power, ego & the impact of public discourse: an analysis of the IV data center controversy (part 1)
What began as a policy discussion about a proposed AI data center in Imperial County has evolved into something far more revealing.
power, ego & the impact of public discourse: an analysis of the IV data center controversy (part 1)
around the valley: ‘nuestras raices’ to link up lowriders y mas for their annual cinco de mayo car show
$2.8 billion or a bad deal? inside the imperial data center showdown
“the moody foodie”: brawley senior citizens club 1988 cookbook stirs up nostalgia
around the valley: desert daze brew fest looks to perk up locals, showcase talent
28,000 to 1.7 million: should i stay or should i go?
lucas lair talks vwe, imperial valley wrestling and his road to the top
data centers: elections have consequences
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around the valley: ‘nuestras raices’ to link up lowriders y mas for their annual cinco de mayo car show
written by roman t. flores, freelance journalistedited by sarina e. guerrawebsite by justin orsino Helping me keep gas in the tank for this column is one such car club that hit their slow-roll stride in the fifth year of their main event… Nuestras Raices valle imperial Cinco de Mayo car show. Amid the cool chrome, high hops and…
$2.8 billion or a bad deal? inside the imperial data center showdown
On March 26th, 2026, the Imperial Board of Supervisors had their special meeting regarding the data center. It lasted just over three hours, with dozens of speakers, and…zero vote. The Imperial Data Center Project meeting was a packed, high-stakes public forum that made one thing painfully clear. This project isn’t just about jobs or infrastructure.…
“the moody foodie”: brawley senior citizens club 1988 cookbook stirs up nostalgia
Being the budget-minded adventurer that I am, I’m always on the lookout for thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, and rummage sales. This is a skill I picked up from my six older sisters, and it’s a lifelong ritual I look forward […]
around the valley: desert daze brew fest looks to perk up locals, showcase talent
written by roman t. flores, freelance journalistedited by sarina e. guerraformatted by justin orsino In the grand landscape of the Imperial Valley, sad to say, businesses, events and ideas come and go. Some prosper for a bit then run out of gas (a fitting metaphor for the times, right?), some have success and then lack the continued…
28,000 to 1.7 million: should i stay or should i go?
submitted by jessica kenagyedited by sharon burnsformatted by justin orsino I’ve lived in the Imperial Valley my whole life. More specifically, I’ve lived in Brawley my whole life. For nearly thirty years, it’s been the same families, the same events, the same streets, the same views. And now… In about a year and a half, I might…
lucas lair talks vwe, imperial valley wrestling and his road to the top
I first went to San Diego Comic-Con in the summer of 2008. Back then, you could still grab tickets without fighting the entire internet for one. I’d help friends buy theirs online, they’d hand me cash, and we’d pile into a van for the drive down. For a gamer and anime nerd, it felt like…
data centers: elections have consequences
The controversy surrounding the proposed Data Center on county land near Imperial and El Centro is more than a single land-use dispute—it is a reminder of how deeply local government decisions shape our communities for decades to come. Years ago, after speaking at a public hearing, a friend once asked why I regularly attend county,…
“devout, complicated, enduring”: vincent “vince” hugh mousel passes away unexpectedly
Vincent “Vince” Hugh Mousel of El Centro, CA, aged 63, passed away on January 8, 2026 after being hit by a car while walking at night at around 9:30 pm on January 3, 2026. He was life flighted to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, CA where he unfortunately succumbed to critical injuries five…
how one family’s struggle exposes the gaps in america’s mental health system
This family's mental health journey opened a door into a system experts have been warning about for decades; a system chronically under-resourced and almost guarantees people fall through the cracks.
