and playful. He’s also very willful and stubborn, said am, laughing. “He’s very smart.

Actually, Pam is talking about Butch, a black Labrador retriever puppy that she and her husband, Carroll, are training to be a guide dog.

Commonly known as seeing eye dogs, guide dogs help visually impaired people get around safely.

Butch moved into the Buckley household when he was just 8 weeks old. He’s now 10 months old, and will become a guide dog in about a year if Fall 2018

he graduates.

“He was tiny when we got him, am said. “Now he’s almost 80 pounds.

The Buckleys have been fostering puppies for Guide Dogs for the Desert for about 30 years. They fostered eight puppies when their two daughters were young. Butch is their ninth.

The endeavor seems simple enough, but is absolutely critical to Guide Dogs of the Desert. Puppy raisers, such as the Buckleys, need to socialize the dogs to be comfortable around people in all types of situations, before they are returned to Guide Dogs of the Desert, where they are matched with somebody who is visually impaired or has other needs. But it’s a lot of work, and not every dog is suited for the

task.

“Guide dogs are not comfort dogs.

They’re not therapy dogs. They’re working dogs, said Carroll, vice president of O adio. Since Butch’s arrival in the Buckley household, Carroll has been sharing stories about Butch’s progress with radio listeners.

It’s obvious early on if a puppy has the right attitude for the job. Guide dogs have to be fearless.

They have to be comfortable in every situation.

“They (puppies) can’t be overly aggressive. They can’t be timid, Carroll said. “If they have a litter of eight to 10 puppies, two to three will have the right temperament.

Trainee guide dogs lead very

ordinary puppy lives.

“On a day-to-day basis Butch gets me up around 30- a.m., am said.

“We get up, we go outside, he does his business. Then we go inside, until Carroll goes to work.

“Lately I have been taking him to Imperial Valley Mall, am continued.

“They let me walk him inside. It’s a mile and 8 to go around the mall. am and Carroll are training Butch how to behave when the doorbell rings, and how to sit and wait to go out the door until it’s time to go.

Pam puts Butch on a leash to signal to him that he is training, and needs to pay attention. “ ou train him with hand motions, Pam explained.

“You have to use the same commands, am said. “ ou tell him to sit, point at him … so he’ll sit. You have to use the same commands. You have to use the same actions.

Guide Dogs of the Desert has placed about 1,400 guide dogs with individuals since 1972, free of charge.

The organization will help anybody, anywhere, that meets criteria. Those

Pam and Carroll Buckley take Butch for a walk. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero that qualify for a dog must first live in a dorm with their dog on the organization’s campus, just north of alm Springs.

There’s a class every 37 days or so,

with 7-10 people per class.

“It ensures a bonding opportunity, said Jennifer Heggie, director of public relations for the organization. “They CONTINUED | PAGE 44

Fall 2018

17

SAMPLE |

Flavors worth sampling

18

The posole that Rosario Jimenez makes is one of the most popular dishes on the as Chabelas menu, but there are many others that diners favor and even more worth sampling at Las Chabelas in Brawley.

Carlos Weir opened the restaurant years ago in downtown Brawley with the help of Jimenez, who is now his motherin-law, and her daughters, Gloria Zuniga and Erika, who is now Weir’s wife. as Chabelas has come a long way since opening.

Once housed in Brawley Family Billiards in the 00 block of Main Street in Brawley, the restaurant named for a popular beverage had room for 28 guests.

Business boomed and eventually needed to find a bigger space. In August 2010, the Weirs packed up and reopened in the former Shakey’s i a restaurant on Highway 8 . The Weirs remodeled the building to accommodate more than 105 guests in the dining room, with an adjacent lounge that can Fall 2018

Named for a popular drink, Las Chabelas restaurant finds business is booming seat an additional 40.

A patio project, funded in part with Imperial Irrigation District Local Entity dollars, opened in November 2016, adding an outdoor facility that seats up to 200 guests and is available as a venue for rent.

The restaurant’s staff has ballooned to 34 employees.

Jimenez, who sets the tone for how things are done in the kitchen, serves as the prep cook. She honed her kitchen skills cooking three meals a day for her family. Since the restaurant opened, she’s expanded her repertoire.

Much of the menu items have roots in Jimenez’s recipes, Weir said.

Weir is no stranger to the food industry himself. He’s been cooking and selling food for about as long as he can remember.

One of five sons raised by a single mom, he said “You had to learn to cook if you wanted to eat. He started with a small grill at the ages of 13-14 in Highland Park, and his experience grew

TOP: Beef fajitas with sautéed onions and bell peppers are served on a sizzling platter at Las Chabelas, a restaurant in Brawley that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

ABOVE: Karl "Carlos¨ (right) and Erika Weir, husband and wife, own Las Chabelas.

- Photos by Joselito N. Villero

from there.

At as Chabelas, “We’re blessed we have a good crew, Weir said. “There’s so much experience. Our staff is always working together to blend the best avors.

The Weirs’ goals are “to create a family atmosphere and give back to the community, he said. They have done that by supporting local schools, nonprofit groups and sports programs. Their pride and joy, though, is the annual bike giveaway at Christmas. “ ast year 28 bikes with helmets went to children in foster care, he said. More than 100 bikes have been given away each year since 2011. The restaurant works with agencies like the Brawley Police Department and WomanHaven in determining recipients.

“The people we work with really vet the kids to make sure they really need it, he said, insuring the bikes go to children without them.

“Every kid remembers their first bike, he said, which has become the statement for the giveaway.

A natural competition among kitchen staff helps them get ready for local cooking contests.

Carlos (third from left seated) and Erika Weir (second from left), owners of Las Chabelas, are shown with some of the restaurant staff. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero “We’re pretty competitive in the back, he said. “We have a competition before the competition.

Weir is proud of the role his restaurant plays in Brawley as a popular eatery, in its supporting local businesses and the local produce industry. He’s especially

proud of the family’s philanthropic goals.

“We’re part of a small town and we can make it happen, Weir said. as Chabelas is open from a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The lounge is open to midnight weekdays and 2 a.m. weekends. 

Fall 2018

19

READ |

VIA IMPERIAL VALLEY

"Segunda

Oportunidad¨

In life there are obstacles that make people consider quitting or giving up on their dreams. The setbacks are normal but there’s always an opportunity to rebound Burgueno and arrive and get to the place you want to be.

An obstacle need not be the end of the world. Sometimes a little motivation provides the push you need to give it a second try. That’s where the book “Segunda Oportunidad, or “Second Chance comes in to help Ellie Burgueno's book, "Segunda motivate people going through hard Oportunidad," is available for purchase. See times. The book, filled with stories the story at right to learn where to buy it. about people who have overcome - Photo courtesy of Ellie Burgueno difficult situations, helps inspire people to get up, dust themselves off and continue their journeys.

Ellie Burgueno launches her book

Author Ellie Burgueno presented her first book “Segunda Oportunidad at an event in Mexicali on June 2 , 20 8.

Burgueno said an English-language version will be released later.

In the 200-page book, Burgueno offers method of self-analysis that invites change. She also tells several stories of second chances that will motivate you to see life with more optimism and the belief that no matter what your situation, there will always be a second chance.

The book is available for purchase and can be ordered at librosegundaoportunidad@gmail.com or by mail at Segunda Oportunidad .O. Box 2 El Centro, California 92244.

The book’s Facebook page is www. acebook ibroSegundaOportunidad 

NOW OPEN

NEW LOCATION

20

Fall 2018

Dr. Siman Dr. Siman

Designing the Future of Smiles

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Eddie Siman has offices in both El Centro and Brawley as well as in Sherman Oaks and Beverly Hills. He has authored two books and has been featured in various media, most recently on “The Doctors” show.

