Author: KYMA

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – We are just days away from the June 2 primary election, and the race for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat is entering its final, critical stretch.

District 5 spans the largest geographical territory on the county map. Incumbent John Hawk is currently fighting to retain his seat against challengers Patricia Lizarraga and Lorena Minor-Montes.

We recently sat down with John Hawk to discuss his re-election campaign, addressing local unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and growing community rifts.

“We’re looking at ways to make things work,” Hawk said regarding political divisions. “That just takes a phone call to say, ‘Hey, I can get over a difference with you, but let’s work together on issues.'”

One of the most contentious issues facing the district is the debate over incoming data centers. While Hawk acknowledged the community concern surrounding their placement, he emphasized the legal constraints faced by local leadership.

“No, it’s not a great location, but it was a permitted use for that area,” Hawk explained. “So as a supervisor, you’re required to follow the laws, but at the same time, you understand the issue that Imperial was in.”

If new data centers continue to move into the region, Hawk is demanding a strict set of new regulations. His proposed protections include double-spectrum noise studies, mandatory landscaping, local hiring mandates, and an official “good neighbor” policy.

Hawk is leveraging regional partnerships to secure federal funding for infrastructure. He confirmed plans for a joint trip to Washington, D.C., alongside representatives from the Bard Water District and the Quechan Nation to lobby for financial support.

Beyond infrastructure, Hawk plans to address border issues during his capital visit.

“We do honor those that come to our country and want to work,” Hawk said. “We wanna have a place for them.”

While Hawk remains a strong supporter of the local agricultural sector, he stressed that farming alone can no longer sustain the regional economy. He points to the ongoing development of Lithium Valley as the key to future job creation.

“We need to bring industry,” Hawk said. “We could provide jobs and all kinds of measures for graduates of Imperial Valley College (IVC) or San Diego State University.”

The incumbent also noted that his platform addresses the area’s growing homelessness crisis. He stated that the county is currently looking at developing new areas dedicated to providing aid and rehabilitation sessions for unhoused residents.

Voters will decide this Tuesday whether Hawk keeps his seat or if a challenger will take the reins.

Under local election rules, if no candidate secures a clear majority of the vote on Tuesday night, the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff in the November general election.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Friends of the Lower Colorado River hosted a trash clean-up Saturday morning.

The event took place at Gateway Park at 7 a.m., with over 30 people volunteering to help clean the Colorado River, according to the organization’s post on Facebook.

The organization asked volunteers to wear study shoes, and said the cleanup supplies and water were provided.

Visit Yuma, who sponsored the event, provided coffee and donuts to the volunteers while WaFd Bank provided the gloves and Walmart on Avenue B provided the snacks and drinks, according to the organization.

During the event, the organization said the volunteers found a mattress, box springs and tires.

Joseph Browne, Vice President of the Friends of the Lower Colorado River, shared the significance of cleaning up the Colorado River.

“It’s our resource. This is what we use for recreation. And, a lot of times government solution is if they can’t keep it clean, they shut it off to everyone. So we’re trying to prevent that from happening…create that awareness that people clean up after themselves,” Browne explained.

In addition, the volunteers also clean-up the river on the California side, with the organization saying they worked with the Quechan community to cleanup highly used areas of the river.

If anyone missed out on Saturday’s clean-up, the organization will host another one in June. For when and where it will happen, follow the organization’s Facebook page HERE.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A newly formed non-profit organization is working to preserve Yuma’s history by restoring Pioneer Cemetery, one of the city’s oldest burial grounds.

Yuma Neighbors United was created with the goal of cleaning and maintaining the cemetery to honor the citizens who helped establish the community.

The City of Yuma has provided the group with cleaning equipment to assist in the restoration effort.

Volunteers are scheduled to participate in the cemetery’s first official cleanup Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. Following that, more cleanings are scheduled to take place towards the fall.

Founders Allan and Cheri Marx said the project is focused on preserving the dignity of the gravesites and restoring the cemetery’s appearance.

“This is, you know, who helped build this town and, you know, we gotta show them that we still care for them,” said Marx. “Helping the families who have these graves, get ’em back, you know, cut the trees out. As you can see this big tree here…get that taken care of, and get the gravesite back to where it’s looking nice.”

If interested in joining Yuma Neighbors United’s efforts, you can reach out via their Facebook profile here, or via email: yumaneighborsunited@gmail.com.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Dog owners in Yuma will soon have another option to bring their furry friends on a walk.

Yuma’s Bark Park is set to re-open Saturday.

The park underwent construction work including new shade structures, new trash receptacles and a new drinking fountain.

The park is located at 1705 E. Palo Verde Street.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As summer break begins, Yuma school districts are continuing to support local families by providing free meals to children throughout the summer months.

Yuma School District One will begin offering free breakfast and lunch meals to children on June 1.

The program is available to all children ages 18 and younger and will be offered at six designated locations across the district: Fourth Avenue Junior High, McGraw Elementary, Carver Elementary, OC Johnson Elementary, Palmcroft Elementary and Desert Mesa Elementary.

Adults may accompany their children and purchase a meal for a fee of $3.00 for breakfast and $5.00 for lunch.

The summer meal service will operate Monday through Friday and continue through July 17. The only exception will be July 3, in which there will be no meals provided.

Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. while lunch will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“A lot of times, families aren’t able to provide meals outside of the times that they are going to school, so it’s very important to support our community and help those kids,” said Lisa Thrower, District One Child Nutrition Director.

Children participating in the program must receive and consume their meals on site. Families are not allowed to pick up a meal for a child or children and bring it off-site.

Crane School District and Yuma Union High School District are also putting together similar programs this summer, but children can attend available locations within any district.

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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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