VOL 116 NO 41 IMPERIAL COUNTY, CA THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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Women Seek Local Office in Large Numbers ImperialCounty Wantsto Help Rep.Vargas DraftNew River Bill

BY ELIZABETH VARIN

Imperial County SupervisorRyan Kelley wants the board towork with Congressman JuanVargas, D-Chula Vista, and thecounty’s lobbyists inWashington, D.C., to draft legis-lation to fully fund a wastewatertreatment project to clean theNew River.

“Not a binational committeeto review, not a study,” District 4Supervisor Kelley said duringthe Oct. 6 county board meeting.“... He can name it the VargasNew River Cleanup Bill, or wecan rename the New River (afterhim). I have no animositytowards him. He is a nice person.We want to help him help us.”

The supervisors had floatedthe idea in late September aboutrenaming the New River afterVargas in a tongue-in-cheekhomage to a history of federalinaction on addressing theunhealthy conditions of the high-ly polluted waterway. To thatend, the supervisors also sug-gested renaming the bridge thatspans the filthy river, the Sen.Dianne Feinstein Bridge.

For decades, the New Riverhas been the site of raw-sewagedischarges and the dumping ofindustrial toxins into theMexicali-fed waters, bringingdangerous bacteria like E. coliand known carcinogens northinto the United States. An agingand broken sewer system inMexico has done little to cleanup the river, and years of promis-es and federal inaction has doneeven less to demand permanentfixes on the Mexican side, wherethe problems originate.

Although the county board isoften quite vocal about condi-tions at the river, talk of thewaterway has been on the mindof the board since local officialswere notified by theInternational Boundary andWater Commission on Sept. 17that Mexicali had issued a noticethat it planned to bypass untreat-ed wastewater into the river thenext day.

On Sept. 25, Vargas issued apress release stating he sent a let-ter to the U.S. State Department,the IBWC, and the U.S.Environmental ProtectionAgency regarding the Sept. 18sewage discharge.

Continued on page 3

BY JULIO MORALES

Come what mayElection Day, some local

candidates already areexpressing a victory ofsorts based on the signifi-cant number of womenwho are seeking publicoffice this November.

All told, 34 of the total98 local individualswhose names will appearon the Nov. 3 ballot arewomen, representingmore than a third - 34.7

percent to be exact - of thetotal candidates vying foroffice.

Traditionally, fewerthan one-third of the totalcandidates have beenfemale, according tocounty data.

The considerablenumber of local womencandidates was not lost onBrawley resident YulilAlonso-Garza, a longtimecommunity activist who isseeking a seat on theImperial CommunityCollege District Board ofTrustees, which overseesImperial Valley College.

For Alonso-Garza, theapparent uptick in thenumber of local womencandidates was made evi-dent following a series ofcandidate forums hostedby Heber-based WasupwuProductions.

The women's strong

showing also did not gounnoticed by Maria LauraPeinado, a Central UnionHigh School DistrictBoard of Trustees candi-date, and MarthaCardenas-Singh, who isseeking a seat on the ElCentro City Council.

Together, the trioquickly organized a photoshoot on Oct. 4, on thesteps of the ImperialCounty Courthouse thatbrought together 19 of the34 local women candi-dates.

The gathering provedboth momentous andinspirational, and forAlonso-Garza, a sign ofthings to come, electoral-ly speaking.

Continued on page 2

Nineteen of the 34 female candidates running for office in the local electionsNov. 3 gathered for a photo shoot on the steps of the Imperial CountyCourthouse in El Centro on Oct. 4. Candidates Yulil Alonso-Garza, MariaLaura Peinado, and Martha Cardenas-Singh arranged for the session. |PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLIE BURGUENO

Imperial Ag Value Down in 2019; COVID Affect Won't Be Seen for a YearBY ELIZABETH VARIN

Some growers are headingback into the fields for the wintervegetable crops, but it's with cau-tion due to factors like productdemand during the coronaviruspandemic.

"Hopefully, with the seedswe're planting now, there'senough demand out there to con-sume it," said Holtville-areafarmer Jack Vessey with Vesseyand Co. "We just don't know."

Everything was looking great

until mid-March, he explained.Once restaurants and schoolsstarted closing due to COVID-19,the demand for locally grownvegetables dropped with it.

"We left a lot of crops in thefield," Vessey said, estimatingthat around 10 to 15 percent ofthe overall season was left in thefields due to a drop in demand.

As the growing seasonapproaches, a lot of producers areadjusting the number of acresthey plan to plant downward.

Continued on page 6

FILE PHOTO

BY ELIZABETH VARIN

El Toro Exports LLC hasrequested that the ImperialCounty Board of Supervisorsvacate its recent approval of ElToro's feedlot expansion projectin Heber, the county announcedOct. 2.

El Toro Exports PresidentBill Plourd said the company feltthe need to "push the pause but-ton" after a number of publiccomments came after the boardapproved the expansion after apublic hearing Aug. 11.

Heber is "our partner in thisbusiness," Plourd said when con-

tacted by the Calexico Chronicle."We didn't feel continuing the lit-igation would serve them proper-ly."

Three lawsuits were filedagainst the county in lateSeptember to halt the expansion.

The project is not done;rather, the company will lookthrough the new comments andtry to address any of the issuesthat it can, Plourd said.

It's been a two-year processto get to this point, so adding abit more time to consider these

Continued on page 3

El Toro 'Pushes Pause'on Heber Expansion

Holtville Tribune Thursday, October 8, 2020 PAGE 2

HOLTVILLE TRIBUNE

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Holtville Tribune (USPS 247-880) is published weekly onThursdays for $42 per year byHoltville Tribune/ Imperial ValleyWeekly/ Calexico Chronicle at1239 W. Main Street, El Centro, CA92243. Periodical postage paid atHoltville, California.

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Week of October 5thStudent’s Mental Health (Social-Emotional) During Distance LearningDuring this pandemic, we have all had to adapt to new standards of interaction and

learning. With this in mind, we have discovered that there are many obstacles duringdistance learning. Not to fear because there are different resources available for par-

ents and students. Joins us as Adrienne Rodriguez, Harmony Rivera, and Dr.Fernandez talk about the different support resources for parent and students that the

school has during this pandemic and throughout the school year.

