Summer 2021 by ReliancePublicRelations

Summer 2021

STAY AWAY, STAY ALIVE. NEVER SWIM IN CANALS NEVER PLAY NEAR CANALS NEVER JUMP INTO CANALS Dippy Duck wants to remind everyone to this summer. Visit Dippy Duck’s Facebook page  / DippyDuckSafety or dippyduck.com for more information and activities.

Summer 2021

Publishers' Message More than 18 months after the novel coronavirus landed on U.S. shores, our North Star remains elusive as we navigate toward some semblance of normalcy. Just as we become comfortable, another paradigm shift knocks us off-kilter. Guidelines change, caseloads surge, variants threaten, and then, hopefully, things settle down again. We are all in this together, and we have proven that we as a community are resilient. For us, the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, this magazine. Putting together this publication and its sister, Valley Agribusiness, during a pandemic has challenged each of us in myriad ways. Like others working toward a common goal, we’ve managed to meet those challenges head-on, learning as we go, stretching ourselves and our resources. We’ve learned to work differently, juggling schedules from home or office, via phone or video calls, and coordinating the efforts of our sales team and the talented folks who write, edit, photograph and design this publication, all while meeting the needs of our public relations clients. Meanwhile, restrictions have eased, raising hopes for the future. But COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise again and it is clearer than ever that we must strike the right balance as we look ahead. Continued caution is needed, to take actions to protect ourselves and our communities in order to avoid another shutdown. Still, we are holding onto hope that we can soon again safely gather to enjoy traditions so familiar and beloved. With all of the current events in mind, organizers have been moving forward on planning fall and spring activities. As you’ll read in the pages that follow, plans are in the works for November’s

Moving forward and striking the right balance

Cattle Call Rodeo in Brawley – in person this year -- and the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta next March in Imperial. The Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall, delayed for more than a year, will be on display at El Centro’s Bucklin Park in the days surrounding Veterans Day. This memorial, though half the size of the original in our nation’s capital, is just as evocative, those in the know say. Major local sponsors include VFW Post 9305, the City of El Centro, the Imperial Valley Breakfast Rotary Club and AT&T. As you’ll read, the reopening of movie theaters made it possible for the local showing of “Christmas in July,” a movie written by Bret Kofford. Kofford is a faculty member at San Diego State University Imperial Valley and former editor of the Imperial Valley Press who continues to write a column for that publication. Coming months will also bring the public reopening of the Imperial Valley Food Bank and of Bard Valley’s Cloud Museum, a littlepublicized but impressive collection of antique vehicles, machinery, and household equipment. Also inside this issue you will discover how scholarships given by the Vegetable Growers Association benefited recipients, including that agency’s new executive director, and the future of the Valley’s agribusiness industry. And you can learn about the potential benefits lithium-extraction efforts would bring to our county. We, like many of you, are looking forward to activities in the coming months. Organizers are keeping an eye on our county’s circumstances and regulations to ensure they can be done safely. We urge you to check their websites for updates as we get closer to those events. 

From left are Bill Gay, Sue Gay, Heidi Gutierrez, Peggy Dale, Susan Giller, Alejandra Noriega and Bill Amidon. - Photo by Charla Teeters-Stewart Summer 2021

INDEX |

Volume 5, Number 3 EDITORS & PUBLISHERS Bill Gay Sue Gay Susan Giller Peggy Dale Bill Amidon

CONTRIBUTORS Stefanie Campos Darren Simon

COVER PHOTO Kenny Robertson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bill Amidon Mickey Dale Bill Gay Heidi Gutierrez Charla Teeters-Stewart Joselito Villero

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Alejandra Noriega Alejandra Pereida

WEB DESIGNERS Jesus Uriarte Sergio Uriarte

SALES

Bill Amidon Heidi Gutierrez John Lovecchio

ADVERTISING

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

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Summer 2021

ENJOY |

attle Call Rodeo Committee C prepares for rodeo’s return, Page 6 “ Christmas in July” delights fans of screenwriter, Page 10 alifornia Midwinter Fair gears up C for 2022, Page 14

RESPECT |

obile Veteran Memorial Wall M coming to El Centro, Page 8

COVER PHOTO: Jamie Jo La Fortune competes in the 2020 Cattle Call Rodeo, one of only two last year in the state. The Brawley rodeo was held virtually, with no spectators in the stands. - Photo by Kenny Robertson Photography

EXPLORE |

ard Valley museum is window B into the past, Page 12

EDUCATE |

I VVGA scholarships produce crop of ag experts, Page 16 ithium extraction moves closer to L reality, Page 18

DINE |

Looking for a place to eat? Look no further, Pages 20-22

INSIDE | Publishers’ message, Page 3 Readers’ photos, Page 31 Food Bank reopens, Page 24 Museums, parks, Pages 32-33

ICBHS’ PET Project, Pages 34-35 Valley’s first catheterization lab opens at PMHD, Page 36 ECRMC mental health services offer comprehensive care, Page 38

Badges promoting the mobile Vietnam Wall are shown during a recent gathering of Imperial Valley Vietnam veterans. - Photo by Heidi Gutierrez

Ford vehicles from the turn of the last century are on display at the Cloud Museum in the Bard Valley in eastern Imperial County. - Photo by Mickey Dale

Summer 2021

ENJOY |

A contestant competes in the 2020 Cattle Call Rodeo, held virtually with no spectators allowed in the stands. - Photo by Kenny Robertson Photography

Cattle Call By Darren Simon

If there ever was a question of just how important the Cattle Call Rodeo is to the Imperial Valley, the 2020 rodeo held amid the COVID-19 shutdowns provided proof that from its very beginning 64 years ago, Cattle Call has not only been a celebration of community, but it has also been lifted up by that very same community. In the months leading up to last year’s rodeo, the Cattle Call Rodeo Committee had a difficult decision to make: Cancel the rodeo for the first time in its history or hold the rodeo without spectators and without the ticket sales needed to fund the rodeo. Summer 2021

Rodeo's return is thanks to community support

The committee decided the rodeo must go on, and Imperial Valley unequivocally showed its support with sponsors and donors coming forward just as they had in years past. New donors also came forward to show their support, and community members, local companies and organizations bought boxed seats for a rodeo they knew they couldn’t attend. “They all helped us to be able to do the rodeo last year and we will be forever grateful,” said Carson Kalin, who chairs the rodeo committee. Ultimately, Cattle Call Rodeo was only one of two rodeos held in California last year—which made the rodeo that much

more important to the contestants. Flash ahead to 2021, and as the saying goes, what a difference a year makes. This year’s rodeo—the 65th annual Cattle Call—will once again have spectators with a greenlight from Imperial County that has loosened COVID restrictions in keeping with state guidelines. As a thank you to all the support the rodeo received last year, Kalin is promising a rodeo that will once again celebrate the community and be “one of best rodeos” the committee has ever produced. “This will not be one to miss. You are going to want to see this rodeo,” said Kalin. The 2021 Cattle Call Rodeo will be held

Nov. 13 and 14, and all the traditional events will be returning, with plenty of professional rodeo contestants who compete in events from bareback and bull riding to barrel racing. Fan favorite events will also be returning, including mutton busting for children, the coin toss (a kind of treasure hunt), wild horse racing, team penning and Family Day at the rodeo on Nov. 14. The rodeo committee is also preparing to hold the Mini-Rodeo again for children and seniors who might not otherwise be able to attend the main rodeo. Award winning announcer Randy Corley will be back as will rodeo clown Charley “Too Tall” West. Famed parachutist Kent Lane will return to open the three rodeo performances, and at mid-summer, Kalin said the rodeo committee is negotiating with a number of other contract entertainers. As always, the Flying U Rodeo, which has been a part of Cattle Call Rodeo from its very earliest days, will provide the livestock, ensuring that some of the bestranked bulls and bucking broncs provide exciting performances throughout the rodeo. This year will even feature a Jumbotron screen for spectators to enjoy instant

The stands were empty in 2020, but Cattle Call still went on for rodeo contestants. - Photo by Kenny Robertson Photography replays. The rodeo will also be televised, as it was last year, on the Cowboy Channel. “I am so looking forward to seeing spectators once again in the stands,” Kalin said. “Last year we only had four cardboard cutouts in the stands of John

Wayne, George Bush, Darth Vader and Elvis Presley, and that just didn’t cut it. It will mean so much to walk into that rodeo stadium this year and see the crowds. The stadium seats 5,500 people per CONTINUED | PAGE 26

Summer 2021

RESPECT |

Back row, from left, are Jason Jackson, Tom Henderson, Jesus "Jessie¨ Chavarria, Al Celaya, Joe Noriega, David Gauthier and Ed Castillo-Rubio. In front, from left, are Al Garcia and Richard Ortega. - Photo by Heidi Gutierrez