Here, he discusses his unique approach to dentistry by responding to a series of questions posed by I.V. Alive.

Did you always aspire to be a dentist?

Dr. Siman: Actually, no. When I was a kid I was more interested in

becoming an architect. I always liked to envision and design things.

Do you find that your early aspirations somehow connected to what What drives you to gain more knowledge and expertise year after year? you do now?

Dr. Siman: Absolutely! There are many elements of construction, design Dr. Siman: At the beginning of my career I was taught to restore just a

and architecture in what I do. Creating a natural smile and a longlasting, stable set of teeth that is going to feel good, requires a solid foundation.

section of the mouth. This limited approach didn’t even begin to address the extensive and complicated needs of my patients. Now I can restore someone with no teeth to a full set of 28 teeth in one day while the patient sleeps.

Do you suffer from any of the following?

You have studied the "psychology¨ of smiles. How does changing the shape of a patient's teeth affect the "psychology¨ of their smile?

Dr. Siman: Your smile is your introduction to the world. Often, we look

Head Pain, Headache • Forehead • Temples • “Migraine” type • Sinus type • Shooting pain up back of head • Hair and/or scalp painful to touch

Ear Problems • Hissing, buzzing or ringing • Decreased hearing • Ear pain, earache, no infection • Clogged, “itchy” ears • Vertigo, dizziness

Eyes • Pain behind eyes • Bloodshot eyes • May bulge • Sensitive to sunlight Mouth • Discomfort • Limited opening of mouth • Inability to open smoothly • Locks shut or open • Can’t find bite • Jaw deviates to one side when opening Teeth • Clenching, grinding at night • Looseness or soreness of back teeth Throat • Swallowing difficulties • Laryngitis • Sore throat with no infection • Frequent coughing or constant clearing of throat • Feeling of foreign object in throat constantly

Jaw • Clicking, popping jaw joints • Grating sound • Pain in cheek muscles • Uncontrollable jaw and/or tongue movements

at someone and perceive them to be assertive if their front teeth have square edges and their canine teeth are pointed. By simply rounding or sharpening the edges of a smile, I am able to soften or harden its appearance in a matter of minutes.

What is TMJ and why is it the source of pain and discomfort for so many of people?

Dr. Siman: Along with full-mouth reconstruction, diagnosing and treating

TMJ disorders is the primary focus of our practice. TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint. It is located near your ears where your jaw connects with your skull. This joint is necessary for nearly all of the activities that involve your mouth. If these muscles come under pressure due to misalignment, the result can be spasms that travel to the temples, causing headaches or pain around the face or jaw joint (and) limiting one’s ability to open the mouth.

Let's list some of the symptoms of TMJ. Dr. Siman: They include migraines, headaches, facial pain, shoulder

Neck • Lack of mobility, stiffness • Neck pain • Tired, sore muscles • Shoulder aches, backache • Arm, numbness or pain

pain, neck pain, teeth grinding, ringing in the ears and ear congestion.

The problem is that most practitioners, including dentists, doctors and chiropractors, address the symptoms because they don’t have the training and technology to diagnose and address TMJ, the root cause of all these issues.

Who is responsible for correctly diagnosing TMJ? Dr. Siman: That’s another problem. TMJ problems should be treated as

multi-disciplinary, meaning they are dental as well as medical issues.

Unfortunately, as many TMJ sufferers learn only after seeing multiple specialists, TMJ falls into a gap between the two professions. Dentists who truly want to be well-versed in other modalities need to study for years, continuing their education, which is what I chose to do. On the other hand, medical doctors rarely have any training in this field. I have dedicated 30 years of my career to expanding my knowledge in the field of diagnosing and curing TMJ.  Fall 2018

29 21

Burrowing Owl A small owl, 9 to 11 inches, with glaring yellow eyes and distinct eyebrows that, unlike most owls, nests in undergrounds burrows along rural canal and ditch bank roads. The visibility of owl burrows in the irrigated area is often enhanced b stic s it s all ed a s laced b e ial i ati n ist ict en i n ental tec nicians e a s a e desi ned t el ea e ui ent and crews avoid the nests while working on waterways.

Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are active during the day. They often are seen bowing or bobbing at their burrow or on a nearby post.

They hunt insects, small rodents, lizards, frogs and snakes.

While burrowing owl numbers are down in many areas due to loss of habitat, they are thriving in the Valley, where they can be seen year-round.

- Photo by Velma Ruiz Pacrem

Thousands of wintering snow geese and Ross's geese rise in flight late in the afternoon after foraging in a field at the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge at the Salton Sea. - Photo courtesy of the Sonny Bono Refuge by Jenny E. Ross

22

A great blue heron stands watchfully in one of the habitats called the Vendel Unit that is maintained by the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

- Photo courtesy of the Sonny Bono Refuge Fall 2018

ati e t f ican t e cattle e et e anded its range to the U.S. in the 1940s and made its way to California in the 1960s. Here, the slender white bird found a feast: crickets. At the time cricket infestations in the Valley were so thick that street lights could be obscured by their swarms on summer nights. There were reports of cars sliding off streets slick with the pests.

The voracious cattle egret is reportedly capable of eating a quart of crickets a day. t is e uall a eating a wide variety f insects us ed f fields s ide s amphibians, small fis and ust ab ut anything else it can get down its beak.

Today, it is abundant all year in the Valley.

Though about 20 inches tall, the bird often stands and ies it its l n neck pulled in, giving it a stockier appearance. n t e su e t e cattle egret nests in large colonies around lakes and marsh areas and the male’s snowy white head, neck and back feathers turn a pale orange.

- Photo by Cburnett

Bird Map

Cattle Egret

Places to watch for birds

National Wildlife Refuge

State Wildlife Area

Easy to reach bird hotspots Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge 906 W. Sinclair, Calipatria

Imperial State Wildlife Areas Wister Unit, 8 700 Davis Road, Niland

Salton Sea

Finney-Ramer Lakes Off Highway

, south of Calipatria

Cattle Call Park

Cattle Call Drive and New iver, Brawley

IID Alamo River Wetlands Project

North of Highway 8, near Shank oad, East of Brawley

Imperial County Sunbeam Lake Drew oad, Seeley

IID Fig Lagoon

West of Interstate 8, near Seeley

Salton Sea State Park Recreation Area ildlife ca

ands laces t

isit

00-22 State ark oad, Desert Shores

e ial

The purple bird marks on the map designate bird hotspots, locations where many species of birds have been seen. The Imperial County hotspot map comes from https://ebird.org/ hotspots. Ebird.org compiles hotspot maps for areas all over the world from observations reported by birdwatchers.

Gambel´s Quail A soccer ball-sized quail with short legs, a short bill and a distinguishing comma-shaped topknot that bobs forward as the bird walks. Generally grey with a lighter belly, a white-outlined black face and chestnut brown crown.

The Gambel’s quail is a creature unique to the desert and it is abundant all year in the Valley.

Quail gather in large groups, called coveys, in the river bottoms and shrublands. They can be seen eating on the ground in overgrown brush areas around farmland, parks, such as Cattle Call Park in Brawley, and in backyards near the edges of cities. Quail often raise chicks communally in groups that can number 30 or 40. Though ca able f in uail a el e ce t in short bursts. They prefer to head for the cover of shrub brush.

- Photo by Jarek Tuszynski Fall 2018

23

- Photo by stock.adobe.com

Flying

High and Low

By Peggy Dale

24

Crop dusters have long been familiar sights and sounds in the skies above the Imperial Valley, planes and helicopters skillfully own -- barely above field level -- to apply the chemical, fertilizer or seeds the grower requires.

Aerial applicators have seen many changes over the decades both in the loads they carry and the means of delivering them. Today’s crops primarily are treated with ground applications. Some fields are treated just below the seed line at planting time.