Adrienne RodriguezAssistant Principal of Student Services

Harmony Rivera School Psychologist

Dr. Terry Fernandez, PsyDSchool Psychologist

Central Union High School

(442)-265-1525(442)-265-1525

(442)-265-1525(442)-265-1525

Semana del 5 de octubreLa Salud Mental (Socioemocional) del Estudiante Durante el

Aprendizaje a DistanciaDurante esta pandemia, todos hemos tenido que adaptarnos a los nuevos

estándares de interacción y aprendizaje. Con esto en mente, hemos descubier-to que hay muchos obstáculos durante el aprendizaje a distancia. No teman,

porque hay diferentes recursos disponibles para padres y estudiantes.Acompáñenos mientras Magnolia Martínez y Marissa Coronado, nos hablansobre los distintos recursos de apoyo para padres y estudiantes que la escuela

tiene durante esta pandemia y durante el año escolar.Magnolia Martínez

Subdirectora de Southwest High SchoolMarissa Coronado

Psicóloga Escolar Southwest High School

Woman’s Club Of HoltvilleCommunity Birthdays

OCT. 08: Hunter Hicks Hoff, Crew Hayes Velasco, Charliann Louise Denton, Marci Hulsey, Justen Farias, Braden Christian AbattiOCT. 09: Branden J. Palomares, Helina Hilfiker Hoyt, Daniel Poloni Jr., Dallas Crabtree†, Matthew Turner, John Robert PachecoOCT. 10: Lexi Van Der Linden, Mary Lynn K. MassoudOCT. 11: Cora Jane Hays, Donald Smedley, Ben ParkinsOCT. 12: Christine DelaCruz, Sydney Michaud, Megan Elizabeth Smith OCT. 13: Jonah VanBebber, Mark Hulsey, Brayden E. Baro, Gerard Irungaray, Slade Freeman, Hudson Ming, William Bowling†, Chris Holdridge, Alexander AllegranzaOCT. 14: Makenna Vogel, Grace Kathryn Hawkins, Brad Gunter, Malcolm Gardner

Anniversaries

OCT. 09: Mr & Mrs. Bobby TurnerOCT. 10: Mr. & Mrs. Dillon WeidermanOCT. 11: Mr. & Mrs. Michael Monahan, Mr. & Mrs. Matt VogelOCT. 12: Mr. & Mrs. Tommy FarettaOCT. 13: Mr. & Mrs. Brad Gunter

Candidates...............................from page one

"When we open a crack,we're going to open it wide andbring everyone in," said Alonso-Garza, who is running for officefor the first time.

The number of women can-didates vying for elected officein comparison to men (64) thisNovember appears to reflecttheir overall showing in the pastthree election cycles between2013 and 2018, where they typi-cally represented less than one-third the number of their malecounterparts, according to coun-ty Registrar of Voters data.

The more recent trend hasbeen "over the top" thrilling forEl Centro City Council memberCheryl Viegas-Walker.

"Diversity leads to betterdecisions," she said. "Womendon't govern better, we just gov-ern differently. And the out-comes of those decisions, theconsideration of issues andideas, are enhanced when wehave different points of view sit-ting around the table."

The current crop of womencandidates also provides Viegas-Walker with hope that, eventual-ly, one will attain a seat on thecounty Board of Supervisors,which has historically remainedelusive for women candidates.

In 2016, she had an unsuc-cessful bid for such a seat, andnoted that in the county's 100-plus years of existence, only twowomen have served as supervi-sors.

"I have to hope that womenbeing represented in greaternumbers on school boards andcouncils will lead to otheropportunities both at the countylevel and statewide and beyond,"Viegas-Walker said.

Calexico City Council candi-date Gloria Guadalupe Romosaid she considers being awoman an asset when it comesto running for and holding pub-lic office.

As someone who has broughta specialization in finances toher current elected position ofHeffernan Memorial HealthcareDistrict director, she said she hasan innate understanding of equi-ty.

"Although (the number ofwomen candidates) is signifi-cant, it is not enough," Romo,who took part in Sunday's photoshoot, said in an email. "Genderbalance needs to be reached."

First-time public office seek-er Cardenas-Singh said she isalso of the opinion that the con-siderable number of women can-didates this year should be con-sidered momentous and encour-age women of all ages tobecome part of the decision-making process.

The El Centro council candi-date said community service andadvocacy have long been a partof her family's lives, and hercareer in the education field andcandidacy are an extension ofthat. Win or lose come ElectionDay, Cardenas-Singh said thatsame level of commitment anddedication to community can beexpected to continue.

"We'll continue to do thisgood work, whether it's cam-paign season or not," she said.

Similarly, Laura Goodsell,Holtville resident and ImperialCounty Office of EducationBoard of Trustees candidate,said her bid for public office isan extension of her longtimecommunity engagement andadvocacy.

Though Goodsell did nottake part in the Oct. 4 photoshoot, she said she has sincecome to realize the significantnumber of women candidatesseeking public office nextmonth.

Admittedly, Goodsell said,gender hardly factored into herdecision to seek public office

this year, nor in the past whenshe successfully was elected as aHoltville Unified School Districtboard trustee.

"I just considered myselfsomeone who wanted to make adifference and who thought I hadthe talent and skills to do it,"Goodsell said.

Local candidates Yulil Alonso-Garza (foreground), MariaLaura Peinado (middle), andMartha Cardenas-Singh(rear), who arranged for aphoto session with 19 of 34women political candidates,are shown in this selfie-stylephoto. | PHOTO COURTESYOF ELLIE BURGUENO

FDA, Homeland Security SearchVo's Clinics in E.C., Calexico

BY RICHARD MONTENEGRO BROWN

Dr. Tien Vo's medical clinicsin Calexico and El Centro wereserved with federal search war-rants during a joint raid by theU.S. Food and DrugAdministration and Departmentof Homeland SecurityInvestigations on the morning ofOct. 5.

Although it isn't entirelyclear what or whom initiated thewarrants and what was beingsearched for, Kelly Thornton, aspokesperson with the U.S.Attorney's Office in San Diego,confirmed, "Federal agentstoday (Oct. 5) served court-approved search warrants as partof an ongoing investigation. Nofurther details are availableregarding the investigation atthis time."

Dr. Vo said shortly after noonthat "someone" had reported hisclinics to the FDA, although hedid not say what his office wasbeing accused of, adding that hedid not know for sure what theallegations are.

"Not much details, but theysaid I didn't have what they arelooking for, so they let us open(the) office again," Vo said when

contacted by the CalexicoChronicle. He said by 2 p.m. hewas seeing patients again.

The physician said he wastold to have his attorney contact"them," but Vo said he didn't doanything wrong, so he never gotan attorney.

Calexico Police ChiefGonzalo Gerardo confirmed ear-lier in the day that it was a jointraid between the FDA andHomeland Security.

Gerardo referred any furthercomment to Thornton.

Marked units from Calexicoand El Centro police depart-ments were on hand as a cour-tesy as federal agents made theirway into both clinics. It wasn'tclear what time the raid occurredon the El Centro location at 1590S. Imperial Ave., but Gerardosaid the search warrant inCalexico at the Vo MedicalCenter at 222 E. Cole Blvd.occurred about 9 a.m.

Photos of the raid on the ElCentro location were circulatingaround social media by 10 a.m.

According to unconfirmedinformation on social media,when the warrants were execut-ed, all patients inside the loca-tions were asked to leave whileagents searched the premises.

Federal agents could be seen leaving Dr. Tien Vo's El Centro clin-ic at 1590 S. Imperial Ave. on Oct. 5 after executing a search war-rant at the office. Another search warrant was also served at Vo'sclinic in Calexico around the same time. | COURTESY PHOTO

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BY KHALILABDULLAHA

Consumer fraud is a shape-shifting demon that follows theheadlines to target its prey,whether affluent or newly impov-erished due to the COVID-19pandemic.

