Calexico, art committee, USBP work to preserve border fence mural
The city of Calexico Council here last week approved a donation from the U.S. Border Patrol for a few sections of the international border fence mural that will be replaced soon.
The federal agency’s donation of the panels is the result of a memorandum of understanding between it and the city’s Arts Commission that specified actions would be taken to ensure the preservation of the mural should the underlying border fencing be replaced.
The five council members voted unanimously to accept the donation, citing its historical significance to the city as well as to the federal government, which authorized its installation in 1998.
Local group gives community opportunity to honor patriotism
With a passionate desire to provide Imperial Valley residents a chance to acclaim their patriotism, a newly formed group will kick off operation on Veterans Day.
The El Centro Patriotic Planning Committee eagerly welcomes all area residents to join them on a Veteran’s Day Walk and Ceremony on Nov. 11, said Tracy Rascoe, the 30th District commander of the American Legion.
In August, co-founder Rascoe, Jason and Sandra Jackson, formed and added other contributors, Darryl Taylor, manager of UPS, Chris Berryman, of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 as well as Tim and Rosie Blankenship of the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and finally Anacleto Trevino, American Legion Post 25 commander. For more information on the group, contact Rascoe at tracyrascoe@yahoo.com
SeaFest attracts plenty to Salton Sea
If people are going to fight for something, they need to love it.
While the restoration of the Salton Sea has gained quite a dedicated following in recent years, a majority of people have yet to understand the significance of the sea — yet alone actually visit it.
On Saturday, the SeaFest event, held at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, drew in hundreds of guests to the sands and shores of the Salton Sea. Though more importantly, the all-day event highlighted what makes restoring it such a priority.
Events raising funds for various causes
The Bailando Por Un Sueño and Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District Foundation Gala, both fundraisers, were well-attended but more importantly raised funds for well-deserving causes.
Bailando Por Un Sueño event raised about $15,000 for six Imperial County families that have children battling cancer.
Veronica Henderson was selected to dance for Stephanie Hernandez, 14, while Fernando Zavala danced for Dulce Martinez, 17. Tomas Oliva was selected to support Adrian Vega Lopez, 15, and Luis Plancarte danced for Dharma Perez, 12. Sanji Patel was chosen to participate in the event for Robert Hernandez, 12, while Katie Luna was chosen to dance for Yasly Avendano, 14.
At the PMHD Foundation Gala, the event raised about $80,000 for the Pioneers Memorial Hospital’s pediatric wing.
The foundation’s Pediatrics Project will improve and renovate the pediatric department with new beds for patients, look to create a safer and pediatric-friendly environment, and more explained Alshareef.
Debut Health Fair focuses on fitness and nutrition
“Let’s get healthy together” was the theme of the inaugural Calexico Health Fair, held at Rockwood Plaza on Saturday.
Sponsored by Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District, it hosted information tables from a number of health care institutions, and prominent among them was Heffernan Wellness 4 Kids.
This program is specifically designed to educate youngsters and teenagers about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to a nutritional diet by preparing healthier meals, noted Patty Carrascosa, program director. They meet Monday through Friday at the program center, 1074 E. Cole St. between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. with classes for those from four years of age up to 18.