“It used to be they’d plant and we’d spray because the bugs would move in right away, said Blake eed, who manages Custom Ag C in El Centro for his father, John Reed. “With the newer materials, they inject into the ground and we don’t have to spray for 30 days.

The busy season for local applicators, whether on the ground or in the air, is Aug. 15 through April 15, said Blake Reed, who is an advisory board member for CO AB Imperial Valley, the Coalition of abor, Agriculture Business. In describing the Fall 2018

Aerial applicators crucial to Valley agriculture

younger Reed’s role as a board member, CO AB Executive Director ay ricola said, “His wealth of knowledge helps all of us Blake Reed prepares to take an Imperial understand the complexity of this aspect of Valley Alive! writer on a ridealong above our largest industry -- agriculture.

Imperial Valley fields. - Photo by Peggy Dale There is plenty of work to go around for aerial applications, which are often called for at the last minute. Imperial County jobs are turned in the same day.

Agricultural Commissioner Carlos Orti Blake explained the difference in said there were , 8 aerial applications applications this way: “An airplane is like in 2017, or 31 percent of the more than aerosol. You do more with less, faster. A 38,000 overall applications. Seven aerial helicopter is a squirt bottle. The ground rig pest control businesses and 37 pest control is a paint brush. It takes way longer, but you aircraft pilots are currently registered with can get the edges really good. But it takes Orti ’s office. more paint, more time, more people.

Reed likens aerial application to The aerial application industry has emergency services. It’s the 9-1-1 call, if come a long way since its inception in you will, made by growers needing a field the years following World War I, when treated immediately. surplus biplanes were modified to carry Reed said pests and diseases can cause chemicals to control pests. One of the most millions of dollars in damage in a matter recogni able aircraft used to dust fields of hours. If a grower’s pest control advisor is the Stearman biplane, an open cockpit determines the crop can’t wait for a ground aircraft used in training during World War application, the “ - - call is made to II. Many pilots returned from battle over the companies like Reed’s. acific to fight an enemy of a different sort in “An airplane is able to get in and get out in California’s burgeoning agricultural industry. short period of time, when the fields are wet Today’s planes can cost up to $1 million and conditions may not be favorable for any other means, Blake eed said. “Most of our and are designed specifically for aerial

applications, with S systems built in to help ensure the pesticide, fertilizer or seed goes exactly where it’s intended. Cameras secured to the plane’s fuselage or wings monitor dispersal. To handle all of that, today’s pilots are highly trained to be technologically savvy as well as skilled and cautious navigators.

“Pilots are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration ( AA) and the California Department of Pesticide egulation (CD ) and must register annually with the ag commissioner in each county that they plan to work John Reed flies his crop duster across in, according to the an Imperial Valley field in these images California Agricultural taken from video.

Aircraft Association - Photos courtesy of Blake Reed website. In addition, pilots are required to earn continuing education every two years to maintain their CD licenses.

There are just over 400 pilots registered in the state, according to the association website. The Reeds use about 20 of those to accommodate customers.

While chemicals of old would carry warning labels like “can cause death, those used today meet strict standards set by the CD and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Penalties for violations are severe. Locally, the oversight of aerial and ground applications is in the hands of the Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. “ egulations are changing rapidly, said achel arewal, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner for Imperial County. “California is pretty strict, maybe the strictest in the world but definitely the strictest in the nation.

Orti added that pesticides allowed in California are under constant review.

Among those regulation changes, no spraying is allowed within a quarter-mile of a school between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Garewal said.

Blake Reed said his company extends that distance to a full mile.

There are also limits on what types of pesticides can be used near residential or highly populated areas.

Reed described the work applicators do as “a war. It’s a battle.

We’re out there fighting bugs, pests, trying to get things done.

The eeds’ operations, Custom Ag and Sun Valley Applicators, which John Reed owns with partner Bartt Ries, have grown substantially since their inception.

“When I was 7 years old I watched/helped/bothered my dad, who by himself was building the equipment in our backyard that started Custom Ag, C. Back then I never thought I would have this opportunity, Blake eed said. He credits company success to customers and others, but especially to his father.

“I’m appreciative of them, he said. “But my dad is my hero.  Fall 2018

25

A refurbished 1949 John Deere tractor graces the showroom of the RDO Equipment Co. in Imperial. - Photo by Susan Giller

Horsepower of cultivation

It does not matter whether they are red, green or rusty, the modern cowboys of cultivation would be lost without them.

They are the dream toy of every little boy and a lot of big ones, too. et the tractor of today is hardly a plaything. It is a finely honed, multidimensional, precision workhorse that is essential for keeping the Valley green and competitive in an increasingly complicated and competitive market.

“Tractors are part of the technology that allows farmers to grow more on less land and with less water than ever before, said Kay Day Pricola, executive director of the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association.

Today tractors provide far more than enough horsepower and traction to replace the pintos, plow horses and mules of days gone by. Tractors make easy work of pulling a plow through the Valley’s heavy clay or any composition of soil.

They haul all kinds of heavy equipment, both for agriculture and construction. They also put out enough energy to power pumps and a wide variety of farm implements.

“We work with farmers to make them more productive, Ali Heath of RDO Equipment in Imperial, which features John Deere’s vivid green implements, said. “Our clients are our biggest partners.

Growers and their tractors work together so closely that RDO and three other longtime local implement dealers are members of the IVVGA, where they and growers can share concerns and develop solutions. In addition to RDO, they are Jordan Central with locations in Brawley and El Centro Empire Equipment in Imperial and Torrence Farm Implements in Heber and Brawley.

“Our founder was a potato farmer, so we are very attuned to the needs of farmers, DO’s Heath said. “That is our mission.

Supporting farmers goes beyond selling new and used implements for agriculture and construction, she said. RDO supplies parts, rents equipment, offers mobile service and CONTINUED | PAGE 40

26

Fall 2018

Border Tactical

New look, new owners, expanded service

Border Tactical, the longtime El Centro-based provider of uniforms, equipment, tactical gear and operator of the Valley’s only indoor shooting ranges, has a new look and new owners eager to expand services.

Purchased by the Harmon Family, the business will continue to operate at 925 N. Imperial Ave. Mary Harmon, one of the store’s new general managers, said, “As a family with deep local roots and strong ties to law enforcement, we plan to bring new energy, ideas and amenities to Border Tactical to better serve the needs of those who protect the community.

Mary’s late husband, James, was a longtime Imperial County Superior Court judge. She was a longtime fixture in county -H and served on the California Mid-Winter air Board.

The Harmon family is “extremely well-qualified and very motivated to take this business to the next level of success, said William C. DuBois, who managed the business for 2 years before deciding to move on to other ventures.

What’s new at Border Tactical is visible without setting foot in the facility. New signage and a large digital marquee have been installed on Imperial Avenue for announcements and videos of store activities.

Inside, a store redesign showcases an expanded inventory

Mary Harmon and Chanel Chastain, co-general managers of Border Tactical, in the stores refurbished showroom - Photo by Susan Giller of uniforms, clothing and gear, including new offerings for the fitness community, outdoor enthusiasts, medical workers and the construction industry. The space was reorganized to help customers find what they need by designating space for each law enforcement agency’s approved uniforms, badges and equipment.

The store carries more than 30 top brands and offers tailoring and embroidery services.

CONTINUED | PAGE 40

Fall 2018

27

28

Fall 2018

Nurse practitioner Daniel Navarro talks about the healthcare needs of the patients he sees at the El Centro Regional Medical Center Outpatient Clinic - Photo by Susan Giller

ECRMC Outpatient Some people think a hospital is just for those who are seriously ill or who need surgery. And, unfortunately, some end up needing hospital care when they lack access to healthcare. El Centro Regional Medical Center is working hard to provide the Imperial Valley a better model of health care.

