The Calexico Chronicle

Today marks the first day of a brand-new school year at CHS-welcome back, Bulldogs! The halls are buzzing with energy, fresh notebooks are ready for their first scribbles, and the excitement of new beginnings is in the air. Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, this year is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and make memories together.

EL CENTRO - El miércoles 8 de julio, el restaurante Aunt Molly's BBQ & Soul Food se llenó de entusiastas locales del jazz ansiosos por conocer al famoso saxofonista Walter Beasley, conseguir su autógrafo y disfrutar de comida casera. Aunt Molly's, ubicado en el 675 de West Main Street, en el centro de El Centro, abrió sus puertas el 11 de marzo; Beasley se encontraba en la ciudad para conocer el establecimiento y apoyar el negocio de sus amigos.

We're proud to introduce Oscar Rosas, the new Athletic Director, whose roots in the Imperial Valley and passion for student development bring a dynamic blend of experience, energy, and heart to our athletic program. Born and raised in the Imperial Valley, Oscar's journey began at Imperial Valley College and continued at San Diego State University, where he earned his degree in Kinesiology. "That was really the start of my decision-making process," he says.

In a time when connection is just a tap away, an invisible epidemic is growing-especially among young people in underserved communities. It's not caused by disease or disaster, but by screens. More specifically, by what experts and educators are now calling digital exile -a quiet withdrawal from real-world connection in favor of digital simulation. The irony is stark: in a world more connected than ever, people feel more isolated than ever.

OCOTILLO - Cuatro estructuras y edificaciones anexas fueron consumidas por las llamas durante un incendio de "cuarta alarma" en Ocotillo la tarde del jueves 9 de julio, según el Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de Imperial. Alrededor de las 3:00 p. m., los bomberos del condado respondieron a un incendio estructural en la zona de Sierra Vista Avenue y Agate Road. El incidente se intensificó rápidamente debido a condiciones extremas, con temperaturas cercanas a los 115 grados Fahrenheit (aprox.

C ALEXICO - During its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 15, the Calexico City Council listened to and approved two agenda item requests, one of which pertained to placing an amendment to the Calexico city ordinance that involves the vacancy and removal of members. The other item request pertained to having city staff determine and identify which city park can be prioritized.

BRAWLEY - Organizadores comunitarios que se oponen a los centros de datos de inteligencia artificial (IA) en el Valle Imperial se reunieron en el Hidalgo Hall de Brawley para celebrar una asamblea pública sobre cómo emprender acciones contra dichas instalaciones. La reunión, celebrada el 6 de julio, fue patrocinada y organizada por Victoria Homes, con la participación de Mt. Signal Media, Not In My Backyard Imperial Valley (NIMBY) y la recién creada organización Imperial Valley GO.

E L CENTRO - On Tuesday, July 14, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to extend its temporary 45-day moratorium on the approval of data center facilities within the unincorporated areas of Imperial County for an additional 10 months and 15 days, halting all issuances of permits until June 2027. The extension comes in conjunction with the formation of an Imperial County Data Center Advisory Committee, which the board also deliberated and voted on during the meeting.

C ALEXICO - On Monday, July 13, Calexico native Alejandra Najera showcased her debut children's novel, "Sophie and Our Friends," at Calexico's Camarena Memorial Library. The book was inspired by Najera's sister and autistic nephews, as she wanted to create a piece of media that sends the message to those in their position that they are enough. Meet the Author Alejandra Najera is a Calexico native who has a background in healthcare.

E L CENTRO - The El Centro Public Library's community room was overflowing with people, eager to meet and learn about various majestic animals brought by Zovargo, a mobile zoo program. Zovargo brought five animals to show off to guests on Thursday, July 9, including a snake, tortoise, hedgehog, rabbit and hawk. The event was very popular, garnering over 500 attendees, and some had to unfortunately be turned away at the door due to space constraints.