to be or not to be: prop 50 spurs record voter turnout prompting hope for local dems
submitted by eric reyes, citizen journalist edited by sarina e. guerra formatted by justin orsino
big city life, small-town heart: comedian willie barcena makes cathartic comeback in heber
formatted by justin orsino Los Angeles-based comedian Willie Barecena makes his way back to the Imperial Valley to light up the stage and work comedy fans’ laugh muscles once again this on November 15, at Prestige Event Center in Heber. Barcena, a 20-year “road warrior” comedy veteran, will share his personal […]
el centro’s education crossroads: evictions, enforcement & a new arts school—all at once
El Centro’s education system isn’t just changing—it’s spinning. In the past two years, the El Centro Elementary School District (ECESD) has faced parent uprisings, a campaign-finance scandal, and a multi-million-dollar construction project that could reshape the city’s schools. In 2024, the district blindsided families by terminating leases for county-run preschool programs. In 2025, one of…
dead presidents: an indigenous critique of american capitalism
written by linda martinezedited by sarina e. guerraformatted by justin orsino Currency, Capital, Dough, Silver, Loot. It’s all one and the same. It is “paper” constructed out of 75% cotton and 25% linen. A green textured sheet with pictures of dead presidents. Money. One of the essential elements necessary for human survival. Since the beginning…
$5,000 for a kidney, $100,000 for a life: inside a borderland organ trade
A Vice TV investigation uncovers how organ traffickers in Mexicali lure stranded migrants into selling their kidneys for $5,000, while U.S. recipients pay over $100,000. This People’s Press analysis explores the human cost, corruption, and inequality behind the trade.
pure intentions: a pro-wrestling prodigy’s journey
Pro-wrestling has a unique energy. Even if it’s not your thing, the size and passion of the fans is undeniable. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is thriving right now. Despite high ticket sales and streaming options that all over the place, they’ve gotten to a strong newfound place in pop culture. But this periodical boom isn’t…
the man from jalisco wins again! lead actor talks trade, identity & healing with people’s press
formatted by justin orsino RJLB Picture’s The Man From Jalisco recently racked up another win, most recently at the Silicon Beach Film Festival in Los Angeles early last month. The Man from Jalisco, Part 10 of season one, won for… “Best Western Short” …between September 4-11. The Silicon Beach Film Festival […]
old glory, open doors, and one curious kid: a morning at el centro’s fire station
Driving toward Walmart with my son, Jared, on a warm Saturday morning, I noticed something shining bright against the Imperial Valley sky—Old Glory flying high above the El Centro Fire Station. “Jared, look!” I said, pointing out the flag rippling proudly in the breeze. His face lit up immediately. “Can we go?” he asked. I…
“I sat with death”: a reflection on life & current events
written by gil rebollaredited by sarina e. guerra I’ve been sitting with Death. First, it was at my grandma’s bedside. Again, less than two weeks later, my mother-in-law drew her final breath.Then, on a phone screen. A young man. Father. Husband. Shot. Murdered in real-time.Three deaths. Two face-to-face. One through a screen.All too close. Each…
dear local politicians: why cut ribbons when you could cut rent?
written by sharon burns, regular contributoredited by sarina e. guerraformatted by justin orsino Politicians in Imperial County and the border region really seem to love a good ribbon-cutting. Whether it’s a new park bench, a mural downtown, or an “economic development” announcement, you’ll see them in crisp shirts and hard hats, scissors in hand, posing…
mariachi acero goes to guadalajara, takes valley spirit to international conference
story by jonathan miranda cuevas adapted by andreya martinez & sharon burnsedited by sarina e. guerra edited & formatted by justin orsino Take a walk through Brawley on a summer evening and you might hear it: the swell of trumpets, the quick strum of vihuela, and voices rising in harmony. It’s the sound of Mariachi…
the good work in the quiet moments
A reflection on Ephesians 2:10, a homeless man and his cat, and St. Thérèse’s “Little Way”—showing how small acts of love carry eternal impact.