Dr. Adolphe Edward, ECRMC Chief Executive Officer, put it succinctly in 20 when he took the helm of the medical center that is affiliated with the UC San Diego Health Care Network. “Getting the right level of care at the right time will only help make this community better and healthier, and that is the goal,” he said.

Those words spring to life in ECRMC’s El Centro Outpatient Clinic at 38 5 W. Main St., where as many as 200 patients a day receive care from primary care providers, pediatricians and specialists. The Outpatient Clinic also has an onsite lab and imaging available to ensure the patients’ needs are met.

The bright and airy ECRMC El Centro Outpatient Clinic brought new life to the corner of West Main and Fourth Street when it opened seven years ago, replacing what had become the remains of an old auto dealership and garage.

Marco Bosquet, Outpatient Clinic manager, points to a photo of the site shortly before the clinic’s construction, which he describes “a lump of coal,” compared to the light, bright, shiny “diamond” of an Outpatient Clinic that now

Clinic brings new life to hospital

greets and treats patients.

Yet, the Outpatient Clinic did more than beautify the corner: it gave life to greater access to health care for all who need it.

Today, the Clinic is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mondays through Fridays and walk-ins are welcome.

“We are shifting to a more patientcentered approach,” said Daniel Navarro, a Nurse Practitioner at the Clinic. “We’re here when and where patients need care, not the other way around.”

The idea of the ECRMC Outpatient Clinic is simple: to provide high-quality medical services to Imperial Valley residents, even those who would not otherwise be able to afford it or who would need to wait to see a physician or specialist. Moreover, no patient is turned away from the Clinic due to inability to pay.

The Outpatient Clinic is even more essential because the Imperial Valley is considered a primary health care shortage region. The ECRMC Outpatient Clinic is designated as a federal Rural Health Clinic, which provides funding to improve care and attract more practitioners to the area. With 23 exam rooms, a full-service lab on site and state-of-the-art imaging instruments available, the Clinic has 8 to 20 healthcare providers and a dedicated team of medical assistants, registration clerks, medical records coders and others to keep everything operating smoothly.

The clinical staff ranges from pediatrics to geriatric practitioners and specialists include

those in cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, orthopedics, general surgery, obstetrics/ gynecology, podiatry, urology and others.

“We’ve increased the number of doctors in the Valley and that increases access to healthcare for everyone,” said Bosquet.

And the need is profound. Navarro, who joined the Outpatient Clinic staff as a Nurse ractitioner in 20 , said it is not uncommon to see patients who have had no previous healthcare treatment.

He also said it is not uncommon to have patients walk in with serious, chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart conditions.

What makes the care at the Outpatient Clinic special, he said, “we treat the patients holistically, which is the way I was trained as a nurse practitioner.”

He added, “On most of the patient visits, I talk with them more about nutrition, exercise and lifestyle, than just symptoms and medications. To me it’s not just about giving medicine; it’s about understanding the patient.”

Navarro was a registered nurse in the ECRMC emergency department for eight years before he decided to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.

“I wanted the responsibility of working with patients, knowing I could do more to help them with their health,” he said.

He left ECRMC to complete a three-year program at the University of Ari ona to get his credentials to be a nurse practitioner.

When he completed his degree and returned to El Centro without a job, he found that the Outpatient Clinic was looking for a nurse practitioner.

“This is a great place to be,” Navarro said. “it’s challenging. The providers and staff here really do care and I think the patients feel that.”  Fall 2018

29

Suicide Imperial County Behavioral Health Services

prevention S

30

eptember was Suicide Prevention Month, but for Imperial County Behavioral Health Services, raising awareness about suicide isn’t limited to just one month out of the year.

ICBHS works to make the Imperial Valley a suicide-safer community with evidence-based models that train professionals and educate the community to work together to be a safety net to preserve life.

“As a community, all of us have been touched by suicide and all of us have the responsibility to support each other,” said Scott Dudley, Behavioral Health Manager of the ICBHS Center for Clinical Training, which focuses on staff development, outreach, and media production. Among Dudley’s responsibilities is overseeing the department’s suicide prevention training.

Those trainings were developed and are certified by The Living Works Community.

According to Living Works, “Over the past 35 years, we’ve collaborated with individuals, organizations, cities and countries to build suicide safety around the world. In that time we’ve trained over 1.9 million people with life-saving skills.”

The trainings include Applied Suicide Intervention Support Techniques (ASIST) and SafeTALK. ASIST is a two-day interactive

Fall 2018

workshop on suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don’t need any formal training to attend the workshop, however, it is best suited for individuals that have direct contact with individuals like counselors and administrators, Dudley said. ASIST is provided by two Behavioral Health facilitators to direct service staff and it is recommended that participants repeat this training every three years.

SafeTALK is a four-hour training on identification and safety with persons who may be having thoughts of suicide. It is best suited for persons who may have significant contact with at-risk populations, but limited time and expertise. For example, teachers, yard duty, janitorial, administrative support staff, and transport would be best candidates, Dudley suggests. SafeTALK is facilitated by trained ICBHS staff for indirect service staff and it is recommended to be taken every three years.

“By getting a ‘safe for now’ agreement we become like a lifeguard getting someone out of the river of suicide,” said Mayra Andrade, an ICBHS Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician and ASIST trainer.

The Living Works program is based on the concept that “most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die. Instead they are looking for a way to work through the pain in their lives.”

Such individuals’ words and actions invite others to help them make a choice. Yet, those requests for help can be misunderstood, overlooked or ignored in part because those around them do not know what to do.

In the safeTALK training, participants learn to “move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss and avoid suicide,” according to Living Works literature. The program also helps participants move beyond the personal beliefs and community stigmas that can affect the safety of a person with suicidal thoughts.

Training has been given to a wide range of first responders, teachers, social service employees, probation, Imperial Valley College and others. It is available to interested individuals in the community and students ages 15 years and older.

Both programs can be seen as mental health first aid, likened to the lifesaving measures of CPR and the Heimlich maneuver for physical ailments.

While media attention of late has been on adults, the suicide rate is startling among teens. It is the third-leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 19 years, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a 1991-2011 study documented by the Journal of Adolescent Health, which analyzed data from national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys taken over the 20year period, both suicidal thoughts and attempts decreased during that time frame.

“Talking about suicide works to lower risk.

This is what the data suggests,” Dudley said.

The importance of the trainings and the effort involved in melding professional and community efforts to preserve life cannot be overstated because nothing can undo the anguish left in the wake of suicide.

“For friends and loved ones of suicide, there is help and healing, but once you’ve been affected by suicide it never goes away completely,” Dudley said. “Suicide prevention and intervention for those experiencing thoughts of suicide remain our greatest hope.”

Upcoming trainings

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 and 6.

More information about the training programs is available by calling 442-265-7365.

Suicide by the numbers

* Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. * Deaths from suicide increased 24 percent from 1999 to 2014

safeTAL K:

Suicide Alertness For Everyone

FOCUS:

Suicide alertness training for the community

DURATION:

3 hours–4 hours (half a day)

LANGUAGES:

English

* For every suicide, it is estimated there are 25 attempts *

Nearly 45,000 Americans die by suicide annually

* Suicides cost the U.S. $51 billion a year in medical and work loss costs.

-Centers for Disease Control

PARTICIPANTS: Anyone 15 or older TRAINERS:

safeTAL K: Suicide Alertness For Everyone

safeTALK is a half-day training in suicide alertness. It helps participants recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources who can help them in choosing to live.

Participants don’t need any formal preparation to attend the training—anyone age 15 or older who wants to make a difference can learn the safeTALK steps.

