Month: May 2026

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – El Charro Cafe is hosting a fundraiser for Maria Ruan, a waitress who has worked at the restaurant for 26 years, and her husband, Cesar.

The couple has been in Phoenix while Cesar undergoes medical treatment following surgery.

According to the restaurant’s owners, the couple is facing significant costs associated with travel and an extended hotel stay during Cesar’s recovery. In response, El Charro Cafe has organized a fundraiser to help ease the financial burden.

“Her husband had surgery, and they’re in Phoenix, and they’re having to stay in a hotel for approximately 30 days, maybe longer, so we decided we would see if anyone wanted to help us getting a box together, see if anyone would like to donate and help her get through the 30 days without working,” said Anna Martinez, co-owner of El Charro Cafe.

The fundraiser was initially planned as a one-day event, but due to strong community interest and support, the restaurant expanded it to two days.

Restaurant co-owner Pauline Villa said Ruan’s dedication and personal connections with customers have inspired an overwhelming response from the community.

“She knows her customers’ orders. She knows their names. Everything about Maria is just kind and personal, and I think that’s why she’s had such an incredible support for this upcoming event,” Villa said.

A portion of the proceeds from sales next Thursday and Friday will be donated to help cover Maria and Cesar Ruan’s expenses as they navigate his recovery.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – With Election Day exactly one week away, the race for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors District Five seat is entering its final, high-stakes stretch.

Candidates are crisscrossing the region, pitching their visions to voters before the June 2 election.

District 5 represents the largest territory on the county map. It encompasses eight different cities, stretching across diverse communities like Holtville, Palo Verde, Winterhaven, and parts of Calexico. Because of its massive geographical footprint, the district faces a unique mix of urban and rural challenges.

Three candidates are currently vying for the open seat: Patricia Lizarraga, John Hawk, and Lorena Minor-Montes.

To win the election outright next Tuesday, a single candidate must secure 50 percent plus one of the total vote. If no one reaches that threshold, the top two candidates will advance to a runoff in the November general election.

Candidate Lorena Minor-Montes brings a diverse background to the race, with previous professional experience in the Sheriff’s Office, the City of Calexico, and the State Senate.

She argues that the massive size of District 5 requires a supervisor who is physically present and accessible to all constituents.

“I would like to visit at least four cities every other month with office hours and meet with the community to see what their concerns are,” Minor-Montes said.

For voters living along the border, federal immigration policy and the operations of local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities remain top priorities.

Minor-Montes emphasizes that local leadership must actively monitor these facilities and hold authorities to high standards.

“Hold everyone accountable,” Minor-Montes insisted. “Make sure you have continuous visits from your legislation, from your elected officials.”

Beyond federal issues, the next supervisor must confront systemic economic challenges at home. Imperial County has long struggled with some of the highest unemployment numbers in the state, a reality the candidates must address directly.

“Unemployment has been at a high rate for as long as I can remember in the Imperial County,” Minor-Montes noted. “You need to look for stable ways to bring jobs to the county.”

One proposed solution currently gaining traction is the construction of massive data centers in the desert regions. While these projects promise economic growth and technological infrastructure, Minor-Montes urges caution regarding their placement.

“If a data center does come in, make sure it comes in with the full requirements that it should and maybe not close to a school,” she warned.

While technological development dominates economic debates in the northern parts of the district, the daily commute highlights an entirely different issue: crumbling roads. Drivers across the territory face deteriorating pavement and inadequate transit corridors.

“A lot of the roads are not fully functioning,” Minor-Montes said.

Right off those same struggling streets, local leaders are also dealing with a rising homelessness crisis. Minor-Montes acknowledges that addressing the issue requires looking at the root causes, including addiction, while navigating the difficulties of providing outreach to those resistant to services.

“It has a lot to do with drug use,” Minor-Montes stated. “Not everything is homelessness. But it’s just really hard cause some people don’t want the help.”

Voting takes place next Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Local residents looking for more information on candidate platforms, polling places, and mail-in ballots can find resources online by visiting ImperialCounty.org.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Three people were arrested following a shooting in Somerton Wednesday night, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting around 8:45 p.m. on May 27 near County 14th Street and Somerton Avenue.

When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Onvida Health and was reported to be in stable condition.

Investigators say the victim was driving when another vehicle shot at his car. After the shooting, the victim drove away from the area and called 911.

According to YCSO, investigators later located the suspected vehicle attempting to flee into California. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in locating the suspects.

Three suspects were taken into custody and booked into the Imperial County Jail. Authorities say two of the suspects are from Somerton, while the third suspect is from Yuma.

YCSO says the investigation remains ongoing.

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Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A devastating house fire fueled by high winds destroyed two properties and displaced a local family in an El Centro neighborhood Thursday evening.

Just after 6:00 p.m., the El Centro Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire near Sixth Street and Hamilton Avenue, located close to Harding Elementary School.

Due to the intensity of the flames, crew members received mutual aid from the Imperial County and Holtville fire departments.

High winds in the area quickly pushed the fire across the property lines. While firefighters were able to contain the blaze, the fire completely destroyed two properties and left one family displaced.

