-Editorial
City and county representatives from across Imperial Valley met Jan. 15 at the Original Town Pump Steakhouse in Westmorland for a regional dinner held in conjunction with the League of California Cities, continuing a tradition of informal meetings focused on collaboration and regional progress.
The gathering brought together elected officials from multiple cities, along with county leaders, to share updates on recent accomplishments in their communities and discuss challenges and opportunities facing the valley as a whole.
This forum provides a neutral space where local leaders can speak candidly about economic development, infrastructure, public safety, and quality-of-life issues, while strengthening working relationships across city boundaries.
During the meeting, participants highlighted projects underway in their respective cities. They explored ways to better coordinate efforts on issues affecting the entire region, including workforce development, housing, and long-term growth.
These meetings also create pathways for local leaders to participate in statewide committees at the California League of Cities.
The City of Calipatria recently highlighted this process by announcing that Mayor Michael Luellen has been appointed to several county and state leadership roles, including vice chair of the Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission and memberships on multiple League of California Cities policy committees. These appointments reflect how participation in regional meetings creates pathways for local officials to contribute directly to state-level discussions, advocate for rural communities, and ensure that historically underserved areas like the Imperial Valley have representation in decision-making spaces.
El Centro Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Camarena has been appointed to a one-year term on the League of California Cities Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee, where she will help represent local governments in statewide discussions on fiscal policy. Elected in November 2024, Camarena said the role allows her to bring local perspectives to important revenue and taxation issues, while city leaders noted her appointment ensures El Centro’s voice is included in decisions affecting municipal services and financial stability.
Councilwoman Sonia Carter has been appointed to serve a one-year term in 2026 on the League of California Cities Public Safety Policy Committee, marking her third statewide leadership role with Cal Cities. She previously served on the Community Services Policy Committee in 2023 and the Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Policy Committee in 2025.
In this new role, Carter will help review legislation and policy related to law enforcement, fire services, emergency response, and public safety funding, representing El Centro and the Imperial Valley in statewide discussions.
