Quechan members seek apology from Imperial County supervisor

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) - "Scalped" is how Imperial County District 5 Supervisor John Hawk said he felt after meeting with Quechan tribal members.

They were advocating for their community regarding the Picacho Bridge, which is still in need of repair and remains closed.

Supervisor Hawk made the remarks during an Imperial County Transportation Commission meeting this year.

Here's exactly what he said: "A couple of public works workers and I went to meet with them about that, so we said we would be happy to meet with the tribe. There were 75 people there, and they took turns. I mean, it was brutal. We felt like we were scalped."

Quechan tribal members have been raising concerns about the continued closure of the bridge.

They're calling for the bridge to be repaired and requesting a formal, written apology to the tribal community, signed by the entire Board of Supervisors.

News 11 reached out to Hawk for comment, and we're still waiting to hear back.