The fast-moving flames quickly engulfed the primary structure, forcing crews to shift their strategy to protecting neighboring homes.

The fire also impacted nearby power lines, triggering a temporary electrical outage for residents in the immediate area. The Imperial Irrigation District responded to the scene and restored electrical services shortly after the fire was contained.

No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported. However, arriving crews learned that a household dog tragically perished inside the fully engulfed home.

Fire investigators state that it could take up to two weeks to determine the exact cause and origin of the blaze.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help the displaced family recover from the devastating loss.

Community members looking to support the victims can click here.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – With Election Day just days away, the race for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors is heating up. In District 1, voters face a competitive three-way battle among familiar faces.

District 1 encompasses the majority of Calexico, an area candidate Enrique Alvarado knows intimately.

“I’ve been living in Calexico for the last 26 years,” Alvarado said. “I’ve been part of this community ever since. This community is something that’s near and dear to my heart and it’s a community I believe in.”

Alvarado believes his deep local roots provide him with firsthand knowledge of the major issues facing the Imperial Valley. If elected, he plans to focus immediately on infrastructure, homelessness, and healthcare access.

Alvarado noted that the region’s infrastructure requires urgent attention, particularly local roads.

“Our infrastructure here in the valley is bad,” Alvarado said. “Our roads, if you travel back roads, they’re in pretty bad condition.”

Beyond transit, Alvarado is calling for renewed action to support the local unhoused population. He emphasizes the need to bring in partners to reopen a local shelter to provide immediate housing options.

Addressing local medical shortages is another major pillar of Alvarado’s platform. He argues that the county must play an active role in attracting and retaining medical talent.

“We need to recruit more doctors into the valley and set up some type of system in which we have doctors coming in for that care,” he stated.

Data center developments have sparked intense debate across the Imperial Valley, leading cities like Brawley, Calipatria, and Imperial to implement moratoriums. Alvarado agrees with taking a step back.

“Let’s go ahead and go back to the drawing board and look and see what can be done,” Alvarado said.

While proponents highlight the initial economic boost of data centers, Alvarado remains skeptical of their long-term value.

“While it’s being built, yes, it’s gonna bring jobs, but what’s gonna happen after that?” Alvarado questioned. “We need permanent jobs here; we need to build our tax base.”

District 1 holds jurisdiction over a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. Alvarado believes county officials need to utilize their existing authority to monitor the site closely.

“Our public health [department] does have the right to go into those facilities and inspect them just to make sure they’re up to par,” Alvarado noted.

Alvarado is challenging incumbent Supervisor Jesus Eduardo Escobar and fellow candidate Joong Kim for the District 1 seat.

Under local election rules, if no candidate secures a clear majority of the vote Tuesday, the top two finishers will face off in a runoff during the November general election.

Voting centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Check back with our website on election night as the results trickle in.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The race for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat is heating up as candidates make their final push ahead of the June 2 election.

Three candidates, incumbent Jesus Eduardo Escobar, Enrique Alvarado, and Joong Kim, are vying to represent Calexico, a region currently grappling with significant infrastructure and homelessness challenges.

Candidate Joong Kim, a local business owner and former Calexico mayor, claims the county has failed to distribute funds equitably. Kim argues that resources are disproportionately directed away from his district.

“The county is not spending money enough to support us,” Kim said. “When we have money, where do you spend it? In the north side. Not here.”

While Kim emphasizes the critical need for economic growth, he remains fiercely opposed to bringing massive data centers into the region. He argues that outside industries exploit local resources without benefiting the core community.

“We’re gonna have somebody come into our town and use our resources,” Kim warned. “We need to protect small businesses. Those small businesses, they are the ones hiring somebody.”

The former school board member believes his long track record of public service and stubborn determination make him the right fit for the board.

“My personal character…when I see something wrong, I just can’t turn around from there,” Kim said.

To secure the District 1 seat outright on June 2, a candidate must win a majority of 50% plus one vote. If no single candidate hits that threshold, the top two vote-getters will advance to a final runoff in November’s general election.

Voting centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Check back with our website on election night as the results trickle in.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif (KYMA) – With less than a week remaining until Election Day, the race for Imperial County’s District Five Board of Supervisors seat is entering its final, decisive stretch.

As candidates put the finishing touches on their months-long campaigns, voters are preparing to head to the polls next Tuesday to decide who will lead the county’s largest geographical territory.

Three candidates are locked in a competitive battle for the open seat: Patricia Lizarraga, John Hawk, and Lorena Minor-Montes.

Under county election rules, a candidate must secure a strict majority of 50% plus one of the total vote to win the seat outright.

If no single candidate reaches that threshold next Tuesday, the top two vote-getters will advance to a head-to-head runoff in the November general election.

Patricia Lizarraga is anchoring her campaign on her professional background in finance. She argues that the Board of Supervisors deeply needs an experienced, analytical perspective to evaluate how county dollars are being allocated and spent.

“I’m very good with numbers, and I would like to see how is this benefiting my community,” Lizarraga said, framing her candidacy around transparency and fiscal accountability.

Infrastructure development in the Imperial Valley routinely encounters severe financial pushback and budget constraints.

