Addresses kick o vision for cities
This week will kick off local State of the City Addresses which will highlight recent accomplishments and focuses for the coming year.
Some cities will present their traditional addresses while others will try new approaches in hopes of getting more resident participation.
Below are roundups of what to expect for the upcoming State of the City Addresses.
El Centro
5:30 p.m., Thursday, Martin Luther King Jr. Sports Pavilion
Mayor Cheryl Vegas-Walker said the city will try a new approach.
“For the first time, the State of the City Address will be at the Martin Luther King Jr. Pavilion,” she said. “We look forward to showcasing this exceptional recreational facility.”
She said the address will focus on champions, “complete with trophies.”
“As Americans, we are all about champions — we are competitive and we enjoy winning,” she said. “We also love rooting for the underdog and those that overcome adversity.”
She added El Centro has overcome plenty of adversity.
“And in many ways, that is what the city of El Centro is — we are the underdog overcoming adversity,” she said. “We thrive in a pretty harsh climate — we face tough economic challenges — we are geographically isolated from large California centers of commerce — and yet we succeed in providing an exceptional quality of life for our residents.”
Brawley
7:30 a.m., Friday, Stockmen’s Club
Mayor George Nava’s State of the City Address will be held during the Chamber of Commerce’s Mayor’s Breakfast.
The event is open to the public, but with an admission fee of $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
Nava will focus his address on the city’s accomplishments and recent developments.
“I’m excited about what is in line to be delivered in 2018 and I think the public will be excited to see the improvements in Brawley,” Nava said. “I can tell you that each Council member is fully committed to reinvigorating our community and the Mayor’s Breakfast presentation will express that and highlight what’s next.”
Imperial
8 p.m., Feb. 24, Downtown Imperial
The city of Imperial will try something different this year in an attempt to get more resident involvement. The city will have its State of the City Address during the annual Tri Tip Cook Off, an event that has grown tremendously over the years.
Imperial Mayor Geoff Dale is set to give the address later this month.
Imperial County
6 p.m., March 15, American Citizen’s Club in Brawley
Imperial County District 5 Supervisor Ray Castillo will deliver the State of the County Address in Brawley. Officials with the county said his speech is still in the works, but he is to talk about issues like solar and geothermal renewable energy, Salton Sea and economic development.
Calipatria
Late March
Details are still being finalized for the city of Calipatria’s State of the City Address. City officials confirmed the event will most likely be held in late March.
Calexico
April 16, City Hall Calexico’s State of the City Address will be part of the city’s 110th anniversary, which will include an entire week of festivities. April 16 is also officially the day Calexico was incorporated in 1908. The city has recently been facing a shortcoming of funds. It also has economic projects coming up, which Mayor Maritza Hurtado will feature in her address.