Author: KYMA

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – As National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month comes to a close this July, new data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reveals a massive 25% drop in vehicle thefts across the Golden State.

However, local law enforcement warns that the positive statewide trend is hitting a wall in Imperial County.

According to the CHP’s 2025 Vehicle Theft Fact Sheet, car thieves stole 133,372 vehicles statewide last year, averaging one theft every four minutes.

While that total is a substantial decrease from the 176,230 vehicles stolen in 2024, the numbers in Imperial County refused to budge. Local thefts held flat, shifting only slightly from 458 cases in 2024 to 456 in 2025.

State officials credit California’s overall decline to aggressive, state-funded crime suppression operations deployed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.)

Targeted enforcement operations utilizing specialized CHP teams helped drive major reductions in several counties last year.

While urban areas saw massive improvements, Imperial County’s unique border geography presents a distinct challenge that state suppression operations cannot easily wipe away.

“We’ve definitely seen a lot of the big trucks being stolen—Silverados, F-150s, the Jeeps…Jeep Wrangler and Gladiators,” said Capt. Ernesto Ruedas with CHP. “Those are big targets, and being so close to the border, we are a target because those vehicles end up in Mexico…a lot of them end up in Mexico.”

Investigators state that organized crime groups target these specific models for their powerful engines and rugged capabilities.

The vehicles are frequently used to cross rough border terrain to transport illegal narcotics or smuggled people. Once a vehicle crosses the international boundary line, owners rarely see them returned intact.

“Unfortunately, these vehicles are stolen sometimes to commit other crimes,” Capt. Ruedas warned. “You’re probably not gonna find your truck or your vehicle in the same condition that you left it.”

Despite the stagnant theft rates, local law enforcement teams are finding significantly more success in tracking down stolen property within Imperial County.

Vehicle recoveries within the county jumped an impressive 23.2% last year. Officers successfully tracked down 297 stolen vehicles in 2025, compared to just 241 recoveries the previous year.

Statewide, the CHP boasts an 84% recovery rate, with more than half of those 111,661 recovered vehicles returned to their rightful owners in drivable condition.

“Approximately 84% of the vehicles stolen, we do end up finding in some capacity,” Ruedas said. “The goal is to not have it happen at all, though.”

Law enforcement officials emphasize that car theft is overwhelmingly a crime of opportunity, taking a thief mere seconds to complete.

Drivers are urged to maintain strict security habits as the calendar turns to August.

The CHP recommends the following key prevention steps:

Never leave a vehicle running or unattended, even for a quick errand.

Always lock your doors and roll up windows completely.

Never leave keys or key fobs inside or hidden underneath the vehicle.

Keep valuables out of sight, including wallets, electronics, purses, and firearms.

Park in well-lit, heavily populated areas whenever possible.

Utilize visible anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks or GPS trackers.

If you witness a theft in progress, Ruedas reminds residents to follow the “Golden Rule” of safety: If you see something, say something.

“Immediately call 9-1-1,” Ruedas said. “Don’t get involved, but be a good witness and give us as much information as possible. The vehicle make, model, the color…the license plate if you can catch it. If you have a second to take a picture or video of the vehicle and suspect, fantastic.”

If your vehicle has already been taken, report it to local police or the CHP immediately. Ensure you have your license plate number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and a precise vehicle description ready to upload into the statewide stolen vehicle system.

“The California Highway Patrol is committed to keeping our communities safe, but preventing vehicle theft starts with each of us,” Ruedas said. “Lock it, take your keys, hide your valuables, and help us keep Imperial County safe.”

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Heat has spent more than three decades helping young swimmers in the Desert Southwest reach their full potential, combining high expectations with unwavering support to develop athletes in the pool.

Founded in 1992 by the Frabasilio family, the Yuma Heat was created to fill a need for competitive swimming opportunities in a region where organized swimming competition was once limited.

What began as a small program has since grown into one of the area’s premier youth sports organizations, serving more than 300 athletes and swim students.

Leading the program is head coach Myriah VanBuskirk, a former Yuma Heat swimmer and daughter of the team’s founders. Having experienced the organization as an athlete, coach and now head coach, VanBuskirk has witnessed its growth firsthand.

“It started off small,” VanBuskirk said. “We only had like 30 kids…now our program is running over 300 kids…It’s really grown and that’s what’s special.”

VanBuskirk remains one of the most accomplished swimmers in program history, still holding multiple team records. After spending a year coaching with the Heat in 2014, she was recruited to coach in Arkansas, where she spent four years expanding her knowledge of the sport.

During that time, she traveled across the country for competitions and attended seminars featuring renowned coaches, including former Team USA swim coach Bob Bowman.

