Author: KYMA

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma City Council candidate Henry Valenzuela says he is running for office to represent hardworking families and help create opportunities for future generations in the community he has called home his entire life.

Valenzuela believes Yuma has an opportunity to continue moving forward while maintaining a strong focus on public safety, infrastructure and youth development.

“I’m running for Yuma City Council because I am really optimistic of the City of Yuma,” Valenzuela said. “I think that we have an opportunity to move Yuma in a direction that really focuses on hardworking families here in Yuma, so that is what my campaign is focused on.”

Valenzuela said voters should support his campaign because of his deep roots in the community and commitment to protecting taxpayers.

“People should vote for me because I am from Yuma. I love Yuma,” he said. “So a vote for Henry is a vote for Yuma. I really want to focus on keeping government costs low. I’m trying to prevent us from raising taxes and fees.”

One of the key messages of his campaign is encouraging residents to participate in the election process. Valenzuela said every vote can make a difference and that local government should remain focused on serving the community rather than special interests.

“People think that their vote doesn’t matter and I would say that around this time it does matter,” Valenzuela said. “You have somebody like me who’s looking to make sure that we’re not representing special interests or any special groups in this community, but what I’m focused on is the hardworking families here in Yuma.”

Valenzuela identified public safety, infrastructure and youth sports as the three primary issues he hopes to address if elected.

“Public safety because if we’re not safe, nothing else matters,” he said. “Public infrastructure so we gotta keep our roads and our parks and our pools looking nice so that way people can enjoy Yuma. And then youth sports. Youth sports is something we can all focus on. When our kids win, we all win.”

In addition to those priorities, Valenzuela said his campaign is centered on keeping taxes low and ensuring government remains focused on its core responsibilities.

The election is approaching quickly. Residents are reminded that the deadline to register to vote is June 22, with the primary election scheduled for July 21.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The University of Arizona’s Yuma Agricultural Center is modernizing its operations with the addition of two new tractors, marking the first major equipment upgrade at the facility in more than two decades.

The new tractors will support research projects and daily farm operations at the center’s agricultural sites in Yuma County. Officials say the investment will help improve efficiency while supporting students, researchers, and the region’s agricultural industry.

The Yuma Agricultural Center is part of the University of Arizona’s statewide agricultural experiment station network and serves as a hub for research on crop production, irrigation efficiency, pest management, and other agricultural practices important to the desert Southwest.

According to Dr. Samuel Discua Duarte, director of the Yuma Agricultural Center, the new equipment comes after years of relying on aging machinery.

“We’ve been struggling with our equipment,” Duarte said. “It’s been over 20 years since we bought new tractors for the farm, so this definitely is a big boost to our operations.”

For years, the center primarily relied on surplus equipment that required frequent maintenance and repairs. Officials say the new tractors will help crews stay on schedule with field preparation, planting, and research activities.

The equipment will be used across the center’s research farms and is expected to improve productivity while reducing downtime caused by mechanical issues.

Beyond supporting agricultural research, the center also provides hands-on learning opportunities for students preparing for careers in agriculture.

University leaders say the upgraded equipment will help ensure students gain experience with modern farming technology while contributing to research that benefits local growers.

Officials say the new tractors represent an important investment in the future of agriculture in Yuma County and will help the center continue serving as a valuable resource for the farming community.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Valley Healthcare District (IVHD) issued a public health call to action urging men across Imperial County to prioritize their long-term wellness by scheduling routine preventive health screenings.

Local health officials emphasize that early detection is the most effective tool to protect long-term health and ensure families continue to thrive.

Regular visits with a primary care provider allow clinicians to identify serious health risks before noticeable symptoms ever appear, giving patients the opportunity to take proactive steps and avoid future complications.

Public health data shows that many common, life-threatening conditions develop quietly without any early warning signs, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular heart disease.

Establishing a consistent relationship with a primary care doctor provides a vital health baseline. During a standard preventive visit, providers review family medical history, assess daily lifestyle habits, and determine an optimized screening schedule based on individual risk factors.

The IVHD breaks down essential men’s health priorities into three distinct age brackets:

Young Adulthood (Ages 18–39):

Provider Care: Establish a reliable relationship with a primary care doctor.

Vitals: Check blood pressure regularly to monitor cardiovascular strain.

