Author: KYMA

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma will be hosting an open house to present the updated Join Land Use Plan (JLUP).

The presentation is an opportunity for the community to review the update, which was made in collaboration with Yuma, Somerton and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

Several informational boards and interaction stations will be in place for the public to understand the JLUP.

“The JLUP serves as a critical tool for guiding future growth and development in Yuma while balancing the needs of our residents, economy, and neighboring military operations,” said Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services Alyssa Linville. “We encourage residents to attend, engage with the material, and see how their input helped shape this final plan.”

The open house will be in room 190 in City Hall on June 2 at 6 p.m.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As summer kicks off, more families might want to cool off in the water, but that fun can turn dangerous in an instant.

This is how fast it can happen, a person slips underwater, and within seconds, it turns into a life-or-death emergency. That’s why officials say now is the time to get ready, not after something goes wrong.

In Yuma, officials say they don’t want to wait for tragedy to take action.

Carol Smith, nurse educator at Onvida Health, says drownings are the number one leading cause of death in young children.

“We all know somebody, tragically, that has been affected by drowning. We’re a water community, you know, we’re all around water so its really really important because its also the number one leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4,” explained Smith.

According to the latest data published by the Arizona Department of Health Services, in 2021, there were 29 drowning deaths in ages 0 to 4. That’s why the City of Yuma is teaming up with the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance, offering a free one-hour class to teach parents about water safety.

“They’ll learn some hands on CPR and have the opportunity to sign up for more in depth classes, they’ll leave with a life jacket for their child, they’ll understand the importance of layering all those things of protection together,” said Smith.

For the Yuma Fire Department (YFD), prevention means starting before the siren even sounds.

“Each year, the Yuma Fire Department does respond to either a near drowning or a drowning. It’s one of the important things that the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance is working on. We would love to get that number down to zero,” said David Padilla, Public Information Officer with YFD.

YFD says drownings are often silent and preventable, which is why being prepared can help avoid tragedy in the future.

“It’s important we’re taking all of our safety precautions, whether that’s learning how to swim, learning CPR classes, ensuring that pool gates and latches are closed, door alarms, water watchers during swim parties. We want to make sure our community is taking all of the precautions they possibly can,” explained Padilla.

For more information on how you can sign up for water safety classes, you can click here.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Bird flu, also called H5N1, was found last week at a poultry farm in Maricopa County, Arizona.

The farm which has not been named is now under quarantine. Health officials say eggs from sick birds were not sold to the public.

The Yuma County Public Health Department says people should not worry, but they should still be careful.

“H5N1 bird flu is a viral infection that primarily effects poultry like chicken, duck, turkeys, and other wild birds, so it rarely affects humans,” said Cynthia Espinoza, an epidemiologist.

“The precautions that we can follow is of course avoid contact with poultry wild bird, or any animal that looks sick, or ill, or is dead,” Espinoza said.

She also gave food safety advice: “Drink pasteurized milk it kills harmful bacteria and precautions when cooking poultry meat eggs cook them at the right temperature in order to kill bacteria and viruses including H5N1.”

Yuma County resident Dareese Lackland said, “It’s a little weird because I used to eat a lot of eggs, but I still eat eggs because their one of the highest nutritional value stuff, it is worrisome but you gotta do what you gotta do with what you have.”

Health officials say the risk is still low, and good hygiene and cooking habits can help keep you safe.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – An event will be held in Yuma to celebrate Juneteenth.

The event will be on June 14 at Carver Park (385 S. 13th Ave.) from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Raffles, activities, and food vendors are planned to be at the park.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery on June 19, 1865.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The racing suspect involved in the death of an 18-year-old girl was sentenced for manslaughter Thursday.

18-year-old Hugo Pinon received 60 months of supervised probation.

Pinon pled guilty to one count of manslaughter per domestic violence.

In January, Yuma police say Pinon was racing another person when Pinon crashed and 18-year-old Ashley Lopez was ejected from the car.

Lopez later died after being taken to Onvida health.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA) wrote to California Governor Gavin Newsom about protecting Calipatria State Prison.

Governor Newsom previously made an announcement regarding the closure of a state prison due to a revision in the California budget.

Closing the Calipatria prison is only a possibility, but Congressman Ruiz wrote to governor saying that the prison’s closure would have a devastating economic impact on the Imperial Valley.

“The closure of Calipatria State Prison would strip away a critical source of economic security from families already struggling to make ends meet,” said Congressman Dr. Ruiz. “This is about more than just jobs; it’s about protecting the ability of parents to provide for their children and ensuring that communities in Imperial Valley are not left behind. I am calling on Governor Newsom to not close the Calipatria State Prison.”

Closing the prison would affect hundreds of jobs for locals.