One trainer and one community resource person per 15–30 participants

Who should take safeTAL K? safeTALK is designed for anyone age 15 or older, including many in more formal helping roles. The steps learned in safeTALK have helped participants from all walks of life be alert to situations where suicide thoughts may be present.

202 N. Eighth St. • El Centro, CA 92243 For an appointment or assessment please call:

800.817.5292 • 442.265.1525 www.co.imperial.ca.us/behavioralhealth

Fall 2018

31

development. The experience gave him insight and experience in “the other side of medicine, he said, in therapies and how Dr. Osagie Bello to design trials.

However, it was in medical school, during a rotation in reaches lives at oncology, that he discovered something special about treating Pioneers oncology patients.

“They had deep relationships with their providers, he said.

“They also have a lot of support from family, friends. That The patients Dr. Osagie Bello sees are different than most experience, coupled with the fact that a lot of therapy and who seek treatment at Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District treatments were being developed to treat cancer, drew him to in Brawley. making it his specialty.

Bello, a hematologist-oncologist, recently joined the staff in While deciding on his specialty was more of a journey, the Cancer Institute at ioneers to treat patients with cancer becoming a doctor was always a given for Bello. Bello said diagnoses and blood type disorders, ranging from simple he has always liked studying science, working with numbers illnesses to serious cancers. and chemistry, even as a child. While others played outdoors, “Interaction at that patient level is very different than with he was reading about chemistry. Part of that he attributes to other patients treated at the hospital, Bello said. two of his four siblings who also are in the medical field, and That’s primarily because he often sees his patients for the whose books introduced him to what would become his career. long-term.

“It’s something where you could actually make a difference, Conversely, a patient undergoing knee surgery sees a he said. “It’s not really what I bring out of people, it’s what I get surgeon before and after surgery. After recovering from the out of people. procedure, the patient might never see that surgeon again.

Prior to coming to the Imperial Valley, Bello said he was In the emergency room, where doctors and staff routinely familiar with the area before accepting a job here. A colleague rotate through, a personal doctor-patient connection might had practiced medicine here, and he had visited. never happen.

“I had a view from the outside, an accurate view as far as With oncology or blood disorder patients, Bello said, what I was coming into, he said. “I find the patient population “Because they’re long-term, you become a part of their story. to be very appreciative. I feel very gratified to be here. ou reach their lives and they reach you even more.

Yet it isn’t always easy. On a given day the doctor might be Bello, who left his native Nigeria to study in the United delivering positive news to one patient and devastating news States, is a graduate of the Howard University College of to another. he said.

Medicine. He completed his fellowship in Hematology/Medical “There are highs and lows, he said. “It truly ebbs and Oncology at the Scripps Clinic and Scripps Hospital in San ows. Balancing those challenges with one’s personal life is Diego and his residency in Categorical Internal Medicine at important.

Scripps Hospital.

“A physician is an advocate for the patient, but we’re also Bello and his wife are parents of three children, ages , 8 human, Bello said. “We also have to have normalcy in our and 5. own lives.

Before attending medical school, he did research in the The Cancer Institute at ioneers is at 20 W. egion oad in pharmaceutical industry and studied chemical design and drug Brawley, telephone number 760-351-3737. 

Cancer Institute

32

Fall 2018

Imperial Valley

Chiropractic Every National Football League team has a chiropractor. There are 34 professional football chiropractors in the NFL averaging 30-50 adjustments to their players each week of the season. The NFL relies on chiropractic to help manage pain, promote wellness and maintain players’ peak performance, according to the Professional ootball Chiropractors Association.

But the NFL is not alone in the need for care.

Life constantly puts our bodies under stress, whether you are a pro football player or an ama ing soccer mom. Chiropractic helps the nervous system overcome stress.

It helps the patient build strength and thrive, according to Dr. Andrew Martino, who runs Imperial Valley Chiropractic.

Everyone has made it through some sort of adversity in life, whether it comes from health-related issues or anything else.

“Overcoming this adversity teaches you how to heal yourself, have empathy for

Behold a healthy, thriving you

others, and help everyone else around you, Martino said.

Chiropractic, he said, helps to eliminate disturbances in the nervous system to make a patient’s body more capable of healing itself.

“Behold a healthy thriving you, is a statement that boldly hangs on the wall at Imperial Valley Chiropractic. Martino said, “it means taking responsibility for your own healthcare and the walking path toward improvement in all aspects of life.

Martino discovered his future career when he first saw a chiropractor at .

“It blew my mind the first time I was adjusted, he said. “An overwhelming sense of optimism ooded my nervous system. I had not felt that way since I was a child. I felt like I was reborn!

In chiropractic, life is defined as the unity of intelligence of physical matter. In a person, life is expressed through the nervous system. The treatment looks for

any interference in the nervous system and seeks to correct it. When the nervous system is free of obstruction quality of life improves in every area of life.

Subluxations are interferences in the nervous system that usually show up in the vertebrae. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to adjust their patients’ musculoskeletal system into alignment. This allows the nervous system to ow without interruption.

The way Americans traditionally use medicine is to treat symptoms. Martini said, “chiropractic aims to cause health, not treat symptoms.

Creating a life thriving with wellness takes work from both practitioners and patients. And Martino encourages patients to take steps to be the healthiest they can be beyond the walls of his office. He recommends that patients take care of themselves by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough rest and keeping a positive mental attitude.

“When people claim full responsibility for their health, they choose a healthcare provider to play a different role, Martino said.

Martino reminds his patients, “You are responsible for you own health. You can take proactive measures to improve your health, and those measures are yours to do. 

Fall 2018

33

Calendar of Events OCTOBER Oct. 12 Brawley Cattle Call Horsemanship 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bring the whole family to the Brawley Cattle Call Arena to support the queen and teen queen contestants as they vie for titles and show off their horsemanship skills.

Oct. 12 4th annual Mariposa Gala 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Plaza de la Cultura, Imperial Valley Expo, 200 E. 2nd St., Imperial. Titled “An Evening of Hope and Laughter,” the event will include the Mariposa Award, presented annually to a survivor of domestic violence who has transformed his or her life.

Oct. 13

34

IV Food Harvest Bowl 5:30 to 8 p.m., Casa de Mañana at Imperial Valley Expo, 202 E. 2nd St., e ial e dinne ill benefit t e Fall 2018

The information included in the print version of Imperial Valley Alive! is what was available by publication deadline.

Visit our calendar online at www.imperialvalleyalive.com and submit your event information.

Imperial Valley Food Bank. Tickets are $125 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 760-3700966 or visit harvestbowl.org

Celebrate Cattle Call royalty as the 2018-2019 Cattle Call Queen, Teen Queen, Junior Miss and Lil Miss are crowned. For more information, contact Dana at 760-970-3206.

Oct. 13

Sunny's 5K and 1-Mile Walk 6 a.m. to noon, Sun Valley Behavioral Medical Center, 2417 Marshall Road, Suite 1, Imperial.

Help raise money for CASA of Imperial County and the foster children in our community.

Oct. 13

Oct. 13

Imperial Valley Pride Parade 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 600 block of Main Street in El Centro. Hosted by the Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center.

Live entertainment, food court, beer garden, children’s garden.

Toast to the Valley 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Brock Asparagus, 1399 Forrester Road, El Centro. Hosted by Imperial Valley Desert Museum.

Presale tickets are $35. Tickets at the door are $40.

Oct. 13

Brawley Cattle Call Queen Coronation 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., location and admission to be determined.

Open Air Market 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 447 W. Aten Road, Imperial. Hosted by the Imperial Chamber of Commerce.

Oct. 13

Oct. 14 Spooky Adventures on the Farm - STEM Fun! 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Desert Research and Extension Center, 1050 Holton Road, Holtville. Tickets are $5.

Oct. 14

Sacred Heart 85th annual Barbecue 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sacred Heart Demazenod Hall, 402 S. Imperial Ave., Brawley. $11 per plate.

