Author: KYMA

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)-  The Elisabeth Solar Project is set to take shape on public land near Dateland and is designed to generate and store hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy.

The Elisabeth Solar Project will soon be located in the heart of the Agua Caliente solar energy zone.

Approved by The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the facility will include solar panels and battery storage.

Derek Eysenbach, Project Manager with BLM, says, “It’s going to span a little over 1400 acres and out of that 1400 acres the project will have a nameplate capacity of 270 megawatts.”

The power will feed into the Arizona Public Service and California Independent System operator grids, improving energy stability for consumers across the Desert Southwest.

“By charging up these batteries during the day, and then discharging the batteries at night, it’s able to have power on call virtually around the clock,” Eysenbach shared.

Some locals are glad to see clean energy come into the area and see an alternative to fossil fuels.

Brian Jacuinde, a local says, “It’s clean energy, and in other cases where we have to depend on coal or gas. It’s better because there is no pollution and we know that solution brings a lot of air born syndrome and diseases.”

The Elisabeth Solar Project is still in the early stages, but BLM says construction is set to begin this June.

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Andrea Turisk

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – It’s not everyday a middle school student walks across the stage at a college graduation, before she even starts high school, but that’s exactly what one 14-year-old is doing.

Darianna Castillo isn’t just finishing eighth grade at southwest junior high, she’s also completing a two-year associate’s degree from Arizona Western College (AWC), becoming the youngest student in her district to complete this milestone.

At just 14-years-old, Castillo is doing something most students don’t even consider — graduating from college. Through the Gadsden School District’s early college program, she earned 64 credits and a full Associate’s Degree before starting high school.

Castillo says, “When Mr. Chavez offered me to take my first course, Math 81, I felt inspired to do it. Not exactly that is was a duty of mine to do but more or less because I knew that I could do it.”

Southwest Junior High Principal Luis Reyes says by fostering an environment where students can feel supported, they can excel just like Darianna.

“I think a lot of our students will look up to her and say ‘Can I do this?’ and we have the tools and the resources for them to achieve that,” Principal Reyes expressed.

And while she’s getting her degree early, Castillo says she’s just getting started stating, “I’d like to enroll in university once I get to high school. Maybe get another Associate’s Degree.”

Castillo’s accomplishments are already inspiring others across the district and school leaders say they hope students follow in her footsteps.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The pressure was on and the frosting was flying at the Third Annual Culinary Skills Event hosted by Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program at the Cambria Hotel in Imperial.

High school students from Calexico, Brawley, and Calipatria competed in a full day of challenges designed to showcase their creativity and culinary talents.

From knife skills to entrée prep and cake decorating, the competition gave these aspiring chefs a taste of the industry.

“We’re definitely nervous, we’ve stood here for like an hour,” said Mia Romero, one of the participants, as she waited for judges to evaluate her team’s cake.

Despite the nerves, students pushed through the stress and the icing.

“We had to find space on the top because the birds took too much space, and the flowers kept falling apart,” said Jesus Rodriguez Andrade, laughing about what it took to pull it all together.

In the end, the event was more than just a competition, it was a chance for students to learn, grow, and imagine their future in the culinary world.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- Seniors across the Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) are being recognized for their accomplishments as they prepare to graduate.

For a handful of local high school seniors, the recognition comes after years of dedication both inside and outside the classroom.

Two seniors from Cibola said this moment is more than just an honor, it’s a chance to inspire others.

Two students from each of the districts six high schools were chosen for a campaign highlighting the students involvement in a wide range of programs.

Cibola senior Ryan Dusek says this honor means the world to him: “It means everything ’cause I feel like I’m inspiring others as well to put in that hard work a dedication and push themselves to be their best.”

The students were nominated by staff and selected through essays and interviews. They represent a wide range of experiences, from academics and arts, to leadership and career programs.

YUHSD Chief Communications Officer Eric Patten says it’s important to refocus the attention on the great things students are doing saying, “People can refuse their attention on the great things the students are doing in our community and will do in the future in our community if a great benefit to the campaign.”

And while each students story is unique, they all share one goal: to graduate ready for whatever comes next.

Hennessy Padilla, a Cibola high school senior says, “I know that whatever I choose I’m gonna excel in what I do and I’m gonna bring back good into my community.”

The campaign will run through the summer and each student will be honored on their campuses in the fall.

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – San Diego State University (SDSU) Imperial Valley hosted the Transborder Rhythms Festival, a community celebration of Mexican and Chicano music, culture, and pride.

The event featured local performers, including student musicians and dancers, and was organized by SDSU Visiting Professor Hector Peralta.

Peralta says the festival was about more than music, it was about connection.

“We can only actually do that in a sustainable way by creating joy and by creating meaningful experiences that restore our spirits and energy,” Peralta said.

He hopes the festival helps keep Mexican and Chicano traditions alive by passing them on to the next generation.

“The theme comes from the way Mexican, Chicano, and Chicana artists have transcended all sorts of boundaries, borders, and rhythms,” Peralta said.

The event left a lasting impression on students like William Lim Nuńez, who says it reminded him of where he comes from.

“Just like what we’re about, from the clothing to the dancing to the music,” Nuńez explained.

