El Centro resident urges more shade, water for fieldworkers; city points to Imperial Valley cooling centers

Eva Velasquez, a master of social work student and El Centro resident, told the City Council on July 8 that farmworkers face brutal heat conditions while working in local fields and urged the city to provide more shaded rest areas and water access for agricultural workers.

"El Centro, I feel, has a role to play," Velasquez said during public comment. "They can help by organizing with Campesinos Unidos... It's just a way to show that we do care for these farm workers as they are the backbone of our economy here in the county."

Adriana Nava, the city’s community services director, answered during the meeting and reported that Imperial County Public Health maintains a map of cooling centers in the valley. Nava said the city of El Centro’s designated cooling locations include the Imperial Valley Mall and the transfer terminal on Seventh and State Street, which staff have equipped as an outdoor cooling area with misters, water stations and security. Nava also said many park facilities and city hall are included in the county mapping.

"Our misters are on. The restaurants are available. There is security available as well," she said, adding that details should be posted on the city website and that a search for "Imperial County cooling centers" will return local listings.

What was said about scope and outreach

Velasquez urged the council to coordinate with community groups already active in the valley to identify more shade and water for fieldworkers, noting that many workers are reluctant to complain and that community support is important.

Nava said the county issues formal cooling‑center designations, and the city will coordinate with county public health and continue outreach to make the locations and hours known. Nava told council members that dispatch hours and center specifics vary by city and that phone dispatch would remain available for people who need assistance locating services.

What the record shows

- Public comment: Eva Velasquez, El Centro resident and MSW student, requested city coordination with local worker groups for additional shading and water access. - City response: Adriana Nava said Imperial Valley Mall and the Seventh/State transfer terminal are designated cooling centers, with park sites and city hall included in county listings; information is posted on the city website (cityofelcentro.org).

The council did not take formal action on the request at this meeting; staff said they will continue outreach and provide information on cooling locations and hours to the public.