Author: KYMA

Jessamyn Dodd

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – The candidate pool for Calexico City Council is quickly filling up with another name added to the mix.

Blanca Morales has qualified for the November election, with her sights set on a council seat.

Morales has a background in healthcare and business, and wants to see a revitalization of the downtown area.

“The biggest issue that I see is just starting with the simple things such as the streets, the sidewalks that is a huge liability with the city and it has been, has not been worked on consistently,” Morales explained.

She said she would like to see more businesses investing in Calexico rather than moving to other cities in the Imperial Valley.

“Downtown business improvement. The merchants and how we can work with our new border and having those conversations at the federal level,” she said.

As of now, there are eight qualified candidates for two open seats in Calexico.

The midterm election is Tuesday, November 3.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma native says she is being forced out of her home after her Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits were cut, leaving her unable to keep up with rent.

Dana Clark and her dog, Diesel, now have just four days to pack up and leave the home they have lived in since 2019.

Clark says she has received SSDI benefits since 2009 after suffering head injuries in a motorcycle accident.

According to Clark, her benefits were cut after the Social Security Administration (SSA) determined she had been overpaid.

She believes the overpayment determination stemmed from earning just over the allowable amount while participating in the SSA’s Ticket to Work program, which helps disability beneficiaries transition into employment.

“Unfortunately you know your rent doesn’t wait… so for the first couple of months I sold everything…like I sold my dad’s truck,” Clark said. “So I did I made up…I made my payments and then I got some help here and there.”

Clark says losing her monthly disability benefits has made it impossible to afford her housing, ultimately leading to her eviction.

“They failed me. They epically failed me. I lost…I lost my house,” Clark said. “I was evicted yesterday.”

As she prepares to leave her home, Clark says she still struggles to understand what happened.

“It’s hard to admit that you didn’t understand what was going on,” Clark said. “I didn’t realize what they were telling me. And now, I’m still going to lose my house.”

The SSA’s Ticket to Work program allows many SSDI recipients to pursue employment while receiving work supports.

However, beneficiaries remain subject to SSDI work and earnings rules, and in some cases SSA may determine that benefits were overpaid if a recipient is found to have received payments they were not entitled to.

News 11 reached out to the Social Security Administration to learn more about its benefit and overpayment processes, as well as Clark’s concerns.

As of this publication, the agency had not responded to our request for comment.

You can help support Clark here.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA Ariz. (KYMA) – As the Cyclospora outbreak continues, health officials are reminding people in Yuma County to take precautions when handling and eating fresh produce.

Local resident Victor Preciavo says he is being careful about the types of lettuce he purchases.

“I try to stay away from lettuce especially if it’s cut lettuce,” Preciavo said. “Especially not if it’s processed form, in the bag, I’ll stay away from that.”

Preciavo also says washing produce is an important part of keeping his family safe.

“You definitely have to wash all vegetables,” he said. “You just can’t eat it off the counter where it’s at.”

Ryan Butcher with the Yuma County Health District says Cyclospora is not always routinely tested for, meaning reported cases may not represent every infection.

“Cyclosporiasis is something we don’t typically test for unless it’s in severe cases,” Butcher said. “Even though the number is really small, it’s just something that we want to be aware of.”

The Health District says the risk remains low, but recommends washing fruits and vegetables and practicing good hand hygiene.

“The risk remains low, but as always, follow good hygiene practice,” Butcher said. “Wash your fruits and vegetables. Wash your hands anytime you use the restroom and typically that is going to be enough to keep you safe.”

Health officials say symptoms can last for weeks, and anyone experiencing prolonged symptoms should contact their primary care provider.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) said two people have been arrested, and 12 firearms have been seized.

YPD said the arrests happened Wednesday after serving search warrants at two homes in Yuma, where they seized 12 firearms, along with other evidence.

In addition, YPD said an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were both arrested “on weapon related charges and multiple other felony offenses.”

However, YPD said the boy was also charged in two other cases, which involved firearms, that happened back in December of last year and May of this year.

Meanwhile, the man is held at the Yuma County Detention Center on a bond of $200,000, and facing seven felonies, including weapons violations and assisting a criminal street gang.

If anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at 928-783-4421, or 78-CRIME at 928-782-7463 to remain anonymous.

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Abraham Retana

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) – A big rig truck overturned on Interstate 8 (I-8) after crashing into a box truck near the Agriculture Inspection Station in Winterhaven.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday. A semi-truck traveling eastbound crashed into a box truck traveling westbound.

“For some reason undetermined, the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve on the road and it drove into the center median near the Agriculture Inspection Station,” said Officer Isidro Centeno with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). “From there, it continued to the westbound lanes where it collided into a box truck.”

