[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6567588,"mediaKeyId","3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640","parentId",3289840,"title","Southern Airways pitches LAX‑focused strategy for Imperial Airport; urges reliability, booking help to rebuild ridership","audioSeconds",1961,"startMs",9691000,"endMs",11652000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640&start=9691&end=11652","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640/thumbnail_9691000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6567588/Imperial-County/California/Southern-Airways-pitches-LAXfocused-strategy-for-Imperial-Airport-urges-reliability-booking-help-to-rebuild-ridership","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567588-bb4638103304039cb8b27794616bf690/orig.mp4?Expires=1775961549&Signature=AX6hm2P2PUiwz41jj~gX2sja6OtlxIF3IYrCuRHkHKGk~XqVA2UzFRuBFLxLRXZd4iNmwq4EKiEYHKPAIwP0JsrWQ9RMXeZyw0q3bne-U04Vo6-tyLnKFj5Nv28rJy1Q~yGa2~DYCZkpFtwBKycE5GCr-qAorH8CGDd-kekazDqhJ0-M2XZsn2SYdKLLfpLQSz8459uWCQIbX9vHyQkgwEl8O0fB1LYvGMKUFhOLOc0hyRDghZAHbf4h3IxjivernIUH7KgmZOOONA8tnn0QmZ-Rq38RENkV-~pDp8lrmWrxWMseEmbjl-ymKYgsuT~3Ri8w4pxaGIMh5Dt7HIql~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Imperial County","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","Austin Meyer of Southern Airways presented an update on Essential Air Service (EAS) operations at Imperial County Airport, describing how route choices, interline partnerships and reliability affect passenger numbers and subsidy efficiency.

Meyer said the airport’s EAS subsidy (about $2.9 million annually) offsets operating costs so fares are lower than they would be on an unsubsidized route. He argued the county could regain pre‑pandemic passenger levels by consolidating frequencies to one hub — LAX — rather than continuing a split LAX/Phoenix schedule. Meyer said LAX offers better interline connections within a single secured terminal circulation and shorter total travel times than Phoenix for many routes.

He also acknowledged reliability problems in recent years after Southern expanded into a number of small EAS markets during the pandemic recovery. Meyer said the carrier has added new aircraft (Caravans) and is trimming its commitments so it is less stretched; he noted fleet deliveries coming this year and suggested that operational reliability should improve as contracts roll off.

On ridership targets, Southern and the airport intend to reach FAA thresholds that unlock larger entitlements tied to passenger counts (the airport receives more grant eligibility at 10,000 enplanements annually). Meyer said charters, marketing and targeted scheduling could help grow numbers and that the airline is willing to work with county staff to walk customers through booking and ticketing to reduce friction.

Board members urged Southern to improve customer assistance and to coordinate flight times to meet local business travel needs. County staff representatives volunteered to connect community groups with the airline to run outreach and test promotions. Meyer said charters and promotional tickets can count toward enplanement totals and welcomed invitations from event organizers.

Ending: The carrier requested county help to promote the service and pledged to return with operational improvements; supervisors suggested tactical steps such as time‑of‑day adjustments and community “how to book” outreach to restore confidence and grow ridership.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Imperial County - Board of Supervisors - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Southern Airways told the Board that focusing flights on Los Angeles (LAX) rather than splitting service between LAX and Phoenix could improve connections, ticket prices and reliability. The carrier also asked the county to help with customer service and outreach to regain passengers and reach FAA grant thresholds.","taxTitle","Imperial County, California","taxId",3829,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567593,"County advances 10‑year electric vehicle and grid plan; consultants propose year‑one fleet charging projects and funding strategy",648,8983000,9631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640&start=8983&end=9631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640/thumbnail_8983000.jpg","/articles/6567593/Imperial-County/California/County-advances-10year-electric-vehicle-and-grid-plan-consultants-propose-yearone-fleet-charging-projects-and-funding-strategy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567593-5d0475572fee4dccb37e01f0c470e607/orig.mp4?Expires=1775961549&Signature=VSI6VcJkPcWeFqVbMKwSDoNN6DWkmQO7TXdeASCXkdttmfW185bSYy0NB9qhiW8mPfWuaQ5qUHtedqIH11ldDWQZe413wZEtSrAd6Rxh5EmX7ppUG8l87abAzBFYbTGaHtk~Iv6uB0g6ut8eHzrdDkSKDfErlNcuYIAzHYVpAyKmnPXBWku8kbfj3gL2aQ6TFfc6jWmQeBRZrNOU5KQqhTJfwrEJwy05VGUXoqMk6Ljyj9IFjFLuu06MlLlDmXpHl~Hpxz~~3~wCC-bnuBaQMq5E1VwDECsbsgeqq0eQT8DmoW1BLr~J~78Uq4rG2bqNi1XGPhU~SeBex2xPuluQ8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SiteLogic, the county’s technical partner on electric mobility planning, presented an executive summary to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors on May 13 outlining a 10‑year program to support county fleet electrification, electrical service upgrades and renewable generation.