vile or virtuous: evangelical pastor speaks on kirk
questions/formatting by justin orsinoanswers by chris nunn 1. What was your immediate reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death, and what do you think that reaction reveals about today’s political climate? The first I heard of the shooting in Utah, I was in a board meeting. It was difficult to proceed with the […]
vile or virtuous: liberal military vet speaks on kirk
questions/formatting by justin orsinoanswers by sky ainsworth 1. What was your immediate reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death, and what do you think that reaction reveals about today’s political climate? I thought, “Oh no…” when I first heard the news. Since 2020, Kirk has become well known for staging debates on college […]
vile or virtuous: liberal military vet + evangelical pastor speak on kirk
questions/formatting by justin orsino Editor’s NoteThis story began as a simple request for comment that became a kind of experiment both for People’s Press and for Citizen Journalism as a whole. Following the Charlie Kirk incident that took place earlier this month, People’s Press website manager, Justin Orsino, noticed that a […]
understanding the system: conversation over chaos
The past week reminded me why I stepped away from political debate in 2018. I always followed the news, but I rarely spoke up about my own views. Maybe it was fear of looking uneducated, or of being ripped apart by people who seemed more informed. In today’s culture, if […]
on the passing of charlie kirk: amidst grief, I choose to speak
formatted by justin orsino The passing of Charlie Kirk hit me like a blow to the chest. I felt shock, anger, and deep sorrow—not only because a life has ended, but because it happened on the eve of September 11. That day is already heavy, already a wound we carry together. […]
papa was a veterinarian, luli sold furniture
submitted by jessica kenagyedited by sarina e. guerraformatted by justin orsino I only have two grandparents. My grandpa (Papa) is from my dad’s side, and my grandma (Luli) is from my mom’s side. My grandma (Num Num) on my dad’s side passed away several months after I was born, so I didn’t get a chance…
from rage to relief: the day my grocery box disappeared
written by sharon burnsedited by sarina e. guerraformatted by justin orsino Yesterday evening, I was ready to raise hell. I came home from work—one of my three jobs—to find that my Thrive grocery box was gone. My Ring camera had caught a woman walking right up to my porch and taking it. No hesitation. Just…
local film “the man from jalisco” continues its film festival run, streaming soon on tubi
written by roman flores, regular contributoredited by sarina e. guerra From the writings of a college film student to awards in Los Angeles-based film festivals to upcoming airings on streaming services in multiple countries worldwide, local filmmaker Ryan Brandt’s The Man From Jalisco series continues to gear up before its final film festival push in…
after the minnesota catholic school shooting: why i’m choosing homeschool
I can’t stop shaking when I think about what happened at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. On August 27, 2025, during a weekday Mass, children and parishioners gathered to pray. Instead of safety and sanctuary, they were met with gunfire. A 23-year-old, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire with multiple weapons — a rifle, shotgun,…
“parenthood is fragile & precious”: catholic mother speaks on the death of EC toddler
written by sharon burnsedited by sarina e. guerraformatted by justin orsino On Monday, August 18, a heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in El Centro when a toddler died after being left inside a hot vehicle. It was about 5:30pm when the call came from a concerned citizen, and lifesaving measures were implemented. The child was then rushed…
dust in the wind: community concerns around toxic lakebed linger
written by sharon burns, citizen journalistedited by sarina e. guerra Folks around the Salton Sea know the changes here all too well: the water keeps pulling back, leaving more dusty lakebed (playa) exposed. That dust doesn’t just blow away—it can carry harmful particles right into our neighborhoods. Concerned about what this means for our health,…
latin legends: comedian paul rodriguez delivers farewell performance to raza right where he started
‼️ Warning: This content contains profanity. Viewer discretion is advised. ‼️ edited by sarina e. guerra Sporting an old school fedora, pin striped navy coat, jeans and sleek, athletic-hybrid-dress shoes, the comedy icon that is Paul Rodriguez spryly bounded up the stairs to take the stage of Prestige Event Center here in Heber for one…
save downtown in style: brawley mayor talks thrift shops
written by gil rebollaredited by sarina e. guerra My name is Gil Rebollar. I’m a millennial, a father, and currently serve as the Mayor of Brawley. Since I officially took office in 2022, I have made it a point to advocate for streets, community building, and reviving our local downtown economies. The story of Brawley’s…
