Medical Minutes: Understanding sun poisoning

KYMA on September 1, 2025

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Most of us have experienced the pain of a sunburn, but there’s more severe condition many don’t people recognize, which is sun poisoning. It can even land you in the ER. 

Dr. Donald Hubbard, Medical Director and Emergency Medicine Physician at Exceptional Community Hospital in Yuma, says it can start from a just a minor sunburn and it can go up to severe sunburn.

“The one thing you notice with the sunburn is you’re gonna have pain and you’re gonna have red skin that can go from a mild irritation to a severe sunburn where you get blisters. It’s rare to get a 2nd degree burn from the sun, but it’s not impossible in. In rare circumstances you can get a 3rd degree burn from the sun,” he said.

Hubbard mentions preventative steps you can take in order to stay protected from the sun.

“Well, you know, people who work in the sun, you notice they wear long sleeve shirts and they wear hats that protect their heads and they usually have something protecting their neck. If you’re gonna be in the sun a lot I would recommend something like that,” he shared.

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Low reservoirs put Colorado River water at risk for Yuma County

KYMA on September 1, 2025

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Colorado River provides water for farms and homes across the region, but dropping levels at Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam are raising questions about how reliable that supply will be.

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission recently held the Colorado River Citizens Forum.

One of the main topics was the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. These reservoirs help control the flow of the Colorado River and provide water and electricity to millions of people.

Officials said the dam can only generate electricity if the lake stays high. If levels drop too low, backup pipes must be used. Those pipes do not generate much power and were not designed for long-term use.

Katrina Grantz, Deputy Regional Director with the Bureau of Reclamation, explained the purpose of the backup system.

“River outlet works are designed for when the power plant is not operational. For example, if there’s a power outage or our plant trips offline, we can still release water downstream to keep the river flowing,” she said.

Officials emphasized their top priority is keeping the dam safe and reliable.

Grantz said, “Our priority at Reclamation is to ensure that we are operating safely, keeping the dam reliable for the public and maintaining this infrastructure for generations to come.”

The meeting also discussed how changes at the dam and Lake Powell affect water supply for communities and farms along the Colorado River, including Yuma County.

Officials noted that total river system storage is down about six percent from last year and that even with decent snowpack, much less water is flowing into the reservoirs.

With Lake Powell and Lake Mead at low levels, local farmers and communities in Yuma County are keeping a close eye on the Colorado River.

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Housing Insights: Applying for the Colorado Street apartments

KYMA on September 1, 2025

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Colorado Street Apartments are located at 1555 West Colorado Street in Yuma, Arizona. They’re located right off of First Street.

Denise Lopez with Housing America Corporation says there’s specific criteria to applying for the apartments.

“What we’re looking for it is these apartments are solely farm labor income. That’s one of the main criteria for these apartments. It is farm labor requirement,” she shared.

For more information, you can visit their offices.

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Holtville remains under state of emergency after storms

KYMA on September 1, 2025

Adrik Vargas

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Holtville remains under a state of emergency after several storms left dozens of homes without power.

Crews are still cleaning up the damage, and a temporary shelter has been opened for those affected.

The storms hit earlier this week, toppling trees and leaving many residents in the dark. The emergency declaration allows the city to bring in extra personnel and access funds to help families and restore services.

A shelter at Cornerstone Community Church is providing food and a safe place for those impacted.

“We have a couple homes that were hit by trees that they are looking for a place to stay. And so with this, the shelter should provide assistance for about 30 or 40 people,” said Alex Silva, Fire Chief with the Holtville Fire Department.

City leaders say generators and community support are helping residents while they work to fully restore power.

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Hot temperatures for Labor Day, cooler conditions on the way

KEYT on September 1, 2025

Andie Lopez Bornet

The Central Coast has been experiencing hot weather the last few days, perfect for the holiday weekend. For today, the heat will continue. A hot air mass is persistent and keepings things hot over the region. The high pressure system will stay put for the next couple of days over the four corners. Monsoonal moisture will arrive again on Monday night, which will bring back the possibility for thunderstorms in higher terrain areas of Santa Barbara and Ventura county.