Vietnam Memorial Wall

Valley to host mobile version in November

By Bill Gay

A visit to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., evokes many emotions. Settled in a section of the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial, a short distance from a busy Constitution Avenue, the wall is an uncommonly quiet place. Visitors privately, or in groups, ponder the thousands of individual names. They carry personal meaning for most visitors. Some leave memorials of their own. This November emotions, memories and tributes will be on display in El Centro’s Bucklin Park when a smaller, traveling version of the wall displays those same names. The visit of the Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall is the result of several years of hard work and planning by Imperial Valley’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9305 with assistance from several other organizations. The Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall is being brought to the Valley by Point Man Antelope Valley, a nonprofit faith-based veterans organization. The wall they are providing is a half-size tribute monument of the Washington, D.C., memorial, but anyone The Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall (above during a previous tour) will be coming to El Centro in November. who has ever visited this smaller wall can attest to the fact it - Photo courtesy of AV Wall.org evokes the same emotions. Summer 2021

Local major sponsors of the event, in addition to the VFW Post 9305, are the City of El Centro, the Imperial Valley Breakfast Rotary Club and AT&T. Tom Henderson is coordinating the project on behalf of the VFW post. Henderson, a Vietnam veteran, is seeking assistance during the visit from Vietnam veterans as well as others who have an interest in assisting. The wall’s visit will be a week-long effort that begins Nov. 8 with volunteers prepping the Bucklin Park site. A 24/7 guard at the site also will be established that evening, which will run through Nov. 15 when the wall departs. Site preparation will continue Nov. 9, and that evening organizers will be training the many volunteers for various events. The wall itself arrives in El Centro on Nov. 10 and will be paraded past El Centro schools. Ceremonies, including those honoring Gold Star families, are scheduled at 11 a.m. when the wall assembly begins. Volunteer “Battle Brothers and Sisters,” veterans who served with or otherwise knew people who are on the wall, will be installing wall panels with those names. All wall panels will be individually installed by

veteran volunteers. Henderson said he expects it will take three to four hours to install all of the panels. The official ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. on Nov. 10 with remembrance ceremonies by the VFW. “We scheduled it for that time so no one will need to miss work,” Henderson said. The ceremony will include a call-out of the 31 Valley residents whose names are on the wall. The following day, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day and the City of El Centro will have ceremonies at the Wall from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Henderson said the effort has been a three-year project that was postponed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was especially appreciative of work by former El Centro City Council member Jason Jackson, Adriana Nava, El Centro Community Services Director, and her entire staff. “I especially want to recognize the role Jason played in getting the city to support the Wall project,” Henderson said. “His personal contacts have been significant.” Meanwhile, Henderson still needs volunteers. He has a spreadsheet that

Two men look for names on the Mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall that is coming to El Centro in November. CONTINUED | PAGE 28 - Photo courtesy of AV Wall.org

Summer 2021

ENJOY |

"Christmas in July¨ By Susan Giller “Christmas in July,” the feature-length movie for which Bret Kofford wrote the original screenplay, had its long delayed national premiere on a recent Friday night at The Movies in Imperial. Yet basking in the glow of the marquee lights and taking a bow wasn’t Kofford’s purpose that night. The writer, best known locally as a member of the English faculty at SDSU Imperial Valley and for the column he writes in the Imperial Valley Press, was there to see his people. Kofford arrived early and stayed late to connect with friends, family and former students, a diverse cast of people who add soul and spice to his life and who relish their roles as part of his extended clan. To be sure, they were at the Movies to shout accolades and applaud with gusto when Kofford’s name flashed on the screen in the credits.

Summer 2021

Movie written by Bret Kofford is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google TV and Fandango

He, however, was just as eager to catch up with each and every one of them, to add to the connection, the relationship, they share. To him, these relationships matter. They are the heart and soul of his life. They offer the muse and material for the character-rich stories he loves to spin for students, friends and readers of his column. Now his penchant for sharing funny, and sometimes poignant, stories is gaining bigger audiences and wider acclaim. “Christmas in July” was featured in 2019 at the 16th annual Knoxville Film Festival in Tennessee. It has gone on to get numerous nominations, including a best screenplay nomination for Kofford at the 2020 International Christian Film Festival, where the movie won an honorable mention best film. For Kofford, “Christmas in July” is A fan chats with Bret Kofford before the special and personal. Despite its Hallmark-sounding title, the movie is not showing of the movie in Imperial.

- Photo by Heidi Gutierrez

a formulaic love story. It is a script that delves into painful themes such as loss and guilt, as well as matters of faith, that families endure with love. The movie is about Daniel, a former musical sensation who has lost his inspiration and is drifting through life. With his irascible, but cherished, grandmother in a nursing home declining from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease and a heart problem, Daniel decides to create one last happy Christmas to share with her. Working to achieve that goal helps Daniel reach profound realizations and find his way in life again. Getting the script into production grew out of a uniquely local connection. Kofford said he and Myles Matsuno, who directed and produced the movie, met when they both were judges and speakers at an annual Imperial County Film Festival in the early 2000s. Matsuno’s connection to the Valley goes even deeper. He has family here and spent part of his childhood here, according to Kofford. Yet turning a story into a screenplay is nothing new for Kofford. “I think I’ve always been a storyteller,” he said. “My dad was a storyteller, too.” He believes stories help teach. “My students like me to tell stories,” he said. “I think that the key to being a good teacher is if you can engage students with practical life stories to make it (the subject) relevant.” He may have a point. He has been voted most outstanding SDSU Imperial Valley full-time faculty member by the student body every year for more than a

The crowd starts to fill the theater at The Movies in Imperial for the national premiere of "Christmas in July.¨ - Photo by Heidi Guttierez decade. Yet it is when he stops talking that his muse turns to writing screenplays. That happens in the hours he spends in his home office with little but his ideas, a well-used computer and a couple of snoozing dogs. “Since I was a little kid, I loved going to the theater,” he said. “I remember being so wrapped up in the experience that nothing else mattered. I want to create that experience for others.” He remembers going to see “Old Yeller” with his older brothers. “I loved it. I got so caught up in the movie, I bawled,” he said. “My brothers were so embarrassed they actually stuffed me under the seats.” Despite the family drama, Kofford has been writing screenplays regularly for

about 15 years and has had a couple of other movies, including “12 Dogs of Christmas,” some short features and TV episodes produced and winning awards. His keen memory for the details that breathe life into characters and his insatiable curiosity help make his screenplays compelling. “I’m a snoop,” he said. “I’m always listening to how people talk around me. I don’t care what they’re talking about, I’m just curious,” he said. And he continued to write, often many projects simultaneously. “Writing is a craft that you have to practice,” he said. But it is life that inspires him to write. It may be memories drawn from a lifetime of experiences. Or a song title. Or a conversation. CONTINUED | PAGE 27

Summer 2021

EXPLORE |

Johnny Cloud gives a tour of the Cloud Museum in Bard Valley in eastern Imperial County. - Photo by Peggy Dale

Cloud Museum By Peggy Dale

Tucked away in southeastern Imperial County sits the Cloud Museum, a threeacre plot of land that pays tribute not only to the first years of motorized life, but to the early years of Imperial and Yuma counties themselves. The Model T sedan perched atop the fence lining the museum immediately grabs the attention of drivers rounding the corner onto York Road in Bard Valley. The antique cars, tractors and automotive memorabilia lining the property may be familiar sights for those on their way to Imperial Dam or camping and fishing spots along the Colorado River. For a couple of weekend adventurers, stumbling across the place on a Sunday afternoon drive during the pandemic lockdown, it offers wonder and Summer 2021

Antique collection pays homage to counties' early years distraction. The museum came into being after Johnny Cloud, a retired farmer, found himself bored after leasing out his farmland about 31 years ago. So, he started collecting antiques. “My dad had a Model T Ford and I liked it,” said Cloud, 77. The Model T was an affordable car for families in its day, with more than 15 million manufactured between 1908 to 1927, according to history.com. About 5 million Model A cars, successor to the Model T, were sold between 1927 and 1931. During the 1930s, the Dust Bowl clouded hopes and dreams of families living in the southwestern Great Plains states and “drought refugees” by the thousands headed west. Many packed themselves and whatever belongings they could bring

Cloud explains the use of equipment in his museum to visitor Mickey Dale. - Photo by Peggy Dale

Some of the more than 200 antique vehicles Cloud has collected are housed in one of the museum's outbuildings. - Photo by Mickey Dale into Ford Model Ts or Model As for that long journey west. Many of these Dust Bowl refugees settled in Yuma or Imperial counties, making lives for themselves in the Southwest desert, in what truly must have felt like an arid and foreign land. Cloud’s museum pieces evoke memories of stories told by some of these newcomers to the desert. While he didn’t initially intend for his collection to become a museum, Cloud

found his own interests gaining the attention of passersby, so a museum it became. His dad’s Model T may have been the first in his collection, but it was quickly joined by others found wherever Cloud could get them. Today he has a little over 200 cars on the property, including 40 Model As and 115 Model Ts. “Every car here I drove here in person,” he said. “If you The museum also is home to automobile CONTINUED | PAGE 30 memorabilia. - Photo by Mickey Dale

