Spring 2022 by ReliancePublicRelations

Spring 2022

IVC - Alive Ad.qxp_Layout 1 3/28/22 3:17 PM Page 1

BOOST YOUR CAREER!

Imperial Valley College offers over 40 Skills Certificates that can put you on the fast-track to quickly develop the knowledge and technical skills you need to succeed. Whether you’re preparing to enter a new field or want to upgrade your skills for your current job, you can easily earn a Skills Certificate with our short-term classes and low cost training.

Choose from one of these exciting Learning and Career Pathways!

Learning and Career Pathways (LCPs) are collections of majors with related courses that fit within a career area. LCPs help guide you toward fulfilling careers through academic programs and integrated experiences and support services. For complete information on certificates and requirements please refer to the current IVC Catalog at www.imperial.edu

Agriculture

Public Safety, Health, and Wellness

• Agriculture Business Management (18-19 units) • Agriculture Plant Science (19 units)

• Administration of Justice (22 units) • Administration of Justice: Law Enforcement (38.5 units) • Correctional Science (25 units) • Correctional Science: Corrections Officer (16 units) • Emergency Medical Services (39.5 units) • Fire Technology (33 units) • Firefighter I (22.5 units) • Medical Assistant (30 units) • Nursing - Vocational (V.N.) (26 units)

Business

• Accounting Technician (22 units) • Agriculture Business Management (18 to 19 units) • Business Administrative Assistant (26 units) • Business Management (25 units) • Business Office Technician (26 units) • Retail Management (25 to 26 units)

Education

• Child Development Administration Specialization (39-40 units) • Child Development Associate Teacher (16 units) • Child Development Children With Special Needs Specialization (36-37 units) • Child Development Infant/toddler Specialization (36-37 units) • Child Development School-age Specialization Certificate (36-37 units)

Social and Behavioral Sciences • Addiction Disorder Studies (39 units)

STEM

• Computer Information Technology (22 units) • Computer Networking (10 units) • Cybersecurity (12 units) • Digital Design And Production (18 units) • Microsoft Office (8 units)

Industrial Technology • Air Conditioning And Refrigeration Technology (17 units) • Automotive Technology (39 units) • Automotive Technology: Fundamentals of Automotive Service (18 units) • Automotive Technology: Maintenance and Basic Repair (25 units) • Building Construction Technology (26 units) • Building Construction Technology: Carpentry Specialization (32 units) • Diesel Farm Machinery And Heavy Equipment Technician (20 units) • Electrical Technology: General Electrician (30 units) • Electrical Technology: Low Voltage Systems Technician (16 units) • Electrical Technology: Residential Electrician (26 units) • Electrical Trades (16 units) • Water Treatment Systems Technology (18 units) • Water Treatment Systems Technology: Wastewater Treatment Specialization (30 units) • Welding Technology (21 units)

Imperial Valley College • 380 E. Aten Road • Imperial, CA 92251 • (760) 352-8320 • www.imperial.edu

Spring 2022

Publishers' Message It never ceases to amaze us just what a special place our Imperial Valley and its surroundings are and what we can learn about the treasures to be found both above and beneath the surface. Without a doubt, there’s a lot more than meets the eye in this place we call home. In this, our sixth year of publishing Imperial Valley Alive! magazine, one would think we would run out of discoveries, that we would find our store of ideas depleted. Not so, as you will find within these pages, stories of a mystery ship, young minds learning, and the legacy of those who helped pave the way for what our county is today. Our cover story by Darren Simon digs into the ever-evolving field of agriculture, where career options span such diverse specialties as business, research, education, marketing, technology, and animal care. The Women’s 10,000 Club, whose goal was to promote the Valley and its cultural growth, will remain influential for

some time to come. When the 113-yearold club folded last year and sold its clubhouse, proceeds from the sale went to scholarships for Imperial Valley College nursing students. Stefanie Campos takes us on a hike to Joshua Tree National Park, easily reached from Imperial County, and shares how to plan a visit in cooler months. Then there’s our very own Bill Gay, founder and president of Reliance Public Relations, Inc., which publishes Imperial Valley Alive! Bill gives us a behind the scenes look at the USS Midway Museum that sits in the San Diego Harbor. A Navy veteran with a thirst for learning, Bill studied long and hard in a Midway docent training program to hone up on what Midway oﬀers visitors. Today he is one of the docents who help thousands of visitors learn about the aircraft carrier that once was the largest warship in the world. As for that mystery ship supposedly buried in the desert, Kristin O’Lear,

The USS Midway (CVA 41) was once the largest warship in the world. Today, as a museum in San Diego, it is ranked by Trip Advisor as one of the top museums in the United States. - Photo by U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation interim executive director of the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, dives into the rumors behind the tales long in circulation. We are grateful to you, our readers and our advertisers, for sticking with us on this journey. Stay tuned: There’s plenty more to come. 

From left are Bill Gay, Sue Gay, Heidi Gutierrez, Peggy Dale, Susan Giller, Alejandra Noriega and Bill Amidon. - Photo by Charla Teeters-Stewart Spring 2022

INDEX |

Volume 6, Number 2 EDITORS & PUBLISHERS Bill Gay Sue Gay Susan Giller Peggy Dale Bill Amidon

CONTRIBUTORS Stefanie Campos Kristin O'Lear Darren Simon Julie Smith-Taylor

COVER PHOTO Joselito N. Villero

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joselito N. Villero Bill Gay Stefanie Campos Charla Teeters-Stewart Alejandra Noriega

USS Midway Docent Class 67 poses for a graduation photo in December. From left to right: Allen Clever, Greg Walsh, Paul Lafrenz, Steven Hall, Brad Yano, Carter Harrington, Wayne Duncan, Michael Hardcastle-Taylor, Bill Gay - Photo provided by Bill Gay

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alejandra Noriega

WEB DESIGNERS Jesus Uriarte Sergio Uriarte

SALES

Bill Amidon Heidi Gutierrez John Lovecchio

ADVERTISING

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

DISCOVER |

ale of the Valley’s own ‘Ghost T Ship’, Page 12

INSPIRE |

ducation through agriculture E beginning to burgeon, Page 6 emple Grandin is a motivating T force, Page 8

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

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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.

Spring 2022

COVER PHOTO: Dr. Michael Kanyi gives instruction to his students on viewing an insect specimen in his class, Principles of Entomology, at Imperial Valley College. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero

EXPLORE |

idway Museum, through the M eyes of a docent, Page 10 J oshua Tree National Park is but a short drive away, Page 16

APPRECIATE |

omen’s 10,000 Club leaves W more than memories in its wake,

Page 14

INSIDE | Plant, irrigation knowledge key to landscape success, Page 18 Valley offers plenty of dining options,

Pages 20-22 Calendar of Events, Pages 27-28 Advertisers' Index, Page 37

Dr. Michael Kanyi uses this collection of insect specimens to teach Principles of Entomology to his students at Imperial Valley College. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero Spring 2022

INSPIRE |

Dr. Michael Kanyi teaches about fertilizers to Plant Science major Emily Delgado in his Principles of Entomology class at Imperial Valley College. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero

Passion

from an agricultural background). Field opens “There are so for variety of many fields to consider, like careers research, water and the seed side,” Trimm said. agriculture that led her to pursue a degree “We need young, in agricultural education from Oklahoma educated kids to State University. Once she earned her seek their education degree, she brought her knowledge back and come back to the Valley. and get involved in Trimm is one of a growing number of Shelby Trimm agriculture in the Imperial Valley young people who, despite Valley.” not coming from families with established For some, that education in agriculture backgrounds in farming or ranching, are began at Imperial Valley College. The choosing to seek education in agriculture. agriculture program at IVC is coordinated The ever-evolving field of agriculture by Professor Michael Kanyi, who has a is opening a diverse set of careers in doctorate in agricultural communication business, research, education, marketing, and education from Texas Tech University. technology, and animal care. These are IVC offers two associate degrees in just a few of the growing options and agriculture: associate in agricultural needs that are attracting a new generation business for transfer and associate of students who are considered nonin plant science for transfer. A sizable traditional agricultural students (those not number of graduates from these two

for Ag

By Darren Simon

For Shelby Trimm, executive director of the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association, her path into an agricultural career began as a youth who took an interest in raising animals for show through the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta, and through her involvement with 4H, and then FFA in high school. The Imperial Valley native, who also has the dual role of leading the local Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business organization, didn’t come from an agricultural background. Her mother works in insurance and her father in the geothermal industry. On her own, Trimm found a passion for Spring 2022

programs have proceeded to universities to pursue degrees in agricultural systems management and agronomy. A few, he said, have chosen to study animal science at their chosen universities. “Most of my students are not traditional agriculture students, but they are attracted by these growing careers in agriculture,” said Kanyi, who pointed out that since he began teaching at IVC five years ago, his classes that were once half full are now consistently reaching full enrollment of 30 students per class. His goal as an educator is to help his students see agriculture “in its full breadth.” “If I can help these kids view agriculture positively, that is my happiness,” said Kanyi, whose own journey into agriculture education began on his family’s small ranch where they grew corn, potatoes and raised cattle. Due to his early exposure to agriculture, Kanyi eventually took an interest in the biological sciences leading to focus on agricultural education and communication. In his classes, students have a chance to see how technology is shaping the future, from the use of computers, GPS, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) measurements to better manage