Mental Wellness: Discuss stress, sleep patterns, mental health, and substance use.

Risk Assessment: Review family medical history to map out future genetic risks.

Midlife Wellness (Ages 40–49):

Metabolic Health: Increase focus on diabetes risk and blood sugar levels.

Cardiovascular Focus: Schedule regular cholesterol checks and monitor weight management.

Oncology Precaution: Begin tailored discussions about cancer risks based on family patterns.

Mature Health & Longevity (Ages 50+):

Cancer Screenings: Discuss and schedule colorectal cancer screening options.

Routine Maintenance: Continue ongoing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol testing.

Immune Protection: Review and update necessary vaccinations and overall wellness plans.

Local healthcare officials stress that scheduling a checkup is a vital step toward protecting your future self and your family.

Reach out to a local primary care physician to schedule your annual physical and request an age-appropriate screening checklist.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – As summer temperatures rise, the Imperial County Public Health Department is urging residents, visitors, and travelers to take immediate precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses.

The warning follows a recent investigation where laboratory testing confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue fever in Imperial County.

While most dengue cases in California are linked to travel outside the United States, local transmission can occur. In 2025, California recorded 213 dengue cases, seven of which were locally acquired.

Symptoms typically appear between a few days to two weeks after a bite from an infected mosquito.

Dengue: Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and a rash. While most people recover in a week, severe dengue is a medical emergency.

West Nile Virus & St. Louis Encephalitis: Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, rash, and fatigue. While many infected people show no symptoms, these viruses can cause severe nervous system complications in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The Vector Control Program conducts year-round monitoring and treatment, but officials stress that community action is vital to controlling the insect population.

Health officials recommend the following daily precautions:

Apply Repellent: Use EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, even during the day.

Dress Defensively: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when possible.

Secure Your Home: Ensure all doors and windows have properly fitted mesh screens.

Dump Standing Water: Regularly empty containers that hold water, including flowerpots, buckets, old tires, birdbaths, and pet dishes.

Maintain Pools: Keep swimming pools, spas, and ornamental ponds clean and chlorinated.

Report Breeding Sites: Contact local authorities to report neglected swimming pools or major sources of stagnant water.

For more details on local monitoring and prevention tips, visit the Imperial County Vector Control Website.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) — The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) is issuing a warning to the public following a surge in illegal dumping calls across the region.

Law enforcement officials emphasize that discarding trash, tires, and hazardous chemicals on public property is not merely an eyesore. It is a serious environmental crime that carries severe consequences. 

The Imperial Valley’s vast landscape, which includes sprawling agricultural farmlands, open desert areas, and critical irrigation canals, has become increasingly vulnerable to polluters.

Beyond ruining the natural landscape, authorities warn that these dump sites create immediate public health risks and dangerous fire hazards for nearby communities. 

Because Imperial County covers such a massive geographical area, deputies face a steep challenge in monitoring every sector. As a result, the sheriff’s office is relying heavily on the community to act as extra eyes and ears on the ground.

“Report anytime you see something,” said Lt. Mike Mistriel with ICSO. “We want to keep Imperial County beautiful and we don’t want to have piles of trash and things out everywhere. Obviously, the only place for people to dispose of trash is at an appropriate dump site, or if it’s batteries and paint, there’s specific recycling areas for that.”

Investigators stress that timing is critical when it comes to stopping these crimes. The quicker a community member reports an active or fresh dump site, the higher the likelihood that deputies can track down, identify, and prosecute the offenders. 

Local officials remind residents that illegal dumping is entirely preventable. The county recently approved mandatory trash collection hauler services for unincorporated areas to align with state environmental laws, eliminating any excuse for self-hauling waste into the desert.

Furthermore, every municipal city within Imperial County currently operates specialized residential trash programs designed to handle heavy waste, bulky furniture, and hazardous materials. 

Instead of discarding items illegally, community members should utilize the legal, dedicated services provided by their respective city haulers: 

El Centro: Residents serviced by CR&R Environmental Services are allotted free curbside bulky item pickups twice a year (up to four large items per pickup), along with free electronic waste collection and Saturday public dumping hours. 

Brawley: Partnering with Republic Services, the city hosts scheduled community clean-up events, such as the Brawley Spring Clean-Up at the Municipal Airport, allowing residents to drop off bulky household items free of charge. Curbside bulk options can also be scheduled directly through the hauler. 