That was the key messagefrom experts and consumer advo-cates speaking at a recent FederalTrade Commission Zoom confer-ence for media and communitystakeholders in California’sInland Empire. The number ofscams hasn’t increased becauseof the pandemic, but fraudstershave adapted their appeal to cap-italize on the most vulnerable,warned Monica Vaca, a veteranattorney for the FTC’s Consumer

Protection Bureau in Washington,D.C.

Case in point: online purchas-ing scams dominate the 209,000reports the FTC has receivedabout coronavirus-related fraud,Vaca said. Consumers stuck athome are quick to order masks,hand sanitizers, coronavirus testkits, and other products promis-ing to protect against coronavirustransmission. In the process theyoften fall prey to unscrupulouscompanies and con artists whoget access to their financial infor-mation.

Vaca called the scope of theproblem “breathtaking,” addingup to a collective $146 millionloss for pandemic scams.

Preventing fraud depends onspreading the word about howscams work, and no one does that

more effectively than the newsmedia, Vaca said. “Studies showthat consumers are 80 percentless likely to lose money ifthey’ve heard about the scam,”she noted.

Mike Akers, who headsCalifornia’s Attorney General’sOffice of consumer fraud, cau-tioned against the re-emergenceof for-profit college and job-training institute scams as in thelast recession. He explained thatthese operations rarely providethe quality of training advertised.Prospective students are enticedby the promise of a brighterfuture of employment prospectsbut find themselves heavily indebt after signing predatory high-interest loans to cover inflatedtuition costs.

Akers and Blair Looney, of

the Better Business Bureau, alsounderscored how online phishingscams are used to entice unso-phisticated consumers to divulgepersonal information like a SocialSecurity number or bank account.

Rev. Joan Taylor, pastor atGreater Harvest AME Church,said her congregation of predom-inantly Black seniors hasembraced warnings about callerswho claim to represent compa-nies with too-good-to-be-truepitches. “They question every-thing,” she noted laughing, butconceded that they need to beeven more alert to the dangers ofspurious Internet pitches.

Ivette Andrade, volunteercoordinator for TODEC(Training OccupationalDevelopment EducatingCommunities), a 40-year-oldcommunity-based organization inthe Inland Empire, readily admitsthat her life “revolves aroundsocial media … I became a vic-tim.”

While shopping online forjewelry, clothes, or skin careproducts, she said it’s often hard

to discern which ads are postedby legitimate businesses andwhich are just click bait. The lat-ter gets buyers to transfer realmoney to purchase a non-existentproduct that never arrives.

On the bright side, Andradesays she now knows there areonline safeguards to protect con-sumers, like initiating the receiptof a text message alert to herphone so she can either authorizeor decline any withdrawal offunds or pending charge againsther debit or credit cards. She alsoadvocates identifying scam web-sites and predatory companiesover social media platforms – “Itcan deter your peers from makingbad choices.”

Luz Gallegos, executivedirector of TODEC, described“grassroots scams” targeting peo-ple who have no computer accessbut are struggling to better theirlives. For instance, scammers usehand bills and flyers that offer anInternet connection or an upgradefor a better cell phone connectionfor $20 – “Bring cash: no bankaccount required.”

“Not only is the spill unaccept-able, but the IBWC also failed tocontact my office to inform meabout the spill. Residents in thecommunity were issued a formalnotice only one day before theplanned spill occurred. Clearly, thisis not enough time to alert localstakeholders. Moving forward, theIBWC must promptly inform com-munities and stakeholders that arebeing directly impacted by thesetransboundary flows,” Vargas stat-ed in the release.

“The sewage bypass that tookplace will further exacerbate thesituation in the New River. This isjust another example of ongoingcross-border pollution affecting theborder region. I have and will con-tinue working in Congress toensure that residents in my districtare not exposed to dangeroussewage flows and wastewater,” hecontinued.

Vargas's office also sent a letterto the Board of Supervisors updat-ing them on legislation, includinghis 2020 bill related to New Riverclean-up, according to ImperialCounty IntergovernmentalRelations Director RebeccaTerrazas-Baxter.

In late 2019, Kelley and countyofficials sent a list of fundingrequests to the federal governmentto deal with pollution at the river,including asking the IBWC to funda water treatment plant on the U.S.side of the border. That request wasturned down.

County officials at the timepredicted such a plant could cost$80 million to $100 million tobuild.

Emergency Declared OverBridge

During the Oct. 6 meeting, thecounty board also declared a localemergency because of the ForresterRoad bridge over the WestsideMain Canal. The bridge itself isOK, but the roadway leading to thebridge is starting to erode, PublicWorks Supervisor John Gay said.

The county set up a detour atthe end of September, and work isalready underway to get the roadfixed.

“The goal is to get this bridgeopened by November,” Gay said.“I think we can do it.”

A key component of the roadwork will be to move a power line

that is in the vicinity, he said. Ifthat line is moved quickly, theroadway could be reopened towardthe latter part of November.

Eviction MoratoriumExtended

The county board also movedtoward putting a hold on commer-cial property evictions through theend of the year.

The last resolution putting amoratorium on residential andcommercial evictions related toCOVID-19 expired at the end ofSeptember, said Adam Crook,county counsel. The state has takenaction to hold off on residentialevictions related to the pandemic,but the county can still decide oncommercial evictions.

District 1 Supervisor JesusEscobar said the board needs toweigh the options carefully. It’simportant to help small businessesimpacted by COVID-19, but theboard also has to consider realestate owners who will be impact-ed by a moratorium like this.

“There is no solution,” he said.“If we support one, we’re not sup-porting the other.”

District 5 Supervisor RaymondCastillo added that a moratoriumshouldn’t be more than six to eightmonths at most.

“You can’t grant a moratoriumindefinitely,” he said. “You have toput a time cap on it.”

Escobar recommended mirror-ing the state’s timeline and contin-uing the moratorium on commer-cial evictions until Jan. 1, 2021.

Niland Alley Clean-upThe board also approved an

emergency contract for $40,000 toclean up three alleys in Niland. Theproject, part of the county’s effortsto aid in preventing future brushfires, includes clearing overgrownbrush and trash in the alleys thathave the potential to create a disas-ter should fire hit the area again,according to a letter to the boardfrom Gay.

Funds for the project comefrom the county’s facilities man-agement fund.

Mud-Pot EmergencyContinues

In addition, the county boardcontinued its proclamation of alocal emergency for active andpotentially damaging mud potslocated about five miles northwest

of Niland. The geyser, which releases

water, carbon dioxide and hydro-gen sulfide gases in low concentra-tions, has moved slowly in the past11 years, but is already encroach-ing on the railroad right of way,impacting Union Pacific Railroadtracks. State Highway 111 also liesabout 210 feet west of the mudpot’s current location.

The California Department ofTransportation and Union PacificRailroad have addressed the mov-ing mud pots, according to the let-ter to the board from countyOffice of Emergency ServiceCoordinator Alfredo Estrada. It isnot clear yet what further impactsthe local emergency declarationwill have on the county budget, ascoordinating with the other poten-tially impacted parties is needed tobe able to realize the scope of thefinancial need.

