They’re coming out of the woodwork
The great summer hideaway is over. You can release that tight, never-let-go grip on your air conditioner controls. Take a deep breath outdoors. You’ll notice the heat doesn’t burn your lungs. Enjoyable, cooler weather has arrived.
Now my dear wife complains that it’s too cold as daytime temps are sometimes in the 80s. Worse, it has dropped into the 60s at night. But we agree that it’s a nice change to talk with our neighbors and to see people out on the streets. Meanwhile, it’s as if all the event planning committees in Imperial Valley have targeted October as the coming out month so several happenings are crowded into each weekend. Get out your date book or open your phone’s digital calendar and stay current. This newspaper and the various chambers of commerce list upcoming events, so check these out.
The long-awaited $16 million El Centro Aquatic Center replaces the famous Plunge, which closed in 2010 after years of use and a damaging earthquake. The new updated version would be a welcome facility even in a big city. Simply, it’s a jewel.
My favorite feature is the lazy river, 4 feet deep, which meanders around the east side of the facility. Five lifeguards will be assigned to this alone, since the state considers it a ride. We rode a lazy river once in Las Vegas, and I was hooked. There is a current in the river so a person drifts along. It’s best negotiated by those with some swimming skills as it’s easy to slip off your float. I recall falling out of my inner tube, which was recovered by a group of little girls so I was able to continue on my endless journey.
Adriana Nava, the Community Services Commission chief, gave me a tour. She said other pool elements include “an eight-lane competition pool, smaller warm-up pool adjacent for racers to prepare (or slackers like me to lounge in), and an activity pool (kiddie pool/splash pad) with cactus-flower sprayer heads and similar ornaments” (Calexico Chronicle). The hope is that competitive swim meets will be attracted to the center to draw income. With 40 staff members at peak use, the facility is expensive to operate. There is always grumbling about entry fees, but it’s cheaper than the movies, and service clubs may offer subsidized fees for some children.
A very different grand opening was held in Imperial this past weekend. The Imperial Valley Food Bank inaugurated its new facility on Aten Road. When Sara Griffen told County Supervisors that $6.5 million needed to be raised for the new warehouse, they were incredulous. USDA, which supplies commodities to families and individuals in the Valley, set out new rules for warehouse specifications: varmint proof, and larger storage and refrigeration space. I will recommend that IVFB rent out freezer space to individuals for a five-minute cooling off period in July and August.
The new facility, at 28,000 square feet, is huge with movable food storage racks, flexible refrigeration, and a loading dock. An interesting feature is a large, modern kitchen for nutrition education. The Valley needs to do more about stemming rampant diabetes. This is a step in that direction.
The need? More than 20,000 Valley residents receive food from the Food Bank each month. Yes, neighbors. There is food insecurity throughout Imperial Valley. There is also lots of generosity as 24 percent of the $6.5 million was donated by local individuals and businesses. Vincent Osuna’s Oct. 19 article in this paper fills out the story.
Enjoy your swim and support the Food Bank.