Calexico: Residential customers serviced by Republic Services are entitled to weekly large item pickup services for items that do not fit standard containers, alongside bi-annual city-wide cleanup events.

Imperial: In partnership with Republic Services, the city holds seasonal Spring Clean-Up drop-off events at the IV Fairgrounds. For regular weekly disposal, Republic Services also offers curbside bulky item pickups at no extra charge (up to one item per week or four per month).

Calipatria, Holtville, and Westmorland: Residents in these municipalities can coordinate bulk pickup services through CR&R or utilize community waste drop-offs.

Property owners in unincorporated county areas who fall victim to illegal dumping on private land can also apply for the County Clean-Up Assistance Program (CCAP) through the Public Health Department to offset disposal fees. 

Hazardous materials like household batteries, electronic waste, and leftover paint should never be thrown into regular trash or abandoned on public land. These must be dropped off safely at designated regional recycling hubs.

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Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The El Centro City Council has voted unanimously to place a half-cent local sales tax measure on the upcoming November ballot, aiming to counter flattening revenues and fund critical municipal infrastructure.

If approved by voters, the proposed tax is projected to generate $8.4 million annually for the city’s general fund.

Local officials stress the measure is vital to maintaining essential services, while some residents express concern over the financial impact amid an already high cost of living.

According to city leaders, El Centro’s revenue growth is currently stalling. Without a new funding stream, officials warn the city will struggle to keep pace with rising operational costs and the demands of its growing population.

The projected $8.4 million in annual revenue would be directed toward city staffing, road and pothole repairs, park maintenance, recreation centers, crime prevention, and emergency response times.

“These taxes apply to everybody who travels through our city and stops and makes a purchase,” said El Centro City Manager Robert Sawyer.

Sawyer emphasized the potential consequences if the ballot measure fails to pass, highlighting a future where the city might lack the resources to maintain basic community standards.

“When you look at what’s gonna happen when we don’t have it, when we can’t fill those potholes, when we can’t fix the sidewalks and we can’t build a park in your neighborhood or we can’t get a police officer to you or a firefighter or medical emergency to you in a timely fashion…that is something I don’t want to consider,” Sawyer said.

While the math behind the tax amounts to just one nickel for every ten dollars spent, some community members argue that any tax increase represents an unnecessary burden for households already feeling a financial squeeze.

El Centro resident Stewart Booher acknowledged that local leadership has done a commendable job upgrading parks, recreation, and infrastructure, but questioned the timing of the measure.

“Right now it may cause some problems I think…not just for me, but for the people who may not have as much in the bank as I do, and I don’t have that much,” Booher said. “With all the added costs that are already coming to us, you know, because of all the things going on, yeah, it’s just an additional burden.”

Beyond the immediate financial impact, voter trust remains a central point of discussion. Voters will have to weigh the city’s promises against their own confidence in local government spending.

Sawyer defended the administration’s fiscal management, pointing to tangible results from past revenue initiatives.

“I think the city has had a proven track record to keeping their word in the use of sales tax and that can be seen in a lot of our capital projects,” he stated.

The final decision now rests with El Centro voters this November. If the ballot measure secures approval, consumers will see the half-cent sales tax go into effect next April.

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Lynette Niebla

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – After a three year hiatus, Brawley’s premier public pool is officially reopening its doors to the community this weekend.

While the Lions Center pool facility maintains its original, familiar structure, the entire complex has undergone an extensive top-to-bottom renovation. Upgrades to the facility include all-new plumbing, fresh tile, pristine plastering, and a completely recoated deck.

Beyond general open public swimming, city officials revealed that the modernized facility will expand its community offerings this season by introducing brand-new summer programming tailored for both children and adults.

Brawley Mayor JJ Galvan emphasized that reviving the local landmark was a critical priority for city leaders, noting how vital accessible water recreation is to local residents facing extreme desert temperatures.

“This is a necessity, especially here in the valley,” Mayor Galvan said. “This was something important to all of us and we’re happy to see this finally come to fruition. We can’t wait to see this [filled] again with kids swimming and enjoying these hot summer days.”

The grand reopening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, at 9:00 a.m. The pool will officially open for public swimming immediately following the ribbon-cutting.