Dr. Michael Kanyi (rear, second from right) and his Principles of Entomology class students at Imperial Valley College. . - Photo by Joselito N. Villero fields and irrigation technology to support healthy crops. On the business side, students can explore management of farms, marketing, and agricultural economy. Several of Kanyi’s students have gone on to attend the University of Arizona, which offers agricultural programs in Yuma at the Arizona Western College

campus. Students from the Valley are granted in-state tuition at the Yuma campus and through a memorandum of understanding between IVC and the University of Arizona, students receive full credit for the agriculture classes that they successfully completed at IVC. Leslie Nicole Guerrero, 20, of Calexico CONTINUED | PAGE 30

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Spring 2022

INSPIRE |

Renowned animal welfare expert Dr. Temple Grandin speaks to a crowd in the Casa de Mañana building at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds at a dinner hosted by One World Beef Packers as part of the Brawley company's dedication to community engagement. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero

OWB Packers By Susan Giller

Locally owned and operated One World Beef (OWB) Packers has taken its dedication to giving back and investing in the Imperial Valley to new heights this year. The Brawley-based beef processing facility has become a fixture in local chambers of commerce and such community activities as parades, festivals and youth activities. And the company’s community engagement has steadily grown along with its processing plant workforce and its importance to the local cattle industry, which is a key driver of the county’s economy. Yet, OWB Packers kicked off this year in an even more generous fashion by putting on a dinner at which renowned animal welfare expert Dr. Temple Grandin gave a keynote talk to a crowd of more than 400 Valley 4-H and FFA members, their advisors and members of the Autistic Society of Imperial County Spring 2022

Company gives back to brighten the future

(ASIC). “As a locally-owned and locallyoperated business, we want to invest in our community,” OWB Packers Vice President for Food Safety Kim Herinckx said at the event. “What better way to do that than to collaborate with an expert who can educate our youth, the leaders of our future?” Grandin has a long history of working in the Imperial Valley and with OWB Packers. Her graduate research in the 1980s was based on her experiences working in feed yards in the Imperial Valley and Arizona. And OWB Packers’ state-of-the-art facility in Brawley features a Grandin design to uphold responsible treatment of animals. She continues to provide training and monitoring and share best practices in animal welfare with the facility. Even prior to the event Imperial Valley Fairgrounds CEO Alan Phillips was effusive in his praise for OWB Packers’ contribution to the 4-H and FFA

programs. “You can’t believe how much they (OWB Packers and its employees) give in money and their time,” he said. “It means so much to these kids. Especially now (during COVID restrictions), it helps keep the programs going.” But the dinner and Grandin’s captivating talk about the importance of treating animals humanely was just a beginning. OWB Packers concluded the evening by announcing the creation of an annual $2,500 One World Beef Temple Grandin Animal Welfare Scholarship for a 4-H or FFA member who raised and showed a large market animal at the California MidWinter Fair. The new scholarship is in addition to an existing $2,500 OWB Bill Brandenberg Annual Overall Champion Market Beef Exhibitor Scholarship. OWB CEO Eric Brandt named the scholarship to honor his mentor, beef industry and 4-H community leader Brandenberg. Brandt explained that raising a 4-H

market steer under Brandenberg’s guidance “put a spark in my life that shaped my career.” For OWB Packers, sponsoring scholarships is basic to the business. Herinckx said,” Our mission is to give back to our community and to support the youth of Imperial Valley in their growth as future leaders.” OWB Packers implemented the giving back to its community part of its mission on a larger scale when it agreed to be the presenting sponsor of the California MidWinter Fair & Fiesta, both for the 10-day run that started on March 4 and for the 2023 fair. The California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta was the last fair held in the state before pandemic restrictions forced the cancellation of most large scale events for the past two years. It became one of the first fairs in the state to reopen. However, it wasn’t certain until a few weeks prior to the fair’s start what buildings and activities would be restricted. “We always appreciate our sponsors,” I.V. Fairgrounds CEO Phillips said, “But this year was anything but normal. We are especially grateful for OWB Packers.” It wasn’t just OWB Packers signage that was present at the fair. Its employees

Dr. Temple Grandin's talk about the humane treatment of animals held the crowd of about 400 spellbound. - Photo by Joselito N. Villero were there. Some staffed a booth with a cute blue VW bug that sold Baja Jerky, one of OWB’s products. And the jerky, beef sticks and seasoning drew rave reviews. Other employees were constantly in the barns to help 4-H and FFA kids with their animals. Ultimately, OWB Packers didn’t give out one OWB Temple Grandin Animal Welfare Scholarship. In its dedication to giving this year, the company presented

two scholarship checks. On her Facebook page Herinckx wrote, “I can’t think of a better way to start a youth auction than to be able to present a new scholarship to our youth. What’s better than the one $2,500 you were supposed to present. Double down on our youth!” Herinckx announced on Facebook that the scholarships went to Andrew Angulo and Daniela Bastidas. 

Spring 2022

EXPLORE |

Westmorland native and USS Midway Docent Ross Dickerson stands in front of the Battle of Midway Theater aboard the San Diego museum carrier. A film with holograms there tells the story of why the carrier was named Midway. Dickerson's father Howard was a World War II Navy pilot who flew in the battle that became the turning point in the Pacific war against the Japanese. - Photo by Bill Gay their life experiences that foster a desire to give back; fun and comradery, and finally a spouse that says, ‘I married you for love, but not for lunch.’” Dickerson, who became a docent in 2019, is a resident of Poway and a retired Navy commander. He is not unlike most of the approximately 450 volunteer Midway docents, the men and women in yellow ball caps who seek to give the thousands of Midway guests unforgettable experiences on the former aircraft carrier -- once the largest warship in the world. By Bill Gay “My biggest challenge, which I encounter almost every day, is smoothing over a guest's disappointment after they discover When Westmorland native Ross Dickerson retired from his it's impossible to see all the USS Midway has to offer in only the second career, he knew he was not finished. one hour they allocated for their visit,” said Dickerson. “Finding “Well, like everyone who grew up in the Valley, I've always their interests, pointing them in the right direction and seeing worked since I was about 8 years old,” he said. That included them leave happy is also the most rewarding experience for me 22 years as a naval flight officer, then 16 more as a wargaming as a docent.” specialist for the Navy’s Third Fleet in San Diego. Typical visitors are people such as 6-year-old Kaia; her mom, “When I retired for good in 2018, I spent almost a year deciding what I wanted to do with my life, and finally decided to Katherine Espinoza and her aunt, Elizabeth Espinoza, all of El give back as a docent aboard the USS Midway,” Dickerson said. Centro. After touring below decks, the three were on the flight deck. “That's the long answer. The short answer? My wife, Carol, told The Harding School kindergartner had just learned there were me that I couldn't spend the rest of my life sitting on the couch more buttons to push in the Midway’s “Island,” a space above watching Netflix.” Jim Reily, the Midway’s director of docents, said docents serve the flight deck that houses control centers for the ship. She scampered across the flight deck to the door leading to the for a number of reasons. “Patriotism; a sense of gratitude for

Midway Museum

Spring 2022

buttons. The object of Kaia’s search was, in 1991, the Admiral’s command center for the Navy’s opening night bombing attacks in Operation Desert Storm that led to the liberation of Kuwait. It was from these spaces that Rear Adm. Daniel P. March, in January 1991, directed the Navy carrier battle force that opened the Persian Gulf War against Iraq. Midway’s Tactical Flag Command Center is frozen in time: Jan. 17, 1991, the opening night of the war. Maps pinpointing bombing targets in Baghdad line the planning room. But, for Kaia, all of that historical stuff is superfluous. While her mom and aunt were looking at the maps in the War Planning and Briefing Room, the docent showing the area realized Kaia’s real interest and immediately took her into the adjacent command center and to the buttons and switches she sought. Kaia soon was moving from one radar repeater after another and trying out the communications equipment, seeing what all the buttons and switches would do. “Most guests quickly figure out that there are dozens of spaces they can visit, besides the flight and hangar decks: the Island, Admiral's Country, Mess Decks, Forward Loop, Ready Rooms, etc.,” said Dickerson. But there is “one hidden gem” that guests can easily miss: engineering spaces, he said. It is there that children can manipulate the dials and knobs that once gave the Midway propulsion orders. Meanwhile, adults get a simplified lesson in how steam is used to propel a ship. Midway's Engine Room #3 “is easy to access, in immaculate condition and is always manned by extremely knowledgeable docents, many of whom have spent countless hours on watch in Kaia compares notes with her mom Katherine Espinoza from her

CONTINUED | PAGE 32 seat in the Navigator's chair on the USS Midway Navigation Bridge.