Holtville Tribune Thursday, October 8, 2020 PAGE 3

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River.........................................from page one

Beware Shape-shifting Scammers in the Pandemic

new comments is in everyone’sbest interest, he explained.

The whole project is about“improving our business, but doingit in the right way,” Plourd added.

Imperial County Counsel iscurrently reviewing the issue andwill advise the board on theprocess to administer El Toro’srequest, according to a pressrelease from Imperial County sentout the morning of Oct. 2.

Comite Civico Del Valle, theHeber Public Utility District andScaroni Properties each filed peti-tions for writs of mandate againstthe county, calling on the expan-sion to stop until further environ-mental impacts could be lookedinto.

Comite Civico Del Valle is anonprofit focused on environmen-tally responsible development andenvironmental justice. It filed itswrit Sept. 11.

The Heber Public UtilityDistrict provides water, sewer,solid waste and parks services inHeber, and whose constituents andratepayers are affected by the proj-ect approval, according to the dis-trict’s writ filed Sept. 14.

Scaroni Properties, owned byLinda Rossi and Steve Scaroni, hasinterest in the case because Scaroniowns and manages land in theimmediate vicinity of the expan-sion project. Scaroni Propertiesalso filed Sept. 11.

Linda Rossi issued a statementOct. 2, commending the principals

at El Toro Exports for the decisionto vacate the expansion.

“The county of Imperial didnot have the communities (sic) bestinterest in mind when they unani-mously approved this expansion,”reads the statement. “We are notagainst the growth of agriculturalbusiness but feel there is a legalprocess that must be followed toensure fair mitigation measures forthe residents of Heber and theneighboring properties surround-ing a project of this magnitude withfull transparency.

“In this case, the county ofImperial failed to act in the bestinterest of the people they repre-sent, and we hold them account-able for the approval of this appli-cation during COVID stay-at-home orders and a county lock-down,” continued the statement.

On Aug. 11, the ImperialCounty Board of Supervisors voted5-0 to approve an expansion planfor the El Toro Export’s feedlotexpansion after nearly an hour anda half of discussion and debate byagriculture producers and interest-ed parties.

At that meeting, supervisorsconsidered pushing the issue to alater meeting or even sending theproject back to the Imperial CountyPlanning Commission, before ulti-mately voting to approve a zonechange and mitigated negative dec-laration, which states there will beminimal impacts on the surround-ing environment.

El Toro................from page one

Holtville Tribune Thursday, October 8, 2020 PAGE 4

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It's not too late to participate, Fill out the Census today!

The Holtville Tribune is pleased to present profiles of the candidates seeking local offices in the November 3 elections. The profiles that appear reflectthose who responded to our request to submit a profile. If a candidate does not appear it means they did not respond. Photos are used if submitted.

This week's profiles are for Imperial Irrigation District director divisions 2 and 4 and El Centro City Council.Profiles for other local offices will run in next weeks edition.

Name: JB HambyAge: 24City of residence: El CentroCurrent employment: Family farming,biotechPolitical experience: Office of U.S. Sen. BenSasse, United States Senate page (nominatedby U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer)Employment history (last 10 years): UberTechnologies (San Francisco headquarters),U.S. Senate pageOther affiliations/memberships/board posi-tions: Imperial County Historical SocietyEducation:

Stanford University, B.A.Arizona Water Law Continuing LegalEducation, Scottsdale, Ariz.Colorado River Water Users AssociationAnnual Conference, Las VegasColorado Water Congress Summer Conference,Steamboat Springs, Colo.Colorado Water Conservation Board DemandManagement Hearing, Grand Junction, Colo.Getches-Wilkinson 2007 Colorado RiverInterim Guidelines Conference, Boulder, Colo.Arizona Department of Water ResourcesHearing on Proposed Transfer of GSC FarmLLC’s Colorado River Water Entitlement to theTown of Queen Creek, YumaInternational Boundary and Water CommissionDrought Contingency Plan Impacts on YumaCounty Agriculture, YumaInternational Boundary and Water CommissionNew River Water Quality, CalexicoLaw of the Colorado River Continuing LegalEducation, ScottsdaleLincoln Land Institute Colorado RiverJournalist Forum, PhoenixNative American Rights Fund Indian ReservedWater Rights Claims Symposium, FunnerNew Mexico Water Law Continuing LegalEducation, Santa Fe, N.M.Pacific Institute Salton Sea Summit, PalmDesert

San Diego County Water Authority CitizensWater Academy, San DiegoState Water Resources Control Board SaltonSea Hearing, SacramentoTribal Water Law, Continuing Legal Education,ScottsdaleUpper Basin Drought Contingency PlanDemand Management Workshop, Salt LakeCityUrban Water Institute Annual Conference, SanDiegoWater Education Foundation Edge of DroughtTour, Central Coast California10X Water Summit, PhoenixAmerican Public Power AssociationGovernance CourseReasons for running and top issues:

In 2026, key agreements governing theColorado River will expire. There is a concert-ed effort across the Colorado River Basin tomove water from rural and marginalized com-munities, including our own, drying them up tobuild thirsty, sprawling growth in big cities.

Imperial Valley has the largest water rightand the most to lose on the Colorado River. It isso critically important that we protect our mostvital resource and that our water stays here —put to use in Imperial Valley for the benefit ofall our people, not monetized for the benefit ofa few or an agency.

The result of this election will permanentlyshape the future of the Imperial Valley,Colorado River, and American Southwest. Thestakes could not be higher.

I have made three pledges to Division 2voters.

One, honor this Ratepayer ProtectionPledge:

“I, JB Hamby, pledge to the ratepayers ofthe Imperial Irrigation District, that I willOPPOSE any and all efforts to raise powerrates.”

Two, introduce this resolution to protectour water forever with a public vote:

“A two-thirds affirmative vote of the publicshall be required in a general election to author-ize the Imperial Irrigation District to seek, pro-pose, enter into, or otherwise facilitate a volun-tary new or enlarged transfer, sale, lease, com-pensated forbearance, or other generation ofadditional conserved Colorado River water tobe made available for use outside of theImperial Irrigation District water service area.”

Three, demand dignity for public healthand habitat at the Salton Sea and New River by:

Holding California accountable for failingto meet its responsibilities to the Salton Sea– byall means required including declaring a breachof the QSA water transfers if necessary.