A heat advisory remains in place until 6 p.m. Tuesday evening for interior areas like Cuyama Valley, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo. Temperatures may exceed 95 degrees and reach 105 degrees, with overnight lows being on the warmer side. It’s important to stay hydrated and check on loved ones and pets.

A beach hazards statement is in effect until 11 p.m. Monday evening for beaches in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Elevated surf will be 6-7 feet, with dangerous rip currents. For those headed to the beach for the holiday, be sure to use extra caution.

Temperatures today will be toasty! The coasts will be in the 80s, the valleys in the 90s and inland areas reaching triple digits once again.

The good news is – cooling is on the way. While temperatures will still feel warm, many areas will drop 10 degrees by Tuesday. By the end of the week, the hot air mass will start to exit, and the marine layer will return with mild temperatures. Overall, it will be a lovely start to September.

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Teens in El Centro launch podcast highlighting life in the Imperial Valley

KYMA on September 1, 2025

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Teens in the Imperial Valley are making their voices heard through a new podcast that showcases the experiences of growing up in the region.

“Voices del Valle” is an 11-episode series created by students at Central Union High School in collaboration with KPBS San Diego.

The podcast explores life in a rural, tight-knit community, covering topics such as mental health, teen parenting, sports, music, and the challenges and triumphs local teens face every day.

“We don’t get noticed much here unless we do something big, and that’s what a lot of us kids here in the Imperial Valley want to do because we want to be heard. That’s what makes it unique,” said Grace, a student involved in the podcast.

Through “Voices del Valle,” Imperial Valley teens are sharing their unique stories, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and pride that define life in their hometown.

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Missing Yucca Valley man found dead, no foul play suspected

KESQ on September 1, 2025

Julia Castro

Original Report 9/1/25 – 11:40 a.m.

Richard Schwartz was found deceased this morning and no foul play is suspected, the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station announced Monday morning.

Original Report 9/1/25 – 4:38 a.m.

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating an 85-year-old Yucca Valley man who went missing over the weekend.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said Richard Schwartz was last seen Saturday, leaving his home on Terra Vista Drive wearing a blue shirt, khaki shorts, and possibly a tan sunhat. He was walking northbound with his dog, which was later found still on its leash.

Schwartz has a cognitive disability, and deputies say he may be in danger.

Anyone who sees Schwartz is urged to call the sheriff’s dispatch immediately at (760) 365-2364.

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One dead, 5 injured after crash north of Salinas

KION on September 1, 2025

Victor Guzman

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — One person is dead and five others hurt after a suspected DUI crash along Old Stage and Natividad Road on Sunday night.

The CHP said a red Ford pick-up truck driven by 29-year-old Miguel Garcia Soto of Watsonville was traveling northbound on Old Stage Road, while a gray Nissan SUV crashed head-on just before 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The driver of the SUV, a 47-year-old man from Salinas, died as a result of their injuries while the passengers in the vehicle — all ages ranging from 12 to 42 years old from Salinas — suffered moderate to major injuries.

For reasons still under investigation, the CHP says that the pickup crossed into the southbound lane, resulting in a head-on crash with the SUV.

“The driver of the pickup sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital,” according to the CHP. “Four of the SUV’s five passengers sustained suspected moderate to major injuries and were transported to a local hospital. One passenger required emergency air transport.”

Soto was arrested for Felony DUI. The California Highway Patrol is working in collaboration with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office to pursue additional charges as the investigation continues.

The identity of the SUV’s driver will be released by the Monterey County Coroner’s Office once next of kin has been notified.

Old Stage Road along Hebert and Natividad was shut down as part of the investigation.

The CHP encourages anyone with information related to this crash to contact the Monterey Area office at (831) 770-8000 or email MontereyCHPTips@chp.ca.gov.

