Career & Resource Expo Brings Opportunities for All Ages in El Centro amidst speckles Sugar closure
EL CENTRO— A career and resource expo was hosted at the Imperial Valley Mall on Friday, August 8, where more than 50 different businesses and organizations had information and applications available for residents.
The initial spark that began the conversation for the expo began after word that hundreds of employees are losing their jobs with the closure of the long-operating Spreckels Sugar Company.
Cohosted by Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) and the Imperial County Workforce Development Office and America’s Job Center of California, the event took place in the former Forever 21 location and drew hundreds of job seekers to El Centro. “Too many hard-working people in our region have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and I’m here to fight for them,” Ruiz told the crowd when welcoming them, and following through on his words to give more options to those in the Imperial Valley.
“I will continue pushing in Congress for federal investments and job training, workforce development, and economic growth so that no one in the Imperial Valley is left behind,” Ruiz told residents. After speaking, he connected on a more intimate level with those that had burning questions for the politician.
Cohost Dr. Ruiz was not the only politician in the mix either. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (CA-36) mingled with the crowd, offering resources for veterans on education, housing, VA claims, and employment.
Job seekers ranged from those like fresh-out-of-college Luis Pavia, looking for IT work, to individuals hoping to break into healthcare, law enforcement, government, or nonprofit work.
Among those in attendance was Danny Estrada, one of many Imperial Valley residents searching for new opportunities. “I have experience working with the youth and so I’m hoping to find an opportunity with the (Imperial County) Behavioral Health or something like that,” he said before making his way around the room.
Estrada shared that he unfortunately left his previous job earlier this year after nearly three years of time and dedication. He said, “Well now it’s been six months and I’m like dang, I was confident I’d be able to find something. But I can’t really blame anybody because the Valley is that tough,” he added, referring to the county’s high unemployment rate and his struggles looking for work since March.
Despite the challenges, Estrada remained optimistic about both short-term roles and long-term career prospects. By mid-afternoon, the former shopping area was packed full and buzzing with conversation. Individuals dressed in slacks and heels mixed with youthful faces and older generations. People from all walks of life filled the space, some carrying folders packed with résumés, letters of recommendation, and work experience. Positions sought ranged from entry-level roles to jobs requiring a master’s degree. Any empty tables left by employers were quickly taken by job seekers filling out applications on the spot.
“We are very gratefully surprised at the turnout,” said Priscilla Lopez, deputy director of employment services. Lopez was seated at the entrance to the former store, alongside chairman Erik Freeman. Lopez told 760NEWS, “We had about 1,700 registrants, and we have 33 employers and about 30 resource booths. This is our first job and resource fair at this magnitude in years. The response has been great, the support has been great.”
The America’s Job Center of California handed out lists of open positions across Imperial County (like truck drivers, caregivers, administration) along with information about upcoming workshops, hiring events, and training opportunities. Hunter Employment distributed similar materials plus applications, and shared hiring tips such as “keeping three professional references.”
EQUUS Workforce Solutions was on-site targeting Imperial Valley youth and young adults ages 14–24 with job opportunities and career resources through their unique programs.
Other participating organizations included the Imperial Valley Food Bank, County of Imperial, Imperial County Child Support Services, Pioneers Memorial Hospital, Onvida Health, Vetconnect, Imperial Irrigation District, and educational opportunities from Imperial Valley College, San Diego State University, and more.
An array of law enforcement agencies such as the Calexico Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Border Patrol were also actively engaging with potential applicants for positions requiring a badge.
Lorena Lacar and David Hernandez, two representative for the Imperial County Veterans Services Office, were among the numerous veteran related groups present, all giving out resources on the benefits available. They were informing the public on not only medical benefits and talking with individuals about VA claims, but also educational and mental health resources. Hernandez was happy to share, “Lorena has signed up and handled fee waivers for over 100 people in the last month alone, for veterans and their dependents,” all who will now be attending further education courses this fall.
Guillermo Fernandez from Imperial County Child Support Services reported that the department is hiring for a child support attorney and substance use disorders counselor. “It’s good because now we have options,” Fernandez said, sifting through his folder of freshly collected résumés.