Summer 2021

ENJOY |

The 2020 California Midwinter Fair was held days before California's lockdown began. - Photo by Bill Gay

'Let's Celebrate'

2022 Midwinter Fair theme recognizes tragedies, celebrates reopening

By Bill Gay

Fair officials are making plans that they hope will result in the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds entertaining throngs of people in March for the 2022 edition of the California Midwinter Fair. “We are hopeful that we will be back to a normal fair,” said Chief Executive Officer Alan Phillips. “There are still lots of unknowns and we are still six months out,” but he is planning for a traditional event. “Let’s Celebrate” has been chosen as the theme for the 10-day fair, which will open Friday, March 4, and run through Sunday, March 13. The theme is intended to recognize the tragedies of the past 12 months as well as celebrate the reopening of Summer 2021

Members of Future Farmers of America and 4H show their championship swine to a judge during the final drive of a 2021 Grading Show that was held in lieu of the traditional California Mid-Winter Fair livestock events. - Photo by Bill Gay

society. Specific entertainment and events will be announced in the fall. As plans go forward, there are still uncertainties due to a fair entertainment industry that was severely impacted by the pandemic closures. “This year and next year will be transitional for the entertainment industry before things become stabilized,” Phillips said. He said he is not sure yet what restrictions — if any — will be placed upon fair attendees or exhibits. The San Diego County Fair at Del Mar resumed this summer with an attendance cap and elimination of on-site ticket sales. There also were limits on carnival rides and a reduction of food booths. Some commercial buildings were open but there were no grandstand concerts. The 2020 California Midwinter Fair was the last fair held in California before all activities were shut down in the state as COVID-19 cases surged. Substitute events were held locally this year in lieu of a full fair, including drive-through fair food festivals and a livestock grading show in March. Financially, the past year has been difficult for the fair with its primary revenue sources closed down due to the pandemic. However, it had sufficient fiscal reserves to maintain operations without layoffs of what was already a lean staff that is filled with “multitaskers who wear a lot of hats,” Phillips said. “The fair board (the 45th District Agriculture Association) has done a very good job over the past 12 years of putting money away,” he said, adding that those funds had been originally designated for some major projects on the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds but had to be used for ongoing expenses. The past year's state budget did include some funding for struggling fairs to help them cover long-term liabilities related to layoffs. Some of the unused funds were distributed to all of the fairs across California. 

This 2020 photo of the the California Mid-Winter carnival (above), had a different look in 2021 when the only activities were food events and a livestock grading show (right). - Photos by Sue Gay and Bill Amidon

Summer 2021

EDUCATE |

Emiliano Fuchan, recipient of the Ed McGrew scholarship this year, beside the farm equipment he drives this summer. -Photo by Susan Giller

Veg Growers By Susan Giller

The Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association (IVVGA) focus is on produce, but the future is very much at the heart of its mission. For that reason, the organization cultivates the industry’s promise by offering scholarships to local students who aspire to study agriculture in college. Over the years, IVVGA has helped a bumper crop of students get their education in majors directly related to agriculture. Sometimes the program has reaped unexpected returns for the organization. A case in point is new IVVGA Executive Director Shelby Dill Trimm. “There is no question about it,” Trimm said, “I wouldn’t be here had it not been for this scholarship,” she said. Trimm was a senior at Brawley Union High School when she first learned about Summer 2021

Scholarships seeding the future with ag leaders

and applied for the IVVGA’s Produce scholarship. She studied Agricultural Education at Oklahoma State University, where she had to work three jobs to meet the cost of her degree. The scholarship let her focus more on her studies and improve her gradepoint average. “I was so grateful to the organization,” she said, “I asked if I could help by doing a summer internship with Veg Growers to show my appreciation.” Even when she did the internship with the organization, Trimm said she still planned to be an ag instructor once she graduated. Then the pandemic hit, she moved back to Brawley and applied for the position with IVVGA that would open with the planned retirement of former Executive Director Kay Day Pricola. IVVGA offers a couple of types of scholarships. The IV Produce Scholarships, which range from $250 to $2,000, are given annually to assist

Imperial Valley students “who wish to continue their studies in agriculturally related majors,” according to the Veg Growers website. “This is done with the hope that those students will then return to benefit the industry through their studies.” This year, 15 Imperial Valley students earned the IV Produce Scholarships. Veg Growers also offers a prestigious Ed McGrew Scholarship in recognition of one of the organization’s founding members, who also is widely recognized as an ambassador for agriculture. McGrew is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. This scholarship is awarded in addition to the Produce Scholarship to a student who is planning to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, has worked in ag and, according to the IVVGA website, “Demonstrates an understanding that the community is benefited by agriculture and agriculture by the community (and)

Shelby Dill - Photo Courtesy of the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association Displays a willingness to explore new frontiers and opportunities in agriculture.” This year’s Ed McGrew Scholarship recipient is Emiliano Fuchen, who graduated this year from Southwest High School. He plans to study entomology and plant sciences with the intention of becoming a pest control advisor in the Valley. Fuchen is driving tractors and farm equipment this summer for Schaffner Dairy, which also grows corn and alfalfa and other field crops in the Holtville area. He said his decision to go into the field of agriculture was influenced by his experiences in 4-H, FFA and his ag teachers and mentors in high school. “I know all the different things that it takes to get food on the table,” he said. “The opportunities here are enormous. What really helped me out are the connections I’ve made with so many people here. They helped me make a career choice and made me want to give back to this community as much as I can.” Fuchen did not grow up in a family connected with farming. “To my family, agriculture is like a space alien,” he said. “To them it’s a total stranger.” His parents had their doubts when he wanted to get his first pig for 4-H, he said, adding he raised the money for the animal himself. They have, however, been supportive of his academic efforts and his career choice. Fuchen said he came to realize how immense the agricultural CONTINUED | PAGE 19 Summer 2021

Lithium

Extraction interest and work rev up

By Susan Giller

Imperial County is on the verge of revving up its already rich renewable energy production portfolio. The coveted new sustainable energy on the block is lithium, a mineral that can be extracted from the super-hot brine now used to fuel the geothermal power plants at the Salton Sea. Lithium extraction from geothermal brine has long been proposed as an environmentally sound, U.S.-based source of the mineral needed to produce batteries for electric vehicles (EV). Yet despite ongoing work by three Salton Sea geothermal developers, the future commercial-scale lithium extraction remained uncertain. That changed this summer when Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) announced it formed a strategic investment and commercial collaboration with General Motors (GM) to supply the manufacturer with sustainably produced lithium from the company’s Hell’s Kitchen proposed 275 megawatt geothermal/lithium plant at the southeast corner of the Salton Sea. “World-wide growth in electric vehicle adoption has highlighted the critical need to develop a strong and secure battery supply chain in the United States,” Rod Colwell, CTR’s Chief Executive Offi ce, said when announcing the agreement with GM. In addition to CTR, Salton Sea geothermal producers Energy Source and Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company’s CalEnergy are also developing lithium extraction projects to capitalize on the need of the mineral for the red-hot electric vehicle market. The CTR agreement with GM has been called a “game changer” by many and has raised hopes that ancillary industries including EV battery makers might want to locate in the Imperial Valley. Despite the financing and renewed interest in the resource, there are still several speed bumps in the road to the environmentally sound process of extracting environmentally friendly, sustainable lithium from geothermal brine here. Currently, the most lithium in the U.S. is imported from pit mines and evaporation ponds in China, Chile, Argentina and Australia. While CTR, Energy Source and CalEnergy work independently on proprietary extraction systems and financing, they share in common a myriad of concerns. Such things as permitting, roads and other public infrastructure, taxes, a trained workforce and logistics are among the issues that pose potential obstacles for all the developers. Such issues are what sparks the attention, collaboration and, when necessary, advocacy of COLAB (Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business) of Imperial County. The organization “unites the independent strengths of labor, agriculture and business to project a powerful united voice dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and business environments of Imperial County.” COLAB works to ensure government is effi cient and Summer 2021

maintains ordinances that are conducive to business operation and economic development. For COLAB, renewable energy is important for Valley business, labor and the local economy. Two members of the COLAB board represent the geothermal developers to ensure the organization understands and represents the industry well. They are Jim Turner, CTR chief operating officer and director, COLAB board president, and

Mark Gran, vice president for real estate assets and community relations for Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s CalEnergy. Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley is the vice-chair of the Lithium Valley Commission, a blue-ribbon commission that came into being after a bill authored by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia was signed into law. Kelley recently held a workshop in El Centro to bring together developers,

county and state to discuss the issues surrounding lithium development. He conceded there remains a great deal of work to do to engage all stakeholders in the discussion of the resource and its impact on Imperial County. However, he said, a broader discussion is important as part of the planning process because lithium could one day bring billions of dollars into the county. 

way. Such was the case with Lindsey Stiff, who was awarded the Ed McGrew scholarship in 2009, the year she graduated from Holtville High School, and again in 2013. Initially she majored in animal sciences and later changed her major to go into teaching. “It was the best decision I ever made,” she said. After graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with her bachelor’s degree, Stiff taught at San Jacinto High School. She eventually decided to move back to

the Valley and is now an ag teacher at Imperial High School and Frank Wright Middle School. She loves what she does. “Students don’t realize how broad agriculture is and what they can achieve,” she said. And the success of the IVVGA scholarship programs continues to pay dividends as Stiff introduces new generations of students to the opportunities that they, too, can create in the field of agriculture. 