Spring 2022

DISCOVER |

A petroglyph found in Imperial Valley (left) may depict a Spanish ship, like the San Salvador at the Maritime Museum of San Diego (right). - Photo: www.exploresandiego.net/strange-petroglyphs-in-imperial-county

"Lost Ship” By Kristin O’Lear Interim Executive Director Imperial Valley Desert Museum For decades, rumors of a lost ship

Spring 2022

Legend endures, despite lack of evidence lodged beneath layers of shifting desert sand continues to captivate the imaginations of individuals both young and old. It is easy to understand the appeal of the “Lost Ship of the Desert.”

It tells the story of a Spanish galleon (with some believing the ship may be Viking or English in origin) carrying pearls and other treasures on its journey along the Colorado River. The story relates that it became stuck in increasingly shallow waters and stranded as the water eventually dried around them. It cultivates the idea of history thought lost to time, only to be unearthed in such a contradictory location. That is exactly what makes the Lost Ship

of the Desert so thrilling. Researchers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike still darken our doorways here at the Imperial Valley Desert Museum in an effort to solve the mystery surrounding the lost ship. But before we can truly sink into the mystery, we need to first understand how a ship could find itself in an area now defined by sand.

History of Water

The Imperial Valley is a land of contradictions. Water has, and continues to be, a defining feature of the region. It may surprise you to know that 10 million years ago, the Imperial Valley was completely under water. The Gulf of California extended all the way to the Coachella Valley and created a thriving marine environment, home to shellfish, oysters, corals, and large marine mammals. Today, evidence of this vast marine life is still visible in Imperial Valley. The community of Ocotillo, home to the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, boasts fossilized oyster beds, shell canyons, and even an ancient fossilized sea cow that dates back 5 to 7 million years. The buildup of sediment over time from

the Colorado River resulted in an earthen dam that eventually separated the Valley from the Gulf of California. Periodically, the Colorado River flooded beyond its natural banks and would flow north, toward lower ground previously carved out by the Gulf of California. The lowest ground eventually became a bed for what is now called ancient Lake Cahuilla. It is better known today as Salton Sea. Estimates are that it took 12-20 years for ancient Lake Cahuilla to fill, and 60 for it to evaporate and empty again. This history of water in the Imperial Valley, with its cycles of filling and evaporation over the millennia, is what sets the stage for the lost ship.

European Contact and the Lost Ship

In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo became the first European to set foot on western coastal lands, in present-day Point Loma in San Diego. Following Cabrillo’s arrival, the Spanish continued to be a presence in the region for 450 years with Spanish soldiers and missionaries exploring the area on foot and by sea. From the mid-16th to the early 19th century, galleons were used

Morlin Childers and what appears to be part of a ship. - Photo provided by Imperial Valley Desert Museum by the Spanish to transport cargo and as warships. Galleons were renowned for their increased carrying capacity and CONTINUED | PAGE 35

Spring 2022

APPRECIATE |

Women's 10,000 Club By Julie Smith-Taylor For more than a century, generations of women belonged to the Women’s 10,000 Club, dedicated to the promotion and cultural growth of El Centro. Then in 2021, after 113 years of service, the club officially disbanded due to waning membership. The Women’s 10,000 Club was established on Oct. 31, 1908. This iconic organization was created to carry on

Spring 2022

Enduring part of El Centro's history

the work of El Centro’s founding fathers who set a goal to increase the city’s population to 10,000 residents. The goal may have seemed lofty in those early days, but the more than capable and creative women of El Centro knew how to get things done. Over the next four decades, they developed posters and informational brochures, wrote letters to editors and placed ads in newspapers all across the country describing the advantages of

The Women's 10,000 Club celebrates its 100th anniversary in these images from the 2008 event. - Photos provided by the Women's 10,000 Club small-town life in Imperial County. They functioned like a chamber of commerce/ information center promoting El Centro and all it had to offer. The illustrious campaign worked and soon the city began to grow. The

All money from the sale of the Women's 10,000 Club clubhouse went to create scholarships for nursing students at Imperial Valley College as directed by the club's bylaws. biggest growth periods occurred after both world wars and during the Great Depression when families were looking for a fresh start in an affordable and welcoming environment. By the mid 1940s, the club reached its goal when the city’s population hit 11,000. According to club historian Jacqueline Keltz, a member for more than 50 years, becoming a member wasn’t easy. Worthy candidates had to not only fill out a formal application, but be sponsored by two other members before going through an interviewing process and a general assembly vote. “It was a way to ensure that most of our members could use their influence and connections with wealthy business owners to obtain event sponsorships, donations and other long-term benefits,” says Keltz. “Our mission was also philanthropic. We supported a variety of civic causes such as assisting non-profits like the local Food Bank and the Humane Society. We also helped create a community park, provided items for needy children and offered “Granny Grants” to the grandchildren of members in the form of college scholarships,” Keltz said. “During war times, we rolled bandages for soldiers overseas and kept watch for invading airplanes. We also provided support and comfort for area servicemen on their way to CONTINUED | PAGE 36

QUALIFICATIONS:  25 years of Business Experience  Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations  Community Involvement to include P.E.O., California Women in Agriculture, School Career Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Board.  4th Generation Imperial Valley

GINA’S TOP PRIORITIES

1. Maintain Reasonable Energy Rates and Upgrade Existing Infrastructure. 2. Ensure Water Rights and Volume of Water Are Beneficial for Our Entire Community. 3. Hold the State of California Accountable for the Salton Sea. 4. Develop and Implement a Succession Plan for Many of the Key Positions at IID.

Vote GINA DOCKSTADER

Imperial Irrigation District, Division 3 gina@4IID.com • Gina4IID.com

760-455-0247

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT GINA DOCKSTADER Spring 2022

EXPLORE |

Joshua Tree By Stefanie Campos For many of us, the COVID-19 lockdown inspired families to go forth and travel to the only place they could, the outdoors. Imperial Valley families rediscovered the beauty of the desert. A few of us began to

Spring 2022

Discover beauty of desert, just a short drive away

Images of Joshua Tree National Park, a favorite for Stefanie Campos and her children (far right photo). - Photos provided by Stefanie Campos

young and old, first-time explorers or experienced campers. On a whim, I took my three children for an exploratory trip at wander farther, even into the great wonders the height of the pandemic lockdown. We secured a room at a Twentynine Palms of our national parks. Lucky for us, we motel just as the travel restrictions were have one of the most beautiful and worldlifted and a recent snowstorm in the high renowned areas nearby — Joshua Tree desert had begun to fade. Armed with the National Park. AllTrails hiking app and Facebook hiking Just a few hours’ drive north, the group recommendations, the four of us expansive park is an easy day trip for checked off featured attractions, hiked

to abandoned mines and conquered a mountain peak. On that trip I fell in love with Joshua Tree. Its beauty and tranquility is restorative in unspeakable ways. Each time I return, I feel my shoulders relax, my mind calm and I am in awe of the mysterious and magical universe. Since my premiere visit, I have returned several times, introducing friends on day trips and camping for a weekend. Below are suggestions for a first-timer to the park. Go ahead and get outdoors and wander a little farther. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Getting there:

While there are several entrances to the park, I recommend heading toward Yucca Valley. Travel north out of Imperial Valley on Interstate 10. There is a sign as you head toward the Cabazon Outlets for Joshua Tree National Park. A short stint through the mountains and you will find yourself in Joshua Tree, a smattering of laidback, artsy shops that are fun to peruse. Depending on your preference, you may enter the park through Joshua Tree or if you are staying in Twentynine Palms, there is an entrance there as well. You may purchase a day pass when entering the

park or you can purchase a U.S. National Park Annual Pass beforehand if you plan on visiting multiple times or going to other national parks throughout the year.

