SERVPRO is Proud of Our Community

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is proud to play an important part of our community.

Natural Wonders and Authentic Cuisine around El Centro Provide a Great Setting for an Adventure 

Perhaps one of the lesser-known facts about El Centro is that it is the largest city in the United States to lie entirely below sea level. Located a little over 100 miles from San Diego and closer to Mexicali in Mexico, it is located in California's southeastern quadrant. The city was founded right as we welcomed the 20th century when in 1906 W.F. Holt and C.A. Baker purchased the land for $40 per acre and then added an extravagant $100,000 to improve it. Border crossings make this town one of a peculiar character and cultural experience. 

Even though El Centro wasn’t founded until 1906, the area was first visited by Melchor Diaz, a Spanish explorer who ventured into Imperial Valley circa 1540. For some time after the Mexican-American War, the southern part of El Centro was under Mexican domain, while its northern half belonged to the United States. Imperial County was originally part of San Diego County, and it wasn’t until irrigation became possible thanks to a diversion of the Colorado River that farmers settled the area. Before the town was organized correctly, a train station named Cabarker was built in honor of C.A. Barker. Its first post office became operational in 1905. 

Soon after it was established, population growth escalated, partially because El Centro became the county seat, beating the City of Imperial. Some historians claim that the original cities in Imperial Valley had a competitive relationship, which is why El Centro’s win over the City of Imperial for the county seat was significant. Agricultural in nature, irrigation had a close relationship with its growth, as did the ease with which traders could move their goods by train or highways.

Exploring El Centro and its Adjacent Areas 

Natural and manmade attractions exist in El Centro. The most salient are described below. 

• Naval Air Facility El Centro- approximately six miles away from El Centro, this military facility serves as a home to training units and as the winter home for the famous Blue Angels. Founded in 1946, the base has boasted various names throughout its decades-long history, as it trained specialized troops. Today, it continues its legacy by allowing troops to practice their maneuvers and air-based combat.

• The Blue Angels make their home in El Centro. In 2020, the world-renowned fleet flew over much of the United States, recognizing healthcare workers' efforts everywhere in response to the pandemic. This flight demonstration squadron dates to 1946 and still employs many of the maneuvers it performed at its inception. The Blue Angels carry their civic mission by visiting many schools and community events throughout the year. They seek to inspire a culture of excellence and service through their flight demonstrations. 

• The Algodones Dunes- although the Spanish word “Algodon” references cotton, there is no apparent reason for the area’s name. This famous sand dune is close to Arizona and Baja California, and aside from the All-American Canal, it remains in its natural condition. The dunes present a challenge for many, including those who drive out to them for recreation and off-road driving. Advocacy groups have alternatively argued against restricting access to the area or against encouraging its opening. Today, the largest sand dunes are open to off-road vehicles, and camping is widespread, particularly in the winter months. Tourism to the area makes an impact on El Centro businesses, and many cater to this constituency. 

• Colorado River- Although not in El Centro, it is a mere 50 miles and one of the most impressive rivers in the southwest. Starting in Colorado and flowing through the Grand Canyon, it makes its way to Mexico through the Arizona-Nevada border. Its' canyons, national parks, and rapids are attractive to almost everyone. The Colorado River is also an essential water source for many areas adjacent to it. It allows us to generate hydroelectric power and flows through aqueducts, reservoirs, and dams. It offers a breathtaking view of many sites, and it serves as a visual reminder of the beauty of Mother Nature. Lovers of outdoor activities are probably the best suited to visit El Centro and thoroughly enjoy what it has to offer. Hiking, camping, and backpacking are daily occurrences virtually year-round, and the presence of fossils and carvings make for a fascinating exploration. A short drive into the  desert takes you into Native American territory, where the richness of their history becomes evident. Bird-watchers also get an opportunity to visit numerous water bodies and spot species living in the area. You may even venture into the water and jet-ski or kayak in a lake or lagoon. Once your encounter with nature is fulfilled, you can venture into El Centro’s main strip, Imperial Avenue, and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.   

Natural Events in El Centro

El Centro residents are not strangers to natural events such as earthquakes and storms. When they find themselves in need of water restoration services, they can call our team of experts at SERVPRO. We understand the challenges associated with having floodwater come into your home and the importance of taking quick action to prevent the damage from progressing. Thankfully, we have access to the latest equipment and technology to develop a multi-pronged approach to restoring your home or business when disaster strikes. 

Like you, we understand that life is disrupted when water leaks from a window, a water heater, or a rise in water levels. We intend to mitigate your loss and do our job in a way that prevents further consequences, such as mold or structural deficiencies. To achieve such a goal, we rely on our certified experts and the coordination with other pertinent professionals and contractors who can help return your home to mint condition. 

Why hire SERVPRO of El Centro?... because we are part of the community... 

SERVPRO of El Centro/Salton City is your ally when disaster strikes, regardless of how big it is. Call us at (760) 337-5858 and trust in our expertise.

Let us guide you and work diligently until your home is left “Like it never even happened.”