Work to require New River water quality

Name: Ryan Childers Age: 40City of residence: El Centro (lifelong) Family (optional): Wife of 16 years, Allison;son, William (12); daughter, Abigail (9) Current employment: Attorney and owner,Childers and Associates, Attorneys at Law Political experience: El Centro Elementary School District Board ofTrustees (2007-2011) Board President, 2008-2009Central Union High School District Board ofTrustees (2012-Present) Board President, 2015-2016 and 2019-Present Employment history (last 10 years): Childers and Associates, Attorney at Law

(2006-Present) Imperial County District Attorney’s Office Deputy District Attorney/Prosecutor (2004-2006) Other affiliations/memberships/board posi-tions: Member, State Bar of California (2004-Present)Bar Association of Imperial County President (2007-2008)Board Member (2005-2009) Rotary Club of El Centro, Member 2004-PresentPresident- 2012-2013Paul Harris Society Member Paul Harris Award Recipient (seven-time recip-ient) Imperial Valley College Foundation Board ofDirectorsSheriff’s Athletic League Board of DirectorsCalifornia Mid-Winter Fair HeritageFoundation, Founding Member and Vice-President (Past Member)ARC of Imperial Valley Board of Directors(Past Member)El Centro Education Foundation (PastMember)Imperial Masonic Lodge 390, Member - 2008-PresentSunbeam Little League head coach (2013)El Centro Pop Warner head coach (2014-2019)Mock Trial coach (2006)

Mock Trial scoring attorney and judge (2005 -Present)IVROP Dancing with the StarsParticipant (2013) Master of Ceremonies (2018) AWARDS: I.M.A.G.I.N.E. Award Winner - Awarded by theCity of El CentroYoung Professional of the Year - Awarded bythe El Centro Chamber of CommerceImperial Valley Press Reader’s Choice Awardfor Best Legal Services (2019)Lawyers of Distinction Award for Excellence inthe Practice of LawInductee into the Imperial Valley Football Hallof FameEducation: University of San Diego School of Law- 2004 Juris DoctorCalifornia Polytechnic State University (“CalPoly”), San Luis Obispo- 2001 Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Graduatedwith HonorsGraduate of Southwest High School- 1998Reasons for running and top issues:

I am running for the IID Board of Directorsin Division 2 because the IID is one of ourcommunity’s most important institutions andthe issues it faces are complex and of greatimportance to all of us. That is why it is impor-tant we elect leaders with the education, expe-rience, and values to effectively lead the IID. I

believe that my education as an accountant andmy experience as a lawyer, businessman,coach, and three term school board member,makes me uniquely qualified to serve our com-munity as a member of the IID Board ofDirectors.

I was born and raised in the IID division Iam now seeking to represent, and my wife,Allison, and I are proud to be raising our chil-dren, William and Abigail, as fifth-generationValley residents. As a parent and lifelong resi-dent of the Imperial Valley, I have a vestedinterest in fighting for our valley and workingto address the issues that matter most- issueslike preserving and protecting our water rights,keeping power rates low and affordable, attract-ing economic development that will creategood paying jobs, restoring the Salton Sea, anddemanding action on the New River.

In difficult times like these experience mat-ters more than ever. I am the only candidate inthis race who has: a proven track record of suc-cessful service to our community; ever heldelected office and made difficult decisions inthe face of difficult times;held a real jobbeyond an internship; Owned and operated asuccessful business.

I will utilize my experience to bring a freshperspective and energetic leadership to the IIDand I will work to build a more efficient, effec-tive and responsive IID, an IID that is betterable to serve our community, and protect our

Imperial Irrigation Board of Directors, Division 2 Candidates

Holtville Tribune Thursday, October 8, 2020 PAGE 5

Visit Us At Our Website:holtvilletribune.com

decrease in price had an impact onthe 2019 Imperial CountyAgricultural Crop and LivestockReport, which was presented to thecounty Board of Supervisors duringits meeting Oct. 6.Outside factors like trade talks withChina and Mexico - big news in 2019- didn't appear to have a significantimpact on Imperial County's agricul-ture during that period. The information shown in the latestAgricultural Commissioner's reportshows even with some renegotiationstaking place in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement during 2019,trade didn't slow between ImperialCounty and Mexico. In fact,Agriculture Commissioner CarlosOrtiz said export certificates showeda 5 percent increase in 2019.Export certificates to Canadadecreased slightly, he added, but thecounty attributes that to some proce-dural changes and cost-cutting meas-ures for exporters.The county issued more than 20,000federal export certificates to 85 coun-tries, Ortiz told the county board.Nearly all of those certificates, 92.7percent, were issued to seven coun-tries: Japan, Mexico, Korea, Canada,Taiwan, China, and the United ArabEmirates. About 41 percent of those shipmentcertificates were issued to Japan and32 percent were to Mexico, he said. "There was a decrease in export cer-

tificates to China in 2019, that webelieve to be a result of the federaltrade talks," Ortiz said. "The certifi-cates to China were down 6 percent,but this didn't have a major impact onexports overall because Chinaaccounts for 2.88 percent of totalexport certificates."There were some large changes inthis year's report, like the vegetableand melon category, which dropped$185 million, he said. Prices and har-vested acres were down for themajority of vegetable and melon cropcategories.Even with the drop, vegetables andmelon crops had the highest value at$799 million, followed by livestockat $522 million and field crops at$498 million. Cattle again ranked as the No. 1 com-modity in the county for the 62ndyear in a row, with a gross value of$449 million, Ortiz said. Alfalfa, leaflettuce, broccoli and head lettuce fol-lowed as top commodities, accordingto the report.The total gross value of agriculturedropped almost $211 millionbetween 2018 and 2019, falling from$2.226 billion to $2.015 billion,according to the report. "The decrease was mainly due to adecrease in harvested acres as well assome field, vegetable and livestockprices," he wrote in the report."Vegetables such as leaf lettuce, cab-bage, romaine lettuce and spinach

saw a significant decrease in price.Of the 527,860 harvested acres in thecounty, about 344,000 acres werefield crops, 120,000 acres were veg-etable and melon crops, 53,000 acreswere seed and nursery products, and10,000 acres were fruit and nut crops."... In 2019, there was a decrease of

9,332 total harvested acres," hewrote. "... Watermelons saw thelargest decrease of harvested acres,down 54 percent with a decrease of774 acres. Wheat saw the second-largest decrease of harvested acres,down 43.34 percent with a decreaseof 10,805 acres."While there were no indicators ofCOVID-19 having an impact on the2019 report, the pandemic has shownjust how essential agriculture is for

everyone."Why is agriculture essential?" Ortizasked. "Because it produces the foodthat we eat. So I would like to rec-ommend to everyone in the room andeveryone who's listening, before theday's ends, call someone from the agindustry, call a grower, call a farm-worker, an irrigator, a pest controladviser, a pilot, anyone you know,and thank them for what they do."

Holtville Tribune Thursday, October 8, 2020 PAGE 6

Public Notice

Imperial County Department of Public Works Request forProposal (RFP)

Design Engineering Services for Aten Road Class I Bicycle PathState Project Number ATPL-5958(118)

County Project No. 6267

The County of Imperial Department of Public Works is requestingresponses from qualified consulting firms to provide the followingservices for the subject State-Only Funded Project:1. Design Engineering Services

The Request for Proposal is available for review and download at theCounty of Imperial Department of Public Works Web site athttps://publicworks.imperialcounty.org/projects-out-to-bid/ underthe section titled "Projects Out to Bid".

Qualified entities along with Disadvantaged Business Enterpriseentities are invited to submit written responses for consideration inaccordance with this Request. These services will be conductedunder a contract with the County of Imperial. All proposals shouldbe submitted before the due date of October 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. to:

John A. Gay, P. E.Director of Public Works

County of Imperial, 155 South 11th StreetEl Centro, CA 92243

For additional information regarding this Notice please email LorenaAlvarez, Civil Engineering Technician at lorenaalvarez@co.imperi-al.ca.us and Jose Castaneda, Administrative Analyst III, at josecas-taneda@co.imperial.ca.us of the County of Imperial Department ofPublic Works.