To see and do:

If your intent is to explore the park at your leisure and not hit the trails, I suggest Remains of a building off the Desert Queen stopping first at Skull Rock. If you arrive Mine and Eagle Cliff Boulder House trail. early at the park, there will be ample - Photos provided by Stefanie Campos parking immediately next to the attraction. Park, go to the rock, take the obligatory travel back to the Arch and climb up and photo, explore a few of the rock formations around rock boulders until they are tired for and keep going. the drive home. We tend to pack a lunch Next, travel east toward Arch Rock. Be and lots of snacks and will eat at Heart aware the parking lot for this attraction Rock to refuel before further exploration. does not have a restroom, so make sure If you are staying several days, there are you stop at one of the toilets at a trail endless trails to peruse, ranging from easy beforehand. Again, this heavily trafficked for families to challenging (make sure you attraction is easy to find and a short and are comfortable rock scrambling or sliding easy walk from the parking area. This parking lot will get full, but there is a rotation through tight spaces). If you want to camp, I suggest making of visitors and usually you can find a spot. reservations six months ahead to secure Take the obligatory photo and head toward a campsite unless you have flexibility to Heart Rock. It took me a few trips (and a take a canceled or non-reservable site guided Google map photo) to head in the last-minute. Sunsets and sunrises are correct direction. So while it’s fun to explore incredible and if you’re a people-watcher, all around the Arch, if your desire is to see it’s fun to see all of the rock climbers Heart Rock, download a map to guide you. scurrying up and down the rock formations If you have small children, I suggest direct from your campsite.  letting them explore around Heart Rock or

Spring 2022

Wild West

Andrew Shea sees tough times ahead for California water users. Severe drought is tightening the valves on water use with newer, stricter regulations put in place to prevent waste, accompanied by threats of harsh penalties. Faced with even tighter restrictions and escalating irrigation costs, many property owners in the Imperial Valley are turning to Shea’s Wild West Landscaping, LLC, for their xeriscaping and smart irrigation needs. Landscaping and irrigation go hand in hand, Shea said. “You can’t have nice landscaping without the right kind of irrigation.” Xeriscaping is the practice of creating landscaping that reduces or even eliminates the use of irrigation. Examples of xeriscaping abound throughout the Desert Southwest, where verdant, thirsty lawns are giving way to slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants and hardscaping. Not only does xeriscaping save water, but it often requires less fertilizer and pest control applications and reduces labor and yard waste. Spring 2022

Knowledge of plants, conservation drive landscaper Examples of Shea’s transformational xeriscaping can be found at branches of Sun Community Federal Credit Union in El Centro, Calipatria, Brawley and Imperial. More recently, Shea has provided plants and advice to de facto caretakers of the beleaguered Memory Gardens Cemetery, the Imperial cemetery that faced foreclosure and abandonment until Cruz Abarca stepped in. Shea said interest was piqued while driving by one day and he spotted Abarca repairing a headstone. Abarca and Robert Stickles of Brawley cleared weeds, debris and dirt from graves and monuments, trucking in water weekly for trees and shrubs that sparsely populated the cemetery. Abarca since has passed away, in November 2021. With Shea’s help, the cemetery now is home to a variety of native plants like agave and yucca, along with brittlebush, cassia and acacia trees, “basically what doesn’t need water,” Shea said. “I just knew it was the right thing to do, helping Cruz.” Smart irrigation technology is another piece of the water-saving puzzle, taking

TOP PHOTO Andrew Shea at Memory Gardens Cemetery north of Imperial. ABOVE The POW-MIA flag flies above Memory Gardens. - Photos provided by Andrew Shea aim at waste by adapting watering schedules to meet specific needs. “Irrigation repairs and upgrades are our niche,” Shea said. “After 15-20 years, irrigation systems wear out and we have to replace everything.” “Fixing irrigation, finding leaks to help

save water, emphasizing water conservation, all are important, especially today,” he added. Shea’s dedication to water conservation is driven by threats to the Valley’s water supply and plummeting water levels in the lakes and reservoirs along the Colorado River. “The warning signs are there for a severe, even catastrophic drought,” he said. “I’m trying to offer those things that, when it gets bad, customers can have someone without bias who wants to help them save water.” Plant knowledge comes naturally to Shea, whose understanding of the plants and irrigation needs of the Imperial Valley has blossomed since he moved to the Imperial Valley and founded Wild West Landscaping in 2014. Shea is active in the community, serving on the board of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Brawley. He also holds a pilot’s license and serves on the Imperial County Airport Advisory Committee. The secret, he has said, “is you have to learn from people here.” And today, he is all too willing to share what he has learned with others. 

TIPS  Research your plants before buying, because something in a small container can become a monster  Know your planting zones  Learn from others in a similar climate. Desert gardens in places like Phoenix are helpful

Water levels are low at dams along the Colorado River. - Photos provided by Andrew Shea

Spring 2022

NOURISH |

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/30Jk7LT 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 Bites n Brews $$ 775 E. Danenberg Dr, Ste 104, El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4030 https://bit.ly/3nh4rqP

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

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

Buckshot Deli & Diner $$ 8120 CA-111, Niland, CA 92257 760-359-0595 https://bit.ly/3jrInbX Buffalo Wild Wings $$ 510 Danenberg Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9481 www.buffalowildwings.com

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

Brickhouse Deli 447 W. Aten Rd, Imperial, CA 92251 760-592-4352 www.bhdeli.co

Spring 2022

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

Foster Freeze $ 130 N. 5th St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-7566 https://fostersfreeze.com

Habit Burger $ 2335 S. 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-997-7805 www.habitburger.com Hope Café and Creperie $ 605 E 2nd St, Calexico, CA 92231 760-890-5259 https://bit.ly/3zyZAXd Hot Rod's & Beer $$ 235 West E 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250 760-356-9900 https://hotrodsnbeer. com Humble Farmer Brewing $$ 116 S. Imperial Ave Ste C, Imperial, CA 92251 760-545-0037 www.humblefarmerbrewing.com

Locally Owned

$10 & under per person

Beer/Wine only

$20 & under per person

Full Bar

Over $20 per person

Leroy's Backyard BBQ $$ 401 Broadway, El Centro, CA 92243 760-675-6546 https://bit.ly/3iLMFLP Maranatha Steakhouse $$ 612 S. J St, Imperial, CA 92251 760-355-0777 https://bit.ly/2ZaBkx2 Panera Bread $$ 2321 S. 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-332-6499 www.panerabread.com Pepper Grind Coffee $ 1560 Pepper Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 https://bit.ly/3j3jcxd

IHOP $$ 2362 S. 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-1100 www.ihop.com

Red Feather Off-Road Market & Cafe $ 1182 N. Imperial Hwy, Ocotillo, CA 92259 760-358-7389 https://bit.ly/3vwXwvY

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

Shake & Wake $ 1490 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5100 https://bit.ly/3EalJfZ

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 Chef Lee's Express $ 1049 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5555 https://bit.ly/3xx5M0q

RESTAURANT

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 $$ 3309 S. Dogwood Rd, El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-9888 https://bit.ly/3iJn6uQ Fortune House $$ 1627 W Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-3888 https://bit.ly/3vrsZzu Hong Kong $$ 550 Wake Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4497 https://bit.ly/3E4Wdcb

Kotori Japanese Food $$ 300 E Cole Blvd, Calexico, CA 92231 760-768-8540 https://bit.ly/3zHPbZE Lucky Chinese Restaurant $$ 500 S. 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-7680 www.luckyrestaurant.com Los Ce-B-Ches $$ 1074 E Coles Blvd Ste 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

Peony Pavilion $$ 1505 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-351-9888 https://bit.ly/3iJdGj3 Poke & Noodle Japanese Cuisine $$ 799 E. Danenberg Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9208 https://bit.ly/2UccQkB

Teriyaki Headquarters $$ 800 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4838 https://bit.ly/3vDiBGx Volcano $$ 445 E. Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-9105 http://volcanoelcentro. com/

Italian Food

Johnny Carino's $$ 3203 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/3b0Ctdd