She believes those experiences were essential in preparing her to lead the Heat.

“Honestly, I don’t think I’d be able to be a head coach without that experience,” VanBuskirk said. “I think you have to get out of the town and experience more before you’re able to really coach here.”

The impact of her coaching has been felt throughout the program. Ryan Webb, one of the Heat’s top swimmers, credits VanBuskirk’s experience and leadership for helping elevate the team.

“The experience that she brought to us, it just helped us bring us to a whole different level,” Webb said.

Webb has emerged as one of the program’s latest success stories. After competing at the Winter Junior Nationals and Futures Championship in 2025, she recently committed to continue her swimming career at the United States Air Force Academy.

According to Webb, the support she has received from her coaches and teammates has played a major role in her development.

“Having a coach and a team who constantly supports you and gives you what you need…that’s the whole reason I am where I am,” Webb said.

The Air Force Academy commitment is the latest example of the opportunities available to Yuma Heat swimmers. Former Heat swimmer and 2022 Cibola High School graduate Emma Amon used her experience with the program as a springboard to a Division I swimming career at Xavier University.

“They always made that possible for me, so that really pushed me to want to do this in college, and really what made it possible for me to make it to this level was just their support,” Amon said.

Amon said the coaching staff consistently went above and beyond to help her navigate the recruiting process and prepare for elite-level competition.

“They took the time to research what it meant going to these next level meets,” Amon said.

While the program has produced record-breaking swimmers and collegiate athletes, those involved with the Heat say the team’s success is rooted in its family atmosphere.

VanBuskirk has developed close relationships with her athletes and takes pride in watching them grow both as swimmers and as people.

“These kids are my family now,” VanBuskirk said. “It’s like when Ryan leaves, I’m gonna be balling. I’m gonna be so sad because she’s my first swimmer I started with here, so it’s been a really good opportunity for me, but also just a special moment.”

The athletes say that connection is a defining characteristic of the program. Webb described VanBuskirk as a coach who balances accountability with encouragement.

“Coach does a really good job at setting expectations of what we’re gonna be doing for that day, and what we need to get done…and if you’re having a hard day, she’s always there for you to make sure that you know you can do it,” Webb said.

For VanBuskirk, building strong relationships with athletes is a fundamental part of coaching.

“Making sure that they bond with the coach the best they can because that’s when you’re gonna get the full potential out of them and they’re gonna get the full potential out of you,” she said.

Webb believes that approach has helped create a unique culture within the team.

“The dynamic we’ve created…it’s a really special one, and it really means a lot,” Webb said.

From producing collegiate swimmers and national-level competitors to fostering lifelong relationships, the Yuma Heat continues to serve as one of the Desert Southwest’s leading developmental swimming programs, helping generations of athletes pursue excellence in and out of the pool.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left one person dead.

In a press release, the crash happened before 9 p.m. Thursday in the area of E. 40th Street, near S. Avenue 3 1/4 E.

YPD said a yellow Honda Element, driven by a 63-year-old man, crashed into a metal APS pole, resulting in the driver being ejected.

The Yuma Fire Department arrived on scene and performed life-saving measures, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene, YPD said.

While speed appears to be a factor in the crash, the investigation remains ongoing.

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

Fatality Collision 3400 E 40th Street 26-57601Download

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Friday marks the second day of the Summer Life Savers Blood Drive in Yuma.

News 11 is proud to partner with Vitalant for the blood drive, which is running through Saturday, August 1.

It is taking place at the Yuma Main Library, located at 2951 S. 21st Drive, at the following times:

Thursday, July 30: 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, July 31: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 1: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Just one blood donation can help save up to three lives and make a lasting impact on someone in need.

To schedule your blood donation appointment, click here, or call 877-258-4825.

To watch the livestream of the first day of the Summer Life Savers Blood Drive, see attached video.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) has selected former State Sen. Sine Kerr (R-District 25) as the GOP nominee for Lt. Governor.

In a post to X, Rep. Biggs, who is the Republican candidate for the Arizona governor’s race, said in part, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to name her as Arizona’s first nominee for Lieutenant Governor.”

Former State Sen. Kerr responded to her nomination, in a post on X, saying, “I couldn’t be more honored to stand with Andy Biggs and fight to Restore the American Dream in our great state! I’m all in to be Arizona’s first Lieutenant Governor!”

Kerr was elected into the Arizona Senate back in 2017, where she served District 13 from 2018 to 2023 before serving District 25, which represents Yuma County, from 2023 to 2025.

Prior to Kerr being chosen as Biggs’ running mate, there were also other names that were mentioned, with Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines and State Rep. Michele Peña (R-District 23) being one of them.

