|
In the Imperial Valley in the southernmost part of California, just across the border from Mexicali, Mexico, lies Calexico, a delightful multi-cultural community with a small town lifestyle and a history rich in agriculture. The Imperial Valley, once a vast uninhabited desert area, was transformed by the vision of early pioneers into an agricultural wonderland which surrounds Calexico with thousands of acres of prime farmland. Now one of the most productive farming regions in California, more than 500,000 acres are currently under production with an annual harvest of over $1 billion. Located 122 miles east of San Diego, 95 miles south of Indio, and 60 miles west of Yuma, Arizona, Calexico is the center of one of southern California's most promising new commercial and industrial areas. Sharing a vast border with Mexico, this area has greatly benefited from the international trade that has developed south of the border over the past three decades. While the population of the Imperial Valley is approximately 150,000, the population of Mexicali nears 1.25 million. In 1996, seven miles east of Calexico, the governments of Mexico and the United States opened a massive port of entry for trucks, designated as the west port of entry for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). With the sun shining year-round, Calexico offers incredible outdoor recreation opportunities in the immediate area, and the beautiful beaches of San Diego and Baja California are easily accessible as day trips. Just across the border, Mexicali is a cultural and entertainment center offering ample opportunities for fine dining, theater, music, and more. With festivals, fiestas, a cattle call and parades, every month is special in Calexico.
|