Oct. 18

PMHD Hospital Foundation Gala 6 p.m. Oct. 18, Pioneers Memorial Hospital, 207 W. Legion Road, Brawley.

For more information, call Marselle Cooke at 760-550-0200.

Oct. 19-20

Imperial Valley Film Festival & Artist Showcase Oct. 19, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Imperial Valley Mall, 3451 S. Dogwood, El Centro.

This annual event is a juried exhibition f inde endent fil a e s and a tists is ea s festi al ill include a sc eenin f fil s industry panels, Q&As with working professionals, and an Artist Gallery.

Oct. 20

2018 Combo Auction 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Stockmen’s Club of Imperial Valley, 275 Marjorie, Brawley. The silent auction starts at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and the live auction will start at 8 p.m.

Call 760-344-2040 for more details. Tickets ae e e s n ll ceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Imperial Valley.

Oct. 20

Imperial Market Days 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., downtown Imperial.

Sponsored by the City of Imperial Department of Community Services.

Oct. 25

59th annual Fall Festival Palate & Palette 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sts. Peter & Paul Episcopal Church, 528 S. 5th St., El Centro.

There will be craft beers, wine-tasting, cheese and pates, art show and nonalcoholic punch.

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by contacting Elise Heald at 760-352-0110, Frances Rice at 760-357-2442 or Mary Anne Hilderbrant at 760-473-1985.

Oct. 26

St. Mary's School & Parish

Halloween Carnival 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 26, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 795 S. La Brucherie Road, El Centro.

Oct. 27

The Edge MudRun Challenge 9 a.m. To 2 p.m., Bullfrog Farms west of Seeley. Four miles, more than 40 obstacles.

For information, visit http://www.bit.ly/ edgemudrun The Edge Mudrun Challenge is a fundraiser for KYFC 95.3FM The Edge. The Edge is a l cal c n n fit adi stati n providing the youth of the valley with a positive alternative for music. The Edge is a youth operated station which gives high school students the opportunity to gain e e ience in a tec nical field

Oct. 27

Brawley Elks Oktoberfest Rib Cook-off 11 a.m., Brawley Elks #1420, 161 S. Plaza St., Brawley.

There will be $2,000 in prizes: $1,000 f fi st lace f sec nd for third and $250 for People’s Choice.

For team info, call Carlos at 760427-7580 or email him at carlos@ laschabelas.com. For vender info, email abraham@laschabelas.com

Oct. 27

Dia de los Muertos Celebration ct t e ld st ffice Pavilion, also known as La Casa de la Cultura. Sponsored by the city of El Centro.

Cultural music, contests, face painting, altars and more. There is no charge to attend the event and workshops.

For more information call 760-540-9056 or visit www.cityofelcentro.org

Oct. 28

Celebrate Light 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., First Christian Church, 450 S. Waterman Ave., El Centro.

Celebrate Light is a free event that is carnival-like with games, candy, puppet show, live band, dunk tank, mechanical bull af es and e ea u western clothes and come out for the fun. (Food is available for a small donation)

Oct. 28

Heber Fall Fiesta 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tito Huerta Park, 1265 N. Palm Ave., Heber. a ade and fiesta sta t at a Ca show will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Creepy Clown Chase 5K will be at

4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www. ebe fallfiesta c

Oct. 31

Trunk or Treat & Car Show 6 p.m. Oct. 31, Christ Community Church, 590 W. Orange Ave., El Centro. Block party featuring classic and muscle cars, Hawaiian shaved ice, House of Fear, and food booths.

NOVEMBER Nov. 2-3

Horse Ride of the Century From the East Highline Canal to Pioneers Museum. Bring your own horse or rent one. Personal letters from riders will be placed in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years. Entry fee is $250.

Download the registration packet at pioneersmuseum.net.

Contact Carson Kalin by email at IVRideofthecentury@gmail.com or Rudy Schaffner at 760-427-6627.

Nov. 3

Cattle Call Chili Cook-off 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Plaza Park, Brawley.

Sponsored by the Brawley Chamber of Commerce.

Fall 2018

35

Nov. 3

Food Truck Fiesta on Main Street 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., El Centro Town Square, 679 W. Main St. Hosted by Stranger West and City of El Centro Parks & Recreation.

Food trucks and carts, bands, live performances, face painting, local art, craft vendors, beer garden and Dia de los Muertos trunk altar contest.

Nov. 5

Cattle Call Kick-Off Mixer 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Brawley Chamber of Commerce, 204 S. Imperial Ave., Brawley.

For information, visit http://www. brawleychamber.com

Nov. 7

Fall 2018

Nov. 16-18 Desert Sunsets Tattoo Expo 3 p.m. Nov. 16, ends at 8 p.m. Nov. 18, Ricochet Rec Center, 450 W. Aten Road, Imperial. $10 daily pass, $20 three-day pass. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. Live tattooing, live music, food and drinks.

Nov. 17 Imperial Market Days 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., downtown Imperial.

Sponsored by the City of Imperial Department of Community Services.

Mariachi Night 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Bring the entire family to enjoy an evening of fun with great food, beer and a variety of local singers showing off their talents singing Mexican traditional ballads.

Nov. 18

Nov. 10

Nov. 30

Cattle Call Parade 9 a.m., downtown Brawley.

The parade will be led by the Grand Marshall and includes equestrian units, dec ated ats eat l cal bands and a

36

multitude of individual entries to entertain the entire family.

Christmas Packages Packing Party 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., American Legion Post 25, 569 Broadway, El Centro. There will be 150 care packages packed for deployed troops.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Street Fair 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Main Street and 11th Street, El Centro. Hosted by El Centro Parks & Recreation.

DECEMBER Dec. 1

by email to cuhsgreatspartanbank@gmail. com or by calling 760-336-4436.

73rd Annual El Centro Christmas Parade 10 a.m., downtown El Centro.

This year’s theme is “The Elf on the Shelf.”

Join the El Centro Chamber, Los Vigilantes and the City of El Centro as we celebrate the Christmas Spirit. This parade boasts more than 130 entries that include marching bands, school cheer, dance and drill teams, equestrian units and various C ist as t e ed ats f l cal residents and businesses.

Dec. 7

Parade of Lights The Imperial Parade of Lights will begin at 6 p.m., down Imperial Avenue in Imperial. nt ies includin ats a c in bands law enforcement and off-road vehicles, will be decorated with Christmas lights.

The parade will end at City Hall, where the Christmas tree will be lighted.

Dec. 8

Do you have an event you want to advertise with Imperial Valley Alive? Post it on our online calendar at www.imperialvalleyalive. com, send it to alex.noriega@reliancepr.com, or mail it to Reliance Public Relations, P.O. Box 1944, El Centro, CA 92244

Dec. 8 Christmas in a Small Town 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown Imperial. There will be booths selling crafts, food and other products as well as agencies providing information about the Valley’s various programs.

Dec. 15 Imperial Market Days 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., downtown Imperial.

Sponsored by the City of Imperial Department of Community Services.

Dec. 15 Calexico Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crummett Park, Calexico, featuring music, food, games and crafts booths. The theme is “Seasons Greetings.”

Call 760-768-2170 for more information.

Dec. 29

Valley Jazz Anniversary & Alumni Night 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Southwest High School, 2001 Ocotillo Drive, El Centro. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Jimmie Cannon’s Valley Jazz. All jazz alumni are invited. RSVP

Calexico Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crummett Park, Calexico, featuring music, food, games and crafts booths. The theme is “New Year, New You.” Call 760-768-2170 for more information. 

YOUR HOME, YOUR SUCCESS Find out if HomeReady mortgage* is right for you.

