El Centro Council approves historic time capsule transfer to Imperial Valley Chamber

The El Centro City Council meeting on June 17, 2025, focused on the formal transfer of a historical time capsule to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. This time capsule, originally placed in 1976, is currently stored at the city’s public works yard after being removed to accommodate construction of the new police headquarters.

The chamber's president and CEO, Sherry Kawhi, presented the request to relocate the time capsule to the chamber's current location at 1095 South Fourth Street. This transfer aims to preserve an important piece of local history and ensure its accessibility for future generations. The time capsule contains 64 historical items and was a collaborative effort involving the city, the former El Centro Chamber of Commerce, and students from Wilson Junior High School.

City engineers have completed design plans for the repair and reinstallation of the capsule, with an estimated cost of $9,800. To celebrate this relocation, the chamber plans to host a community event in August or September, inviting city officials, community members, and even the original students who contributed to the capsule nearly 50 years ago.

The council's approval of this transfer is seen as a significant step in honoring and preserving El Centro's rich history.