more than monsters: auto enthusiasts steer bad PR in new direction
written by ryan perezedited by sarina e. guerra In the heart of the Imperial Valley, a tight-knit community of car enthusiasts has taken root and is attempting to navigate the difficult world of California’s strict vehicle modification laws while trying to reshape the public’s perception of a controversial pastime. Despite the shadow cast by incidents…
the future of la raza: remembering latino legacy & reassessing our identity
At this point, this story is about so much more than César Chávez—but for chronology’s sake let’s take this story back to March of this year. People’s Press was fresh off a Mid-winter Fair & Fiesta induced frenzy and I was already knee-deep in things I hadn’t done by the time the César Chávez event…
rediscovering the legacy of the farmworker’s movement
My ancestors in the Imperial Valley achieved hard-fought victories that will be celebrated years to come, but they came at a cost. It was a painful history that must never be forgotten. I, along with many others, inherited that pain, but we also carry the responsibility to learn from it, to let it inspire us,…
looking inwards: mexican-american identity & the imperial valley
written by dario-felix morenoedited by sarina e. guerra Growing up as a third-generation Mexican-American in the Imperial Valley, my cultural identity has been shaped by a unique blend of family history, border dynamics, and the social realities of my community. While my roots trace back to Mexico on both sides, living near the border has…
SWHS freshman bit by the journalism bug
written by heidi hayasakaedited by sarina e. guerra When I was in eighth grade, my eldest brother, Ian, would tell me all about this amazing class he had taken during his time at Southwest High School called Journalism 1 with Miss Hood. It was filled with young people writing news articles, features about people’s lives,…
encontrando mi voz: mi vida como tutora de ESL desde casa
escrito por sharon burnseditado por sarina e. guerratraducción por claudia garcía No me propuse ser tutora. De hecho, cuando mi esposo me sugirió por primera vez que solicitara ser tutora en Imperial Valley College, no me entusiasmó mucho la idea. Ya lo había intentado una vez cuando estaba en la universidad y… bueno… no salió…
finding your voice: my life as an at-home ESL tutor
lee la versión en español written by sharon burnsedited by sarina e. guerra I didn’t set out to be a tutor. Actually, when my husband first suggested I apply to be one at Imperial Valley College, I wasn’t all that excited. I’d tried tutoring once back when I was in college, and—well—it didn’t exactly go…
invisible illness in IV ignored: surviving, graduating, & job hunting
written by jessica kenagyedited by sarina e. guerra My name is Jessica, and I’m a 29 year-old resident from Brawley. My story is a testimony to the harsh reality that chronic illness here in the Imperial Valley is simply not taken seriously. I have had an undiagnosed, assumedly idiopathic chronic illness since my freshman year of…
on dating latinas, hipsters in the hood, & what makes us different: wasapwu comedy kills at la fonda bar & grill
‼️ Warning: This content contains profanity. Viewer discretion is advised. ‼️ written by justin orsinoedited by sarina e. guerra Truth be told, I’m just not built for texting. Emotionally and spiritually. It’s not that I don’t know what to say, it’s that I never actually respond. I’ll see a message, think ‘I should open that,’…
IV pickleball association: where camaraderie meets cardio
submitted by janet stillsedited by justin orsino & sarina e. guerra My name is Janet Stills and I have lived in Brawley my entire life, excluding the four years I spent away while attending San Diego State University. I am 63 years young, and retired from a wonderful teaching career of 37 years in 2022.…
for the love of pickleball
submitted by bradley scheffleredited by sarina e. guerra & justin orsino My pickleball adventure began in late 2019, on the tennis courts of Southwest High School in El Centro, not too long before Covid entered the picture. While playing tennis with some of my friends, I noticed a small group of people of all ages…
chronicles of a fieldworker: my first live concert was unforgettable
submitted by julio bracamonte jr., former fieldworkeredited by justin orsino & sarina e. guerra My name is Julio Bracamonte Jr. and I’d like to tell you about an experience I had in the 1960s during the Cesar Chavez march era. I started working in the fields picking and packing grapes in 1963 at the age…
firefighters from holtville to centinela unite for annual wildland exercise
Fire and Emergency Service Agencies from across the Valley gathered earlier this week to practice and hone their response skills to crises in wildland areas, utilizing the arid, overgrown landscape surrounding Cattle Call park in Brawley to simulate real life scenarios that require them to think on their feet and work as a team. The…
high school madness: has one aspect of the timeless tradition turned too risqué?
