Author: KYMA

Adrik Vargas

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Brawley Police Department is undergoing renovations, but not everyone agrees on whether the project should be a priority.

The remodeling has been happening in phases with updates to parking, building spaces, and now the department’s main lobby.

The city says the improvements will provide additional space to help the department serve a growing community.

“They have additional space, but I think if there is additional funding, they could use it in the community. It’d be a better resource,” said Tamara Alexander, a local resident.

Others say they would like to see more focus on public spaces.

“Well, I do think remodeling is important, but I would like to see money going to youth programs, the pooI, I think that’s a big one,” said Diana Gomez, another resident.

Mayor Gil Rebollar says the upgrades are aimed at meeting the department’s evolving needs.

“Over the last four years, the City of Brawley has seen significant expansion in its police programs, especially those aimed at youth engagement and public safety,” Rebollar said. “We’ve gone from zero to approximately 400 youth actively participating in our programs. That level of growth requires space for our team and for meeting with community members in a professional setting.”

Some residents say they hope investments in staffing will also be a focus moving forward.

“I think recruiting officers would be a better way to spend city funds,” said Bryan Alexander, a local resident.

Others hope the department continues building connections with the community.

“Just put the police officers that work hard every day within the agency in a positive light and build a rapport with their community so that the youth coming up in the community actually have a rapport with them and respect them,” Tamara added.

Mayor Rebollar says keeping facilities updated is part of ensuring that the department remains accessible and prepared to serve residents.

“When community members come to the police department, whether for a youth program, a confidential conversation, or to seek help, they deserve a safe, welcoming, and professional environment,” he said. “These updates reflect our commitment to transparency, community engagement, and operational excellence.”

The remodel is moving forward as the department and city continue to balance priorities.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has opened a public comment period for a special proposal, and they would like to hear your input.

“It’s an air quality protection permit to ensure that we protect the air quality in the Yuma area near the facility,” said ADEQ’s Air Quality Division Director Daniel Czecholinski. “It’s for a facility that is going to be processing agriculture biomass, so waste from farms and stuff like that. And it’s a pulping facility, so they are trying to make it making a pulp out of that.”

The Yuma Bioprocessing Facility would be located at 2992 S. Rebecca Avenue Yuma, Arizona 85365. They need the permit prior to operation.

The comment period runs from June 4 to July 4. It gives residents a chance to share their thoughts on the permit before final approval.

There will also be a virtual public hearing on July 3 at 3:00 p.m. You can register here.

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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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