Durazo leading effort to save border mural

Carmen Durazo, the local arts commissioner in Calexico is spearheading the effort to preserve parts of the 2.2 miles border wall mural “Border Metamorphosis” before it is replaced with new fencing in 2018 by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Although local stakeholders are expressing disappointment that the bi-national mural painted on the outdated landing mat fencing is scheduled to be removed, they are expressing gratitude that the El Centro Sector Border Patrol has agreed to work with them on any preservation attempts.

It’s great to see our local Border Patrol working with our community.

City of Brawley for saving taxpayer money for pensions

The city council here restructured a debt of more than $16 million in pension obligations for its public employees.

Since pension contributions surpassed economic growth needed to pay off pensions, the city pursued an alternative financing means to fix costs associated with the CalPERS Side Fund.

The CalPERS Side Fund was established in 2003 when the city became part of a risk pool in which unfunded pension benefits were determined to be a liability.

But in January 2017, the city council approved an authorization action for the issuance of taxable pension obligations bonds.

Kudos to the city for working for the benefit of its employees.

Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District expands palliative care

Focusing on how better to serve increasing demand for medical services across the Imperial Valley, Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District has augmented its staff with two new physicians to better accommodate a growing population.

IVC homeless student effort

The Imperial Valley College last counted 44 homeless students, but is expecting that number to be much higher, and more are considered to have housing (23 percent) and food insecurities (29 percent).

The college is opening a food pantry soon to benefit its homeless students and those with housing and food insecurities.

Kudos to the college for taking efforts to help its students and ensuring they can continue seeking their education.

IID community solar project

With the intent to offer access to renewable energy to all of its ratepayers, the Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors voted Tuesday to approve the agency’s first-ever Community Solar Project.

IID’s community solar program, eGreen will serve Residential Energy Assistance Program participants as well as other IID energy customers who would like to receive the benefits of solar without the need for an individual rooftop system.

IID officials expect the project will make solar power available for up to 15,000 customers. IID currently has more than 14,000 customers who benefit from the district’s energy assistance program who potentially will qualify for the eGreen program.