County schedules Lithium Valley workshops as residents urge careful vetting of consultants

County staff announced two public workshops this week on the Lithium Valley specific plan and several board members described recent advocacy work in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., on behalf of Imperial County’s development priorities.

Eddie Lopez, the county public information officer, said the workshops are scheduled for two evenings: an English‑language session at the County Administration Center (6–8 p.m. on the first night) and a Spanish‑language session at Calipatria High School (6–8 p.m. the following night). Lopez said Spanish interpretation will be provided and encouraged attendance; workshops will explain how to submit feedback on the Lithium Valley specific plan and outline next steps.

During public comment, Peter Rodriguez urged the board to reconsider funding for a nonprofit consultant involved in Lithium Valley outreach, saying the group lacked environmental expertise and had failed to demonstrate good faith to the county. “I would ask that this board take into serious consideration not to fund them,” Rodriguez said, criticizing the consultant’s presentation and credentials. He urged the board to vet consultants more thoroughly and, if necessary, to reclaim funds he said were misspent.

Board members noted they had been conducting outreach in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., on county priorities, including Lithium Valley, and thanked staff and outside representatives for assistance in those meetings. Supervisor Martha Cardenas Singh said she and Supervisor Peggy Price met with state and federal representatives to advocate for Imperial County needs, and staff indicated additional meetings and workshops are planned.

County materials indicate the workshops will include explanations of how to provide public feedback and next steps for the Lithium Valley specific plan. Spanish interpretation will be available at the Calipatria session.