Legal 8987 Publish: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PETITION TOADMINISTER ESTATE OF:Federico Rene HernandezCASE NUMBER: EPR000789To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors,contingent creditors, and personswho may otherwise be interested inthe will or estate, or both, of:Federico R. Hernandez, FedericoHernandezA Petition for Probate has been filedby: Carolina M. Hernandez in theSuperior Court of California,County of: IMPERIALThe Petition for Probate requeststhat Carolina M. Hernandez beappointed as personal representativeto administer the estate of the dece-dent.The petition requests the decedent;swill and codicils, if any, be admittedto probate. The will and any codicilsare available for examination in thefile kept by the court.The petition requests authority toadminister the estate under theIndependent Administration ofEstates Act. (This authority willallow the personal representative totake many actions without obtainingcourt approval. Before taking cer-tain very important actions, howev-er, the personal representative willbe required to give notice to inter-ested persons unless they havewaived notice or consented to theproposed action.) The independentadministration authority will begranted unless an interested personfiles an objection to the petition andshows good cause why the courtshould not grant the authority.A hearing on the petition will beheld in this court as follows:Date: November 6, 2020Time: 8:30 a.m.Dept. 9Address of court:Superior Court of California, County of Imperial939 West Main Street El Centro, CA 92243

If you object to the granting of thepetition, you should appear at thehearing and state your objections orfile written objections with the courtbefore the hearing. Your appearancemay be in person or by your attor-ney.If you are a creditor or a contin-gent creditor of the decedent, youmust file your claim with the courtand mail a copy to the personal rep-resentative appointed by the courtwithin the later of either (1) fourmonths from the date of firstissuance of letters to a general per-sonal representative, as defined insection 58(b) of the CaliforniaProbate Code, or (2) 60 days fromthe date of mailing or personaldelivery to you of a notice undersection 9052 of the CaliforniaProbate Code.Other California statutes andlegal authority may affect yourrights as a creditor. You may wantto consult with an attorneyknowledgeable in California law.You may examine the file kept bythe court. If you are a person inter-ested in the estate, you may file withthe court a Request for SpecialNotice (form DE-154) of the filingof an inventory and appraisal ofestate assets or of any petition oraccount as provided in ProbateCode section 1250. A Request forSpecial Notice form is availablefrom the court clerk.Attorney for petitioner:Mandie Bullock, Esq.2560 Alpine Blvd. Suite 1Alpine, CA 91901619-507-8024Filed: Superior CourtCounty of Imperial Clerk of the CourtBy , DeputyLegal 6391 Publish: Oct. 8, 15, 22, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Orion Construction Corporation an Equal OpportunityEmployer is requesting sub-bids from all qualified subcontractorsand suppliers including certified DBE firms performing a com-

mercially useful function for referenced project:

Project: Water Treatment Plant Improvements ProjectProject Owner: City of HoltvilleBid Date: Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 2:00 pm DBE Contract Goal:General work description: Project Description: The City of Holtville’s Water Treatment PlantImprovements include the following: Install a shade structure over the clarifier/mix media filters;Replacement of Finish Water Pump Station Motors; Install a baffling system in the 1.5 MG Water StorageTank; Finish water piping alignment to allow the water storage tanks to operate in series; Rehabilitate the2.4 MG Water Storage Tank with the addition of a Cathodic Protection System, TTHM System, andrecoat of the tank; Replacement of two emergency standby generators; and Electrical and Controls forAutomation.Lead Estimator: Chad OpperPhone: 760.597.9660 Ext.303Fax Quotes to: 760.597.9661

Orion Construction Corporation is requesting quotes from all qualified subcontractors and sup-pliers including certified DBE firms for the following items of work, including but not limited to:Project Sign, Shade Structures, Netting, Tank Coating and Lining, Baffle System, Chlorination ofTanks and Pipeline, Ladders and Vent Screens, Cathodic Protection, Blower and VentilationSystem, Spray and Mixer System, Transfer Pump Motors, Emergency Generator and Electrical.Plans and specifications are available at our office free of charge or online at: http://holtville.ca.gov/section.php?id=74

Please call with general project questions or about working with Orion Construction Corporation. OrionConstruction Corporation intends to work cooperatively with all qualified firms seeking work on thisproject.

Requirements: For any bid proposal submitted on or after March 1, 2015 and any contract for publicwork entered into on or after April 1, 2015, the following registration requirements apply: EverySubcontractor is required to be registered to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5 of the PublicContract Code (“Section 1725.5”).No Contractor or Subcontractor shall be qualified to bid on, be listedin a bid proposal pursuant to Section 4104 of the Public Contract Code, or engage in the performance ofany contract for public work, unless currently registered to perform public work pursuant to Section1725.5. No bid shall be accepted, nor any subcontract entered into without proof of the Subcontractor’scurrent registration to perform public work pursuant to Section1725.5.

Orion Construction Corporation Orion Construction Corporation is a nonunion company. 100% per-formance and payment bonds may be required for the full amount of subcontract price. Subcontractorsmust possess a current contractor’s license, DIR number, insurance and worker’s compensation coverage,meeting Orion Construction Corporation’s requirements.Orion Construction Corp.2185 La Mirada DriveVista, CA 92081Tel 760.597.9660Fax 760.597.9661Orion Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Legal 8990 Publish: Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2020

Notice of Public Hearing

City of Holtville

Notice is hereby given that public hearings will be held by the City of Holtville Planning Commission atthe dates, times, and place indicated below. The purpose of the public hearings will be to hear commentsfrom the public regarding the following subjects:

The City of Holtville has received various comments and concerns about the downtown signage and set-back requirements established in the Zoning Code. The proposed amendment is intended to reduce sig-nage restrictions and revise setback requirements in Downtown Zones A and B. The proposed amendmentis exempt from further environmental review as it is Categorically Exempt from the requirements of theCalifornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).The Planning Commission will consider approval of theproposed amendments upon reviewing all findings and public comments.

Melon Properties LLC submitted an application for the development of a new 152-unit apartment com-plex on an 8.19 acre site adjacent to the northern city limits of the City of Holtville.Approximately7.75acres of the project site is outside of the current incorporated city limits and requireannexation into the City.The five parcels comprising the Project site currently have a land use designa-tion of Low Density Residential (LDR). This designation does not allow for multi-family development.Therefore, a General Plan Amendment from LDR to High Density Residential (HDR)is required.Likewise, a Pre-Zone from the County zone R-1-U (Single-Family Urban) and R-1 (Single-FamilyResidential) to City zone R-3 Multi-Family is also necessary. A Draft Mitigated Negative Declarationhas been prepared for the project to examine to potential environmental impacts of the project.

Social Distancing practices will be followed. Parameters will be determined, posted and published priorto the meeting.

