Month: July 2025

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – An excessive heat warning remains in effect across the region and officials say these condition can be especially dangerous.

This kind of heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous.

Local fire crews and health officials say staying hydrated and cool is critical right now, especially for those who take certain medications or don’t have reliable shelter.

It’s the kind of heat that can turn deadly, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

In 2023, there were 990 heat-related deaths in Arizona, with 31 being from Yuma County.

Yuma is bracing for another spike, with temperatures expected to reach 116 degrees and up to 118 degrees in the Imperial Valley.

“We also see water related emergencies and so people take refuge out at the river or they’re using their swimming pools. Unfortunately. we have already responded to a few drowning and near drowning call this year,” said David Padilla, Yuma Fire Department PIO.

It’s not just water, firefighters say just being outdoors in this heat can quickly lead to exhaustion or worse.

“If you can avoid being outside, avoid it. If you must be outside pre-hydration is better than rehydration so stay ahead of the fluids the day before. Long sleeve shirts, SPF, plenty of sunscreen is gonna help keep the sun off of your skin,” explained Padilla.

Ryan Butcher with the Yuma County Health Department (YCHD) also warns about hidden risks, especially for those who take certain medications.

“You might think that you’re hydrated enough, but depending on the medication you might become a little more dehydrated. Some side effects of certain medications maybe make you dizzy,” said Ryan Butcher, YCHD PR and community engagement coordinator.

For those who may need extra help, cooling centers are open throughout the area.

“These facilities volunteer and let individuals into the facility to cool down and kind of get out of that heat for a little bit,” said Butcher.

For more information about cooling centers and heat related tips, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County is tackling a massive waste problem: More than 440,000 tires piled up at its facility. Officials say progress is underway, thanks to recent funding boosts and new policies.

“Last fiscal year, Yuma County Board of Supervisors gave us an additional $200,000 in our waste tire budget, and this made a big difference on how we were able to get those tires out,” said Kelly Fricke with the Department of Public Works. “It didn’t fix the problem, but it made a big difference.”

The tires are hauled to Phoenix by a rubber manufacturer to be recycled. But with thousands still remaining, the county is exploring long-term solutions, like purchasing its own shredder.

“Seeing what we can do in terms of trying to dispose of the tires using a tire shredder, because it’s cheaper to dispose of shreds than the actual tires,” said Santos Guerrero.

An additional $850,000 from the state could help clear the rest.

“I think it will allow us to clear out all the tires we have in our facility,” said Fricke.

The county also updated its tire drop-off rules. Residents can still bring in up to five tires a year for free and after that, there’s a per-tire fee.

“So, we’ll monitor that for a year or so, and if we do need to make additional changes that tire shredder could be an option in the future,” Guerrero added.

Officials say clearing the current backlog is only the beginning. A long-term fix is still in the works.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Extreme heat is covering the Yuma region, making it hard to keep cool, but one non-profit is helping people in need beat the heat.

With extreme heat covering the region, one local we spoke to says keeping cool has been hard, but with the help of a local non-profit, its been easier for them to get by.

Crossroads Mission is one of many cooling stations in the area, offering a place to cool down, relax and grab a drink of water.

During the summer months, Sassa Culver with Crossroads Mission says they see an increase of 15-20 guests, which means they need more resources.

“During this extreme heat, the biggest struggle we have is keeping enough water in the cooling stations, water donations, and asking people to come inside,” said Sassa Culver, Crossroads Mission PR Director.

For longtime Crossroads Mission guest Terry Hinzman, the extreme heat has been difficult to deal with.

“It’s miserable out there, and with the wind blowing sand in your face, it’s really tough,” said Hinzman.

But says the support he receives is very encouraging.

“It’s very uplifting, especially when you’re feeling down. It brings you right back up, and God’s here too,” expressed Hinzman.

Crossroads Mission is open to the public 24 hours for whatever relief locals may need.

Hinzman says he’s here daily doing everything from washing clothes to catching up with friends.

“I do laundry, shower, food, companionship, you know. There’s friends here and its great,” said Hinzman.

Culver says they’re still in need of donations to continue extreme heat relief efforts. If you’d like to help, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Calexico is proposing a new housing plan that could bring thousands of new homes, and residents, to the city over the next few years.

The draft plan, recently released by the city, identifies 53 sites for possible development through 2029. Some of that land would need to be rezoned for higher-density housing, including options for low-income families.

“This plan would allow for up to 8,000 units within the city, so we’re looking at maybe an additional 20,000 people in population, and it would help with our housing needs,” said Planning and Building Director Michael Coyne.

Coyne adds that more housing could also mean more demand for services and businesses.

“So of course, with more rooftops that would entail additional commercial needs, service needs, and so that would help foster growth within our commercial business sector as well,” he says.

Mayor Pro Tem Victor Legaspi said the city is already hearing from developers eager to build.

“A lot of developers are reaching out to us in reference to coming in, waiting for these zone changes, and I’m excited,” said Legaspi.

Legaspi says new development could also support local schools.

“I know it’s gonna help out our impact fees when it comes to the schools. You have more kids coming in to schools, more students. I think it’s a great thing,” Legaspi shared.

The next step is a public workshop in August, where residents will be able to weigh in before the city finalizes the plan.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) reminds locals that illegal dumping is a crime.

In a press release and a post to social media, YCSO encourages locals to report illegal dumping.

Criminal littering can range from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony, with fines up to $150,000.

A list of free waste disposal sites can be checked here.

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Calexico is moving closer to bringing back its downtown parking meters. The City Council recently gave early approval to updated rates and upgraded solar-powered meters.

Under the new plan, meters would charge $1 per hour with a two-hour limit from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and $2 per hour overnight. The goal, city officials say, is to address concerns raised by both business owners and locals.

“I think it’s good they charge minimally, so that people don’t stay parked longer than they’re supposed to, and also to respect the local businesses,” said Sebastian Romero, who works downtown.

But not everyone is convinced. Some residents are worried that higher parking costs could drive shoppers away.

“Because if people pay a price they’re not used to, especially if it’s more expensive, they’ll think twice about coming by,” said Jesus Mayoral, a local.

Another concern is people leaving their cars for days while crossing into Mexicali.

“A lot of people start to play the system, like they’ll park the car and leave it there for days,” Mayoral said.

Business owner Joong Kim thinks a separate lot for overnight parking could help.

“To the people staying in Mexicali long hours, we could find some way to charge them, that is more constructive than charging the people every minute,” Kim said.

Brand new meters aren’t expected to be installed until sometime next year.

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