• • • •

Extended households may help you qualify Down payments as low as 3% Others who don’t live in the home can join you on the mortgage Homeownership education to help you succeed

Visit your local branch to get started today: Brawley 190 Main Street (760) 351-5000 Brawley 250 Wildcat Drive (760) 351-0731

El Centro Holtville 1448 W Main Street 502 Holt Avenue (760) 337-3200 (760) 356-5000 El Centro 2150 N. Waterman Ave (760) 353-4743

Income limits may apply. All loans subject to credit approval. HomeReady is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae.

*

RabobankAmerica.com/HomeReady Fall 2018

37

BIRDS CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 7

Egret, Palmetto Canal, Holtville. - Photo by Deborah Thornburg

38

Fall 2018

important places for birds in North America Today, bird numbers are dropping because the Sea is shrinking and its salinity is rising due to a water transfer with San Diego. The Sea’s once prolific fishery no longer supports vast ocks of cormorants and brown and white pelicans. To avert the loss of habitat vital to many species, local, state and federal agencies are working to restore habitat for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds on the now dry shorelines of the Sea. Despite the Sea’s challenges, vast numbers of birds still ock to the region because it is on the acific lyway, a 5,000-mile-long route stretching from Alaska to South America that birds instinctively follow on their seasonal migrations. What compels birds to land and stay is the region provides them with everything they want – water, habitat, food and open space. Those elements are becoming increasingly hard to find as development chews up land elsewhere in California. The largest numbers of birds are in the Valley from October to May, though many are here year-round.

The region has become the primary habitat for numerous species. At one time, it was estimated 90 percent of the U.S. population of eared grebes stopped at the Sea. And, more than 0 percent of burrowing owls in California live in the Salton Sea ecosystem, according to the U.S. ish Wildlife Service.

It was the advent of irrigation and large-scale farming that first caught the eye of migrating birds. The Sonny Bono refuge was established in 1930 in part to help farmers whose crops were being devoured by migratory birds, Schoneman said. Today, the refuge helps keep the peace between farm and fowl by planting 8 acres in alfalfa, wheat, rye grass, milo, millet and sudan grass as feed for wintering waterfowl, including some 30,000 snow geese and Canada geese.

Today some bird species and humans have developed a symbiotic relationship. For instance, white egrets and black ibis congregate in large numbers in fields being irrigated.

Irrigators track the progress of the water’s ow by the location of the birds that gorge on insects chased up by the

approaching water.

And burrowing owls, large owls and hawks help control rodent and pest problems around farmland. Turkey vultures are a protected species because they provide such an important environmental protection service in eating carrion that otherwise would be breeding grounds for pathogens.

The Valley’s welcoming arms offer birds more than the Sea and vast stretches of farmland. Within its , 82 square miles, Imperial County has five distinct habitats, including towns and marshes, lakes and canals, spaces enticing to different species. Even birds never seen in California or in the ower 8 states have been known to visit the Valley.

In 2006, a small bird rarely seen anywhere except the arctic, called a Ross’s gull, landed and made itself at home on the shore of the Salton Sea for a few days. That sighting sent shockwaves through the bird-watching world. In response to a “rare bird alert pointed out on the Internet, more than 00 bird watchers arrived at the Sea in time to catch a glimpse, and lots of photos, of the little gull before it ew off.

Yet, you need not travel far, pack high power binoculars or know every species, genus, or phylum to catch a glimpse of the remarkable variety of bird life that brightens the Valley.

Just take some time to look, listen and enjoy. 

Burrowing owls are seen on Schali Road in Holtville. - Photo by Marcia R Jennings

Fall 2018

39

BORDER TACTICAL CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 27

HORSEPOWER CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 26

maintains a vast service center for implements of all shapes and sizes. It also is expanding RDO Water, its irrigation and consulting services that assist growers with precision farming practices that increase water use efficiency and improve crop productivity. RDO includes a set of online tools to assist in precision farming.

Modern tractors have evolved far beyond the classic openair model. Today, most models have enclosed cabs for the operator’s safety and comfort.

Now, many tractors are equipped with such space-age features such as S devices, which are particularly useful in the Imperial Valley for the precise field leveling needed for gravity ow irrigation. Some tractors even come with robust computer systems used to implement precision farming practices that conserve water and optimize yield.

Other tractors are geared to work with drones to reduce fuel usage and improve field coverage by implements. Some offer unique features, such as tank-like tracks, instead of wheels, to optimize traction.

Today, the cabs of some of tractors are so full of complex instrumentation and technology they look more like an airplane cockpit than something to drive through a field. And they require math and other skills to operate.

Even more advances are on the horizon, including driverless tractor prototypes to address concerns about labor cost and lack of workers. Growers follow these developments anxiously because the nation’s very food source depends on the job they will perform.

IVVGA applauds these tractor companies and their employees as our partners in providing more food to feed the nation and beyond. 

BREAKFAST Brunch & Lunch

WAFFLE SANDWICH

3049 N IMPERIAL AVE EL CENTRO, CA 92243

6AM - 2PM •DAILY

FIESTA BURRITO

VOTED BEST BREAKFAST

2018

THEBROKENYOLKCAFE.COM

40

Fall 2018

“Our goal, Harmon said, “is to provide one-stopshop convenience for the best brands of equipment, uniforms and gear at a good price, all with dedicated, knowledgeable staff here to serve you.

While the Harmon family and new store co-manager, Chanel Chastain, may be new to the business, the management team is packed with experience and talent, Mary Harmon said. Arturo Covarrubias, the store apparel division manager, worked for a national police uniform and equipment manufacturer prior to joining the Border Tactical staff four years ago. And, Ben Pacrem, store shooting range manager, a veteran and an exceptional marksman, has been a Border Tactical employee for more than six years..

A dedication to service and creativity led the Harmons and the management team to develop the Border Tactical Mobile Unit, a unique mini-store in a trailer. The unit, stocked with agency approved uniforms, tactical equipment, shoes, patches and with onboard embroidery and tailoring services, will be sent by appointment to area corrections facilities and police and fire departments.

And more innovations are on the way. Plans are in the works to add a caf that will feature Black i e Coffee, made by a veteran-owned, veteran-staffed company, which is drawing rave reviews on social media.

Said Chastain, “We’re working to make improvements, but one thing won’t change: we are local. We want to be a welcoming place for the community to stop in, to shop, to hang out and, pretty soon, to have a great cup of coffee. 

CATTLE CALL CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 9

with a new row of seats added daily. Four days before the first rodeo there, bucking chutes were installed. They had been built at utherford’s Orita and and Cattle Company.

And 2 -hours before the first rodeo, Willey was spearheading a group painting 2,040 numbers on the arena’s seats. Kalin, a youngster then, remembers being a “runner for his mom. He also has a painful memory of getting his foot run over by a cart carrying chairs while helping to set up folding chairs in the box seating area.

The first rodeo was held at the new arena Oct. 2 and 2 , 8. Del Hubbard of Phoenix came away with the best AllAround Cowboy title and with it, a 300 saddle donated by the Cowboy Shop, a Brawley Western apparel store.

Today’s rodeo committee has expanded from the original four, who are all now deceased. However, with Kalin are two other “legacy members. Curt utherford is a nephew, and Phil Rutherford is the son, of Ed Rutherford. Others on today’s Rodeo Committee are Don Alford, arry Allen, Danny Williams, Robin Williams and Mark Huber. lying U odeo Company has been the stock contractor since the early 1960s.

While today’s odeo Committee has monthly meetings through the year, Kalin

says that actual planning of the rodeo is almost automatic. “After as many years as we have been doing it, it just happens, he said. Each committee member is responsible for a specific area. or example, Danny Williams is liaison with the rofessional odeo Cowboys Association ( CA) and handles the announcer, clowns and other entertainers. Alford puts together the wild horse races.