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Spooky Season Arrives Early: Halloween Hits Store Shelves in August

KESQ on September 1, 2025

Timothy Foster

BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) – It may still feel like summer outside, but step inside many retailers and you’ll think October has already arrived. From pumpkins and skeletons to candy corn and pumpkin-spiced everything, Halloween is showing up weeks earlier than ever before.

While some shoppers welcome the early arrival, others say it feels too soon.

But for small businesses, early Halloween displays aren’t just about festive fun—they’re about survival.

At Rapstine’s Red Barn Antique Mall in Beaumont, owner Deborah Rastine said the spooky season decorations are essential to keeping sales strong during slower summer months.

“June, July, August are usually slow. People are on vacation, it’s hot, and sales drop,” Rastine explained. “The second I throw out some Halloween stuff, immediately here they come. We even sell Christmas in July.”

Her antique mall has been a fixture in Beaumont for decades, transforming from produce stalls in the 1920s to stables in the ’40s, and finally into a community hub for antiques and vintage finds. Today, it houses 110 independent dealers—many who count on seasonal displays to attract customers.

And Halloween, she says, delivers.

“People love it. It puts everybody into that holiday mindset, even if summer isn’t over,” Rastine said. “We even have one booth that’s Halloween year-round.”

For shoppers, the enthusiasm is just as strong. Esly Recendez was already sipping a pumpkin spice drink while browsing.

“It just makes it feel like Halloween’s coming back,” she said. “Everyone loves pumpkin spice right now, even though it’s hot. Halloween is definitely my favorite season.”

Others echoed the excitement. Angel Chavez said he enjoys the community aspect of the holiday.

“I’ve seen on social media—everyone is trying to make fall come early,” Chavez said. “Halloween parties, scary movies, pumpkin spice—it all brings people together.”

For some, the early decorations even bring relief from the desert’s summer heat. Emily Schubin of Desert Hot Springs said it’s more than just a holiday—it’s motivation.

“Halloween gives you a little bit of joy to keep going,” she said. “Even if it’s still hot outside, seeing the decorations makes life feel cozier. I’d celebrate all year if I could.”

And businesses are responding to that demand. Spirit Halloween stores have already started opening across the Coachella Valley, with shoppers lining up for costumes, décor, and everything spooky.

Whether you think it’s too early or right on time, one thing’s clear—spooky season has officially begun.

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Pole dance routine faces backlash at Colorado State Fair

KRDO on September 1, 2025

Marina Garcia

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) –    During the last weekend of the state fair, our station received multiple complaints about a specific act. Spectators felt that it was inappropriate and did not belong on the stage.

Now the performing group behind it is standing by the dance, saying it was all above board and designed for audiences of all ages.

Lori Trejo, the woman who booked the dancer, says this was the fourth time they were invited back by the fair, and it’s frustrating how the criticism is being handled by management.

“I’m a little upset…to be honest with you. They’re going to do what they need to do to make it family-friendly. However, I wish they would have addressed the bullying that happened because that’s a little more inappropriate than what this beautiful dancer did on the stage,” says Lori Trejo, the previous owner of Wildfire Belly Dance Company.

In prior years, the performers have done the same dance and worn similar outfits.

Jacqueline Santos, who works with the dancer in the video, says the backlash they are receiving is shocking.

“As pole artists, we always take care to tailor our routines to be family-friendly, entertaining, and most of all, appropriate for the audience,” says Jacqueline Santos, owner of Peacock Pole Art & Body Weight Fitness.

The Colorado State Fair says they have worked with Wildfire Belly Dance Company for years; however, they are trying to do right by the customers.

“For them, it may be family-friendly. For some of our other customers, this was not for us. It’s all about time and place,” says Andrea Wiesenmeyer, the Colorado State Fair general manager.

The dancers say that, regardless of their long work history with the fair, they will not be attending in the future.

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