VEG GROWERS CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 17

opportunity is in the Imperial Valley when he drove cross country with a friend. Of farms they passed on that trip, he said, “it was like something out of a movie, these little family farms. They were really nice, but it was very different.” The scholarship recipients are a diverse group. They come from various walks of life and from various areas of the Imperial Valley. They all plan to pursue different agricultural majors. What they have in common is an eagerness to contribute to agriculture. How, and where they will do that may change along the

Lindsey Stiff, an Imperial High School ag teacher and 2009 Ed McGrew Scholarship recipient, in the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association office in Imperial. -Photo by Susan Giller Summer 2021

DINE |

Valley's Eateries

Imperial Valley's homegrown restaurants offer lots of tasty choices. Chili's Grill & Bar $$ 3303 S. Dogwood Rd., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-2116 www.chilis.com

American Food 2GO SALADS $ 210 E. Cole Blvd #5, Calexico, CA 92231 760-618-9120 https://bit.ly/3zvvEeP Applebee's Grill & Bar $$ 2421 Cottonwood Dr., El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-8311 www.applebees.com Applebee's Grill & Bar $$ 2505 Scaroni Ave, Calexico, CA 92231 760-768-1649 www.applebees.com Archie's Place $ 301 N. Sorenson Ave., Calipatria, CA 92233 760-348-9656 https://bit.ly/3gziQg6

Brickhouse Deli $ 447 W. Aten Rd., Imperial, CA 92251 760-592-4352 https://www.bhdeli.com Summer 2021

Broken Yolk Café 3049 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-9655 https://bit.ly/35Vk5A9

China Palace Steakhouse $$$ 1075 Adams Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-1510 https://bit.ly/2TFOTSy

Brownie’s Diner $$ 990 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-2938 https://bit.ly/3cP5Ct7

Deli Haus $$ 775 E. Danenberg Dr., Ste 104, El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4030 https://bit.ly/3gNpbDA

Buffalo Wild Wings $$ 510 Danenberg Dr. El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9481 www.buffalowildwings.com

Denny's $$ 1445 Ocotillo Dr., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-2576 www.dennys.com

Buckshot Deli & Diner $$ 8120 CA-111, Niland, CA 92257 760-359-05995

Dogwood Sports Bar & Grill $$ 3603 S. Dogwood Rd., El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4668 https://bit.ly/2UjlAFL Famous Dave's $$ 3103 S. Dogwood Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-9044 https://bit.ly/3iPxIsf

Burgers & Beer 260 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-4431 https://bit.ly/3h44J1n

Farmer Boys $$ 1532 Cruickshank Dr., El Centro, CA 92243 760-336-0227 www.farmerboys.com

Locally Owned

$10 & under per person

Beer/Wine only

$20 & under per person

Full Bar

Over $20 per person

Foster Freeze $ 130 N. Fifth St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-7566 https://fostersfreeze. com

Juniors Café $ 1791 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-9556 https://bit.ly/3cP2oG5

Habit Burger $ 2335 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-997-7805 www.habitburger.com

Leroy's Backyard BBQ $$ 401 Broadway, El Centro, CA 92243 760-675-6546 https://bit.ly/3iLMFLP

Hope Café and Creperie $ 605 E 2nd St., Calexico, CA 92231 760-890-5259 https://bit.ly/3zyZAXd Hot Rod's & Beer $$ 235 Fifth St., Holtville, CA 92250 760-356-9900 https://hotrodsnbeer. com

Maranatha Steakhouse $$ 612 S. J Street, Imperial, CA 92251 760-355-0777 https://bit.ly/3wB6idG Panera Bread $$ 2321 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-332-6499 www.panerabread.com

Humble Farmer Brewing $$ 116 S. Imperial Ave Ste C, Imperial, CA 92251 760-545-0037 www. humblefarmerbrewing.com

Pentagonal Brewing Company $ 2050 Country Club Dr., Holtville, CA 92250 760-545-1045 https://bit.ly/3iJuaaV

IHOP $$ 2362 S. Fourth St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-1100 www.ihop.com

Pepper Grind Coffee $ 1560 Pepper Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 https://bit.ly/3j3jcxd

Red Feather Off-Road Market & Cafe $ 1182 N. Imperial Hwy., Ocotillo, CA 92259 760-358-7389 https://bit.ly/3vwXwvY Shake & Wake $ 1490 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5100 https://bit.ly/2S8B8eI Sizzler $$ 707 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-3780 http://www.sizzler.com Sonora Fusion $$$ 560 W State St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5069 https://bit.ly/3wLozVP The Courtroom Restaurant $$ 841 Main St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-335-3660 https://bit.ly/3gB4wDO

The Original Town Pump Steakhouse 200 W Main St., Westmorland, CA 92281 760-344-3663 https://bit.ly/3wLlvch

Tropical Delights 221 W E St, Brawley, CA 92227 (760) 344-5051 https://bit.ly/3rakIPW

Asian Cuisine

Fortune House $$ 1627 W Main St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-3888 https://bit.ly/3vrsZzu

Peony Pavilion $$ 1505 Main St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-351-9888 https://bit.ly/3iJdGj3

Golden Dragon $$ 928 Imperial Ave., Calexico, CA 92231 760-357-8422 https://bit.ly/3d5VuN1

Pho Bay $$ 445 E. Main St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9105 https://bit.ly/35wgyb0

K Sushi Bar & Grill $$ 416 S. J Street, Imperial, CA 92251 760-355-4440 https://bit.ly/3zyKbWT

Poke & Noodle Japanese Cuisine $$ 799 E. Danenberg Dr., El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9208 https://bit.ly/2UccQkB

Brawley BBQ $$ 1050 S. Brawley Ave., Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-9888 brawleybbq.business.site Khan Korean BBQ $$ 330 Wake Ave, Chef Lee's El Centro, CA 92243 Express $ 760-353-0202 1049 N. Imperial Ave., https://bit.ly/3gy1hwY El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5555 https://bit.ly/3xx5M0q Kotori Japanese Food $$ 300 E Cole Blvd, Calexico, CA 92231 RESTAURANT 760-768-8540 https://bit.ly/3zHPbZE China Inn Restaurant 461 W Main St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-1038 https://bit.ly/3xlMI4W

China Palace Restaurant $$ 1075 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-2798 https://bit.ly/3wFTh2y Exotic Thai Bistro $$ 1461 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-0008 https://bit.ly/3q1maDz Fortune Garden $$ 3309 S. Dogwood Rd., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-9888 https://bit.ly/3iJn6uQ

Lucky Chinese Restaurant $$ 500 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-7680 www.luckyrestaurant. com Los Ce-B-Ches $$ 1074 E Cole Blvd Suite 7, Calexico, CA 92231 442-270-1402 https://bit.ly/35ps9sy

CHINESE & HAWAIIAN Mah’s Kitchen 290 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-8713 https://bit.ly/3q4OF3w

Sushi & Noodles $$ 630 S Brawley Ave Unit #6 Brawley, CA 92227 760-623-1361 https://bit.ly/3xmI3Q8 Sushi Park $$ 550 Wake Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760- 352-2377 https://bit.ly/3gB9uze Teriyaki Headquarters $$ 800 N. Imperial Ave. El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 970-4838

Italian Food Assaggio Ristorante Italiano $$ 538 E St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-9750 https://bit.ly/3zAnORe

Grasso's Italian Restaurant $$ 1902 Main St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-4635 https://bit.ly/3gAvSd5 Inferno $$ 505 Main St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-7744 https://bit.ly/3xtxlYj Italianos $$ 1523 Main St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-336-0336 italianoselcentro.com Johnny Carino's $$ 3202 S. Dogwood Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9588 www.carinos.com

Mozzarelli Artisan Bistro 123 W. Barioni Blvd., Imperial, CA 92251 760-545-0222 https://bit.ly/3iLN0y5

Mozzarelli Pizza & Gelato $$ 950 N Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-3300 https://bit.ly/3q7g4l2

Mexican Food Antojitos Como En Casa $$ 425 Desert Gardens Dr. C, El Centro, CA 92243 760-482-5621 https://bit.ly/3xxVCwa

Chuck-E-Cheese $$ 803 E. Danenberg Rd., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-4785 www.chuckecheese.com Birrieria y Menuderia Guadalajaras $ George’s Pizza $$ 845 Imperial Ave, 116 W 5th St, Calexico, CA 92231 Holtville, CA 92250 760-890-5181 (760) 356-1192 https://bit.ly/3cPgc3A https://bit.ly/3cNjmoc