Josh Stieber of SiteLogic said the plan’s first year concentrates on county fleet charging needs at about 13 county buildings assessed for electrical capacity, transformer upgrades, lighting retrofits and strategic solar additions. The firm and county staff have modeled projected vehicle rotations and charging windows and plan to present a final scope, costs and funding strategy to the board this summer.

“Where do we begin on trying to reinvent the wheel in this valley?” Stieber said, describing a staged approach that aims to put practical charging infrastructure in place for high‑utilization vehicles first, then scale to cover additional county needs as funding and grid capacity allow.

Funding and schedule: SiteLogic said it has identified potential seed funding sources, including state grants and federal incentives and said one grant could provide up to $5 million to support early deployment. The firm proposed finalizing an implementation package in June or July, with site permitting and early construction beginning later in 2025 and a year‑one deployment target before year’s end.

Board members welcomed the plan and asked for firm cost estimates and implementation schedules when the staff returns with an action item for approval. SiteLogic said it will return with final numbers and an implementation plan for board consideration.

Ending: County staff and the consultant plan to return with a more detailed proposal and proposed contract language for board consideration in the summer months.","SiteLogic presented a 10‑year Advanced Mobility and Electrical Infrastructure plan to help Imperial County meet state vehicle and building mandates. The year‑one proposal focuses on fleet charging, electrical upgrades, solar and a funding package including grants and institutional investment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567598,"GSA updates board on Calexico West land‑port reconfiguration; pedestrian building work scheduled through 2028",447,8362000,8809000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640&start=8362&end=8809","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640/thumbnail_8362000.jpg","/articles/6567598/Imperial-County/California/GSA-updates-board-on-Calexico-West-landport-reconfiguration-pedestrian-building-work-scheduled-through-2028","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567598-778704702d2edc0b9bea0107cbc3df6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775961549&Signature=Ho9HHBpGlzz15zoQEEKM-Vy0IwskhPuKLvZRifvU6UmTC2a3mag9IIlbi0S8xk2nO~adAUdrEeD8BPGA4M8Hggn03CD4GOBLyYpfV6FaXrIY8S8SvFQPfsKTfxJj0zl6UhLpFSl--Pt6tAnqbx0aWEZSBMUNzW-Zhuo6IFXDufWED8G9JwFioKP5mE3irYP2f2QqBqmLU9qpJhfAjEY8Etvyw11AyLX~3GVpUm5QIc1Ry6csTfQVvtAqN~bajV~CxTjXtZH9CzJ3Du3Mz44eGEmaVh3Eqz25UYTOH5zJj1cRG9s3udIpOc0qZ1nP2aVPaTbpeAzjYYbWopB9G0oz7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vincent Gagliardo, project manager with the General Services Administration (Region 9), told the Imperial County Board of Supervisors the Calexico West Land Port of Entry project is proceeding in phases and that the vehicular lane upgrades completed earlier this year.

Gagliardo said phase 2B work will create a temporary pedestrian processing facility near the historic Customs House to reroute northbound pedestrian traffic while the existing pedestrian building is demolished and a new processing facility is constructed. He told the board the temporary facility is expected to be operational around the end of 2025, with demolition and construction to follow, and a target completion date for the new pedestrian building in late 2028.

Gagliardo said the vehicular portion of the project (phase 2A) finished in February 2024 and included 16 primary inspection lanes, a pre‑primary inspection canopy and five southbound inspection booths. Planned installation of public artwork on the corner of Second and Cesar Chavez may cause short evening lane closures when it begins; GSA anticipates the art installation in June.