Planning Commission Hearing Date: October 19, 2020Hearing Time: 6:00 PMHearing Location: Holtville City Hall

121 W. 5th Street

Copies of pertinent information are available for review at the City Hall during regular business hours. Ifyou would like to know more about the proposed project prior to the public hearing, please contactFrancisco Barba, Assistant Planner, at (760) 337-3883 orfbarba@theholtgroup.net

Any person desiring to comment on the above project may do so in writing or may appear in person at thepublic hearing. Written comments should be directed to the Holtville City Clerk, 121 West 5th Street,Holtville, CA 92250 and be delivered prior to the Public Hearing date. Please reference the project namein all written correspondence.

Legal 8991 Publish: Oct. 8, 2020

Project: Downtown Zoning Code Amendment -Setback and Signage

Project: Melon Apartments Annexation, Pre-Zone, General Plan Amendment, and Site Plan Review

Location:Northeast Corner of East Alamo Road (9th Street)and Melon Road (APN's 045-390-006, 045-390-044, 045-390-065, 045-390-066, 045-390-067)

Location:Downtown Zone

PUBLIC NOTICE

Ag........................................................from page one

SECOND AMENDEDNOTICE OF PETITION TOADMINISTER ESTATE OF:Alvie Lee WintersCASE NUMBER: EPR000767To all heirs, beneficiaries, credi-tors, contingent creditors, andpersons who may otherwise beinterested in the will or estate, orboth, of: Alvie Lee Winters akaAlvie WintersA Petition for Probate has beenfiled by: Karren Gonzales in theSuperior Court of California,County of: IMPERIALThe Petition for Probate requeststhat Karren Gonzales beappointed as personal representa-tive to administer the estate of thedecedent.The petition requests authority toadminister the estate under theIndependent Administration ofEstates Act. (This authority willallow the personal representativeto take many actions without

obtaining court approval. Beforetaking certain very importantactions, however, the personalrepresentative will be required togive notice to interested personsunless they have waived notice orconsented to the proposedaction.) The independent admin-istration authority will be grantedunless an interested person filesan objection to the petition andshows good cause why the courtshould not grant the authority.A hearing on the petition willbe held in this court as follows:Date: October 8, 2020Time: 8:30 a.m.Dept. 7Address of court:Superior Court of California, County of Imperial939 West Main Street El Centro, CA 92243If you object to the granting ofthe petition, you should appear atthe hearing and state your objec-

tions or file written objectionswith the court before the hearing.Your appearance may be in per-son or by your attorney.If you are a creditor or a con-tingent creditor of the dece-dent, you must file your claimwith the court and mail a copy tothe personal representativeappointed by the court within thelater of either (1) four monthsfrom the date of first issuance ofletters to a general personal rep-resentative, as defined in section58(b) of the California ProbateCode, or (2) 60 days from thedate of mailing or personal deliv-ery to you of a notice under sec-

tion 9052 of the CaliforniaProbate Code.Other California statutes andlegal authority may affect yourrights as a creditor. You maywant to consult with an attor-ney knowledgeable inCalifornia law.You may examine the file keptby the court. If you are a personinterested in the estate, you mayfile with the court a Request forSpecial Notice (form DE-154) ofthe filing of an inventory andappraisal of estate assets or ofany petition or account as provid-ed in Probate Code section 1250.A Request for Special Notice

form is available from the courtclerk.Attorney for petitioner:Law Offices of Thomas W.Storey, APLC222 South 8th StreetEl Centro, CA 92243760-352-1311Filed: September 17, 2020Superior CourtCounty of ImperialClerk of the Court By Astridd Weirner, DeputyLegal 6390 Publish: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 2020

For Publication of Your Legal Notices Call Us, Your County Adjudicated Newspaper.

Holtville Tribune760-339-4899

Holtville Tribune, Thursday, October 8, 2020 PAGE 7

CLASSIFIED ADS

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice

Imperial County Department of Public Works Request forProposal (RFP)

Design Engineering Services for Sidewalk Improvements onHeffernan Avenue from 11th Street to 14th Street

State Project Number ATPSB1L-5958(117)County Project No. 6516

The County of Imperial Department of Public Works is requestingresponses from qualified consulting firms to provide the followingservices for the subject State-Only Funded Projects:1. Design Engineering Services

The Request for Proposal is available for review and download at theCounty of Imperial Department of Public Works Web site athttps://publicworks.imperialcounty.org/projects-out-to-bid/ under thesection titled "Projects Out to Bid".

Qualified entities along with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise enti-ties are invited to submit written responses for consideration in accor-dance with this Request. These services will be conducted under acontract with the County of Imperial. All proposals should be sub-mitted before the due date of October 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. to:

John A. Gay, P. E.Director of Public Works

County of Imperial, 155 South 11th StreetEl Centro, CA 92243

For additional information regarding this Notice please email LorenaAlvarez, Civil Engineering Technician at lorenaalvarez@co.imperi-al.ca.us and Jose Castaneda, Administrative Analyst III, at josecas-taneda@co.imperial.ca.us of the County of Imperial Department ofPublic Works.

Legal 8988 Publish: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020

Public Notice

Re-Release Imperial County Department of Public WorksRequest for Proposal (RFP)

Material Testing Services (Acceptance Testing and IndependentAssurance Program Verification) for:

Clark Road Improvement from Wahl Road to 0.5 mi. N. of SR-98 and from Heber Road to 0.5 mi. N. of Heber Road in

Imperial CountyFederal Project Number STPL 5958(114)

County Project Number 6598

The County of Imperial Department of Public Works is requestingresponses from qualified consulting firms to provide the followingservices for the subject Federally Funded Projects:1. Material Testing Services - Acceptance Testing.2. Material Testing Services - Independent Assurance Testing.

The Request for Proposal is available for review and download at theCounty of Imperial Department of Public Works Web site athttps://publicworks.imperialcounty.org/projects-out-to-bid/ under thesection titled "Projects Out to Bid".

Qualified entities along with Disadvantaged Business Enterpriseentities are invited to submit written responses for consideration inaccordance with this Request. These services will be conductedunder a contract with the County of Imperial. All proposals should besubmitted before the due date of 4:00 p. m. October 20, 2020 to:

John A. Gay, P. E.Director of Public Works

c/o Lorena Alvarez, Civil Engineering TechnicianJose Castaneda, Administrative Analyst III

County of Imperial155 South 11th StreetEl Centro, CA 92243

For additional information regarding this Notice please email LorenaAlvarez, Civil Engineering Technician at lorenaalvarez@co.imperi-al.ca.us and Jose Castaneda, Administrative Analyst III, at josecas-taneda@co.imperial.ca.us of the County of Imperial Department ofPublic Works.

Legal 8986 Publish: Oct. 1, 8 , 15, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

Holtville Tribune Thursday, October 8, 2020 PAGE 8

CITY OF IMPERIAL

NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS

CLASS I AND CLASS II BIKE FACILITY ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF ATENBOULEVARD FROM DOGWOOD ROAD TO PUERTO VALLARTA AVENUE

BID NO. 2020-08

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Imperial, as CITY, invitessealed bids for the above stated project and will receive such bids in the offices of the City Clerkat 420 S. Imperial Avenue, Imperial, California 92251 up to the hour of 3:00 P.M. Tuesday,November 03, 2020, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. A bid summa-ry will then be prepared and posted.