As for challenges, Kalin wrapped them all into one word: “Funding. It takes a lot of money to put a show on. Because of our sponsors, we are able to survive, he said. In fact, the rodeo has generated major funding that has been put back into the arena. Over the years, the Cattle Call has provided more than million in improvements there. The committee has an agreement with the city that all proceeds after expenses will be spent on the facilities. or the 20 8 event, alin is hoping for a first a sellout of all three performances.

Each year, individual performances have sold out but never all of them at the same time.

It was after the second year of the event the first in the new arena that there was a certainty the celebration had permanency. Two days after the 8 rodeo, The Brawley News editorialized

Rodeo champion Lewis Feild listens to Dick Smith, - Undated photo courtesy of Carson Kalin “Brawley’s Cattle Call has grown up.¨ “While it has not reached its full stature, it’s obvious that the community-wide celebration is destined to take its place with other big time promotions of its type in the nation, the editorial proclaimed.

And the salad dressing In , Hal Biers, general manager of the Brawley Chamber of Commerce, came up with the dressing that won a national contest and gained publicity throughout the country. He called it Brawley’s Cattle Call Special.

The recipe is posted on the Imperial Valley Alive! Facebook page. 

Equipment for all your needs:

RDO does that.

RDO Equipment Co. is Imperial’s trusted partner for exceptional support, service, and reliable parts.

Contact us today for all your equipment needs.

Imperial, CA 3275 Hwy 86 760-355-7800

www.rdoequipment.com

Fall 2018

41

CUSTOM WORK CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 13

Hamilton compares creating a piece of jewelry to a piece of art, yet it must be functional as well.

“Not everyone can make a piece of jewelry that someone else will wear, she said. “You’re actually wearing art. … It has to be extremely well-made to stand the test of time.

Like any small business owner, he works after hours, weekends, on days off.

“It’s just what you do, he said. He wore his optivisor (glasses for magnifying) throughout the interview and admits to having driven home with them on occasion. Another hazard of the job, he admits, but the magnifiers have saved his eyes through years of painstaking detail TOP: From this workbench, Scott DeVoy work. designs and sketches a concept using a Every day is different, he said. Some cylindrical green "carving wax¨. days are spent all day at his work bench, some interacting with customers all day BOTTOM: Scott DeVoy shows a pink rubber long. He doesn’t seem to mind. Rather, he injection mold from which rings (left) were smiles as he speaks about what he may cast. face throughout the work day.

“It’s not always easy and simple it create an original piece while many in the can be excruciating sometimes but industry have moved toward computeronce you get to the finished product assisted carving. and you look at it and you go, ‘man, “Scott, bar none, is an ama ing jeweler, that’s beautiful,’ that just makes it all worthwhile, DeVoy said.  said Hamilton.

42

Fall 2018

FOOTBALL FIELD CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 15

years of experience, they said they are optimistic about this year’s Wildcat team and its ability to also make a deep playoff run.

Brawley has an NCAA Div. I commit under center in Casey line, who will compete in the CI San Diego Section Div. III playoffs come November. “(Brawley) is doing pretty well, and as the season goes on they seem to improve, Don said. “They’ve done pretty well so far, and it looks like they’ll have a little better chance in the playoffs because they’re in a different division this year.

The brothers also admitted that one of the most frustrating changes they’ve seen over the years was the new playoff ranking system and earlier starts to the season. This year, the season kicked off on Aug. .

“It’s a far cry from when I was in school, Bob recalled. “We didn’t even start practice until after Labor Day and when we won CI it might have been just a week before Christmas.

While a lot has changed from the first time Bob and Don worked the chains, some traditions remain, like the rivalry with Central, the support of a town for its school and most notably, a winning tradition.

“It is amazing that over the years they’ve continued to have a strong program, Don said of BUHS. Yet perhaps even more amazing is these two brothers’ frontrow view of it all. 

Football chain gang member Bob Shank holds a "down marker¨ during a game between Brawley Union High School´s Wildcats and Yuma Catholic´s Shamrocks at Warne Field in Brawley. Brawley varsity football won 41-20. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero

Fall 2018

43

GUIDE DOGS CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 17

Pam Buckley gives a command to Butch. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero will live together 24/7. We have to teach the new owner how to work with their dog.

The organization’s puppy placers and raisers get to know their dogs, which helps match them with their new owners. Older folk, for instance, prefer a dog not as active, according to Heggie.

“For a younger person that likes to hike and be outdoors, we might pick a dog that likes activity and is high strung, she said.

“We had a gentlemen from Bra il, she continued. “He needed a dog that is comfortable in a city situation … car horns.

Puppies must pass a strict screening and have the right temperament if they’re going to go into training.

“Some dogs are too hyper. Some are too sedentary, Heggie said. “You never know what you’re going to get, even if from the same litter.

The organization works with a dog breeder in the Los Angeles area. Once the puppies are old enough, they come to campus, where training begins. When ready, they’re placed with puppy raisers, like the Buckleys, for about 8 months. “( uppy raisers) are instructed to take puppies everywhere they go, Heggie said.

Puppies undergo further, one-on-one training when they return to campus, before they are eventually matched with

44

Fall 2018

their new owner.

But not all puppies that train for guide dog duty graduate.

Take, for instance, Lucky, an all-black German shepherd the Buckleys have had for about eight years.

“He was in training to be a guide dog, Carroll said. “But he has severe environmental allergies. They noticed them pretty early.

Dogs don’t sweat, Carroll said. They get dry, itchy skin.

Allergies become apparent when dogs start chewing their legs. “ ucky had all the obedience and sociali ation, Carroll continued.

Nowadays Lucky is on medication and, as a longtime member of the Buckley family, hangs out with Butch.

Those that get guide dogs gain the opportunity to do so much more, such as to travel and go places they were never able to go before, Heggie said. The dogs act as their owners’ eyes and ears.

“With the cane I had to have someone with me, Heggie quoted one of their clients as saying about life before a guide dog.

And key to giving someone independence are the Buckleys and the rest of the puppy raisers.

“It’s huge, Heggie said of their efforts. “Without puppy raisers we would have to quadruple our staff. They’re all volunteers. Without them we would have to quadruple our donor dollars. They are, basically, the backbone of our organi ation. 

Fall 2018

45

Your Photos Our readers have done it again. To go along with the cooler weather of fall and the ever-popular bird-watching in our Imperial Valley, we asked for readers to send us photos they had taken of birds. They delivered. Enjoy these images taken by some of the Valley s gifted Ducks line up at Baker Lake north of Imperial. - Photo by Dane Knight amateur and professional photographers. 

A hummingbird comes in for a landing in Salton City.

- Photo by Velma Ruiz Pacrem

Bird at Salton Sea - Photo by Marcia R Jennings

ORGANICS

29250 Rio Del Sol Rd | Thousand Palms, CA 92276 www.SARECYCLINGORGANICS.com | (760) 343-0499

OUR PRODUCTS ORGANIC COMPOST ORGANIC MULCH CUSTOM SOIL BLENDS

MULCH AND COMPOST • • • • • • • •

46

Fall 2018

Suitable for food crop production Improves Water Holding Capacity Increases Soil Organic Matter (SOM) Improves Soil Structure Suppresses Weed Growth Dust Control No Manures or Bio Solids Delivery and spreading available

Robotic Surgery Just Got a Whole Lot Better

ECRMC is home to the da Vinci® Xi™, the next generation in robotic surgical equipment. The da Vinci® Xi™ is the most advanced minimally invasive option for surgeries in the areas of colorectal, general, gynecologic and urology.

The benefits include:

Less Pain Smaller Incision Less blood loss Faster Recovery Return to your normal activities sooner

ecrmc.org

(760) 339-7260

Fall 2018

47

48

Fall 2018