Author: KYMA

Marcos Icahuate

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – Brawley police and fire departments responded to a call about a suspicious device on 402 S. Eastern Avenue.

A K9 team investigated further but have not given details on what the device could be.

Nearby residents were evacuated and roads were closed between I Street and K Street.

The Imperial County Fire Department Bomb Squad was reported to be on scene.

The City of Brawley then gave an all clear and said all residents have returned to their homes.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma announced a holiday event returning in December.

Downtown Christmas will have family friend activities such as live music, community performances, a skating rink, pictures with Santa and more.

The event is planned for December 6 on Main Street starting at 1 p.m.

A Christmas Tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. near the Yuma Art Center.

“There’s something special about seeing Main Street come alive with lights, music, and families celebrating together,” said Special Events Coordinator Brissa Garcia. “We’re excited to bring back free skating and local performances this year and can’t wait to help our community make news holiday memories with us.”

Admission is free to the public.

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Marcos Icahuate

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – An explosive device was found in a Brawley home, according to a press release from Brawley Police Department.

At about 8:30 a.m. on October 16, Brawley Police received a call regarding possible domestic violence involving a gun at 402 S. Eastern Avenue.

Once on scene, officers found a man and woman at the home. The man was then arrested in connection to the call.

Further investigation with a K9 team found an explosive device inside the bathroom.

Neighbors and nearby homes were evacuated.

A bomb removal team was able to disarm the device and the area was then deemed safe.

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Karina Bazarte

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA) – A fire broke out near the Barbara Worth Country Club, destroying a shed.

The Imperial County Fire Department (ICSO) says the fire started burning some palm trees outside the resort Tuesday. The fire traveled to the country club’s property.

“The fire eventually spread to an adjacent structure that was used as a warehouse,” said Cedric Ceseña with ICSO.

Country club manager Denise Espinoza says employees quickly jumped into action, using water hoses as the fire was moving fast.

“We saw the fire. We have a couple images. Everyone was already calling 911. We were doing our due diligence as much as possible to get as much water along the property edges just so it doesn’t move,” said Espinoza.

Employees, like Mike Allison, says they are still monitoring the area.

“Since this happened yesterday I’ve been out here since early in the morning and just keep going back and forth, like every 15 minutes I come to check it out,” said Allison.

ICSO says the blaze may have started from a schedule burn that got out of hand. However, Espinoza says the Imperial County Air Pollution is also investigating.

They confirmed today that they were going to conduct their side of the investigation…but they just confirmed that we weren’t scheduled on Barbara Worth’s side so they are going to be working on their investigation to see if someone had scheduled their own,” said Espinoza.

Espinoza also said one home had to be evacuated and power was quickly shut off after the fire damaged several electrical poles.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Halloween costume prices this year are expected to rise due to tariff taxes placed on imported goods by President Donald Trump.

Approximately 90% of materials for Halloween costumes and decorations are imported from China, one of the countries affected by the new tariff tax charges.

Locals at Yuma’s Spirit Halloween location shared how they are preparing for higher costume prices.

“It kind of affects in a way that we just kind of have to look at several options, like maybe shop around at several outlets and see what has the best price, as well as, you know, if we’re finding something that’s too expensive, and then having to switch over to maybe different options,” says Yuma local Jonathan Limon.

Erika Gutierrez, an employee at the location, shares how difficult it is for workers.

“We do try to help our guests, you know, try to get everything that they want in the store, you know, to fulfill their needs. Unfortunately, I know some people cannot afford everything we do have in store, and that does make us feel pretty bad,” Gutierrez expressed.

Limon added that it is cheaper to build a costume from scratch than it is to buy one at a store.

“When you’re looking at a complete set, they tend to be really high-end in price, like, more than a hundred bucks. And sometimes it’s even cheaper to build it and just get like different accessories for it,” he explained.

Gutierrez later explained that Spirit Halloween is always trying to have sales and opportunities for people to buy the things they cannot normally afford.

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Agriculture specialists from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made a significant discovery at the Port of San Luis, intercepting a pest that has never been detected in the United States.

The pest, identified as osbornellus salsus, is an insect that feeds on plants by sucking sap from grasses, trees, and shrubs.

They are known to transmit various plant diseases and pathogens, posing a potential threat to U.S. agriculture.

The discovery was made by CBP agriculture specialists during a routine shipment inspection shipment arriving from Mexico.

The shipment was later safeguarded and returned to Mexico.

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Jalen Fong

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro will host its third annual First Responders Wall Engraving ceremony.

This year’s ceremony marks the largest group of honorees in observance of National First Responders Day.

El Centro’s Mayor Sonia Carter says the city is proud to honor these remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting others and that their courage and sacrifice represent the very best of our community, and their names will forever be a symbol of service and strength.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 25 at 9 a.m. at First Responders Park in El Centro.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Following nearly a decade of service to Arizona Western College (AWC), AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr announced his intent to retire.

Corr made the announcement during Thursday’s district governing board meeting. His retirement marks 34 years of service in community college education.

The college says Doctor Corr will be remembered for his celebration and promotion of AWC’s first-generation students. 

He helped expand partnerships that have led to an increase in external funding through grants, fundraising, and a first-ever state appropriation of $15 million in 2024.

Another accomplishment is the development of a model for career and technical education, that has been recognized across the nation and globally.

Corr’s retirement will be effective in July of 2026.

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Skylar Heisey

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Saddle up, Imperial Valley! The Barbara Worth Brigadettes are gearing up for their annual Ranch Riding Event, a family-friendly day of fun, horsemanship, and community giving.

The Barbara Worth Brigadettes, one of the oldest equestrian clubs in the region, have been riding together since the 1940s.

For more than 80 years, the group has not only celebrated the Western lifestyle but also given back to the community through fundraising events like this one.

“This event highlights all of the activities a person would encounter on a trail ride or while working on a ranch,” explained member Marsha. “We use bridges, pivot boxes, walkovers, and back-throughs…all the kinds of things horses might face in a real ranch setting.”

The event features both ranch rail and ranch riding competitions, where participants will be judged on skills like walking, trotting, cantering, stopping, and backing.

Riders will also perform memorized patterns designed to build confidence for both horse and rider.

“These aren’t show horses — they’re real ranch horses,” said Marie Deyesso. “They’re obedient, hardworking, and beautiful. This is a great chance for riders of all levels to participate and have fun.”

The one-day event includes five age divisions, starting from riders 8 and under, all the way up to adult classes. Contestants can compete in multiple events, earning points toward high-point buckles for each age group.

Spectators are welcome and it’s free to attend. The Sheriff’s Posse will be serving breakfast, and lunch will be available for purchase. Attendees can also enter a raffle with about 15 prizes, so multiple people will go home winners.

Organizers remind everyone to follow the map on the flyer, as a nearby bridge is currently out. The correct route will be posted online.

“It’s fun to watch, fun to compete, and it’s all for a good cause,” said Marsha Boutwell. “If you’ve got a horse, come on out…we’re going to have a ball.”

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The man accused of illegally confining an elderly person was back in court Thursday, where several complaints were filed against him.

41-year-old Vincent Maldonado had complaints filed for his charges involving drugs.

Deputies say they found over 270 grams of meth, more than 10 grams of cocaine and multiple items that indicate selling drugs.

He’s also facing multiple elder abuse-related charges.

Maldonado is scheduled to be back in court Friday to see if charges have been filed for elder abuse.

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