The possible closure of the prison would also follow the planned closure of the Spreckels Sugar Plant.

The region of Imperial Valley currently has an unemployment rate of 16%.

You can read Congressman Ruiz’s full letter below:

2025-05-21_Letter to Gavin Newsom_Calipatria Prison ClosureDownload

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Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A man was shot after reports of a burglary in El Centro, according to El Centro Police Department (ECPD).

On May 21, at about 8:08 p.m., officers were called about a suspicious person, who was believed to have a gun, trying to rob a house in the area of South Second Street and Main Street.

ECPD says a shooting happened once officers arrived on scene.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Ezequiel Espinoza, was shot and pronounced dead.

His mother spoke to us from where the shooting happened.

“Bad, I feel bad. Losing a son is not easy. What do you think I feel? I had him, he’s a part of me,” said Lydia Navarrete.

She says she’s heartbroken and wants answers.

No word on if the officer is on leave.

ECPD say they can’t comment further and the State Department of Justice has taken over the investigation.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call the investigations sergeant at (760) 352-2111.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Western College women’s basketball has redefined itself as a national contender under head coach Chelsea Dewey, following a breakout season that saw the Matadors notch 25 wins, claim an Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) title, and secure a spot in the national tournament.

In just her second full year leading the program, Dewey helped transform a team once in transition into one of the country’s most competitive squads.

“Nationally ranked, made it to nationals…that’s just because the girls showed up every day for each other,” Dewey said. “I’m very proud of that, but we’re not satisfied. We want to be a contender every year.”

The Matadors didn’t just win, they won big. The team recorded seven victories over ranked opponents, built a reputation for fierce, team-first basketball, and brought high-energy play back to the court in Yuma.

“I’ve been coaching for 16 years, and this was one of the most fun teams I’ve ever been around,” said assistant coach Jeff Wilbur. “The girls were just a really special group. It was a perfect storm of positive energy.”

The dominance also earned Dewey national recognition. She was named the 2025 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Two-Year College Coach of the Year becoming just the second coach in Arizona community college history to receive the award.

Former head coach Patrick Cunningham, who led the program to success for more than two decades, says the recognition is well-deserved.

“She was young, driven, and willing to work for next to nothing. She put her head down and just went to work…a total basketball machine. So when it came time to hand the program off, she was in the right place at the right time. And it worked out really well.”

Much of the team’s strength stems from a strong sense of unity and purpose especially among its international players who have had to adjust to new challenges, both culturally and academically.

“My English wasn’t that good at first, but coach slowed things down to help us understand,” said sophomore guard Rita Gomes. “That builds confidence. It makes you feel good about yourself.”

For Dewey, winning games is just one piece of the mission. Developing players and helping them achieve long-term goals both on and off the court is what defines success.

“Naomi Zonzon Huyghe is a prime example. Dyvine Harris could have left after one year,” Dewey said. “If you come here, I’ll do whatever I can to help you achieve your dreams. It’s always about the kids.”

And while Dewey’s coaching journey began in Missouri, she says Yuma now feels like home.

“I go back in the summer, but I love it here. I love our fans,” Dewey said. “Even if I’m not friendly on game day, I appreciate the support, and the girls love it too.”

With momentum on her side and a growing legacy in the works, Dewey is already setting her sights on year three looking to build something even bigger at AWC.

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Marcos Icahuate

INDIO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A man was arrested after being suspected of smuggling over 100 pounds of meth near Indio, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

On May 19, at about 10:30 a.m., Indio Station agents stopped a black pickup truck on Highway 86 near Indio.

A Border Patrol K-9 detected illegal drugs, which had agents find a crystal-like substance in the trailer.

About 36 packages of meth were found in three compartments in the trailer’s floor.

“A sharp-eyed Border Patrol agent from Indio Station and his K-9 partner just took it to the bad guys, and we are proud of them,” said El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino. “The Premier Sector goes to the ends of the earth to stop dangerous drugs such as these – ma and pa America, stay tuned, much more to come!”

The meth had an estimated street value of about $96,500, according to CBP.

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Marcos Icahuate

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A second Goodwill location is planned to be opened in San Luis, Arizona.

The International Council of Shopping Centers announced a Goodwill store opening at a redeveloped Del Sol Building (670 N Main Street).

“We are thrilled to welcome a second Goodwill location in our city,” stated Armando Esparza, Director of Economic Development and Government and Foreign Affairs. “This project is just another step forward for revitalizing our Main Street corridor.”

This second location is expected to bring 40 new jobs.

“We are excited to continue to see increased commercial activity on Main Street,” said Council member Luis Cabrera, who was at the ICSC meeting with Thrive Real Estate Group. “We thank Thrive Real Estate group for their continued presence and growth in San Luis.”

Construction is planned for summer of 2025 and expected to open in 2026.

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