Assaggio Ristorante Italiano $$ 538 E St, Brawley, CA 92227 Mozzarelli Pizza 760-344-9750 & Gelato $$ https://qrco.de/Assaggio 950 N Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 Chuck-E-Cheese $$ 760-353-3300 803 E. Danenberg Rd, https://bit.ly/3q7g4l2 El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-4785 www.chuckecheese.com George’s Pizza $$ 116 W 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250 760-356-1192 https://bit.ly/3cPgc3A 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/3B7d1gH

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

Sushi & Noodles $$ 630 S Brawley Ave Unit #6, Brawley, CA 92227 760-623-1361 https://bit.ly/3E6JANF

Inferno $$ 3451 S Dogwood Rd #1396, El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4818 https://bit.ly/2Ze07Rp

Khan Korean BBQ $$ 330 Wake Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-0202 https://bit.ly/3gy1hwY

Sushi Park $$ 330 Wake Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-2377 https://bit.ly/3gB9uze

Italianos $$ 1523 Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-336-0336 italianoselcentro.com

Mexican Food

Cardenas Markets $$ 1620 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-482-0139 www.cardenasmarkets.com Celia's Restaurant $$ 1530 Adams Ave., El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-4570 www.celiasrestaurants.com 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

Antojitos Como En Casa $$ 425 Desert Gardens Dr., El Centro, CA 92243 760-482-5621 D'Poly Taco, Grill & antojitoscomoencasa.com Beer $$ 1573 W. Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 Birrieria y 760-970-4243 Menuderia Guadalajaras $ https://bit.ly/35vdKLw 845 Imperial Ave, Calexico, CA 92231 El Cañon $ 760-890-5181 625 Main St, https://bit.ly/3cNjmoc Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-2411 Briseida's Kitchen $$ 741 Cesar Chavez Blvd, Calexico, CA 92231 760-618-9180 https://bit.ly/3b2oeod Camacho's Place $$ 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 $$ 1702 N Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5014 https://bit.ly/3GdMxxW El Zarape $$ 139 S. Imperial Ave, Imperial, CA 92251 760-355-4435 https://bit.ly/3gCuPrP Flautas & Sopes $ 1622 S 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243 442-283-5090 www.flautasysopesusa.site Flautas & Sopes $$ 1531 Ford Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 760-336-0825 www.flautasysopesusa.site Flautas & Sopes $ 715 Cesar Chavez Blvd, Calexico, CA 92231 760-357-0655 www.flautasysopesusa.site Hacienda Market & Snack Bar $ 941 K St, Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-5542 https://bit.ly/3b0ILJR Holtville Taco Shop $ 404 E 5th St, Holtville, CA 92250 760-356-5756 www.holtvilletacoshop.com Jalisco's Bar & Grill $$ 844 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-2515 https://bit.ly/3nhTvsZ

Johnny's Burritos 490 D St., Brawley, CA 92227 760-344-0961 https://bit.ly/3cJkERa Spring 2022

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

K Taquiza Restaurant $ 249 E Main St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5088 https://bit.ly/3GcVSpA

Karina's Mexican Food $$ 845 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-0027 https://bit.ly/3njjQXG

Kennedy's Taco $ 1560 Ocotillo Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 760-970-4019 https://bit.ly/3m8DAOx

La Birrieria Red Tacos $ 900 W Birch St #5, Calexico, CA 92231 760-960-2213 https://bit.ly/2SHS77N

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 La Fonda Bar & Grill $$ 760-352-2757 1950 S 4th St #1, https://bit.ly/3gwEUYH El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-6450 Las Palmitas Taco https://bit.ly/3E23yJm Shop #2 $ 880 Adams Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-370-9120 La Fuente https://bit.ly/3cL3jr0 Restaurant $ 737 Emerson Ave, Letty's Casita $$ Calexico, CA 92231 705 S. 4th St, 760-357-5760 El Centro, CA 92243 760-352-8170 https://bit.ly/2ZcppyX https://bit.ly/3wBPpPV La Resaca $$ 143 S. 6th St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-592-4971 https://bit.ly/3vFQox3

Los Cabos Seafood & Grill $$ 201 N. Imperial Ave, El Centro, CA 92243 760-693-5393 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

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

Mi Casita $$ 324 S. Imperial Ave. Ste B, Calexico, CA 92231 760-556-9895 https://bit.ly/3cO17PE

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

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

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

Sombrero Mexican Food $$ 703 E. Danenberg Dr, El Centro, CA 92243 760-337-2160 https://bit.ly/3xyamev Patty’s Loncheria 1191 Main St, Brawley, CA 92227 (760) 960 9023 https://bit.ly/3B3hjHd

Puerto Nuevo Patio & Grill $$ 395 Broadway, El Centro, CA 92243 760-336-0430 https://bit.ly/3iMIrUj

Rosa's Plane Food Inc. $$ 445 S. Imperial Ave, Calexico, CA 92231 760-890-8860 https://bit.ly/3q5sg5Q

Tacos De Pescado Marlyn $$ 1614 S 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243 760-353-1686 https://bit.ly/2SAvbaI The Burrito Factory $$ 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/3b41jck

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

Spring 2022

Calexico Art Walk at the Grand Plaza Outlets. - Photo by Alejandra Noriega

Calendar of Events

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.

April 2

April 5

41st Annual Children's Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bucklin Park in El Centro. This family fun-filled day celebrates children of all ages. There will be two entertainment stages showcasing local talent, food, drinks, hay bale maze, games, prizes, and raffles. The Imperial Valley Humane Society will be there with pets looking for forever homes.

Brawley Christian Women's Club luncheon Noon, Gateway Church Social Hall, 4249 Highway 86, Brawley. Cost is $13. Guest speaker is Kim Worcester of Oro Valley, Ariz., who will share about “The Ride for Her Life.” Be creative with your spring hat creation. Prizes will be awarded. Reservations are required; call Diane Griffith at (760) 791-6450 by March 31.

April 9 Spring Market Day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lisa Tucker Center, 447 W. Aten Road, Imperial. Sponsored by FCA Imperial Valley. Local vendors, food, and photos with the Easter bunny. CONTINUED | PAGE 27

Spring 2022

CASA SERENA, CRISIS CARE I

MOBILE UNITS PROGRAMS OFFER PATH TO RECOVERY

mperial County Behavioral Health Services is getting two substantial boosts in efforts to help people experiencing a mental health crisis. The boosts come in the form of a $5 million grant that will fund implementation of the two-year Casa Serena project and $3 million in funds for the four-year Crisis Care Mobile Units project. The projects are aimed at making mental health and other supportive services available to people experiencing behavioral or emotional emergencies but who do not meet criteria for involuntary holds. “Casa Serena will provide alternative solutions or services for someone who may be experiencing a psychiatric emergency but who may not meet criteria for (California Welfare and Institutions Code) 5150,” explained Maria Ruiz, deputy director Spring 2022 2022 Winter/Spring

of Behavioral Health’s Mental Health Triage and Engagement Services. Code 5150 allows a person with a mental illness to be involuntarily detained for a 72-hour hold for evaluation and treatment. Instead, Casa Serena will provide a therapeutic place for people experiencing a behavioral or emotional crisis, acting as a preventative and/or transitional resource and enabling their crisis to de-escalate, said Jessica Pineda, Behavioral Health Manager for the Mental Health Triage and Engagement Services. Casa Serena will also serve as a step-down option for individuals who no longer meet criteria for involuntarily hold and would benefit form a lower level of care. “They will be provided with interventions and linked to appropriate services,” Ruiz

said, “to prevent re-occurrence of crisis events.” Among the first goals are to educate and inform the community about services, Ruiz said. “We want the community to know that when an individual identifies they might be having a crisis, instead of calling law enforcement, they will reach out to us.” This will allow ICBHS to provide timely interventions to de-escalate the crisis, ensuring the safety of the client and taking the opportunity to teach individuals skills to self-regulate and prevent future incidents. To be located on the first floor of ICBHS’ facilities at 202 North 8th Street, El Centro, it will offer comfort rooms for each segment of the populations served by Behavioral Health -- adults, young adults, adolescents and children. Rooms will be age appropriate, with sensory

CHANGES IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT:

toys for children, comfortable seating, TVs and calming music. Casa Serena will provide services from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Crisis Care Mobile Units will consist of three response teams that will help make mental health and supportive services more accessible through outreach, engagement, and connections to services and support. Additionally, the mobile units will provide crisis intervention at schools, ICBHS outpatient clinics, and both El Centro Regional Medical Center and Pioneers Memorial Hospital. “This is a start, a very good start,” Ruiz said. “I’m seeing good results already.” Both programs will generate new jobs. Casa Serena and the Crisis Care Mobile Units are direct responses to the increasing number of people experiencing mental health emergencies who come to the attention of local law enforcement

 CCRT diverted 89% of individuals from being placed in involuntary holds.

