AGENDA
ITEM
11 OF CAL
AGENDA
CALEXICO California ITEM
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 2, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
APPROVED BY: Benjamin Martinez, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Veronica Luna-Alvarado, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Request for Appointment - Imperial County Data Center Advisory Committee. ========= =========== ======
Recommendation:
Selection of City of Calexico representative for the Imperial County Data Center Advisory Committee.
Background:
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors are seeking individuals to serve on the Data Center Advisory Committee. The Board of Supervisors approved through Resolution No. 2026-105 to establish said committee.
Discussion and Analysis:
Each incorporated city is responsible for appointing one (1) representative to serve on this committee.
The committee will provide input and recommendations to the Board in regard to land use and zoning options related to potential development within the unincorporated areas, and policy options for Imperial County. All final policy and land use decisions shall remain with the Board of Supervisors.
The advisory committee will consist of 19 members who will represent the diversity of local agencies and community viewpoints, which will include:
• Two members of the Board of Supervisors;
• Seven members appointed by the incorporated cities within Imperial County, with each city having one appointment;
• One representative from a local government that is not an incorporated city; • Two representatives of community interests;
• One representative with an environmental background or expertise; • One representative from organized labor;
• One representative from the healthcare community;
• One representative from the education community;
• One representative from a nonprofit organization;
• One representative from the business community; and
• One representative from the energy industry sector
The City Council may select an applicant from the pool received by the County, consider alternative candidates, or appoint a member of the City Council.
The following applications were received:
1. Christina Uriarte
2. Kimberly Dawn Palacio
3. Kristian Michelle Salgado
Fiscal Impact:
None
Coordinated With:
None
Attachments):
1. Imperial County Resolution No. 2026-105
2. Applications
2 ATTACHMENT NO. 1
BOS APPROVED 06-16-26
M.O. #16
RESOLUTION OF THE IMPERIAL COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
ESTABLISHING THE DATA CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ADVISE
REGARDING DATA CENTER LAND USE, ZONING, AND POLICY OPTIONS WITHIN
THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF IMPERIAL COUNTY
Resolution No. 2026-105
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors is responsible for the long-term planning and orderly development of the unincorporated areas of Imperial County through the adoption and implementation of the General Plan, zoning regulations, and related land use policies; and WHEREAS, the County of Imperial has received public input concerning the development of data centers within the unincorporated areas of Imperial County; and WHEREAS, members of the public have expressed concerns regarding, among other issues, the potential proximity of data center developments to existing residential neighborhoods, schools, and other potentially sensitive uses; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors recognizes that data centers may provide economic development opportunities and infrastructure investment within Imperial County; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors desires to obtain recommendations that balance economic development opportunities, land use compatibility, infrastructure considerations, environmental concerns, and community interests; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors recognizes that certain areas of Imperial County are characterized by existing industrial, energy, infrastructure, or other large-scale uses and may present different land use compatibility considerations than areas located in proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, and other sensitive uses; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors understands that certain data center uses may be permitted within existing zoning classifications under the County's current regulatory framework; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors recognizes that the existing zoning and regulatory framework may affect the manner in which data center projects are reviewed under applicable state and local laws; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors desires to further evaluate potential land use and zoning options relating to data center development, including options that may address the proximity of such uses to residential neighborhoods, schools, and other potentially sensitive uses, while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on appropriate industrial development; and BOS APPROVED 06-16-26
M.O. #16
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors desires additional information and analysis concerning potential amendments to the Imperial County General Plan, the Imperial County Codified Ordinances, the use of specific plans, and other potential planning or regulatory mechanisms related to data center development; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors believes that input from a broad range of stakeholders may assist the County in evaluating potential land use and zoning options relating to data center development and therefore desires to establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations regarding such matters.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors finds and directs as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.
2. The Data Center Advisory Committee is hereby established to advise the Board of Supervisors on potential land use and zoning options relating to data center development within the unincorporated areas of Imperial County. The Data Center Advisory Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity only, and all final policy and land use decisions shall remain with the Board of Supervisors.
County staff is directed to take the necessary administrative steps to facilitate the appointment of members to the Data Center Advisory Committee.
The Data Center Advisory Committee shall consist of nineteen (19) members. The members shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors, unless otherwise indicated The membership shall be as follows:
a. Two (2) members of the Board of Supervisors;
b. Seven (7) members appointed by the seven incorporated cities within the county of Imperial, with each city having one appointment; c. One (1) representative from local government that is not an incorporated city. d. Two (2) representatives of community interests;
e. One (1) representative with an environmental background or expertise. f. One (1) representative from organized labor;
g. One (1) representative from the healthcare community; h. One (1) representative from the education community; i. One (1) representative from a nonprofit organization; BOS APPROVED 06-16-26
M.O. #16
j. One (1) representative from the business community; and k. One (1) representative from the energy industry sector.
County staff is directed to advertise and receive applications for appointment to the Data Center Advisory Committee. County staff is further directed to return to the Board in order to appoint and/or confirm members the committee. County staff is further directed to take those steps necessary to facilitate the work of the Data Center Advisory Committee, which may include the hiring of a consultant with expertise in data center development.
