Author: KYMA

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Starting July 1, Californians will see a new hit to their wallets, gas prices are going up by about 65 cents per gallon. It’s part of the state’s push to fight climate change by requiring cleaner fuel at the pump.

The new rule comes from California’s Air Resources Board, which is trying to get the state to carbon neutrality by 2045. This means fuel companies have to start using more low-carbon blends like biofuels and renewable diesel and those are more expensive to make.

While the goal is to help the planet, drivers are asking: Why should they be the ones paying the price?

“I think it should be taken care of 50/50,” said Yax Covarruvia-Joshi, a local resident. “Gas companies should provide relief to the customers who are just trying to get through these conditions.”

Lawmakers had a chance to block the hike with a bill called SB2, but it didn’t pass. So the increase is moving forward.

And for some, it’s just too much.

“I think we pay a lot for everything already,” said Elizabeth Galvez, another local. “We can’t afford increases in a lot of things, especially gas.”

Working families say the bump at the pump may seem small, but it adds up fast.

“65 cents doesn’t seem like a lot,” Yax added, “But then again, if you look at the overall budget of the household.”

Especially for people like Jennifer Favela, who commute every day for work.

“I travel a lot for my job,” she said. “So just getting to work will cost me more.”

California’s green goals are big, but so is the price tag. For many in Imperial County, the cost is hitting close to home.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma community is coming together Sunday in memory of the two-year-old boy suspected of being murdered by his mother.

Kano Aguerro was found dead last week while his mother, 20-year-old Angelina Vazquez, and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Miguel Garcia, were formally charged for the child’s murder.

Locals are coming together to show their support for the child.

“I did have the privilege of meeting baby Kano one time, and I just think that no child deserves this,” said vigil organizer Shirley Senseney.

Senseney says the vigil will also spread an important message to other moms.

“I think that us as mothers should know that there is a community that stands when they feel out, when they feel that they can’t do it, when they feel that they aren’t capable of taking care of a child that there are people out there that will help,” Senseney said.

Kano’s father, Ethan Aguerro, appreciates the support for the community.

“It really makes me happy that everybody, everybody has just been, just been there for me and for them to want to do a candlelight vigil,” Aguerro says.

The vigil will take place this Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Ocean to Ocean Gateway Park where everyone is welcome to attend.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – June is Men’s Mental Health Month and we spoke with locals who shared some ways they’re coping with the struggles some men face when it comes to their own mental health.

Steven Garnica, owner of Hidden Valley Strength & Conditioning/Crossfit, says, “Work, work, and work and push your feelings to the side.”

That’s the message men usually hear while growing up, along with “boys don’t cry” and “be a man.”

These common messages can serve as a reason for men to keep those feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress bottled in, which can be unhealthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2023 male suicide rates were nearly four times higher than female rates.

Part of that is men are less likely to ask for assistance compared to women.

Local Douglas Osbourne says he relies on his religious beliefs when he needs a lift.

“You don’t have to have a fancy prayer. You don’t have to say anything special. It’s just between you and God and he’s hearing it. Don’t be afraid to cry. Don’t be afraid to share. Don’t keep it in because that can cause damage,” he shared.

Garnica says his key to mental health wellness is getting the body moving.

“You’re feelings get pushed to the side through alcohol, or more food but now it’s important because exercise is taking the forefront,” he explained.

Garnica says appreciate the challenge because on the other side is growth.

“Do hard things and exercise does that for you. It boosts the endorphin rush you get from it but it also boosts your self-esteem,” Garnica shared.

Gina Portello, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Onvida Health, says the most common mental health illness her male patients suffer from is depression.

She encourages all men to follow this mental health wellness routine: “Prioritizing sleep, having a heart healthy diet, being physically active, continuing to interact with family members and friends, as well as practicing mindfulness.”

If the routine doesn’t work for you, Botello says it’s important to seek help.

To learn more about local behavioral health services available, click here.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Now might just be the perfect time to buy a home, especially for first time buyers. A recent study by SmartAsset ranks Yuma one of the top 20 best U.S. housing markets for first-time homebuyers this year.