 Overall decrease of involuntary holds from monthly average of 85 individuals to 38

 Involuntary holds by law enforcement agencies decrease from 90% to 77%

 Increase community awareness of Imperial County Behavioral Health Services Triage Unit from 9 walk-ins per month to 33 walk-ins per month.  Increase in voluntary hospitalizations.

agencies, hospital emergency rooms, and the ICBHS Mental Health Triage Unit, often overwhelming these systems. Each program brings increased treatment options and alternatives to involuntary holds, seclusion and restraint for children, adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Most importantly, Casa Serena and

the Crisis Care Mobile Units will enhance the continuum of care for individuals experiencing a crisis by providing the services and support to develop the skills essential to their mental well-being. 

202 N. Eighth Street • El Centro, CA 92243 For appointment call:

(442) 265-1525 • (800) 817-5292 bhs.imperialcounty.org

Winter/Spring Spring 2022

Andrew Angulo Sabrina Alford Carleigh Ashurst Madison Bostic Alexa Bostic Hailey Camarena Jared Carpio Mekennah Clayton Megan Currie 26

Spring 2022

Presley DePaoli Ryan Dickerson Tanner Dockstader David Jay Escalera Luisa Estrada Dawson Figueroa Arlen Fonseca Jacqueline Hernandez

Addison Holbrook Elizabeth Hoskins Gianna Irungaray Charles Layaye Gianni Mayo Emily Phillips Roger Rolfe Cidney Roper Charles Roper

Alyssa Singh Madolyn Tigert Haleigh Townsel Taylor Tucker Zoe Van Der Linden Alexandra Veysey Amber Weller Sarah Zendejas

CALENDAR CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 23

April 9

April 22

April 23, 2022

Women's Empowerment Conference 2022 8:30 a.m., San Diego State University Imperial Valley. Sponsored by Soroptimist International of El Centro, MANA de Imperial Valley along with SDSU Imperial Valley, and Imperial Valley Social Justice Committee. Registration for this event is now open via Event Brite, https://www.eventbrite. com/e/294825359587 The event will showcase panel discussions of the accomplishments by local women in business, politics, health, and advocacy. Every attendee must be registered. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Evening with an Expert: Mark Gran 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Imperial Valley Desert Museum, 11 Frontage Road, Ocotillo. Explore the Imperial Valley’s geothermal technology and natural resources. Reservations are required. Admission is $35 and includes food and drink. The event also is available in a virtual, live-stream format on Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID is 831 1252 0022. The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m.

Danny Jones Burrito Challenge 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Imperial. Open only to 10 volunteer contestants. Register on Nana's Kitchen Facebook or Instagram pages, sending message with name and telephone number. Must sign waiver form. Restrictions may apply. For more information call Nana's Kitchen at (760) 457-6077. Deadline to Register is April 11, 2022

April 9 Painting Adventure: Missions Fundraiser 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., First Assembly of God, 871 Park Ave., El Centro Supplies will be provided. Cost is $35. Tickets available through elcentrofirst.churchcenter.com/ giving

April 14 Border Tactical IV Ladies Basic Pistol Course 5:30 p.m., Border Tactical, 925 N. Imperial Ave., El Centro. Range tour with Q&A, refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Must be age 21 or over. For more information call (760) 353-4884.

April 14 Easter Egg Hunt 6 p.m., Tito Huerta Park in Heber. Along with the egg hunt, there will be special performances and a showing of the movie “Encanto.” Food and drink will be sold by vendors. Hosted by the Heber Public Utility District.

April 23 Indigenous Cultures Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Imperial Valley Desert Museum, 11 Frontage Road, Ocotillo. This free community event is a celebration of the history, traditions and living cultures of the region’s many indigenous peoples. For more information, call (760) 358-7016.

April 23 14th Annual Mardi Gras Bal, "French Quarter Jubilee" Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse, hosted by the El Centro Regional Medical Center Foundation. For more information: https://www.ecrmcfoundation. org/mardi-gras-2022

April 23 El Centro Day at the Ballpark 5:40 p.m. at Petco Park in San Diego. The City of El Centro invites all Imperial Valley residents to come watch the San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game. This is the city’s annual event “El Centro Day at the Ball Park.” Tickets are available for $94 each, until March 25, or sooner if sold out. Tickets are limited. For more information, contact the City of El Centro City Manager’s Office at 760-337-4540

April 26 Creative Young Minds Exhibit Opening reception, 5:30 to 8 p.m., 421 Heffernan Ave., Calexico. All artists ages 10-25 are invited. All mediums accepted. Register at calexicorecreation.org. Drop off pieces April 11-12 between noon and 6 p.m. at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center 421 Heffernan Ave. For more information call 760-3575575. Exhibit days from April 26 -May 5.

April 29 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes - A Men's March Against Violence 4 p.m., Bucklin Park in El Centro. Join Sure Helpline Center, City of El Centro, County of Imperial, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services, and United Way to make a difference by helping women walk away from sexual violence. For more information, contact Gabriela Cabrales (gcabrales.surehelpine@gmail.com) or Mario Renteria (mrenteria.surehelpline@gmail.com) via email or phone at (760) 352-7878.

April 30 The Edge 5K Begins at 8 a.m. at Imperial Valley College. To register, visit www.raceentry.com/races/theedge-5k-/2022/register CONTINUED | PAGE 28

Spring 2022

CALENDAR CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 27

April 30 Holtville Derby Days 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., 1585 E. Worthington Road, Holtville. Event by Boys & Girls Clubs of Imperial Valley. Tickets available at bgciv.networkforgood.com/ events/40170-holtville-derby-days Join us for an exciting evening at the races. Choose your favorite horse and be ready to have fun. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Imperial Valley's Holtville site. Dress in derby gear and be eligible to win a prize. And don't forget to bring cash to participate in the races! Doors Open at 6 p.m. Races start at 7 p.m.

May 5 Taco Festival 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Plaza Park in Brawley Admission is free. This year’s Taco Festival will offer taco lovers the opportunity to enjoy tacos from more than 15 of the best taquerias and restaurants in Imperial Valley.

May 6 Stargazing: Aquarids Meteor Shower 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Imperial Valley Desert Museum, 11 Frontage Road, Ocotillo. Explore the cosmos with IVDM and amateur astronomer Michael Rood on a night filled with telescopes, talks, games, and prizes.

Calexico Art Walk at the Grand Plaza Outlets. - Photo by Alejandra Noriega Bring your own chairs and binoculars to this free community event.

May 13 Dancing with the Stars 6 p.m., Pipa Ballroom, Quechan Casino Resort, 525 Algodones Road, Winterhaven. Tickets are $90 each, $720 for a table of eight.

I.V.R.O.P Community Foundation was established in March 2004. The foundation was designed to develop educational and economic opportunities for youth and adults throughout Imperial County. IVROPCF awards more than $15,000 in scholarships per year to high school seniors who are moving to post-secondary education. For more information, call Wendy Ramirez, (760) 482-2644. 

