Board ratifies county application and letter of support for geothermal-themed park in Calipatria

The Board of Supervisors voted to ratify the county's application to the California Energy Commission's geothermal grant and loan program and to approve a board letter of support for a proposed geothermal-themed outdoor park in Calipatria.

Deputy CEO Barry Bean described the proposal as an enhancement to the city's existing community-park initiative, showing conceptual renderings that emphasize accessible play surfaces, interactive educational features on geothermal and lithium, shaded areas and solar-powered elements. Bean said the county is applying to the Commission under an enhancement/preservation category and that applications may be submitted across different categories without competing against each other.

Bean said the city of Calipatria has provided a letter of commitment and that, if the grant is awarded, ownership and maintenance of the finished park would transfer to the city. She also said the grant budget includes a line item for community engagement to support public input on design. The presentation listed letters of support from industry groups, labor, legislators and education partners, and cited potential recreation, education and environmental benefits.

Speakers from Calipatria and project partners spoke in favor: Edgar Sell (representing Calipatria) thanked county staff for pursuing the project and GAFCON (the city contractor) said it would support the park work. A public speaker from Calipatria, William Cooper, said he supports shaded, educational and training resources but urged prioritizing infrastructure and job-training programs and requested bilingual outreach; Cooper also said community groups sometimes resort to litigation to secure enforceable commitments and preserve bargaining power.

Board members discussed eligibility and funding restrictions for the Energy Commission program; Bean confirmed the grant rules limit eligible uses to geothermal-related project elements and that the city would assume maintenance after completion. Supervisor Escobar and others cited the project as an opportunity to highlight local geothermal resources and to support tourism and education; Supervisor Kelly and others noted that litigation delaying project approvals can slow job creation in the valley.

The board approved the requested ratification and letter of support (motion moved by Supervisor Escobar, seconded by Supervisor Price; motion carried).