He says the energy in the room was contagious: “It got me going, it got me dancing in my seat!”

And he hopes the campus keeps this energy going adding, “I feel like we need more events like this, for sure.”

The festival highlighted the power of joy, culture, and music to bring people together.

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Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) -A solemn ceremony in El Centro on Friday night honored 49 law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Imperial County, dating as far back as 1920.

The annual Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Memorial drew families, officers, and community members to the steps of the county courthouse.

The event included a motorcade, a 21-gun salute, a flag folding ceremony, and a moment of silence. All paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“There’s a lot of challenges that we face on a daily basis,” said Sgt. Aaron Curiel. “And one of those is paying the ultimate sacrifice of passing away in the line of duty.”

El Centro Mayor Sonia Carter was in attendance, sharing her condolences and support for families in mourning.

“This is a wonderful moment for us to express how concerned we are for the families of El Centro that have lost their loved ones,” Mayor Carter said. “It’s very important that we stay focused and help the families grieve, the grieving never stops.”

She also offered a message for the wider community: “I really hope that people leave with the message that it can be any one of us, so please always show your love.”

The event served as a powerful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face, and the strength of the community that stands behind them.

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Abraham Retana

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – One child has died so far this year in the U.S. after being left in a hot car.

It’s why Imperial County and the El Centro Fire Department (ECFD), along with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), joined forces to bring awareness to this issue.

First responders and health officials say under no circumstance should a child or a pet remain inside a vehicle unattended.

“Since 1998, 1,000 children in the U.S. have died from pediatric vehicle heat stroke. In 2024, 39 children lost their lives this way, so far in 2025, there’s only one death nationwide,” said Battalion Chief Eduardo Ainza of ECFD.

The extreme heat in the Imperial Valley can kick up the temps in a vehicle by more than 20 degrees in a matter of minutes.

It’s even more dangerous for children, as their body temperature can increase up to five times more than an adult.

“I would say is more of a threat here simply because of our climate here. Fortunately, we have not run across at yet this year, but it’s one of those issues that we got to raise awareness because it could so deadly and it happens so quickly,” said Battalion Chief Ainza.

And keep this in mind.

“The message in summer time is just take an extra second look to the backseat, is there anything on the backseat that I need to attend to…It’s mainly with children but also with pets. You can’t leave pets unattended,” said Capt. Ernesto Ruedas of CHP.

If you happen to see a child unattended in a car, call 911 immediately.

People who leave a child in a vehicle can face serious consequences.

“You can see child endangerment even manslaughter, most of these cases they are not on purpose people don’t leave a child in a vehicle unattended especially in this heat,” said Capt. Ruedas.

To prevent deaths from heat stroke, don’t leaving your kids in a car, even if the air conditioning is on.

Check the back seat every time you leave, and always keep the keys out of the child’s reach.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Local students put their mechanics knowledge to the test.

Middle school students from San Luis, Somerton and Yuma participated in a race featuring radio-controlled cars.

The goal is to motivate kids to pursue a career in mechanics.

“It gives them the opportunity to learn about mechanics adjustments for suspensions and this is something they can do in the future as a career so it gives them a start for that future and that career,” said Walter Flores, Somerton Middle School instructional strategist.

The Arizona Business and Education Coalition is planning to have more events to involved more students from other schools in Yuma County.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – More questions than answers following a newborn found in a hotel trash can.

KYMA spoke with Yuma Police Chief Thomas Garrity about the case and he shared a few things authorities are asking for during their investigation.

The case is still in the early stages.

Chief Thomas Garrity is asking the mother of the child to step up.

“What I am asking for is the mother to come forward, come talk to the detectives. You may need medical help, we are here to assist you with medical help,” said Garrity.

Garrity says there are ways to give a baby away without putting the child in danger.

“We have safe harbors at all the hospitals, at every fire station and every adoption agency, and even if you have to come to the police department just to say, ‘I don’t know what to do,’ we have the resources for the people who are in this position,” Garrity explained.

Garrity is also asking the community to be patient with this case and the results of the investigation. He says to beware of false donations sites.

“We are working with multiple agencies and multiple resources to find those answers. There will be things come out online and I want to caution the community on who they donate to and please only donate to the reputable organizations that they know,” explained the chief.

The case remains under investigation.

If you have more information, call YPD or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma Border Patrol recently dismantled a temporary processing facility. They say there was no longer a need for it since they are seeing historically low numbers of crossings.

Border Patrol says the facility was set up in 2021 due to the high number of people illegally coming across the border.

“The original purpose of that facility is temporary detention, so we were holding them there until they were taken to the next step of the immigration process,” said Yuma Sector Border Patrol Agent Fidel Cabrera.

At the time it was dismantled, the facility had a holding capacity of a little over 1,300 people.

“At our peak, during that time frame, the 2021 to 2024, we’re arresting approximately 1500 people a day which are our hard sided facility are not capable of holding,” said Agent Cabrera.

They say dismantling the facility also saves a lot of money.

“The facility here in Yuma was costing approximately $16 million a month, and the benefits of it being gone…we have our agents being able to deploy out to the field and conduct law enforcement operations,” said Cabrera.

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