City organizers emphasize that the kickoff celebration is completely free, open to all ages, and requires no tickets or prior registration.

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Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – One of the Imperial Valley’s most anticipated summer events is back on the calendar, promising a high-stakes, flavorful battle to find the region’s best cocktail.

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting its rescheduled Fifth Annual Margarita Challenge: Battle of the Bars Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the historic Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse.

This year’s challenge features a major twist to the traditional lineup. For the first time, the competition is expanding beyond established local bars.

Area businesses and community organizations have been invited to set up their own mixing stations, throwing their hats into the ring to challenge local bartenders for the coveted title of “Best Margarita in the Imperial Valley.”

Attendees will get to enjoy a curated tasting experience, sampling unique margarita creations from the diverse field of competitors. The evening also features a nacho bar, live entertainment, and a critical networking opportunity for local professionals.

The centerpiece of the night is the popular choice vote. Every attendee will receive a ballot to cast their vote and personally crown this year’s mixology champion.

The event is strictly limited to guests 21 years of age and older, and valid identification is required at check-in.

Tickets are available at the venue tonight for $30. For more information, community members can contact the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at (760) 352-7413 or via email at events@ivregionalchamber.com.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A new early literacy initiative is coming to the Imperial Valley, aiming to put free books into the hands of thousands of local children before the upcoming school year.

Soroptimist International of El Centro and the Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered to launch a local chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Founded by the iconic country music star, the world-renowned program mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes every month from birth until age five.

Organizers estimate that roughly 13,000 children across the Imperial Valley are eligible for the program. However, to officially jumpstart the initiative and cover initial costs, coordinators are turning to the local business community for financial backing.

“Our hope is to raise about $56,000 so that we can launch this program in the next couple of months,” said Christina Green, Community Engagement Coordinator. “We’re instilling a love of reading, exposing them to worlds outside of what they know, and getting them ready to start their school journey.”

Sponsorship contributions will directly fund book purchases and mailing costs for local families. Organizers are actively seeking corporate partners, local businesses, and foundations to help reach their $56,000 launch goal.

If you or your organization would like to get involved as a founding sponsor, you can email organizers directly at info@ca.imaginationlibrary.com.

Parents can register their children online right now. To verify eligibility and begin the enrollment process, visit the Imagination Library Check Availability page. Once on the page, simply click your state and county to sign up your child.

Local families can also get a first look at the program in person on July 9. The Imagination Library will host a dedicated registration and information booth at the El Centro Library during its Summer Reading Program.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Animal welfare in Imperial County is set for a major transformation following the approval of a massive grant to launch a mobile veterinary clinic.

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a grant of over $630,000 through their Community Benefit Program.

The funding will allow the Humane Society of Imperial County to purchase and operate a fully equipped mobile spay and neuter clinic.

The region currently suffers from a critical shortage of veterinary care, operating with just one permanent veterinarian.

As a result, local pet owners frequently must travel out of town for basic animal medical services.

The new mobile unit will bring essential medical services directly to underserved communities across the valley. Planned stops include remote areas such as Salton City, Palo Verde, and Winterhaven.

“This is the perfect opportunity for us to start eliminating all of that,” said Devon Apodaca, Executive Director of the Imperial County Humane Society. “To have something of our own, being able to bring something more concrete, it’s gonna change everything.”

Apodaca noted that the $630,000 grant will also cover the first year of medical supplies and medications required to launch the program.

The Humane Society expects the mobile service to reduce stray populations and relieve chronically overcrowded local shelters.

For residents like Rhonda Ruiz, the arrival of the mobile clinic brings immense relief. Ruiz, who recently adopted a new kitten, recalls the immense stress of seeking emergency care for her dog in a region without options.

“I had to drive to the Foothills in Yuma,” Ruiz said. “We were able to get him fixed, but to have something local would just be really convenient. It’s comforting. In the back of my mind, I was kind of worried about that.”

While funding is secured, the project faces the immediate hurdle of recruiting qualified medical personnel.

The Humane Society is currently partnering with the Animal Action League for staff training as they begin their search for veterinary professionals.

“We’re gonna start looking at assembling a vet team,” Apodaca said, noting they hope to attract fresh talent. “There are some new doctors fresh out of vet school that know that there is a need here.”

Officials estimate that the mobile clinic will be fully staffed, equipped, and on the road by this time next year.

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