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PASSION CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 7

A student uses a magnifying lens to examine insect specimen during the Principles of Entomology class at Imperial Valley College. - Photos by Joselito N. Villero is one of Kanyi’s students. She is majoring in plant science and has a goal of transferring to either California Polytechnic University Pomona or San Luis Obispo to pursue a degree in agricultural education. Her goal is to return to the Valley once she earns her degree to work in education, or possibly with the Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s

Office. Her third option is to work as an agriculture specialist at the border under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Like Shelby Trimm, Guerrero’s family has no background in agriculture. Guerrero followed a journey that began by wanting to work with animals—which began with her enjoyment of television shows about animals. She expanded that interest when she joined FFA in high

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school and while she ultimately decided that a career as a veterinarian was not the right fit for her, she did come to realize there were other fields within agriculture that offered favorable options. IVC’s agricultural program has solidified that interest. She said of her classes, “When you just know something is right, you see that everything can work right. It just sticks.” Emily Delgado, 20, of El Centro, is another of Kanyi’s students who has decided to pursue a career in agriculture with no previous background in the field. In fact, unlike Trimm and Guerrero, she didn’t participate in FFA during her high school years. Her first real introduction to agriculture came during the fall 2021 semester when she took her first plant science class at IVC. She took the class to fulfill a science requirement but ended up building such an interest that led to an educational path and a career choice. “I took the class to find out what it was all about, and I found it really interesting,” said Delgado, who is continuing to study agriculture this semester with plans to pursue a major in plant science and then transfer to the University of Arizona. Her goal, she said, is to become an

agricultural specialist with Customs and Border Protection or to work as an international agronomist. Delgado said she would like to begin her career in the Imperial Valley and later incorporate travel into her work. Donald Benedict, 23, of Imperial has a different story. Though he does not come from a farming family, throughout his high school years at Southwest High School in El Centro, many of his friends were part of families that did farming. Those connections led him to start working on farms during his senior year. While he did not immediately seek a higher education after graduating, he continued to work in agriculture as he moved to Minnesota. There, he worked on a dairy farm. He later moved back to the Valley and began working for Grimmway Farms as a crew leader, but he knew he wanted a chance to do more in agriculture. To do that, he had to pursue education. Today, he is in his second year at Imperial Valley College and working on an associate degree in plant science. His experience at IVC has included an internship at the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center near Holtville, and currently he is working for Helena Agri-Enterprises,

an agricultural chemical and nutrient company in Brawley. Benedict’s goal is to become an agricultural salesman and pest control advisor and plans to transfer to either the University of Arizona program in Yuma or University of California, Berkeley. He said of a career in agriculture, “it can be very rewarding, but you just need to get your education.” For students from the Valley looking to pursue a degree in agriculture, the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association offers scholarships annually. Trimm, who now heads the organization and was a scholarship recipient herself when attended Oklahoma State, said about half the students who receive scholarships do not come from families already involved with agriculture. “The scholarships are open to anyone pursuing a career in agriculture,” she said, adding the students also must be attending a university with an agricultural program. Last year, Vegetable Growers provided some $15,000 in scholarships to local students—funding that was raised strictly through donations to the organization. Trimm said of the scholarship recipients, “We like to see them come back to the

Agricultural Plant Science major Leslie Nicole Guerrero uses a microscope to examine an insect specimen during the Principles of Entomology class. Valley, but that is not a requirement.” As for the future of agriculture in the Valley, Trimm said it is important to have both non-traditional agricultural students choose careers in agriculture and bring their knowledge back to the Valley and have the Valley’s generational farming families continue to grow the crops that are so critical to the local economy. 

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MIDWAY CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 11

various engine spaces while in the Navy,” Dickerson, the former aviator, noted. “It's probably sacrilege for me to even mention the engine room, since most of us aviators and naval flight officers while on active duty only cared about why we didn't have hot water for the showers and had no real idea what it takes to power everything on the ship and propel this 69,000-ton behemoth at nearly 40 miles per hour,” he said. Dickerson added, “I always remember to tell the kids I send down to the Engine Room they may have to hold their breath – it's below the waterline!” Travelers, using TripAdvisor.com, have ranked Midway as their favorite of the more than 19,000 museums they have ranked in the U.S. By comparison, Colonial Williamsburg is No. 4; Graceland is No. 7, and the National World War Two Museum in New Orleans is No. 8. Comments on TripAdvisor by visitors frequently mention the quality of the museum’s volunteers. Reily has a simple explanation for the Midway success: “In four words: volunteers and location…location… location.” He notes there are about 800 volunteers who do most of the work of the

Spring 2022

museum. They include the yellow-hatted docents, as well as separate departments of red-hatted safety volunteers, guest services, aircraft restoration and ship restoration. Reily said volunteers are the major staff in most of the museum’s departments. Reily added “Then it helps to be in San Diego with a large pool of very talented folks who are willing to volunteer.” Most museums have a “look but don’t touch” policy. However, the Midway prides itself as being a unique museum in that it encourages youngsters such as Kaia to push buttons, flip switches and turn wheels they come across. There is also a popular interactive scavenger hunt, the Junior Pilot Program, that earns youths Junior Pilot Wings in a formal docent-run ceremony. There currently are about 440-450 docents who volunteer aboard the Midway, according to Reily. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, the roster carried about 480. Their average age is 74.9, he said. And what makes a good docent? The museum seeks volunteers “who enjoy talking with strangers and are willing to learn about the ship and

aviation details,” Reily said. He added, “Veterans are usually good choices, although some of our best docents are folks with zero military background — teachers, law enforcement, military spouses.” Docents — and other Midway volunteers — go through extensive training before they are allowed to independently deal with guests. Reily credits a team headed by Mark Pugh, a former naval aviator with more than 10,000 Midway volunteer hours, with the success of the eight-week docent training program. “Years ago, we emphasized facts and figures,” Reily said, which was “interesting to some guests — primarily engineers and aviators – but not for the general population.” The training changed to a focus on stories. “It’s the stories, in conjunction with the numbers, that make a great guest experience. Guests want to know what it is like to serve on a carrier. Where did they eat? Where did they sleep? How were they paid? What kind of jobs did they have?” Reily added, “The docent mission is to inspire, educate and entertain our guests.” Assisting in that training is an 800-page Docent Reference Manual that is given to

each docent as a tool to help craft their own stories. In the training, experienced docents act as mentors. “We break the intimidating amount of information into smaller chunks and that, plus mentor participation, make it a much less intimidating process,” Reily said. Docents are a mix of many professionals. Some, like Dickerson, are former aviators. Others spent Navy time aboard ships or in other services or were civilians with a strong interest in Navy history. Jim Reily is a retired Navy Captain and former Supply Officer on the Midway. One docent, a snowbird who lives in Minnesota nine months a year, volunteers aboard the Midway each January through March. Most, though, live in the San Diego area; but, several regularly commute from as far away as Nevada. Regionally, docents also come from Orange, Riverside and Imperial counties. Reily said the biggest challenges his office has is “maintaining enthusiasm and the numbers” of docents. “A big part of that is recruiting, then Mark’s training of the candidates.” Docents don’t immediately receive a yellow hat. That comes only after

Midway Docent Bill Gay leads Kaia through her Midway Junior Pilot ceremony. In the ceremony, she pledged to obey her parents, aunt and grandparents and to study hard in school. - Photo courtesy of Katherine Espinoza satisfactory performance in the training, which includes both classroom examinations as well as practical “wayfinding” tours of the huge ship where a

candidate explains to a docent mentor various aspects of the museum. “Keeping the (docent) corps motivated CONTINUED | PAGE 34

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MIDWAY CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 33

Kaia tries her hand at the Midway's helm. - Photo provided by Bill Gay and enthusiastic has been relatively easy,” Reily said. “We lead with a gentle touch. My job has been likened to herding 450 cats.” Dickerson has a special story he tells guests when he manages the 15-minute film showing of “Voices of Midway.” The film, which is about the 1942 Battle of Midway, is shown in a speciallybuilt theater on the hangar deck. It documents how the carrier was named.

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Dickerson tells of “one pilot I knew really well, who flew during the battle. He saw three of the four Japanese carriers aflame and sinking, they got jumped by a Zero, ran out of fuel and were forced to land in the open ocean. A destroyer picked them up the next day and was sent to escort the damaged USS Yorktown, which he also witnessed get torpedoed and sink over the following two days. The next six months, he spent in

the South Pacific during the Guadalcanal Campaign, which included two additional large carrier battles: the Eastern Solomons and Santa Cruz,” Dickerson relates. “How well did I know that Naval aviator? Pretty well. He was my father, Howard Dickerson. Nothing I did in my 22-year naval career compares to his four during World War II.” And Reily’s favorite example of docents’ work is when youngsters receive their Junior Pilot Wings after answering a group of questions on the scavenger hunt through the ship. Take Kaia, for example. The 6-year-old learned how to salute as a docent led her through a pledge to obey her parents, aunt and grandparents and study hard in school. And her takeaways for her visit? She liked the idea women today can work in Navy ships and even be in charge. “Girls can drive the ship, too?” she asked. Kaia also told her mom, after being up close to the Midway’s helicopter and jet displays, that they are “the sound of freedom.” Then there were all of those special switches and buttons to push. 

