š± Why Imperialās data center proposal was withdrawn after months of quiet talks
Imperial, California Patch AM: a 4 min readHey hey Imperial! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
- Why Imperialās data center proposal was withdrawn after months of quiet talks
- How a $10 billion data center could reshape life in Imperial
- See how Aprilās county programs could impact your family this summer
Also on today's calendar: District 09 Meeting and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What's black, white, and blue? š¤ (Answer below!)
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- Tuesday: Hot with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 103 and low of 68 degrees. š¶ Hot!
- Wednesday: Sunny, hot; windy in the p.m., temps: high: 101, low: 67.
- Thursday: Hot with plenty of sun, with a high of 100 and low of 67 degrees.
š° News we're reading
ā¢ City of Imperial responds to Peggy Price's claims, outlines data center timeline (thedesertreview.com) ā Imperial city officials are publicly pushing back on Supervisor Peggy Priceās statements about a proposed data center, detailing nearly a year of talks with a developer and why the project never advanced. At a May 8 special meeting, staff outlined a timeline showing they required zoning changes and CEQA review, while the applicant sought a faster, ministerial path before ultimately withdrawing the Imperial site proposal. 
Ā Ā Ā 
ā¢ 'Not in my backyard': California to surpass 300 data centers despite local opposition (thecooldown.com) ā Residents in Imperial are weighing a proposed $10 billion data center that could bring jobs but also major new demands on local water, power, and neighborhood quality of life. The projectās huge size, unclear utility impacts, and lack of water-use disclosure rules have turned Imperial into a flashpoint in Californiaās broader debate over AI-driven data center growth. Ā Ā Ā
ā¢ Imperial County Highlights (April 2026) (imperialcounty.org) ā Imperial County is spotlighting local youth achievements, new health tools, and expanded treatment services that affect families across the Valley. From a new substance use treatment facility and an interactive heat-illness dashboard to student awards, college success stories, and free childrenās dental screenings, these April highlights show how county departments and partners are investing in residentsā health, education, and opportunity. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Imperial
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š
Upcoming Events in
Imperial
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
ā Featured events ā
-
NAMI IV Connect ā
Imperial Valley Mall, 3451 S Dogwood Rd, El Centro
4:00 pm
Wednesday May 13
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
Burn Survivor Support Group for Men
Burn Institute 612 S J St #3, Imperial, CA 92251
6:30 pm -
District 09 Meeting ā
A.A, 510 Main St, El Centro
4:30 pm -
Business Financial Fitness / Salud Financiera Empresarial ā
Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center, 1250 Main St, El Centro
9:00 am -
Holtville Farmers Market & Street Fair ā
Holt Park, 570 Holt Rd, Holtville
5:30 pm -
How to Start Your Food Truck & Catering Business ā
Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center, 1250 Main St, El Centro
4:00 pm -
Cafecito y Charla / Business Brew ā
Fiesta Restaurant, 845 Imperial Ave, Calexico
9:00 am -
03 GREEDO LIVE (IMEPRIAL VALLEY) ā
Prestige Event Center, 1111 Yourman Rd, Heber
7:00 pm
Wednesday May 13
Saturday May 16
Tuesday May 19
Thursday May 21
Wednesday May 27
Thursday May 28
Saturday May 30
š£ Imperial Shout Outs!
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š Events Nearby
-
Wilson-Drumline Exhibition
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary Wilson Junior High School, 600 S Wilson St, El Centro, CA 92243
5:00 pm -
ECESD-Board Meeting
De Anza Magnet El Centro Elementary School District, CA, USA
6:00 pm -
Hedrick-ASES Field Trip
De Anza Magnet Playzone Bowling and Amusement, 950 N Imperial Ave, El Centro -
King-Comite Civico del Valle & Respiro Sano Resource Outreach
De Anza Magnet Martin Luther King Elementary, 1950 Villa Ave, El Centro, CA 92
10:30 am
Tuesday May 12
Wednesday May 13
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- LOST DOG: Senior Male Chihuahua (Brown)
āLast seen near the cross streets of Imperial Ave and 4th St. He is older and very shy. PLEASE DO NOT CHASE or yell, as he will run. If spotted,ā¦ (Nextdoor Imperial II) - ā ļø Magnitude 4.66 earthquake reported
May 10 - 7:16 AM PDT: 2.68 magnitude aftershock occurred near Brawley, CA. - 4:03 AM PDT: 2.83 magnitude aftershock occurred near Brawley, CA. - 3:47ā¦ (Nextdoor )
- McDonald's Restaurants posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Imperial. Apply here.
- Lowe's posted a job opening for Merchandising Part Time Days in El Centro. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Imperial here.
š Nearby News
El Centro
- Thousands Advised To Stay Inside in Arizona, California Due To Air Quality (newsweek.com)
- Central advances to semifinals as six local teams compete in CIF playoffs (thedesertreview.com)
Brawley
- Boys Volleyball play on! (thedesertreview.com)
- 2.9 magnitude earthquake rattles near Brawley, CA on May 10 (sanluisobispo.com)
- Earthquake swarm damages water lines and roads near Brawley, California (watchers.news)
Ok Imperial! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sad zebra (Thank you Mary K. for sending it in!)
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