On operational staffing, the board asked why all 16 primary vehicle lanes do not appear open in daily practice. Gagliardo said lane openings are contingent on Customs and Border Protection staffing and that CBP must staff lanes before they can be placed into regular operations.

GSA said the design for the temporary and permanent pedestrian buildings is underway. The agency noted coordination with Mexican authorities to adjust south‑of‑border lanes and called out expected benefits of the new configuration: increased pedestrian processing capacity (up to 12 lanes), improved queuing and a new main hall with baggage screening, to reduce bottlenecks.

Ending: Gagliardo invited further questions and said GSA will continue to coordinate construction timing with CBP and local officials to minimize traffic impacts during installations and demolition work.","The U.S. General Services Administration briefed the Imperial County Board on the phased reconfiguration of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry. Temporary pedestrian processing is scheduled by year’s end and the new pedestrian building completion is projected in late 2028.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567602,"Board approves proclamations, routine items and travel; closed session results include dismissal of HR director",10707,1277000,11984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640&start=1277&end=11984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640/thumbnail_1277000.jpg","/articles/6567602/Imperial-County/California/Board-approves-proclamations-routine-items-and-travel-closed-session-results-include-dismissal-of-HR-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567602-cc587b790037aaf3685a6ba5e6203231/orig.mp4?Expires=1775961549&Signature=oz~sU-MvD0bwvGQSTojAsj~btvCQ6VadR2NzgkOZK41thiB68gRI6-0ny9gYx2N8aVunb~2QEKZ7t5B3FjC0f2J7Wzflt3BfVVI1d6zAu6muYsSpR2j9NGT9zL4lSSlaKzh~cMwMrQ7rF8jOdC3AtwPsvR7b7jiaaP9gJldUX2zDg4dwWpg5uyCoCuS7jlEKG87lr-vUbEjCYDytQkieScU7QzriIZ2FcJEKN-J-RaoJMZtFa4uoWyxgmGYUjpI3mZQWnbtADWMthzJJev75nHjSyny5a9mfPjzE9JPQeMv1Eb2xMEnvbF2x0xX8UAGJPZyaKo7RgcRxhbgI9NKDhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Imperial County Board of Supervisors took several formal actions during its May 13 meeting, passing routine consent items, adopting a proclamation and approving staff travel, and later reporting a closed‑session personnel decision.

The board adopted a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month for Imperial County; the roll-call vote recorded in the transcript was recorded as affirmative for Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The proclamation encourages residents to recognize contributions of the AAPI community.

The board approved the consent calendar and the consent budget, and approved the official proceedings for the May 6 and May 8, 2025 meetings. It also approved amendments to conflict-of-interest codes for two agencies (Frawley Union High School District and Bombay Beach Community Service District) pursuant to Government Code section 87306.

The board authorized out‑of‑state travel for two epidemiologists to attend the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 8–11; county staff said two grant sources will cover costs. The transcript records motions, seconds and roll‑call votes for these routine approvals; the motions carried.

Closed-session report: The board reported it met in closed session on several items and that direction was given to counsel; the board also disclosed a personnel action. On a public‑employee discipline/dismissal item the board voted 3–2 to dismiss Rodolfo Aguayo, director of human resources and risk management, effective May 13, 2025. The transcript lists the roll call as: District 1, no; District 2, no; District 3, yes; District 4, yes; District 5, yes. County counsel said written notice would be sent pursuant to ordinance.

Ending: County staff indicated the board will follow up on several items raised in open session and that a number of routine approvals will be implemented by the relevant departments.","The Imperial County Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, approved routine consent items and out-of-state travel for public health staff, and in closed session voted 3–2 to dismiss the director of human resources and risk management.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567608,"Growers, county officials scramble after Spreckels Sugar closure; economist estimates $250 million annual local loss",1041,4142000,5183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640&start=4142&end=5183","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3289840-7c966d53fa4b0fa912e8d82d43c14640/thumbnail_4142000.jpg","/articles/6567608/Imperial-County/California/Growers-county-officials-scramble-after-Spreckels-Sugar-closure-economist-estimates-250-million-annual-local-loss","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567608-6aa4ac5ff59952ab58a5773b6600ad7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775961549&Signature=T13unV6WtuRJoICyEmLzDPIPFWgeJ7SljXuR8rFQH-r8Nbsxmn5Cx9zqHW7G93GiYSmcc6ivWJ1WJNb9m6Z~f4aQkVdeP-gf1EdyVH2orTK4ePqSwKk25SP5b5JMHyrtzzAV-cS0kmjVY4jnywCutM4Z5aJxWGXUR7NRCBMMvbfg2brm7ka723qG4S9A-Ny8GkeB60ikSwECchWg-FLXKaA4XH7QWF1tugxj~IFOelR5N-lHz~tHF2lsEmfxVHWj3fB3Ut45HChhz9LY3RQULHPcJYclWL6U6ysMOffoHtwkm43UFI2Pt06tSNbCG4rP01DZz6D-AzhCY38pz002UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shelby Trim, executive director of the California Beet Growers Association, told the Imperial County Board of Supervisors on May 13 that the surprise announcement that Spreckels Sugar Company will close its California operations threatens the county’s beet industry and related businesses.