A Pre-Bid meeting will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 21, 2020at the Community Development Department of the City of Imperial located at 400 SouthImperial Avenue, Suite 101, Imperial, California 92251 to be followed by a Field Walkthroughat the project site.

The work to be done consists of furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, labor andincidentals as required by the contract documents for demolition of existing AC Pavement andthe installation of new Free-Standing Curb, AC Pavement, Class II Base, Striping and Signage,Street Lights, Landscaping and Irrigation Lines and the Preparation and Implementation ofTraffic Control Plans.

The scope of work also includes, prior to the start of construction, the coordinationbetween the City of Imperial and the Contractor for the compliance and implementation of theProject Environmental Conditions listed on Appendix E. Testing and Studies called for shall bepaid by City.

Asphalt and concrete demolition debris shall be recycled or diverted as required by the City'sC&D Ordinance.

A CD containing the Bid Package is available at the Community DevelopmentDepartment of the City of Imperial located at 400 South Imperial Avenue, Suite 101, Imperial,California 92251 upon payment of a $85.00 non-refundable fee ($100.00 if mailed). Only thosefirms who have purchased the bid documents will be provided any addendums that may beissued for this project prior to the bid opening date.

Any contract entered into pursuant to this notice will incorporate the provisions of State LaborCode of the State of California. Compliance with the higher State prevailing rates of wages andapprenticeship employment standards established by the State director of Industrial Relationswill be required. Affirmative action to ensure against discrimination in employment practices onthe basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, or religion will also be required.

This project has a specific contract Disadvantaged Businesses Enterprises (DBE) Contract Goalof 15.0%, expressed in percentage terms for the Contractor's aggregate workforce in each tradeon all construction work in the covered areas.

Said DBE Goal is applicable to all contractor's construction work (whether or not it is Federallyfunded or assisted) performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction workin a geographical area outside of the covered area, it shall apply to the goals established for suchgeographical area where the work is actually performed. With regard to this second area, theContractor also is subject to the goals for both its Federally involved and non-Federally involvedconstruction.

The Contractor's compliance with Executive Order 11246 and the regulations in 41 CFR Part 60-4 shall be based on its implementation of the Equal Opportunity Clause, specific affirmativeaction obligations required by the specifications set forth in 41 CFR 60-4.3(a), and its efforts tomeet the goals established for the geographical area where the contract resulting from the solic-itation is to be performed. The hours of minority and female employment and training must besubstantially uniform through the duration of the contract, and in each trade, and the Contractorshall make a good faith effort to employ women and minority individuals evenly on each of itsprojects.

The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from contractor to contractor or fromproject to project for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor's goals shall be a violation ofthe contract, the Executive Order, and the regulations in 41 CFR Part 60-4. Compliance with thegoals will be measured against the total work hours performed.

Each bid must be accompanied by a guaranty of cash, certified check, cashier's check or bid bondmade payable to the City of Imperial for an amount equal to at least ten percent (10%) of the bid.Such guaranty to be forfeited should the bidder to whom the contract is awarded fails to enterthe contract. All guaranties to be returned after the contract is awarded.

In conformance with the State of California Public Contract Code Section 22300, the contractormay substitute securities for any funds withheld by the City to ensure performance under thecontract.

.At request and expense of the contractor, securities equivalent to the amount withheld shall bedeposited with the City or with a State or Federally chartered bank as the escrow agent who shallpay such funds to the contractor upon notification by the City of contractor's satisfactory com-pletion of contract.

The type of securities deposited and the method of release shall be approved by the CityAttorney's office.

As used in this notice, and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the "covered area"is in the City of Imperial in Imperial County, State of California.

The contract documents call for monthly payments based upon the engineer's estimate of thework completed. The City of Imperial will retain five (5) percent of each progress payment assecurity for completion of the balance of the work. At the request and expense of the successfulbidder, the City will pay the amounts so retained upon compliance with the requirements ofPublic Contract Code Section 22300 and the provisions of the contract documents pertaining toSubstitution of Securities.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) provides a toll-free "hotline" service toreport bid rigging activities. Bid rigging activities can be reported Mondays through Fridays,between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., eastern time, telephone no. 1-800-424-9071. Anyone withknowledge of possible bid rigging, bidder collusion, or other fraudulent activities should use the"hotline" to report these activities. The "hotline" is part of the DOT's continuing effort to identi-fy and investigate highway construction contract fraud and abuse and is operated under the direc-tion of the DOT Inspector General. All information will be treated confidentially and calleranonymity will be respected.

Bids must be prepared on the approved proposal forms in conformance with the Instructions toBidders and submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside;

ATTN: CITY CLERK: SEALED BID FOR:

CLASS I AND CLASS II BIKE FACILITY ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF ATENBOULEVARD FROM DOGWOOD ROAD TO PUERTO VALLARTA AVENUE

BID NO. 2020-08

The Proposal should be delivered no later than 3:00 P.M. Tuesday November 03, 2020,addressed as follows:

City of Imperial • Community Development Department • Engineering Division420 S. Imperial Avenue, Imperial, CA 92251

Questions concerning the proposal should be directed to Jesus Villegas, Project Manager, with theCity of Imperial at (760) 355-3840 or via email: jvillegas@cityofimperial.org. Questions shouldbe received no later than 4:00 P.M. Monday October 26, 2020.

Clarification desired by a proposer shall be requested in writing with sufficient time to allow fora response prior to the date RFPs are due. Oral explanation or instructions shall not be consid-ered binding on behalf of the City.

Any modifications to this solicitation will be issued by the City as a written addendum.

The City will not consider proposals received after the specified time and date.

This RFP does not commit the City of Imperial to award a contract or pay any costs associatedwith the preparation of a Proposal.

The City of Imperial reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to award each item separately,delete portions of the work, and/or waive any informality on any bid. No bid may be withdrawnfor 60 days after the time set for the opening thereof.

Failure by the successful bidder to enter into a contract with the City or to deliver goods and/orservices in accordance with the bid may result in a declaration by the City that the bidder is nota responsible bidder, and elimination from consideration in future bidding.

No contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works proj-ect (submitted on or after March 1, 2015) unless registered with the Department of IndustrialRelations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions from this requirementfor bid purposes only under Labor Code section 1771.1 (a)]. No contractor or subcontractor maybe awarded a contract for public work on a public works project (awarded on or after April 1,2015) unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code sec-tion 1725.5. This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Departmentof Industrial Relations. Any bid submitted by a contractor or subcontractor not properly licensedand not registered with the Department of Industrial Relations shall be considered non-responsiveand will be rejected.

At the time of contract award, the prime contractor shall possess a Class "A" contractor's licenseand/or any combination of "C" specialty contractor's license(s) sufficient to perform the work.

Dated this ______________day of ___________, 2020.

By: ___________________________

Debra Jackson - City Clerk

City of Imperial420 S. Imperial AvenueImperial, CA 92251(760) 355-4373

PUBLIC NOTICE

Legal 6394Publish: Oct. 8, 15, 22, 2020