First of all, let me start by saying that while this isn’t a hate piece, I do believe in the value of telling hard truths. As a woman from a family of mostly women, I do not believe that we benefit from tearing each other down, or passing judgement on our sisters in the egoic…
a cultural affair: mid-winter festivities bring art, ag, and families together
After leaving the local fair’s live auction on the morning of March 15, I knew it would be my last visit until possibly next year. But this year felt different. People’s Press is just starting, becoming more official by the day, and naturally, people need to know about it. And […]
the voice of the valley: former CHS student finds local fame
submitted by jose m. renteriaedited by sarina e. guerra I never want to sound cliche with old sayings you especially hear when you’re growing up, but I have to admit that it has served me well. Always having creative ideas growing up, and well, still to this day, has kept me motivated and looking forward…
online deaf+ community expands and inspires
submitted by madison gonzalezedited by sarina e. guerra Although the term Deaf+ isn’t widely known, it represents a unique community of individuals who are Deaf and also live with blindness, Cerebral Palsy (CP), or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While being Deaf is often seen as simply a lack of hearing, in my eight or so…
“chill hike” makes for fast friends at Anza Borrego State Park
submitted by letty c. guerraedited by sarina e. guerra Politics, plane crashes, and slew of social media posts of every kind—aaahhh! It can all be too much to handle and makes a person just want to run away and scream! This past weekend, I knew I had to find a respite for my soul. A…
from dark clouds to rays of glory:
surviving alcoholism & homelessness
submitted by joseph adrian salazaredited by sarina e. guerra Many of you readers may have heard my name or seen my face somewhere in the press over the course of this last year, mainly because I have enjoyed a lot of positive attention for various projects I have been working on within Imperial County. My…
who is gil rebollar: from halfway house to council chambers
When I attended #ImperialValleyCollege in 2009, fresh out of high school, it offered me the education I needed to take my first step into Journalism, and also an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. While attending, I had no idea one of those people would be involved […]
so my tías have this tradition…
Every December for a few years now, my mother and her siblings get together for something they like to call their “Sister Weekend”. I’m not exactly sure how it all started, but it’s known throughout the family to be quite the production. Planning usually begins a few months in advance and is carried out by…
local car culture fuels lasting friendships
submitted by ryan perez, car culture enthusiastedited by sarina e. guerra Ever since a young age, the beauty of cars has always managed to captivate my interest. The very first car I was obsessed with was the Mach 5 from the original Speed Racer animated series when I was about 11 years old, which led…
the most thanksgiving thanksgiving — and a rescue mission
[Photo by the Slab City Care Club]
imperial valley independent wrestling is just plain awesome
Justin Orsino poses with then Imperial Valley Champion, Angel Pureheart, at Brawley's Nuestras Raices Valle Imperial Car Club Festival on March 30, 2024. [Photo by Sarina Guerra]
Prestige Event Center celebrates grand reopening after years of closure
HEBER — The Prestige event center had a grand opening after being operational years ago, last weekend on Janurary 20. Jason Heisel, one of the owners of the building, and Michael Nehas, property owner, both decided to reopen it. The process started last year around June or July. The event featured a mixer and opening…
Local superhero beats near-death experience, transforms hurt into hope
BRAWLEY — On just about any given day of the week, Cecilia Victoria Gastelo can be found pitching in and giving back to military veterans, those who find themselves homeless, and countless community members across the county. The evening of Monday, November 20 seemed to be no exception as she routinely set up tables where…
Crowds gather for Cattle Call events
BRAWLEY — Brawley’s Cattle Call weekend came and went with a bang this year marking its biggest revival yet since the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring everything from award-winning flavors and mariachi music to parade float staples and rodeo show legends. Following kick-off on Saturday, November 4, the annual Chili Cook-off brought many newcomers to the competition…
Calexico Unified’s Measure Q Projects Are ‘Landmark Moment’
CALEXICO — A number of projects at the Calexico Unified School District postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremony in a “landmark moment” for Bulldogs past, present, and future, according to district officials. New additions to Calexico High School funded by the voter-approved Measure V were…