“This is going to have a huge, you know, negative adverse impact on this community,” said a grower who spoke at the meeting, describing immediate steps he is taking—downsizing leases and staff—to stay afloat. Shelby Trim said growers are exploring options including selling the plant or finding a different use for the facility, and “we are exploring every avenue possible.”

Why it matters: Sugar beet growing in Imperial County supports farm labor, harvest contractors, truckers, equipment and input vendors, and the local processing plant that turns beets into refined sugar. Michael Bracken, an economist retained by county staff, told the board a five-year average crop value for beets was roughly $60 million and estimated total annual economic activity tied to growing and processing at about $250 million. Bracken’s analysis estimated roughly 434 direct jobs and 707 total jobs supported by the crop and its processing.

At the meeting growers and trucking contractors described the human impact: multi‑generation farming operations, harvest crews and truck drivers would all be affected if beet acres are taken out of production or left fallow. Armando Gonzales, who operates a trucking business that hauls beets, said he and many in the valley are “worried sick.”

What officials said and next steps: The county and the California Beet Growers Association discussed three parallel priorities: finish the current harvest campaign, pursue a reallocation of sugar under the federal sugar program, and explore buyers or alternative uses for the plant. Shelby Trim and others said the sugar allocation is controlled by Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative and that a reallocation would require action from USDA and Congress.

Supervisor John Kelly urged immediate political action and recommended forming a subcommittee to press for an allocation and other federal support. County staff scheduled a follow-up meeting for 10 a.m. Friday to convene leaders, growers, labor representatives and congressional staff; county staff said they are lining up meetings with USDA and members of the county’s congressional delegation during the county’s Washington, D.C., advocacy trip in June.

Economic detail provided at the meeting: Bracken said recent data show about 23,000 acres averaged over five years (and roughly 28,000 acres currently reported) under beet production, and about $60 million in farm receipts on the crop side. He estimated farm-side direct wages around $20 million per year and processing-side wages about $16 million per year. Bracken also reported county-level impacts tied to property taxes and assessed values: the plant’s assessed value was cited around $47 million with annual property taxes near $550,000 and a county share (net of state reallocations) around $127,000 annually.

Stakeholders at the meeting urged a coordinated push in Washington to preserve allocation for Imperial County or win a reallocation; Trim and other growers said a cooperative purchase and plant restart would be possible only if allocation could be secured and if buyers could be found for the physical plant and operating assets. Trim said the company that currently owns the allocation has indicated it plans to shift production to Minnesota and is “not interested” in selling the facility.

Ending: Board members said they will use the county’s upcoming D.C. trip and the Friday subcommittee meeting to press USDA, members of Congress and federal agencies for options to preserve local production capacity or otherwise mitigate the economic shock.

","Growers, trucking firms and county officials urged federal help after Spreckels Sugar Company announced closure plans. An economist told the Imperial County Board of Supervisors the combined farm and processing loss could total about $250 million a year and more than 700 jobs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Southern Airways pitches LAX‑focused strategy for Imperial Airport; urges reliability, booking help to rebuild ridership

County advances 10‑year electric vehicle and grid plan; consultants propose year‑one fleet charging projects and funding strategy

GSA updates board on Calexico West land‑port reconfiguration; pedestrian building work scheduled through 2028

Board approves proclamations, routine items and travel; closed session results include dismissal of HR director

Growers, county officials scramble after Spreckels Sugar closure; economist estimates $250 million annual local loss