Briselda's Kitchen $$ 741 Cesar Chavez Blvd., Calexico, CA 92231 760-618-9180 https://bit.ly/3xxKAHD Camacho's Place $$ 796 W. Wahl Rd., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-5810 https://bit.ly/2U767br

El Jumping Bean Taqueria 3129 S. Sixth St. Brawley, Ca. 92227 760-623-1150 https://bit.ly/3xMdgfV

El Merendero $$ 1702 N Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5014 https://bit.ly/35uKOmz

Cardenas Markets $$ 1620 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-482-0139 El Zarape $$ www.cardenasmarkets.com 139 S. Imperial Ave., Imperial, CA 92251 760-355-4435 https://bit.ly/3gCuPrP

Celia’s Restaurant 1530 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-4570 https://bit.ly/3q4ZFxQ

Cilantros La Taqueria $ 643 S 4th St Ste 1, El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5337 https://bit.ly/3gBgdJu D’Lupita's Restaurant $$ 336 W 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250 760-356-7100 https://bit.ly/3gwwvo5 D'Poly Taco, Grill & Beer $$ 1573 W. Main St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4243 https://bit.ly/35vdKLw El Cañon $ 625 Main St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-2411

Flautas & Sopes $ 1622 S 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5090 https://bit.ly/3xoH4Pw Flautas & Sopes $$ 1531 Ford Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 760-336-0825 www.flautasysopesusa.site Flautas & Sopes $ 715 Cesar Chavez Blvd, Calexico, CA 92231 760-357-0655 www.flautasysopesusa.site Hacienda Market & Snack Bar $ 941 K St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-5542 https://bit.ly/3iMNvYP Holtville Taco Shop $ 404 E 5th St., Holtville, CA 92250 760-356-5756 www.holtvilletacoshop.com Summer 2021

Jalisco's Bar & Grill $$ 844 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-2515 https://bit.ly/3d61AwT

Johnny's Burritos 490 D St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-0961 https://bit.ly/3cJkERa

K Taquiza Restaurant $ 249 E Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5088 https://bit.ly/3gIH7iF Karina's Mexican Food $$ 845 Adams Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-0027 https://bit.ly/3iN5pKT Kennedy's Taco $ 1560 Ocotillo Dr., El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4019 orderkennedystaco.com La Birrieria Red Tacos $$ 900 W Birch St #5, Calexico, CA 92231 760-960-2213 https://bit.ly/2SHS77N

Johnny's Burritos 301 Wake Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-0963 https://bit.ly/3cLY2Qb

Johnny's Burritos 105 S. Imperial Ave., Imperial CA 92251 760-355-0962 https://bit.ly/3vzAxAh

Las Californias Foods $ 1133 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-623-7122 https://bit.ly/3gN9vkP Las Chabelas Restaurant $$ 749 S. Brawley Ave., Brawley, CA 92227 760-351-2991 www.laschabelas.com Las Palmitas Taco Shop #1 $ 2003 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-2757 https://bit.ly/3gwEUYH

Las Palmitas Taco Shop #2 $ 880 Adams Ave, La Fonda Bar & Grill El Centro, CA 92243 $$ 760-370-9120 1950 S, 4th St., Ste 1, https://bit.ly/3cL3jr0 El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-6450 Letty's Casita $$ https://bit.ly/3j0nGEP 705 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243 La Fuente Restaurant $ 760-352-8170 737 Emerson Ave, https://bit.ly/3wBPpPV Calexico, CA 92231 760-357-5760 Los Cabos Seafood & Grill $$ La Resaca $$ 1649 Main St., 143 S. 6th St., El Centro, CA 92243 El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5393 760-592-4971 https://bit.ly/3vFQox3 https://bit.ly/35xq51E

Los Cerritos Restaurant $ 411 E 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250 760-756-3097 https://bit.ly/35yM1t9 Ma Lupe's $$ 390 W. Aten Rd., Imperial, CA 92251 760-355-1180 https://bit.ly/2S29sYK

Mexca Brew Co. 612 W Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4544 https://bit.ly/2SkabEM

Mi Casita $$ 337 Paulin Ave., Ste 4, Calexico, CA 92231 760-556-9895 https://bit.ly/3cO17PE

Nana’s Kitchen 502 W. Aten Rd., Imperial, CA 92251 760-457-6077 https://bit.ly/3zCHvri

Patty’s Loncheria 1191 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227 (760) 960 9023 https://bit.ly/3B3hjHd

Puerto Nuevo Patio & Grill $$

Sombrero Mexican Food $$ 703 E. Danenberg Dr., El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-2160 https://bit.ly/3xyamev Tacos De Pescado Marlyn $$ 1614 S 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-1686 https://bit.ly/2SAvbaI

395 Broadway, El Centro, CA 92243 760-336-0430 https://bit.ly/3iMIrUj

Rosa's Plane Food Inc. $$ Nana Dora's 103 W. K St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-2677 https://bit.ly/2S3kWex

Sobe’s Restaurant 1151 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-6838 https://bit.ly/2Uf9q0t

445 S, Imperial Ave., Calexico, CA 92231 760-890-8860 https://bit.ly/3q5sg5Q

The Burrito Factory $$ 130 S. Imperial Ave. #3458, El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5110 https://bit.ly/3zxSGSd Virginia's Casita $ 645 Main St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-351-2386 https://bit.ly/3iMO5Wv

If you are interested in enhancing your restaurant's listing, contact Bill Amidon or Heidi Gutierrez at Reliance Public Relations, Inc., 760-693-5330.

Summer 2021

Imperial Gold Imperial Gold is a startup gold exploration and development company in Imperial County. The Brawley Chamber met recently with Mark Leduc, chief operating officer, and Frank Salazar, government and public affairs officer. Here are excerpts of that interview.

Brawley Chamber: Tell me about your business. Imperial Gold: We find and discover earth materials

containing gold and other beneficial resources. This project will set a new standard for mine reclamation by backfilling the mine, meaning no lingering open pit, and no impact to the landscape of the Imperial Valley. Imperial Gold will be the first mine in California to operate under these strict requirements and we are proud to do so.

Brawley Chamber: What is the Imperial Project? Imperial Gold: Imperial Gold’s Project will provide

remediation material to solve the Salton Sea contamination by using the clean, uncontaminated sand and gravel to cover the contaminated beaches and thus eliminate the formation of toxic dust that harms people in the Imperial Valley. The Imperial Gold Project would be the first mine in California history to be developed while being required under new state backfill and restoration laws. Brawley Chamber: How will you benefit the economy for Imperial County?

Imperial Gold: The Imperial Gold Project will present

numerous community benefits, including new jobs, a rise in local community-based spending, and overall economic stimulation. Our plans for the Imperial Gold Project call for a direct investment of at least $1.1 billion to be spent in Imperial County and the State of California. Our current estimates expect $241 million in taxes will be generated for state, local and federal agencies. This supports a wide range of public services including local schools, public safety and many more. Providing more than 220 direct, well-paying new jobs will be created, with an emphasis on local hires and an annual payroll of over $23 million.

Imperial Gold: I’ve traveled and seen a lot of different

environments, and nothing compares to Imperial Valley. There’s so much potential here.

Content provided by Imperial Gold and the Brawley Chamber of Commerce Summer 2021

Food is distributed at an Imperial Valley Food Bank site in Heber (above) and in Calexico (right photo). Photos provided by the Food Bank

Food Bank By Stefanie Campos The Imperial Valley Food Bank is looking forward to reopening its doors to the public following Labor Day weekend. The gates of the Food Bank will remain open beginning Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4

Summer 2021

Doors will reopen in September

p.m. Monday through Friday at 486 W. Aten Road in Imperial. The reopening of the Food Bank’s reception to incoming visitors comes after the gates were closed for the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of the staﬀ and public due to quarantine

measures. Its work, however, remained not only constant but increased with the lockdown, store shortages and burgeoning closures of local businesses that brought new clients in need of food. With its volunteers depleted and quarantined at home, the National Guard

supplemented the staff to ensure all Imperial Valley residents who needed food were served. “Our Food Bank served its highest number of clients in its 30 years of operation,” said Sara Griffen, executive director of IVFB. “Having recently moved into our new facility before the pandemic, our staff of 14 was able to handle not only the increase of clients, but the increase of food — produce, meats, canned goods — that arrived into our facility.” Griffen credits the transition to the foresight of the Board to build the new, much improved facility from its previous location in El Centro. Had the building not been built with increased refrigerated, frozen food and warehouse storage space, loading docks and the new purchase of a semi-truck, the Food Bank could not have kept up with demand. “Our staff continued to go into work each day, some with their families down the hall who were learning remotely,” Griffen said “We took measures to protect ourselves during COVID-19 and kept our facility in operation without furloughs or layoffs.” Feeding Imperial Valley isn’t an inexpensive proposition and funding its expanded operation became vital. “We are thankful to those who donated throughout COVID, whether it’s an individual, family, local business or those outside the Valley who learned of our area’s great need,” said Griffen. The Food Bank continues its work and asks that any donations be sent via its website, www.ivfoodbank.org, or by texting “give” to 760-314-4313.

