County Apologizes After Tribal Meeting Remarks

Imperial County supervisors apologized to the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe on Thursday following criticism of comments made at a previous meeting.

Supervisor John Hawk described an April meeting with tribal members as brutal, stating that he and another official felt like they were scalped while about 75 residents spoke.

The remark drew attention to the Picacho Road Bridge, which has been closed since March 2025. The bridge serves as a primary link between Yuma, Arizona, and Imperial County, California.

Michael Jack, the Quechan Parks and Recreation director, told the board on Tuesday that the focus should remain on repairs rather than the supervisor's feelings. He noted that the original gathering aimed to build support for the reconstruction project.

Drivers currently use longer detours via the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge, facing train delays and heavy traffic in Yuma. Cody Hartt, a tribe member, warned that children are at risk crossing railroad tracks and using unmaintained underpasses in the area.

Richard Cordero, superintendent of the San Pasqual Valley Unified School District, questioned how emergency vehicles would reach Yuma Regional Medical Center if the bridge remained closed.

The tribal president sent a letter on Wednesday demanding a public apology, a 30-day repair timeline, and an emergency access plan. Hawk responded with a statement offering an apology and confirming that the board will meet with the tribe on a government-to-government basis. The full board of supervisors also issued a formal apology.