Initially, all westbound lanes were blocked while crews began cleanup. As debris was cleared, lanes began to open up to let traffic pass.

CHP said both drivers involved in the crash were injured.

“As a result, the driver of the big rig sustained minor injuries and the driver of the box truck sustained major injuries and was later flown out to a nearby hospital,” Officer Centeno shared.

In addition to CHP, American Medical Response, the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, and fire crews were also on the scene.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A GoFundMe has been created to help the family of a man who died from a very rare form of bone cancer.

The GoFundMe’s organizer said Donovan Manchado passed away on his 27th birthday after battling the cancer for two years.

During his two-year battle, the organizer said Manchado “showed incredible strength as he endured multiple surgeries, including the amputation of his right hand.”

Fighting cancer is never easy, but for Manchado, he had one thing to deal with the pain: Art.

The cancer also never stopped him from doing the things he loved.

Even on his bad days, Manchado would always look for the good as he battled cancer.

“We never knew how much pain he was really in. He would deny. His answer was, ‘I’m ok, I’ll be alright.’ He was always doing his best to get up and down the house. He tried to do everything himself. He would do his own dishes. He would do his own clothes. He’d clean up after himself. He never drifted from that,” said Jose Lopez Estrada, Manchado’s stepfather.

Prior to his passing, Donovan spent most of his time drawing generating many followers on social media.

“Everybody came and gave him his birthday wishes. And I think he heard us. He can hear us. And he sensed it. It was time to let him go. And I think that was the hardest thing, especially on his birthday,” said Shavon Lopez, Donovan’s mother.

Manchado was very close to his extended family. His uncle, Robert Counts, said Manchado was a fighter that didn’t let anything get in his way.

“Donny was the strongest person in our family. Because he would show you that he can do things that normal people couldn’t. He had one arm, he would show you all the things he could do by himself. ‘No no, I can do it by himself,’ he said. That’s why he’s the strongest person in the family,” Counts shared.

Donovan’s funeral is on Friday but his impact will last a lifetime in his family and in the community.

“He had so much creativity and my brothers just loved him the way who he was. They dreamed of being successful as he was when he was still around,” said Tyler Porter, Manchado’s brother. “Donovan may the force be with you.”

The GoFundMe was created to help his family with funeral expenses “as they try to honor Donovan’s memory and navigate this heartbreaking loss,” the organizer said.

The GoFundMe has a goal of $3,000, with nearly $1,870 raised so far. If anyone is interested in donating to the GoFundMe, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma School District One said Castle Dome Middle School earned a Heart Safe School designation through Project ADAM’s Heart Safe School Program.

In a press release, the program is to help schools across the country “strengthen cardiac arrest emergency preparedness through awareness, training and practiced response plans.”

Courtesy: Yuma School District One

District One said the designation, which Castle Dome earned back in May, “represents months of preparation and collaboration focused on strengthening the school’s chain of survival.”

District One also said more than 50 Castle Dome staff members received CPR/AED training, conducted emergency drills and routine AED inspections to ensure that the equipment is ready when needed.

Courtesy: Yuma School District One

“Castle Dome Middle School’s Heart Safe School designation is an important accomplishment for the entire District One community,” said Sarah Bales, Director of Health Services. “We are proud of the preparation and teamwork that went into this effort, and we look forward to building on this work as we expand Project ADAM and strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness across our district.”

To learn more about this, read the press release below.

2026-4 Project ADAM at Castle DomeDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is warning residents of a scam targeting families of people in custody.

In a press release, scammers impersonate law enforcement officials, claiming to represent bail bond agencies who accept payment for an inmate’s release.

However, YCSO said, “Bondsmen are not permitted to solicit their services by telephone,” and said payments to release an inmate must be made in person by cash “or through a surety bond obtained from licensed bondsman,” and “credit cards, electronic payments and payments over the phone are not accepted.”

In addition, YCSO said law enforcement agencies will never call anyone to request any form of electronic payment over the phone, and said if anyone receives a call demanding immediate payment, they are urged to hang up as it’s a scam.

If anyone has fallen victim to scams or fraud, call a law enforcement agency to report the crime.

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – You get a knock at the door. They’re selling solar and have a great plan to turn all of the sunshine into savings for you.

That could happen, But if they talk of federal credits for owners or free panels or wiping out electricity bills, beware!

Also, many solar companies have gone out of business, leaving customers with systems they sometimes cannot use.

BBB ScamTracker shows a man paid $52,000 for a solar system and battery.  He says the system goes off line without warning. The company closed and he’s stuck trying to repair it himself.

Most federal incentives to buy solar are gone. 