For more information on donations or to find out about Food Bank resources, call 760-370-0966 or email info@ ivfoodbank.org 

Summer 2021

CATTLE CALL CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 7

performance, and the rodeo committee— operating under guidelines—is looking to fill to capacity. At the time of this story, masks were not expected to be necessary, but the rodeo committee will continue to monitor the situation and act within the county’s regulations. Reflecting on the 2020 rodeo, Kalin said it was a struggle to hold the event without ticket sales, but he said the rodeo committee worked hard to make it happen. “I am so proud of the work of my fellow committee members,” Kalin said. “They took on the challenge of making the rodeo happen in the toughest of times because they knew what an important tradition the rodeo is, and together we put on a rodeo that not only kept the tradition alive, but also was done safely.” He added, “And this year, I am so thankful to the committee for the tireless work they’ve put in to create a rodeo that will be one of the best ever.” Last year’s rodeo (just like this year’s) was only possible, Kalin further said, because of the support of the community, which backed the rodeo financially even when it was known no one would be able to attend. The fact that Cattle Call was only one of two rodeos held in the state was largely due to the community support, he said. The rodeo last year actually had one of its biggest turnouts of contestants ever as cowboys and cowgirls looked to practice their sport and win some prize money in a year that offered few opportunities. Kalin is hoping for another larger turnout of contestants this year, including national champions.

Summer 2021

He thanked all those who stepped up to make last year’s rodeo happen, including the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, which provided guidance on how to safely hold the rodeo during the pandemic. He also thanked the Claddagh Club, which each year sells tickets on behalf of the rodeo committee for a donation to the club. Though last year there were no ticket or beer sales, club members still donated their time to help with COVID-19 protocols. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Activities League, while unable to raise money during the rodeo through beer sales, still was on hand to ensure the safety of last year’s rodeo. Critical support for the rodeo also came from the City of Brawley and Imperial County, Kalin said, last year and they plan to help out this year as well. “The rodeo and the additional activities of Cattle Call week are one of the premier events of the year,” said Brawley City Councilman Sam Couchman. “It’s both financially and emotionally very important to both our city and the entire Imperial Valley.” Imperial County Executive Officer Tony Rouhotas said the county last year was ready to assist in any way it could. He added he is pleased to see the rodeo reopening to spectators this year. “We have to get back to normal living.” Rouhotas said. “Being able to attend the rodeo is a good step in the right direction.” Kalin said for the rodeo committee, the annual effort of planning the rodeo is a labor of love because of the activities Cattle Call brings to the City of Brawley and the entire county, not to mention the revenue

it brings to the Valley for local businesses and participating service clubs and organizations. “I think it has to be worth millions of dollars to our community,” he said. He added the idea of community is critical to the rodeo. More than just a professional sporting event, the rodeo unites families and friends, many of whom return to the Valley each year to enjoy the tradition of the rodeo and the traditions their own friends and families have of spending time together during the rodeo. “It really is a celebration of our community,” Kalin said. As the rodeo committee focuses on finalizing their plans leading up to Cattle Call, Kalin said each member of the committee will do so with both a sense of pride and feeling of thankfulness that once again, the community has come out to support the rodeo—and this year they can all sit together in the stands to enjoy the performances that the community support has made possible. “We are so thankful for the ongoing community support and because of that support I’m certain this rodeo will continue to be tradition in the Imperial Valley for the next 64 years,” Kalin said. Committee members  Chair – Carson Kalin  Curt Rutherford  Danny Williams  Larry Allen  Donald Alford  Robin Williams  Mark Huber  Cassandra Nelson 

CHRISTMAS CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 11

Once a story starts to percolate, Kofford retreats to his home office to start writing. There, he said, “I am totally enveloped in that world. When my wife comes in, and I don’t respond, she knows I am not of this world anymore.” Though he loves what he does, he concedes, “Creative writing is very draining, it pulls a lot out of you.” Yet writing is fast compared to the lengthy and collaborative production process. Kofford estimated it took about seven years from the time “Christmas in July” was written till it was first shown at the Knoxville Film Festival and even longer to get it out for national release. “It teaches me to be patient,” he said. “I’m not the most patient person in the world, but I’ve gotten better.” For Kofford seeing his script come to life before a live audience makes all the hard work and production uncertainties fade away. “It’s rewarding when the audience gets it,” he said. “When I wanted them to laugh, they laughed, at least most of the time.” For Kofford, seeing “Christmas in July” at The Movies was special. It was a fun way to spend time with people he cares about. 

ABOVE: Fans gather inside The Movies in Imperial. RIGHT: Bret Kofford and Myles Matsuno meet with fans. - Photos by Heidi Gutierrez

Summer 2021

VIETNAM CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 9

identiﬁes 136 individual jobs that must be ﬁlled to make the visit a success. Jobs include base builders, setup assistance, computer operators who generate

information on panel locations, greeters, and wall walkers who help people ﬁnd names. He also is seeking people to assist with

overnight honor guard duty. Prospective volunteers may contact Henderson by emailing him at the VFW: vfw9305@gmail.com. 

Locals' Names On The Wall

Member Name

Service

Rank

Home of Record

Incident or Death Date

Eduardo Camarena-Salazar Kenneth Wayne Wolfe Roger Espinoza Rodriguez Michael Leroy Byam John P Scoggins Leo Claude Hester Kenneth Lester Breshers Salvador Martinez Nava Kurt Clarence Staab George Richard Annos,Jr. Dwayne Maxifiel Patterson Benny James Smith Salvador M L Banaga, Jr Roy William Duncan David Guerrero Nunez, Jr Luis Alfonso Lopez-Ramos Andrew Battiest Ramon S Hernandez, Jr Herbert George Lucas William David Ray Ralph Edward Icke, II Jesse Armando Mallobox William Daniels, Jr Erich Linwood Tidwell Florencio Q Marquez Dennis Earl Joy Victor Zaragoza Dennis William Dotson Michael Anthony Gross Mark Thomas Jernigan Billy Herdon Wyatt

Army Army Army Army Army Navy Army Army Marine Corps Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Army Marine Corps Marine Corps Army Marine Corps Army Army Army Army Army Army Army

Private First Class Private First Class PRIVATE, PV-2 Private First Class Specialist 4 Lieutenant Commander Specialist 4 Private First Class Private First Class Specialist 4 Specialist 4 Private First Class Private First Class Private First Class Sergeant Sergeant Corporal Private First Class Second Lieutenant Private First Class Lance Corporal Private First Class Corporal Private Corporal Private First Class Sergeant First Lieutenant Sergeant Warrant Officer Specialist 5

El Centro Calipatria Heber El Centro Holtville Heber Holtville Niland El Centro Calexico Calipatria Brawley Holtville Brawley Brawley Calexico Calipatria Calexico Brawley El Centro El Centro El Centro Calexico El Centro Westmorland Imperial Holtville El Centro El Centro Imperial Imperial

9/17/1965 4/26/1966 5/29/1966 10/2/1966 2/27/1967 3/10/1967 3/31/1967 4/10/1967 5/8/1967 5/16/1967 12/3/1967 1/31/1968 2/9/1968 2/28/1968 5/9/1968 6/3/1968 6/25/1968 8/30/1968 9/2/1968 11/27/1968 1/4/1969 5/13/1969 5/14/1969 9/17/1969 10/25/1969 2/20/1970 2/20/1970 6/5/1970 6/13/1970 7/4/1970 6/5/1971

Summer 2021

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL Classes Start August 16th. Eligible students are able to receive up to $1500 for Fall 2021 For info visit www.imperial.edu/grants

IMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE (760) 352-8320 • www.imperial.edu

Find us on Facebook

@imperialvalleycollege

@ivcollege

@ivcollege Summer 2021

CLOUD CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 13

"Put in a battery and gas, and every car runs,¨ says Cloud Museum owner Johnny Cloud. - Photo by Mickey Dale put in a battery and gas, every car runs.” He buys wherever he can, including antique car swap meets and from owners he has met along the way. “I’ve been doing this so long that when the old men die, I buy all their stuff,” he said. That “stuff” includes a 1931 “house car” that belonged to one of his mom’s teachers. With many of the comforts of home – bed, cupboards, ice box and stove – the “house car” today goes by the moniker “motor home.”

