February 3, 2026 / citizen journalist

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,…

November 1, 2025 / citizen journalist

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…

October 9, 2025 / Sharon

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…

People Press
September 24, 2025 / citizen journalist

vile or virtuous: liberal military vet speaks on kirk

edited by sarina e. guerraquestions/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…

People Press
September 24, 2025 / citizen journalist

vile or virtuous: liberal military vet + evangelical pastor speak on kirk

edited by sarina 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…