Man Drowns Trying To Smuggle Marijuana

On April 18, a man is presumed to have drowned while attempting to smuggle marijuana into the United States by crossing the All American Canal near the Calexico Port of Entry.
Around 7:45 that morning Calexico Station Border Patrol agents intercepted a raft in the All American Canal that was loaded with six individuals and several bundles of suspected contraband. Agents were able to apprehend two individuals that stayed with the raft while the other four subjects jumped into the water in an attempt to swim back to Mexico.
Three subjects made it to the south canal bank and returned to Mexico while the fourth was witnessed struggling to stay afloat in the swift water. Noticing the individual was unable to make it back to shore on his own, an agent bravely risked his life by diving into the strong currents while additional agents assisted by throwing life saving systems from the north bank. After making several unsuccessful attempts to locate the subject under the water line the agent was forced to abandon his efforts.
Imperial County Sheriff's Office arrived on scene but because of the amount of time that had elapsed and the powerful undertow of the canal channel, a dive team was not deployed.
The marijuana, weighing approximately 429 pounds, along with the two smugglers were initially transported to the Calexico Border Patrol Station, however; they were ultimately turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

Erasmo Gonzalez of Brawley Honored By The Red Cross

Dedicated volunteers were honored at the Ninth Annual American Red Cross Volunteer Recognition Event on Saturday, April 19, 2008. Of the more than 300 people in attendance, volunteers from across San Diego and Imperial Counties were presented with special recognition awards for providing exemplary volunteer service, leadership, and dedication to the Red Cross mission.
The Volunteer Service Excellence Award, which is presented to volunteers who have exceptionally impacted Red Cross operations, Erasmo Gonzalez was among those awarded individuals. Erasmo is an outspoken supporter of the American Red Cross and since he is employed by one of the larger Insurance firms in Imperial Valley he has made it a point to take preparedness to another level. Since becoming an ARC Instructor of Health & Safety Programs (CPR-First Aid) Erasmo and his employer Smith Kandal Insurance committed to providing outreach and training to our Spanish speaking community and Agrarian employees. Outside of his work time Erasmo also volunteers at the IVSC and provides CPR FIRST AID Training to our community.
This busy schedule with the American Red Cross doesn't stop there; Erasmo's volunteeer spirit also has committed some time as a Disaster Action Team Member. One would think that his involvement with the American Red Cross would keep him completely busy, but through his sheer humanitarian dedication to community he has found time to still support other community organizations such as the Lions Club, our local Cancer Awareness group and to serve on the Brawley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. We are honored to have Erasmo on our team and to share his spirit of volunteerism with our community.
American Red Cross founder Clara Barton was the organization’s first volunteer, serving as President for more than two decades. Since then, volunteers have been devoted to providing services to the community including health and safety training, disaster preparedness and response, military hospital work, and a wide variety of professional skills and administrative support.
All award recipients have served a minimum of three continuous years and/or logged at least 200 hours of annual service. The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross is supported by more than 1,300 active volunteers.
The Red Cross recognizes all those who have provided service and donated time to the organization by expressing their gratitude and thanks at this event.
Sylvia Elia Preciado
Imperial Valley Service Center American Red Cross
San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter , 781 Broadway , El Centro, CA 92243
Direct Line (760) 352-4541 Ext 6221 - Mobile (760) 460-1107
HQ Direct Dial Ext 6221 - Fax (760) 352-6378

Infant Immunization Week Wraps Up This Saturday

This week the Imperial County Public Health Department will be joining the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in celebrating National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 19-26, 2008. NIIW is an annual observance emphasizing the need to fully immunize children ages 2 and younger against vaccine-preventable diseases. This year, Imperial County is encouraging infant and toddler immunizations with the theme, Immunizations: Stay on track for a lifetime of good health. Children and their caregivers need timely immunizations to protect themselves and their community from vaccine-preventable diseases. We can now protect more children and adults in California from more diseases than ever before, said Dr. Stephen Munday, County Health Officer. Parents and caregivers can easily pass diseases to their children and for this reason they should take the time to keep children and themselves on track with immunizations to ensure a healthy family. As its kick-off event for NIIW, the Imperial County Public Health Department hosted its annual Immunization Update on Wednesday April 16th at the Barbara Worth Convention Center in Holtville. Guest Speakers included professionals from the Baja California State Institute of Public Health and the California Department of Public Health. Over 107 participants from the Imperial and Mexicali Valleys attended the event.
The events for NIIW in Imperial County include Faith Community Day on April 20th, an event that encouraged local faith community members to immunize their infants. On April 21st local agencies will participate in Women Infant and Children (WIC) Partner Day, followed by, Coalition Day on April 22nd, Preschool and Child Care Day on April 23rd, Provider and Clinic Staff Appreciation Day on April 24th, and Hospital Day on April 25th. Educational material will be distributed to agencies during these events to raise awareness about vaccine-preventable diseases and immunizations. To close NIIW, the Imperial County Public Health Department and Imperial County Immunization Coalition will participate in the 29th Annual Children Fair.
The event will take place in El Centro at Bucklin Park on April 26, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and activities will include food, games, music, and informational tables. Immunizations are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. High immunization coverage levels in a community translate into a healthy community. A decision to vaccinate is a decision to protect not only an individual, but the entire community as well.
For more information on the Imperial County Immunization Coalition or immunizations, please contact Angela Ramirez, Immunization Program Supervisor at (760) 482-4906.
 

 Candidates’ Forum Set For Calexico May 1st

San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus Language Institute and Center for Individual and Professional Skills Development have joined forces with the Calexico Chamber of Commerce to host a "Get Out the Vote" Candidate's Forum to be held on Thursday, May 1st at Rodney Auditorium on the SDSU-Calexico Campus.
The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is open to all political candidates running for office.
"We would like to include city council candidates from Calexico, as well as IID and those running for Imperial County Supervisor in their districts," said Hildy Carrillo-Rivera, executive director of the Calexico Chamber of Commerce.
"We also want the participation of those candidates running for the Democratic seat for the State Assembly as well as candidates running in the 51st Congressional District," she stated.
Candidates interested in participating in the forum should call the Calexico Chamber of Commerce at (760) 357-1166.