Summer 2021

Organized in several outbuildings, Cloud’s collection includes early dental equipment, hand tools and contraptions intended to make life easier for homemakers. There is also machinery used to build the All-American Canal, the essential waterway that begins at the nearby Imperial Dam, crosses the sand dunes in eastern Imperial County, and ends 80 miles later in central Imperial Valley. Then there is the former Bard Post

Office structure, complete with mailboxes and postal scales. Across the way is what previously was the “Chicken Coop,” a building where Havens Egg Co. sold its goods. Today it bears the name “Cloud’s Mercantile,” and inside its original and finely crafted wooden doors are antique cash registers and goods once used by turn-of-the-last-century households. Inside other structures are housed the dozens of classic vehicles Cloud has come across over the years. He bought the last

one about a year ago. Cloud is always on the lookout for more collectibles, but he has about filled up the place. His three acres of museum space are well-maintained and organized, but space has grown tight, he said. And while he surely could find buyers for many of his collectibles, he doesn’t really want to. “Every time I sell something I kind of regret it. I don’t need to sell,” he said. Cloud, who has lived on the property for 50 years, and his everpresent shadows – three faithful canine companions -- work on the site every day. It gives him reason to live, he said, “something to do.” Often he gets help from some of his eight grandchildren, who range in age from 10 years old to mid-20s, and four greatgrandchildren. Cloud knows his stuff. He can tell you about every purchase – where he bought it and what it was used for. His personal history is as intriguing as his collection. His grandfather moved to nearby Yuma in 1917 as a farm laborer, and his dad farmed on the side while working for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, “which in 1917 reached agreement with the (Imperial Irrigation District) to investigate the Imperial Valley’s need for an all-American Canal,” according to the IID’s website. Before leasing out his land, Cloud farmed cotton, wheat and alfalfa. The pandemic and lockdown enforced in Imperial County and much of California reduced his paying visitors to about half, but the Cloud Museum will reopen in full in October. Visitors can expect to pay $10 each for admission, but they will come away from the excursion with a better understanding of life in the early years of the Imperial and Yuma valleys, and better appreciation for those who came before. 

Reader Submissions Jessica Lynn Nichols at the Alamo River. - Photo submitted by Charlie Nichols

Fishing lines along a canal. Photo submitted by Adrian Zamora

A desert tortoise munches on lettuce in his owner's yard in Ocotillo. - Photo submitted by Charlie Nichols

Chantel Zanetti shows a flathead she caught. - Photo submitted by Chantel Zanetti

Adrian Zamora shows off his catch. Photo submitted by Adrian Zamora Send photos to our Imperial Valley Alive Facebook page or email peggy.dale@reliancepr.com Summer 2021

Museums,

Parks & Places of Interest State Parks

 Limited restrooms and shower facilities are available.

Heber Dunes SVRA

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?  Group campgrounds and group picnic areas including Group Canoe Camp #1, Group Canoe Camp #2, and Headquarters Group Camp. Students tour the Imperial Valley Desert Museum in this file  Park office. photo. Check with the museum for operating hours.  Some restrooms may be closed. - Photo provided by the Imperial Valley Desert Museum  Special events, concessions and tours continue to be canceled until What is currently closed at this Mountain Springs Station further notice. park? Directions: Site is 200 feet west of Group campgrounds and group picnic westbound lane, I-8 (P.M. 2.3), just Salton Sea State areas including New Camp and the north of Mountain Springs Road, 2.3 miles east of county line. Plaque Horseshoe Pit remain closed. Recreation Area is located adjacent to Desert View  Camp Store. What is open now? Tower.  Day-use parking lots, including the  Visitor Center. Park Headquarters Area, Mecca Website:  Special events and tours continue Beach, Corvina Beach, and Salt to be canceled until further notice. https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ Creek. ListedResources/Detail/194 For visitor guidelines, visit http://  Developed and undeveloped ohv.parks.ca.gov and search for the campgrounds, including Hernando de Alarcón park by name. Headquarters Camp, New Camp, Mecca Beach, Corvina Expedition Beach, and Salt Creek. You Historical Sites Directions: On Algodones Road, State can book reservations with Hwy 186 (P.M. 0.4), 0.5 miles south of ReserveCalifornia. Tumco Mines I-8, 0.4 miles north of Andrade Border,  Picnic tables, hiking trails, and Directions: Take Interstate 8 to Ogilby Andrade. shoreline access are available for Road. Travel north to BLM Route 668. Website: recreational use. These activities https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ On Gold Rock Ranch Road, 1.0 miles must be limited to a single ListedResources/Detail/568 east of Ogilby Road, 9.0 mi N of I-8. household and must distance themselves away from other small Website: family gatherings. Fort Yuma https://www.blm.gov/visit/tumco Biking, hiking, kayaking, wading, Directions: On bank of Colorado River, historic-mine and wildlife watching are also 350 Picacho Road, Winterhaven permitted. Phone Number: (916) 445-7000  Only restrooms in the proximity Picacho Mines California State Parks of the park headquarters area, Website: Directions: On Picacho Road, 18.2 miles New Camp, Mecca Beach, Corvina https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ north of Winterhaven Beach, and Salt Creek will be ListedResources/Detail/806 available. Phone Number: (916) 445-7000  Showers located in New Camp and California State Parks Camp Salvation Mecca Beach are open. Website: Directions: Rockwood Plaza, Sixth St.  We request that visitors pay by https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ East at Heber Ave, Calexico credit/debit card or bring the exact dollar amount. Website: ListedResources/Detail/193

What is open now?  The park is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.  Trails, routes and open spaces are now open for recreational use.  Restrooms and shower facilities are available.  Picnic tables and shade ramadas are available for day use.  The Youth Training Track is open for recreational use. What is currently closed?  Group day use areas located near the Park Office and Youth Training Track are closed.  Special events, concessions and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Picacho State Recreation Area What is open now?  Vehicular access on designated routes of travel.  Developed and boat-in campgrounds.  Boat ramps, docks, and parking areas.  Motorized and non-motorized boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and personal watercraft recreation.  Picnic tables, hiking trails, points of interest, and shoreline areas are available for recreational use. These activities must be limited to a single household and must distance themselves away from other small family gatherings.  Biking, hiking, swimming, wading, and wildlife watching are also permitted.

The Center of the World is located in eastern Imperial County, just north of Interstate 8. - File photo by Bill Gay Summer 2021

https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ ListedResources/Detail/808

Plank Road Directions: Grays Wells Road, 3.3 miles west from I-8, eastbound (P.M. 77.4), 18 miles west of Winterhaven Website: https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ ListedResources/Detail/845

Site of Missions San Pedro y San Pablo de Bicuner Directions: On County Road S24, 0.2 miles west of intersection of Levee and Mehring roads, 4.4 miles northeast of Bard Website: http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ ListedResources/Detail/921

20th Century Folk Art Environments (Thematic) - Charley's World of Lost Art Directions: On dirt road, 0.5 miles northwest of Andrade, 7 miles southwest of Winterhaven Phone Number: (916) 445-7000 - California State Parks

Site of Fort Ramaldo Pacheco Directions: West bank of New River, south of Worthington Road, 6-1/2 mi due west of City of Imperial Phone Number: (916) 445-7000 California State Parks Website: https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ ListedResources/Detail/944

Pioneers' Park Museum plans to resume its normal schedule Sept. 7 after a summer hiatus. - Photo by Peggy Dale

Desert Training Center - Camp Pilot Directions: On Sidewinder Road, 200 yards north of I-8, Town of Felicity Phone Number: (916) 445-7000 California State Parks

Yuha Well Directions: Eastbound Sunbeam Roadside Rest Area, between Drew and Forrester roads (P.M. R31.3), on I-8 near Seeley Phone Number: (916) 445-7000 California State Parks Website: http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ ListedResources/Detail/1008

Tecolote Rancho Site Directions: Highway 8 & Barbara Worth Road, Holtville, CA Phone Number: (916) 445-7000 California State Parks Website: https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ ListedResources/Detail/1034

County Parks

Museums

Sunbeam Lake Park

Pioneers' Park Museum

Location: 1750 Drew Road, Seeley, CA 92273

Red Hill Park Location: 7581 Garst Road, Calipatria, CA 92233

Ocotillo Community Park Location: 266 Imperial Hwy, Imperial, CA 92251

Wiest Lake Park Location: 5351 Dietrich Road, Brawley, CA 92227

Robert Bates Memorial Park Location: 1826 Park St., Seeley, CA 92273

Palo Verde County Park Directions: Within the Townsite of Palo Verde, accessible from Highway 78

Location: 373 E. Aten Road, Imperial The gift shop and museum are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The museum will close for summer on May 29. Reopening depends upon state and county guidelines, but plans are to resume the normal schedule Sept. 7, with hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Visit www.pioneersmuseum.net for more information.

Imperial Valley Desert Museum

Location: 11 Frontage Road, Ocotillo Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday (hours adjusted due to the pandemic). All live events and public programming remain suspended until further notice but have been moved to a virtual Zoom environment. Visit www.ivdesertmuseum.org for information..