One buyer was promised his energy production would wipe out electric bills. That didn’t happen and he now also pays a $128 monthly lease payment saying, “My budget cannot sustain this.”

Experts say in most cases, solar will not wipe out electricity costs. 

Still, surveys show most solar owners are happy they made the choice. 

If you’re thinking about solar, protect yourself. Search complaints online and check bbb.org for accredited solar businesses. Get three written estimates never signing under pressure. Talk to someone with solar about costs and benefits.

Arizona still offers an up to $1,000 tax credit for new rooftop solar owners.

In California, some electricity providers offer rebates for solar installs, but these things change so check for any federal, state or local incentives before you sign.

In Arizona, the nonprofit SolarUnitedNeighbors.org offers free solar advice and will examine contracts before you sign. 

Before trusting any business, check out reviews, complaints and for trusted Accredited Businesses at BBB.org and visit BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Check out BBB scam warnings at joeknowsbetter.com.

More solar protections from the Better Business Bureau:

If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating installation offers. Con artists use misleading sales tactics and lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information.

If you’ve received an offer for “free solar panels,” it could be a scam. Always look for businesses you can trust, like Accredited Businesses using the BBB Seal.

How the scam works

Someone contacts you through email, phone, social media, or even in person pretending to be a solar company salesperson.

The “representative” has a special offer: They can install solar panels on your home for a very low cost, or even free. This amazing deal is only available for a limited time, so you must act now!

From here, the scam can take several turns. In some versions, the scammer is after your personal information.

They ask you to fill out forms with your banking details “to see if you qualify.” Other times, the “solar representative” claims you need to pay upfront costs, which they promise will be reimbursed by a (non-existent) government program.

In other instances, the scammer may begin the installation of the solar panels on your home but then never return to finish the job.

Or, they may install the panels but do a poor job, resulting in panels that don’t work. If you reach out to the scammer to finish the job or fix the panels, they will become unreachable and disappear with your money.

BBB Scam Tracker has seen numerous reports of this kind of scam. One homeowner was approached by a door-to-door salesperson “claiming he could get me a new roof plus solar equipment, with a government rebate for 26% off cost, essentially paying for the new roof.”

After doing their research, the homeowner found that while a government rebate program existed, the salesperson misrepresented it to make a sale.

In another case, a homeowner shared, “[Company name redacted] is a solar company promising one free year and other incentives upon signing but they never followed through on anything in their contract. After the instillation of solar, they stopped answering their phones and went silent on customers. We financed a 70k solar project for our house and are still waiting on them to finish instillation a year later. They promised to provide a lifetime upkeep and maintenance on the panels but are not doing so. They took the money and ran.”

How to avoid solar panel scams

Do your research. Genuine incentive programs and reputable solar energy contractors do exist. Before you accept an unsolicited offer, do some research on solar companies in your area. Investigate each company’s reputation and business practices before signing a service contract. Ask for references from previous customers and talk with them about their experience. If you’re suspecting a scam, check BBB Scam Tracker to see if others are reporting the same experience.

Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists want to provoke an emotional reaction that would cause you to give in to their requests without thinking it through. Take your time; know that a legitimate company won’t pressure you to act. If someone uses aggressive sales tactics on you, especially if the offer was initially unsolicited, it’s best to cut off communication immediately.

Get competing bids. Contact several solar installers if you plan on going solar and get bids from each company. If someone is pulling a con, they will be much easier to spot this way. Learn more about what to ensure is included in your home improvement contract.

Ask plenty of questions and consider the answers. Ask questions about any aspect of a contract or proposal you don’t understand. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red flag.

For more information

Sign up for our weekly Scam Alert emails. Find solar panel installers near you and solar energy contractors near you.

Read BBB’s guide to going solar.

Report solar installation scams to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help expose common scam tactics and reduce scammers’ effectiveness.

Need help with your home improvement project? Visit our Home Improvement HQ or our Roofing HQ. 

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Morgan Feller

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – T-Mobile announced they are bringing a Friday Night 5G Lights Tailgate event to Calexico this weekend.

In Yuma, Yuma High, Gila Ridge and Harvest prep took part in the action Tuesday afternoon, hoping to win money for their school.

According to T-Mobile, this is to give small-town high schools across the country “more opportunities than ever to celebrate their communities and compete for prizes that can make a meaningful difference.”

The schools who participate can win more than $8.4 million in prizes, including a $1 million football field transformation, T-Mobile said.

Those who attend will meet local football players, cheerleaders and band members, play games, participate in giveaways, and more.

The event is taking place Saturday, August 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the T-Mobile store, located at 2536 Rockwood Avenue, Suites 104 and 105.

To learn more about the competition and event, click here. To apply for your school to participate in the competition, click here.

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