Local realtor Kassandra Carrazco shares a few reasons why people might be so drawn to the area.

“In comparison to other areas, and then the major metros that we’re near like Phoenix and San Diego, we are so much more affordable and the quality of life too you know, it’s a slower pace. I complain of the traffic, but you know the traffic compared to those bigger cities, I can be anywhere in 20 minutes,” said Carrazco.

The study shows the median sale price in Yuma is around $306,083.

“In Yuma, the average days on market, and this is from list to close, is right under 90 days,” said Carrazco. “So if you’re a seller, if you’re not getting under contract within that first week like maybe we got used to during the pandemic, it’s taken about 45 days to go under contract and another 45 days to close on that.”

For first time home buyers, Carrazco suggests doing a home inspection and finding a good advisor and real estate agent to help guide you.

“Really do your research on not only the areas like we discussed, but also the numbers. Right on how long has a home been on the market? Can I negotiate a lower price? Can I negotiate maybe some more closing costs from the seller,” suggested Carrazco.

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Michelle Leal

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – San Luis is taking steps toward inclusion by adding new accessible playground equipment.

Over 290 kids will benefit from the improvements.

Thanks to $59,000 in donations from the Cocopah Tribe and Campesinos Sin Frontera, a wheelchair-accessible carousel and communication board designed with images and words will be added to Joe Orduño Park.

“With [these] two donations combined, we were able to purchase inclusive playground equipment that we are going to be adding at the Joe Orduño Park and that’s the idea, continue having you know, adding inclusive playground,” said Angelica Roldan, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of San Luis.

It is expected to be completed and open to the public this August.

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Marcos Icahuate

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of San Luis, Arizona has completed its first concrete water storage tank.

Its construction at Well Site 7 took nearly a year to finish.

The storage tank is meant to improve water availability in the city, which would also improve fire protection.

“This project represents more than just infrastructure; it’s about securing the quality of life for our residents,” stated Assistant Public Works Director Jorge Perez. “We are proud to have delivered this facility on time and with long-term sustainability in mind.”

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Former El Centro Mayor Tomas Oliva has announced he will be running for the California State Assembly to represent District 36.

Oliva made the official announcement last Friday just two months after his resignation as the mayor of El Centro.

He says in the last decade representatives from the Coachella Valley have helped represent Imperial County and he is thankful.

But he says it’s time for someone from Imperial County to be the voice of the people.

Oliva shares what he would do if elected.

“What I consider to be the pillars of our community that sets us up for either success or lack of in our quality of life and that is…our healthcare system, our education and our transportation,” said Oliva.

The California Primary Election is happening in June of next year.

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Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Residents and business owners in Calexico who have an alarm that requires police assistance now have to register them with the police department.

The ordinance was put on pause in 2013, but now it’s back.

Calexico police says it started sending notices to residents and business owners last week.

Police say if residents do not register their alarms they could be fined.

“The cost is $50 for residents and $100 for businesses for two years, both of them so with that you get four free responses per calendar year. After the fifth response, you get a bill for the response,” said Calexico Police Chief Armando Orozco.

Calexico police says residents can come to the police station if they need help registering their alarms or visit their website.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A blood drive is being held to support locals and more Arizonans in need.

The Summer Life Savers Blood Drive by Vitalant will be at the Yuma Main Library from July 31 to August 2.

News 11, ABC 5 and Telemundo 3 are partnering with Vitalant to bring this blood drive to Yuma. 

Anyone who donates blood on those dates will be entered to win a 2025 VW Taos S.

The vehicle prize was donated by the Valley Volkswagen Dealers.

You can make an appointment to donate blood by going to their website or calling (877) 258-4825.

You can also find more information about the blood drive here.

Vitalant previously held a blood drive in winter 2024, which collected enough blood to impact over 300 lives.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A celebration for the United States Army will be held in Yuma.

The U.S. Army is celebrating its 250th birthday at the Colorado River State Historic Park on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The family-friendly event is planned to have exhibits and tributes to those who served.

Locals are invited to participate in activities held at the celebration.

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