Brawley resident celebrates a century of life
BRAWLEY — East side Brawley local and self-sufficient centenarian, Gregorio Nuñez, celebrated a legacy of hard work, dedication to God, and 100 years of “the American dream” in the making at Las Chabelas restaurant earlier this fall season surrounded by over 200 binational friends and five generations of family. Born just outside of Guadalajara, Mexico…
Parade celebrates county’s veterans
HOLTVILLE — On the sunny Saturday morning of November 4, red-white-and-blue-clad residents and participants of the Holtville Veterans Day Parade gathered in celebration of military personnel worldwide, uniting service men and women with civilians in a revamped effort to revive both love of country and commitment to community. Patriotic floats sailed down the main drag…
Cattle Call Traditions Start with a Spicy Kick
BRAWLEY — Hundreds of hungry foodies, boot-clad country fans and local chili connoisseurs descended on Main Street in Brawley on Saturday, Nov. 4 for the annual tradition of facing off over favorite chili recipes served up in makeshift open-air kitchens to kick off the city’s iconic Cattle Call weekend. As day turned to dusk, what…
Brawley roads reopen
BRAWLEY – City officials, staff, developers, and residents rejoiced at the official opening of two critical roadways connecting Brawley’s east end to its west end, concluding the 15-year-long construction projects that stalled in the wake of the housing crash back in 2008 and have since struggled to reach the finish line. The ribbon cutting ceremony…
Calexico Matriarch’s Life Has Been Rich in Memories
CALEXICO — Despite coming to the Imperial Valley’s beloved border town at the age of 5, Georgia Faye Espinoza, now 90 years young, has come to be known as “a pioneer” in interracial politics, a mother figure to many, and a Calexican through and through. Georgia, her parents and three siblings left their home in…
Whodunnit?! BBI holds “Murder Mystery Dinner” fundraiser for charity projects
BRAWLEY – Members of Burning Bush International Ministries teamed up with actors from American Immersion Theatre this past week to put on a masquerade-themed murder mystery dinner titled “The Billionaire’s Club Masquerade Ball,” hosted by the Stockmen’s Club on the eerie October 12 evening. Nearly 162 guests attended the fundraiser dinner, chatting casually amongst themselves…
Imperial Valley Girls Let Their Flags Fly
CALEXICO — As the Calexico High girls flag football squad maintains its spot as the team to beat in the Imperial Valley, the Bulldogs’ mix of on-field experience and players new to the sport partly tells the story of this inaugural season. Calexico’s No. 1 ranking in the Imperial Valley League and its rising rank…
SNORE Saga: City police give report on decibel levels near local venue
BRAWLEY – City council members recently received an unexpected update from local police regarding a long-standing noise ordinance discrepancy between mostly elderly residents of Ciudad Plaza and the owner of venue Spot 805 during a recent Brawley City Council meeting. Carol Goss, a community member and resident of Ciudad Plaza, spoke during public comment on…
Imperial Valley Students Shine During Autumn & the Arts
EL CENTRO — From velvety pastels and articulate acrylics, to digital art, ceramics and more, the Imperial County Office of Education foundation’s Autumn and the Arts fundraiser put young, local talent on display to a sold-out room on Thursday, Oct. 5 in El Centro. One hundred percent of the proceeds from both the silent and…
Brawley City Council: Mayor speaks on negative public comments hurled at city staff, Council updates on various topics
BRAWLEY – Brawley City Council’s regular meeting held on Tuesday, October 3 featured reports from members ranging from updates on health care bills and noise ordinances, to conferences, Cattle Call prep, and commentary on worsening public criticism towards city officials that Mayor Nava deemed “uncalled for.” Councilmembers Luke Hamby and Donald Wharton have been involved…
LGBT Resource Center Finds Talent at Annual Search
BRAWLEY — A tight-knit crew of creatives and community members turned out for the Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center’s third annual Talent Search on Friday, Sept. 29 at the Teen Center in Brawley, where judges were wowed with original music from old friends and newcomers alike. Attendees trickled in and found their seats as the…
ASIC and ag families present Dr. Temple Grandin to speak on neurodivergent potential
This article was originally published by The Desert Review and is republished here for archival purposes. BRAWLEY — A steady stream of people filed into Palmer Auditorium in Brawley to hear what animal behaviorist and Colorado State University faculty member, Dr. Temple Grandin, had to say about learning to thrive with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), on…