The 2026 general election will be the first time voters can choose a Lt. Governor for Arizona after Prop 131 was passed, with 55% of Arizona voters supporting the measure back in 2022, according to AZ Clean Elections.

AZ Clean Elections also said the Lt. Governor will replace the Secretary of State as the successor to the governor if the governor “dies, resigns, is removed from office or is permanently unable to carry out the duties of the Governor and serves until a successor is elected.”

Kerr shared that she anticipates Yuma will have her bac given that she represented the area for so long.

“Yuma has always been so supportive of me, and we’re looking forward to being there. Seeing friends and my supporters and I’ve always represented Yuma very well. Very strong voice for the agriculture community, the military. Just looking forward to getting to serve them and represent them in this capacity,” Kerr said.

While Kerr has the opportunity to be the first ever Lieutenant Governor, she says that she is solely focused on the people of Arizona.

“You know certainly it means a lot. Anytime, you know you’re in a position to make history, that’s really awesome. But my focus is to be in a position to serve the people of Arizona,” Kerr said.

For the local Republican leaders, Kerr’s nomination has been well received.

Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn has known Kerr for a long time and says she understands the people of Arizona.

“She brings to the table just balance of running. Knowing what’s going on in rural Arizona to understand the water standards. All of Arizona. She’s been at the table. We’ve been working on issues for a decade. And so she really brings some moral compass to the table,” Dunn said.

For Lines, it came as no surprise that Kerr was selected.

“Seneca is the right decision to be the running name for Andy Biggs. And to be selected as the first potential Lieutenant Governor for Arizona.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) has yet to choose her running mate, but there are some rumored names being mentioned, including two people with ties to Yuma County.

To see who’s being mentioned, click HERE.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – There are two people with ties to Yuma County that are rumored to be on Gov. Katie Hobbs’ short list of running mates.

According to a post on X from Goodyear City Councilman Trey Terry earlier this week, the two names mentioned are Arizona Democratic Party chair Charlene Fernandez and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who was born in Somerton.

Other names mentioned were Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo, Mesa Mayor John Giles, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods and State Rep. Oscar De Los Santos (D-District 11).

Gov. Hobbs’ opponent, Rep. Andy Biggs, has named former State Sen. Sine Kerr (R-District 25) as his running mate.

To learn more about that story, click HERE.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Thursday night was Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen in Yuma, where the local store partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

For every blizzard purchased, Dairy Queen donates one dollar to the local children hospitals.

In addition, the local car group, Unfazed, provided cars to show off to customers during the event as a special treat.

“We’re all about making positive memories for all coming to Dairy Queen. Who doesn’t love soft serving ice cream? Making smiles on little ones. I see so many birthday parties, so many smiles when they come and just get their first bite off first lick of their ice cream. And it’s just making a lot of impacts for that,” said Salvador Cortazar, Head of Training Department at Dairy Queen.

“My experience in some of the club members as well, we weren’t too fortunate growing up. In the community really helped us a lot. There’s a lot of programs out there. There was toy drives, can drives and that’s why we started doing those offs too. we just wanted to give back,” said Jonathan Bustos, founder of Unfazed.

The event ran for two hours with lots of ice cream to enjoy and cars to look at. 

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A commercial truck driver was arrested in Imperial County on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).

The arrest happened this past Tuesday on Highway 111 and Schartz Road.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in El Centro, they responded after receiving reports of a reckless tractor-trailer driver.

After an investigation, CHP found the vehicle and determined the driver to be showing signs of impairment, and they arrested him on suspicion of DUI.

CHP encourages everyone to report impaired driving by call 911 and providing as many details as possible.

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Connor Emery

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the governor’s race now underway, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) have to make a decision on who to nominate for Lt. Governor, and there are some local names swirling around.

The 2026 general election will be the first time voters can choose a Lt. Governor for Arizona after Prop 131 was passed, with 55% of Arizona voters supporting the measure back in 2022, according to AZ Clean Elections.

AZ Clean Elections also said the Lt. Governor will replace the Secretary of State as the successor to the governor if the governor “dies, resigns, is removed from office or is permanently unable to carry out the duties of the Governor and serves until a successor is elected.”

Two local people included in the conversation are Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines and State Rep. Michele Peña (R-District 23).

News 11 reached out to Lines for comment, and he provided a statement saying, “I have tremendous respect for Andy Biggs. Today, however, my priority is the work before me…strengthening Yuma County, protecting taxpayers and serving the people who elected me.”

News 11 also reached out to State Rep. Peña for comment, and we’re waiting to hear back.

The Lt. Governor will take office in January of 2027.

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