Imperial County supervisors honored for establishing world's official center 40 years ago

In a unique celebration, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors marked the fortieth anniversary of a quirky yet historic law that established the "official center of the world" in their jurisdiction. The meeting featured a light-hearted reflection on the law, which was passed by the county's supervisors four decades ago and later recognized by the French government, sparking interest across Europe.

During the session, a speaker highlighted the significance of the law, noting that it was the first and only time such a designation was made. The audience chuckled as the speaker recounted the Council of Sages, a group of distinguished individuals who were humorously compensated with just 18 cents a year to dispense wisdom. This council included notable figures such as an aide to Queen Elizabeth and a Harvard Medical School professor, showcasing the law's intriguing legacy.

The current supervisors—Louis Leglaspy, James Butcher, Val Blume, Louis Curiel, and Abe Seibel—were honored for their predecessors' bold decision, which has since been embraced as a point of pride for the county. The speaker emphasized that these supervisors have become California heroes, with over 100,000 certificates issued to individuals recognizing their connection to the center.

As the meeting concluded, the supervisors received congratulations for their role in commemorating this memorable occasion, reinforcing the quirky yet endearing history of Imperial County's claim to fame.