Center of the World

Location: 1 Center of the World Drive, Felicity For hours of operation, call 760-572-0100 or email museumforever@gmail.com. Visit www.centeroftheworld.us

Summer 2021

Engaging PET Project aims to reduce mental health stigmas

hroughout the Coronavirus Pandemic, Betty Boop has been the face of Imperial County Behavioral Health Services’ (ICBHS) Positive Engagement Team (PET) Project. Unlike the 1930’s era cartoon character, this Betty Boop is a lovable labradoodle who is an integral part of the PET Project. The PET project is an innovative strategy being implemented by ICBHS to reduce stigma related to mental illness and increase access to services to unserved and underserved populations from all age groups. Maria Wyatt, Behavioral Health Manager for PET, explained that by implementing the PET Project, ICBHS is hoping to help individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health condition access mental health services by utilizing the dogs in two strategic areas: Integrating dogs during outreach efforts as a tool to reduce the stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and by having Summer 2021

dogs at the outpatient clinics to engage clients into treatment and improve attendance to outpatient appointments. “The PET project lets the community know about services and programs offered by Behavioral Health” said Rene Felix, PET Project Supervisor. Imperial County’s innovative PET Project is funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The project was approved in March 2019 by the State Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission for three years. To ensure project success, some of the funding is used to provide training, care, transportation and other needs for the dogs. Through the project, foster dogs are specially selected by the Humane Society of Imperial County based on their ability to get along with people and other animals. After selection, the dogs undergo rigorous training and cohabitate

with their handlers, who are also carefully vetted for the program. Months after the project was launched in October 11, 2019, it faced its first major obstacle: Imperial County went into lockdown for more than a year due to the pandemic. In-person community engagement was put on hold, and the project came to a standstill, but not for long. As with many other ICBHS programs, “We’ve been able to overcome the challenges of the pandemic by thinking outside the box,” said Jose Lepe, Deputy Director of ICBHS Children and Adolescent Outpatient Services. This meant staging no-contact events, such as drive-through health fairs, where Betty Boop greeted participants. It also meant going virtual, beginning with ICBHS’ Children and Adolescent Outpatient Services Department. When conducting virtual appointments, Betty Boop makes

her entrance before the scheduled intake assessment session begins, helping the child and their parent or caregiver become more comfortable before they meet with the clinician. Every Friday ICBHS staffs a resource table at the Imperial Valley Mall where Betty Boop makes appearances. Soon Stevie, a second dog in the program, will be joining Betty Boop in this and other outreach events. As restrictions ease, Felix said, “We’ve been transitioning to inperson services and will be going to the clinics little by little starting this month. We will be present at the clinics serving adults for appointments scheduled in person to engage and alleviate anxiety of those attending.” As Covid-19 restrictions begin to lift, the program will continue to resume its prepandemic, in-person activities. The PET Project is

wildly successful in person. Just ask Pablo Cerda, Department of Social Services Program Manager for the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home, the county’s home for children who have been abandoned, neglected, or are without caregivers. Cerda, who initially sought to bring the PET Project to the receiving home in early 2020, had to wait more than a year to see it happen. In early April 2021, he again approached ICBHS and every Thursday since April 22, 2021 Betty Boop, her handler, and ICBHS staff have spent time interacting with the children housed there. During these outreach activities, Wyatt explained, ICBHS staff provides information to the children on mental health services, helping them feel at ease about receiving services and letting them

know that one of the dogs assigned to the project will be at the clinics once the clinics re-open or through virtual appointments. “During the time the dog visits the receiving home, everybody comes,” Cerda said. “All the staff, all the kids, we gather around in the recreation area. We even bring out the nurseryage children to engage with Betty Boop. Sometimes there are sibling sets separated by age group, but when Betty Boop comes, everyone is together.” Lepe sees a light at the end of the tunnel as Imperial County reopens and activities resume their prepandemic schedules. “Things are starting back up,” Lepe added. “Moving forward, when in-person is back, we will go to our original plan and expand our reach.” When that happens, Betty Boop and Stevie – and other dogs that may be added to the program – will be there to help the program fulfill its purpose: to engage the community and change perceptions about mental illness.

Summer 2021

PMHD

Officials unveil Imperial County's first catheterization lab

Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District officials formally unveiled Imperial County’s first and only catheterization lab during a ribboncutting ceremony here in early May. The new cath lab was nearly 10 years in the making from the time the idea was first brought to the PMHD Board of Directors. “This project began almost nine years ago when the board and I first spoke about having a cath lab here at Pioneers,” explained Larry Lewis, Pioneers CEO. The construction portion of the project began in early 2018 with the cath lab being added near Pioneers Memorial Hospital’s existing surgery department. While the project did have delays and setbacks, Lewis expressed his gratitude to those who helped push it along from day one. “I truly appreciate what everyone has done to make this a reality,” he said. In addition to the cath lab, the construction project also added a neuro suite to the hospital, which will allow for patients needing spinal surgery to be treated. While the neuro suite is also the first of its kind in the county, one of the main components of the cath lab is its ability to help treat community members suffering from heart disease. “Getting a heart attack treated as quickly as possible right here in the Imperial Valley without the delay caused by a trip to San Diego may truly be a life-saver,” explained Dr. Richard Jacoby, a

Summer 2021

PMHD catheterization lab staff members smile for a photo with Ricardo Perez, the cath lab's first patient. - Photo by PMHD board-certified interventional cardiologist and the cath lab’s medical director. “This is a large advance in heart care for the community.” Jacoby said now that the cath lab has been opened and approved for use, patients experiencing chest pressure or shortness of breath who need further evaluation beyond just a stress test can receive that care at Pioneers. Jacoby had the privilege of conducting the first case in the cath lab on May 3 with the first patient being Mr. Ricardo Perez. “You’d think we’d landed on the moon,” said Lewis, who observed the historic case along with other hospital physicians and administrators. “The celebration that erupted in that room… it was definitely emotional to watch and experience.” 

Summer 2021

ECRMC

Mental health services outpatient clinics offer comprehensive care provide peace of mind as COVID-19 protocols change. Whether it’s in-person or telehealth, in Spanish or in English, Cuellar’s staff members are invested in caring for their neighbors. “We can better understand our population and their needs,” said Cuellar. “Imperial Valley is a culture within a culture.” “We live in the same community that you live in. We’re just trying to help you feel better.”

By Stefanie Campos Mental health awareness and treatment may not have been a priority for local Imperial Valley residents before the pandemic, but as we come out of the Covid-19 lockdown and reintegrate our lives, some who did not prioritize mental health before may be looking for assistance now. El Centro Regional Medical Center outpatient clinics — the El Centro Outpatient Clinic and the Calexico Outpatient Center — are here to help. ECRMC began offering mental health services at its outpatient clinics at the end of 2019 with Amanda Cuellar as its director. Cuellar, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), originally trained as a family nurse practitioner and is board certified in both specialties, allowing her to treat patients comprehensively, body and mind. Even before the pandemic, Cuellar explained there was a large need for mental health care in the Imperial Valley, but it had never been a full-time service through the clinics. “It’s something that every office should have,” explained Cuellar. “It’s a one-stop shop.” The outpatient clinics have a bilingual, locally based team of three: Cuellar, who will assess patients and oversee medication management; a licensed clinical social worker for therapy sessions; and a social worker for coordinating non-mental health needs. Unfortunately, a stigma remains around mental health. “It’s so sad that people don’t get the mental health services they need just because they are worried about what other people are thinking,” said Cuellar. It is for that reason that the outpatient clinic setting works so well for patients. Living in a small community, where everybody knows somebody, patients may access services within the privacy of an all-services clinic. Embedding mental health within the clinic may ease the worries of patients who could suffer

Summer 2021

Amanda Cuellar - Photo by ECRMC for years in silence. Getting the patients in the door is one roadblock, considering medication is another. “Nobody is going to know you take medications unless you tell them,” explained Cuellar. “This is between you and (me).” Oftentimes, patients hide their depression and anxiety or are worried they will become dependent on the medication. Cuellar explained that medication could be used to manage symptoms, akin to treating diabetes or hypertension. “If you don’t feel good, you would come to the doctor to take medication,” Cuellar said. Cuellar would like to grow the clinics’ services into a robust mental health program, adding in support groups for example. “I would love for our program to grow,” she said, “making the service available to everybody that wants it and needs it.” For now, the clinics will continue their in-person or telehealth care. If a patient would like to be seen in-person, Cuellar said the clinic is staggering patients in order to avoid a crowded room and

solation, uncertainty, change and stress surrounded the lockdown and the pandemic. Many people who've never suffered in their mental health could have had symptoms triggered during the pandemic. Even if you've never experienced symptoms or if you don't think you need help, talking with someone could be beneficial. Amanda Cuellar, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) at ECRMC's outpatient clinics, suggests reaching out to children and asking if they're OK and talk with them to let them know they are having normal feelings. If mental health symptoms are affecting work or school, Cuellar suggests contacting her at the clinics. "Sometimes they need someone to reach out,¨ she said, "and that's what we're here for.¨

ECRMC outpatient clinics are here for your mental health needs:  Postpartum Depression  Anxiety/Depression  ADHD  Bipolar Disorder  Life cycle care through geriatric care  Pediatric services (5 years and older) For services, call and request an appointment at the outpatient clinics at 760482-5000. 

Summer 2021