3. The Data Center Advisory Committee shall evaluate and provide recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding potential land use, zoning, and policy options relating to data center development within the unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Such recommendations may include, but are not limited to:
a. Potential amendments to the Imperial County General Plan; b. Potential amendments to the Imperial County Codified Ordinances; c. The use of specific plans or other planning tools relating to the location and regulation of data center development;
d. The establishment of location or proximity standards relating to residential neighborhoods, schools, and other sensitive uses;
e. The identification of areas that may be more appropriate for data center development based upon existing land uses, infrastructure, energy resources, and compatibility with surrounding uses;
f. Consideration of implementation options and the legal implications associated with any recommended amendments, including whether such amendments should apply prospectively only or, where legally permissible, to projects currently in process; and
g. Any other recommendations the committee determines appropriate.
The Data Center Advisory Committee shall present its findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors by January 1, 2027, or as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable.
4. Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed as approving, denying, or expressing a position regarding any particular existing or proposed data center project. Nothing in BOS APPROVED 06-16-26
M.O. #16
this Resolution shall be construed as directing or predetermining any future amendment to the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, or other land use regulation.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors, County of Imperial, State of California, this _16th_ day of June, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: Escobar, Cardenas-Singh. Price. Kelley. Hawk
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: None
Tegoo Trace
PEGGY PRICE, CHAIR WOMAN
Board of Supervisors
ATTEST:
hi me
CYNTHIA MEDINA
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
Application for Christina Uriarte
CALIFORNIE
IMPERIAL COUNTY
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP TO DATA CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE Per Minute Order #16 Approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 23, 2026 PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE:
Name: Christina Uriarte Phoned
Mailing Address City/Zip: Calexico, CA
Which of the following entities will you represent on this committee? Board of Supervisors Community
City of Brawley Environmental Background/Expertise
City of Calexico Organized Labor
City of Calipatria Healthcare
City of El Centro Education
City of Holtville Nonprofit
City of Imperial Business
City of Westmorland Energy Industry
Unincorporated Local Government
Is there a current vacancy? Yes If yes, who's vacancy will you be filling:
Employment Experience: CA Public School teacher for 20+ years in various districts, including Brawley. Blythe, and Winterhaven; Girl Scout Volunteer troop leader and service unit manager for 6+ years; local journalist for 2+ years.
Organization and Community experience: Volunteer for youth programs, such as the CHS Wrestling Booster Club, mentorship/tutoring, foster youth counseling, and Parent Safety committee of CHS.
Other experience that would be helpful to bring to the attention of the Board Members in making this appointment:
I have been a lifelong Imperial Valley resident, save for my time away at the Univeristy of California at Berkeley and my early teaching years with LAUSD.
My recent work as an investigative journalist qualifies me to ask the difficult questions and be resourceful when finding answers.
Education (High School, College and/or University and Graduate Study): Calexico High School, 1994 graduate Imperial Valley College, 1996 transfer, and UC Berkeley 1999 graduate in English B.A., minor in Education.
Additional Training/Certificates: CA Single Subject clear Teaching Credential in English Calexico
Supervisorial District in which you reside in:
Do you live within the limits of an unincorporated community? Yes No D If so, where? Flexible schedule
Time available (days, evenings, etc.):
Please attach three references with phone numbers. A resume containing pertinent information about yourself would be helpful to the Board Members in evaluating your application.
SIGNATURE DATE: 7/09/26
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:
DATE RECEIVED
COUNTY OF IMPERIAL
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
County Administration Center .. 0uC3
940 West Main Street, Suite 209
•il Supervisors
2 Christina Uriarte
REFERENCES:
1. Alexis Singh, General Manager Imperial Valley Press
Email: [email protected] Phone: (760) 337-3406
2. Betty Miller, Editor of The Desert Review Phone:
3. Arturo Bojorquez, Editor of The Imperial Valley Press Email: [email protected] Phone: (760) 337-4646 Application for Kimberly Dawn Palacio
COUNTY
CALIFORNA
IMPERIAL COUNTY
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP TO DATA CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE Per Minute Order #16 Approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 23, 2026 PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE:
Name: Kimberly Dawn Palacio Phone:
Mailing Address! City/Zip: Calexico, CA 92231
Which of the following entities will you represent on this committee? Board of Supervisors Community
City of Brawley Environmental Background/Expertise
City of Calexico Organized Labor
City of Calipatria Healthcare
City of El Centro Education
City of Holtville Nonprofit
City of Imperial Business
City of Westmorland Energy Industry
Unincorporated Local Government
Is there a current vacancy? Yes No If yes, Who's vacancy will you be filling: Any of the above markey Employment Experience: Jobs to Move America (2025-present); San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council (2024-2025); Calexico Unified School District (2009-2024) Organization and Community experience: Volunteer with organizations including, but not limited to, Okinawa Karate Do, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, various Labor Unions Other experience that would be helpful to bring to the attention of the Board Members in making this appointment:
Served as Lithium Valley Works Steering Committee member, 2024 Education (High School, College and/or University and Graduate Study): Calexico High School (HS Diplong Georgetown University (Undergrad); UC San Diego (B.A. in History); University of Phoenix (M.A. in Secondary Teacher Education) Additional Training/Certificates: N/A
District 1
Supervisorial District in which you reside in:
Do you live within the limits of an unincorporated community? Yes No • If so, where? Open availability
Time available (days, evenings, etc.):
Please attach three references with phone numbers. A resume containing pertinent information about yourself woul be helpful to the Board Members in evaluating your application SIGNATURE: DATE: 07.03.2026
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:
DATE RECEIVED
COUNTY OF IMPERIAL
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
+CENED
Attn: Cynthia Medina
County Administration Center
940 West Main Street, Suite 209 432020
El Centro, Ca. 92243
i Supervisors
i tread CA
KIMBERLY PALACIO
LABOR & COMMUNITY ORGANIZER
| CALEXICO, CA
Objective
Experience JOBS TO MOVE AMERICA
Senior Organizing Fellow | August 2025 - Present
• Lead community and labor partners to advance the development of Lithium Valley in a transparent, green, and prosperous manner that benefits the entire Imperial Valley
• Organize immigrant advocacy efforts to develop a coalition to provide resources for impacted folks in the Imperial Valle
• Build and maintain relationships with labor leaders, workers, electe officials, and community allies
SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL COUNTIES LABOR COUNCIL
Lead Field & Campaign Organizer | February 2024 - July 2025 • Sat on the Lithium Valley Works Steering Committee to select company to conduct the Lithium Valley Workforce and Economic Needs Assessment • Served as a Co-convener on California Jobs First's Southern Border Coalition in a collaborative effort with community leaders, organizations, Indetal valders to create strategic economic plans and projects for the • Develop grassroots mobilization efforts to engage workers and communit nembers in advocacy actions regarding the development of clean energy and the creation of high road jobs in Lithium Valley
CALEXICO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Substitute & Mathematics Teacher | March 2009 - February 2024 • Create, implement, and differentiate daily lesson plans consisting of environmenand ongoing assessment while promoting a positive learning • Modification and adaptation of instruction and assessment for individual Studen, perticularly those who receive Special Education services, as Crave pateur arents rent s, parents, colleagues, and administration t .. --
Education UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Online Campus | MA in Sécondary Teacher Education
June 2015
UNIVERSİTY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
La Jolla, CA | BA in History
Séptémber 2008
Skills & abilities Spanish-proficient, culturally competent communication for efficient team coordinațion, strategic planning, community engagement and volunteer management, data analysis, event plånning, and campaign outreach References NABIL NOUJAIM
Kyoshi Hachi Dan | Shorin Ryu Shorin Kan Karate
MARCO BRIONES
Political Director | San Diego &.Imperial Counțies Labor Council
HECTOR MEZA
Journeyman Electrician & Business Agent | IBEW 569
Application for Kristian Michelle Salgado
CALIFORNI
IMPERIAL COUNTY
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP TO DATA CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE Per Minute Order #16 Approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 23, 2026 PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE:
Name: Kristian Michelle Salgado Phone:
Mailing Address: Cily/Zip: Calexico/92231
Which of the following entities will you represent on this committee? Board of Supervisors Community
City of Brawley Environmental Background/Expertise
City of Calexico Organized Labor
City of Calipatria Healthcare
City of El Centro Education
City of Holtville Nonprofit
City of Imperial Business
City of Westmorland Energy Industry
Unincorporated Local Government
Is there a current vacancy? Yes If yes, who's vacancy will you be filling:
(2018-2026) University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources as a Employment Experience:
community education specialist 4. (2015-2016) Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program Environmental Education/Career Specialist Organization and Community experience: (1/2012-5/2014) Alliance to Save Energy/SDG&E Team Manager Zero Waste Humboldt community organizer (2016-2018)
Other experience that would be helpful to bring to the attention of the Board Members in making this appointment:
AB617 Steering Committee (11/14/2018-1/11/2023), APCD Hearing Committee (1/10/23-6/10/2025) IC Early Care & Education Planning Council (2024-present) Education (High School, College and/or University and Graduate Study):
Humboldt State University, Arcata Ca (July 2018) Master of Arts in Social Science - Environment and Community Program San Diego State University, San Diego - BA in Pachology, BA in Social Science (environmental studies emphasis and a minor in Counseling and social change.
Additional Training/Certificates:
Supervisorial District in which you reside in: District 5 - John Hawk Do you live within the limits of an unincorporated community? Yes NoW If so, where? Will work around by schedule to be available prefer time is after 5:30pm Time available (days, evenings, etc.):
Please attach three references with phone numbers. A resume containing pertinent information about yourself would be helpful to the Board Members in evaluating your application.
SIGNATURE: DATE: 6/26/26
PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:
DATE RECEIVED
COUNTY OF IMPERIAL
Clerk of the Board of Supervisor:
Attn: Cynthia Medina
County Administration Center JE P2023
940 West Main Street, Suite 209
El Centro, Ca. 92243
2