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.
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 journalist edited by sarina e. guerra website 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
guerra, citizen journalist edited by sarina e. guerra website by justin orsino 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
t. flores, freelance journalist edited by sarina e. guerra formatted 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?
kenagy edited by sharon burns formatted 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 stepping into another universe.
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, city, special district, and planning commission meetings. My answer was simple but sincere: the votes cast in those rooms determine what our communities will look like five, ten, twenty years into the future.
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
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
e. guerra 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
martinez edited by sarina e. guerra formatted 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
e. guerra 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
rebollar edited 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?
burns, regular contributor edited by sarina e. guerra formatted 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 burns edited 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: liberal military vet + evangelical pastor speak on kirk
e. guerraquestions/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
e. guerra 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
e. guerra 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
kenagy edited by sarina e. guerra formatted 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
burns edited by sarina e. guerra formatted 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
flores, regular contributor edited 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
burns edited by sarina e. guerra formatted 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
burns, citizen journalist edited 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
rebollar edited 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
perez edited 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
moreno edited 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
hayasaka edited 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, […]
finding your voice: my life as an at-home ESL tutor
lee la versión en español written by sharon burns edited 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
kenagy edited 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 orsino edited 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
stills edited 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
scheffler edited 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
bracamonte jr., former fieldworker edited 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
e. guerra 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
m. renteria edited 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
gonzalez edited 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
c. guerra edited 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
adrian salazar edited 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
e. guerra 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
perez, car culture enthusiast edited 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]