Lizarraga insists that vital community spaces cannot be left to deteriorate due to lack of local funds. She pledges to aggressively target external revenue to fix the district’s aging public assets.

“Roads, parks, public spaces…I will make sure that we secure funds for those priorities,” Lizarraga promised.

Lizarraga plans to apply that same dollar-driven, aggressive pursuit of revenue to the regional homelessness crisis.

Rather than attempting to build entirely new systems from scratch, she wants to reinforce and expand successful processes that have already been initiated within the City of Calexico.

The primary obstacle holding these local programs back, she notes, is a lack of sustainable cash flow.

“I will make sure that I can seek state and federal funding so we can fund and continue to serve those programs that already exist,” Lizarraga explained. “It’s just that they haven’t been funded yet.”

While economic development is a major talking point in the race, Lizarraga issued a sharp warning regarding how current commercial ventures are being managed.

Specifically, she expressed deep skepticism about the county’s current trajectory regarding proposed desert data centers.

“I’m opposed totally [to] the way it’s being handled right now,” Lizarraga stated firmly. “I’m not against economic development, but it has to be responsible.”

For Lizarraga, a core pillar of “responsible development” means guaranteeing that any tech or industrial boom directly benefits the local workforce. She asserts that outside companies looking to build in the desert must prioritize Imperial Valley residents over out-of-town commuters.

“Any new company that will come has to hire local people first,” she said.

Beyond jobs and local infrastructure, the next District Five supervisor will face immediate and continuous pressure regarding immigration enforcement, including the operations of regional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers.

Lizarraga argues that the county needs to take a step back and thoroughly audit its relationship with federal authorities and private contractors running these facilities.

“Go back and analyze our contracts or negotiations and review what is being done and what is expected,” Lizarraga said.

Election Day takes place next Tuesday. Local residents can learn more about the candidates, look up their specific polling places, and find out how to cast their ballots by visiting ImperialCounty.org.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – You might have noticed the sudden drop in prices at the gas pump. Locals say they are pleased with the recent prices as gas prices are down less than 20 cents from last week.

“I feel good. I wish they would keep coming down,” Natasha said.

Despite the price drop, Arizona still ranks in the top ten for the most expensive gas prices in the country. The average price for gas in the state of Arizona is around $4.74.

Our next-door neighbor, California, has the most expensive gas prices in the country. California gas prices are still higher than Arizona’s by roughly 50 cents to $1.00 or more per gallon, depending on the city and day.

“It’s a little bit cheaper here than in California,” Leonor said.

Hybrid drivers get better gas mileage than gas-driven vehicles. According to Hyundai, hybrids typically get 20-30% better gas mileage.

“Luckily, I drive a hybrid, so it’s not as bad as it is for some of the other people out here,” Natasha said.

Drivers who are looking to save more on their next fuel should remove extra weight from their vehicle, avoid extra idling, and avoid speeding.

Keeping simple fuel-saving tips in mind can help you reduce the cost at the pump over time.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma woman charged with murdering her own son was sentenced Wednesday in court.

21-year-old Angelina Vasquez has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. This was the maximum she could’ve received based on the plea agreement.

It was an emotional day in court as Vasquez learned how long she will spend behind bars for the death of her son, two-year-old Kano Aguerro, known by the community as Baby Kano.

Vasquez was originally charged with first-degree murder, but in April she took a plea agreement, pleading guilty to child abuse resulting in death.

Baby Kano was reported missing last year, before his remains were later found at a home in Yuma.

As for Vasquez’ boyfriend, 24-year-old Miguel Garcia, he pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse involving domestic violence.

In exchange for the plea, charges of first-degree murder and concealment of a body were dismissed.

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Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Stephanie Gerald has been sworn in as the first Post-Bar Law Clerk at the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office in California.

Gerald, who has a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Digital Media and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, will play an important role in the office’s modernization initiatives, including advanced digital evidence storage systems and the use of artificial intelligence tools.

“She gives us that technological background that we need,” Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez told KYMA.

“Most of the evidence we get now is digital evidence,” he said. “We’re in the process of purchasing software to store digital evidence and also process it.”

The Post-Bar Law Clerk Program was created to address recruitment and retention challenges faced by rural prosecutor offices across California, and provides recent law school graduates who have completed the bar examination an opportunity to gain immediate courtroom and prosecution experience while awaiting bar exam results.

“When somebody takes the bar exam. For example, they take the bar exam in July, they wait for results for approximately three months; August, September, October. During that time, they’re in limbo. So what we do is we give them jobs as certified law clerks. That means they can make appearances on the record in court under the supervision of a licensed attorney,” Marquez explained.

He said that if they get a passing score, the District Attorney’s Office is then able to offer that person a job.

“It allows us to build a pipeline of talent,” Marquez said.

Marquez said this program has been in the works for the last few years, and he is grateful to the Community Benefit Program for the funding, and the Board of Supervisors for approving it.The program is funded through the next four years.

The clerks will be exposed to major cases in homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, and more.

“We’re going to grab the bulls by the horn. We’re going to get them the training they need, and we’re going to prosecute those cases to the full extent of the law,” he said.

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