LOST SHIP CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 13

often carried treasures from the Americas back to Europe as part of Spanish treasure fleets. Galleons’ use as a cargo ship, particularly relating to their reputation for transporting riches, lends credibility to the theory of a lost ship weighed down with treasures and stranded in the desert. There are a number of theories relating to the Lost Ship, but the one most widely told is that of the Spanish ship of Captain Juan de Iturbe. In 1615, Captain Iturbe set sail and traveled up through the Gulf of California, allegedly on an excursion to acquire pearls. While the details of his exact journey remain unclear, it is postulated that Iturbe spotted an open waterway while traveling north through the Gulf. Believing it would carry him all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Iturbe continued down the waterway and unknowingly sailed into ancient Lake Cahuilla. When Iturbe realized his mistake, he attempted to turn the ship around only to find that the water level in the river that had carried him to the lake dropped significantly. The drop in the water level left Iturbe and his crew stranded, forcing them to leave the ship behind with the bulk of its treasure and return to the

nearest port on foot. The last known flooding of ancient Lake Cahuilla was around the early 1700s. The lake would have been slowly evaporating, making it possible for a vessel to become trapped. Adding to the legend is the number of sightings of the ship over the last two centuries: the first by Charley Clusker in 1870 and again in 1933 by local librarian Myrtle Botts. In both cases, however, neither one was able to relocate the ship after their initial sightings. Most recently, the ship was sighted in Laguna Salada in 1968 by Morlin Childers, Jim Atkins, and Jim Bailey when they unearthed a tall pole with metal hitch that was assumed to be part of the ship's mast. A Kumeyaay petroglyph, located by Robert Marcos outside of Ocotillo, could even capture the ship itself in rock art. Evidence, however, remains elusive and the search for the ship is ongoing.

Future Research

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the legend of the Lost Ship continues to endure. You can learn about the Lost Ship through entries on Wikipedia. There is even an entire website dedicated to

exploring the mystery. If you prefer to learn from the comfort of your home, you can also tune in to watch an “Unexplained and Unexplored” episode titled “Ghost Ship of the Damned” on streaming services. The Imperial Valley Desert Museum’s archives contain photos, articles, and primary documentation from Morlin Childers and his excursions in the desert. The museum staff is happy to help in research efforts and explore the possibility of unearthing a ship trapped beneath the desert sand. 

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WOMEN'S CONTINUED FROM | PAGE 15

deployment. We were a very patriotic group of 400 members in those days,” she added. Katy Criman, a five-term vice president of the club, grew up in Brawley, married and moved away for almost 30 years. In 1996 she moved to El Centro and became a member in 2009. “We had a wonderful camaraderie in the club,” she says. “It brought me a lot of happiness and I enjoyed being around so many like-minded women. We used to host luncheons twice a month that would be planned and served by committee members who loved to cook,” she explained. “Often, we would have entertainment following the meal or we would play bridge, canasta or dominoes and host tournaments, which would help us raise money for scholarships.” Keltz added that by the 1980s, many of the members could boast three generations of members in one family. “Everyone was always very civicminded and were often involved in several different organizations serving El Centro.” Ann Duncan Corwin, now an Oceanside resident who grew up in El Centro, recalls her mother, Margaret Duncan, serving as president of the Women’s 10,000 Club in the early 1950s. “She was a young war bride from San Diego and she and my dad, Robert, moved to El Centro for a job opportunity in 1948,” Corwin said. “My mother joined the club as a way to meet other women and get involved. My parents always believed in giving back.

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“My father was a member of the Kiwanis and the Elks and served on the hospital board. My mother was not only a school teacher, but a leader in 4-H and the Cub Scouts when my brother and I were young,” she said. “She also worked as the society editor for the Imperial Valley Press for a time,” Corwin added. “Serving as the president of the Women’s 10,000 Club was very important to her and she was proud of what they achieved during her tenure and the good works they performed.” The club met twice a month at its clubhouse, a beautiful, historic building at 701 Olive Ave. that was built in 1915. It was shared with the Rotary Club at one time and was often rented out for special events through the years. Unfortunately, membership waned in recent years due to longtime members becoming ill or passing away, and fewer new members joining. Less income from dues, combined with ballooning building maintenance expenses made it clear that it was finally time to disband and sell the clubhouse. All money from the sale went to create scholarships for nursing students at Imperial Valley College as directed by the club’s bylaws. Today, the building is now the official home of Dancin’ Feet Dance Studio. Anne and Susana Irigoyen, a mother/ daughter partnership, purchased the building in 2021. They are working with a local contractor who specializes in restoring old buildings to make necessary changes to the interior while maintaining the integrity and overall look of the beloved clubhouse.

“We will be removing the old fireplace and the small stage to create another studio space and adding ADA-compliant restrooms as part of the remodel,” said Anne Irigoyen. She added the dance studio now has close to 400 students. “We value the historical significance of the building and are honored to ensure its place in El Centro’s past.” Dancin’ Feet plans to showcase various framed posters and memorabilia from the Women’s 10,000 Club in the studio to commemorate the contributions of the organization and to help keep its memory alive for a new generation of Imperial Valley children. “As president of the Regional Chamber of Commerce, I am very passionate about Imperial Valley,” Anne Irigoyen said. “This is our way of ensuring the past is not forgotten as we move into the future.” Keltz said her fondest memories of the club are the wonderful friendships she made through the years and what they achieved as an organization for El Centro. “I like to think about all the amazing women who came before me and all the good they did for our community,” she said. “The Women’s 10,000 Club wanted to change the world for the better and I believe we did. We were a dedicated group of women who actively worked toward the betterment of Imperial Valley and El Centro and I hope we will always be remembered as such.” 

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ECRMC El Centro Regional Medical Center is excited to announce its new gastroenterology and hepatology team of Dr. Oscar A. Lopez and Roger Fimbres, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, to treat patients who may be suffering from digestive problems, abdominal diseases and liver disorders. Dr. Lopez attended medical school at UABC-Tijuana and has more than 15 years of experience, including three years of internal medicine training at Texas Tech Health Science Center, three years of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship training at UCLA and Cedars Sinai and a year of advance therapeutic endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography at Harbor-UCLA. Fimbres has been serving the Imperial Valley for more than 20 years as a registered nurse, with more than five years in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and eight years in hospital nursing administration.

The team offers care for patients with:

 Reflux disease, gastritis and ulcers  Dysphasia (difficulty swallowing)  Esophagus & gastric cancer screening  Liver cirrhosis & liver cancer  Hepatitis B & C treatment  Fatty liver disease & treatment  Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Anemia  Pancreatitis  Pancreatic cancer, cysts and lesions  Biliary stones and strictures  Colitis  Diverticulitis  Gastrointestinal bleeding  Hemorrhoids

While neither Dr. Lopez nor Fimbres is from the Imperial Valley, each chose to make the Valley his home and built a life here (Lopez’s wife was born and raised in Calexico, and Fimbres’ wife is a locally trained nurse). They are raising their children here. And a key Spring 2022

Gastroenterology and hepatology team setting new standard

Roger Fimbres, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Oscar A. Lopez

component to offering quality care: the team is serving local patients. “The majority of patients don’t have the economics to travel to San Diego and pay for a hotel,” said Lopez. Both Dr. Lopez and Fimbres speak Spanish fluently and empathize with patients who don’t have the means to travel to Palm Springs or San Diego to find providers who may not understand them or have concerns that get lost in translation. “Our patients are very happy that we provide the services here, where before they would have to travel to San Diego,” added Fimbres. Lopez explained that in practicing medicine in a rural healthcare setting, he learned to treat the patient without regard to their insurance. It was that philosophy that led him to stay in the Valley. The team treats the four cornerstones of their specialty: general gastroenterology (the most common), hepatology (liver disease), interventional gastroenterology (more invasive procedures that require deep sedation/ cancers) and Inflammatory Bowel

Disease (IBD). The two have split the workload by designating Fimbres to work with patients at ECRMC Calexico and El Centro outpatient clinics and at the medical offices behind ECRMC, while Lopez focuses on acute in-patient care and scheduled outpatient procedures. The combination of high-tech equipment and efficient teamwork has provided the opportunity to not only offer patients a local option, but to offer key services such as palliative endoscopy, or giving a higher quality of life for those patients who do not qualify for invasive procedures or chemotherapy due to the stage of their cancer. With the staggering statistic of 1 out of 18 people who are diagnosed with colon cancer, Fimbres encouraged early screening, especially if there already are stomach issues. Lopez encourages anyone with GI concerns to make an appointment with the team. “We are fully operational. We are ready to receive referrals from reflux disease to cancer to pancreatitis,” said Lopez. “We are here and available.” 

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Spring 2022