Author: KYMA

Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC) is moving forward with plans to build a new, modern transit hub in El Centro.

County officials hosted a public forum at the El Centro Library to gather community feedback on the proposed Imperial Valley Transit (IVT) Administration, Operations & Maintenance Facility.

The project, coordinated alongside the City of El Centro and the Federal Transit Administration, marks a critical step in the environmental review and planning process.

Since its inception in 1989, IVT has experienced massive regional growth. The network began with just five routes serving roughly 3,000 monthly riders. As of now, it operates 13 routes carrying more than 55,000 passengers every month.

To sustain that growth, the proposed central hub will be located at 2204-2208 La Brucherie Road in El Centro.

The modern complex is designed to replace the current, outdated facility and will serve as the central heart for administrative functions, fleet maintenance, and future green transit initiatives.

“We want to make our services effective and meaningful for the public,” said David Aguirre, Executive Director of the ICTC. “That is our goal at the end of the day, so we’re gonna work very, very hard to try to accomplish that. Hopefully, in the near future, you’re gonna see a lot of improvements to all of our public transit infrastructure.”

The project aligns with the City of El Centro’s Vision 2050 Strategic Plan, the ICTC’s Regional Long-Range Transportation Plan, and California’s mandate to transition to a 100 percent zero-emission transit fleet by 2040.

Key features planned for the La Brucherie Road site include:

A brand-new administration and operations building

An upgraded vehicle maintenance facility with expanded bays

Dedicated fleet parking, fueling, and bus wash facilities

On-site solar energy generation

Clean infrastructure to charge and support future zero-emission vehicles

Roadway and utility improvements to the surrounding neighborhood

Regional planners emphasize that these upgrades will directly benefit the local population.

“There’s definitely a lot of community support and it’s definitely clear that the transit-dependent population here in Imperial County is greatly going to benefit from a project like this,” said Virginia Mendoza, Transportation Planner for Caltrans District 11.

However, local senior advocacy groups who attended the forum brought up immediate safety hurdles. While representatives from the Imperial County Area Agency on Aging are highly supportive of the new, eco-friendly central facility, they stressed that ordinary roadside bus stops remain hazardous for elderly commuters.

“We care for the health and safety needs of our elderly population, and we just don’t want them to be forgotten, especially in a situation like this, a project like this,” said AJ Gaddis, Transportation Commission Chair for the Imperial County Area Agency on Aging.

John Hernandez, a local senior citizen and council member for the Agency on Aging, urged decision-makers to prioritize temperature-controlled infrastructure out on the streets.

“If you want to improve ridership and access for older people, then we have to really think about making it user-friendly,” Hernandez said. “I have noticed throughout Imperial County bus stops that perhaps need shaded areas…perhaps need to be built with materials that aren’t as hot.”

Public feedback remains a major driving force for the project. ICTC officials confirmed that they have successfully narrowed down the construction blueprints to two distinct design options, and they are actively using community commentary to select the best path forward.

“Right now is really where we’re focusing on trying to engage the public about the project,” Aguirre added. “If there’s any comments you have or you want to share any insights that you may have seen somewhere else, you’re more than welcome, we’ll take that in.”

The project is currently lingering in its Environmental and Conceptual Design phase. Funding is expected to be pulled from a combination of local, state, and federal sources, with construction officially slated to begin in 2029.

Community members looking to review the current design options or submit planning feedback can find comprehensive resources here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma-based nonprofit announced a five-year, $100,000 to the Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD).

The AdvoKATE Foundation said the commitment is to support Ewing sarcoma research and CCBD’s “greatest needs in pediatric oncology and hematology.”

In addition, the foundation said the commitment “will help fund physician-scientist research, early-phase clinical trials, and supportive care services for children and families navigating a cancer diagnosis.”

Lilian Campa, co-founder of the foundation, also said the commitment builds on their long-standing partnership with the hospital, where her daughter, Kate, received medical care after being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, which is a rate and aggressive form of bone cancer, back in December of 2018.

Kate died in October of 2020 after battling the cancer for nearly two years.

“Kate fought harder than anyone I’ve ever known, and she never stopped advocating for other kids facing the same diagnosis,” Campa expressed. “This commitment is about making sure the doctors and researchers at Phoenix Children’s have what they need to give other families more time, more options, and more hope than we had. It’s how we carry Kate’s Way forward.”

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

advokate press releaseDownload

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) hosted a Firehouse Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser Thursday.

The lunch, which took place at YFD Fire Station 1, located at 353 S. Third Avenue, at 11 a.m., was to raise funds for Capt. Gary Welch.

Capt. Welch has served with the department for over 20 years.

In the last few weeks, Welch has been battling a severe illness, and was recently admitted to a Tucson hospital.

News 11 spoke with Francisco Leon, Public Information Officer for YFD, last week where he shared what Welch has mean to the crew and also the community.

“He was a fire captain and technical rescue technician. So, he would take care of all the training needs for the fire department, for the professional services division. But yeah, he’s just served this community again for over 20 years. He’s also a U.S. Marine. So a good person all around,” Leon said.

Meals included spaghetti with a choice of sauce with or without meatballs, side salad with a choice of ranch or Italian dressing, dinner roll, packaged cutlery, and served in a to-go container.

The fundraiser ended at 1 p.m.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Thursday marks the first day of the Summer Life Savers Blood Drive, and Yuma residents are encouraged to help save lives in the community.

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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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The local group, known as ‘Unfazed,’ meets at the Dairy Queen on Fortuna on Miracle Treat Day, July 30th.

People can arrive to have a blizzard, look at some amazing classic cars, and help raise money for children’s miracle network hospitals.

The founder of the group, Jonathon Bustos says raising money for the hospitals means a lot to him personally, and hopes the community helps give back.

The meet starts at 7:00 PM in the parking lot.

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Jalen Fong

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – Federal law enforcement officers seized cocaine worth more than $20 million at the Calexico Port of Entry.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said 366 packages of cocaine, weighing 1,002.13 pounds, was hidden in the floorboards of a commercial truck and attached flatbed trailer.

The driver of the truck was arrested and charged with illegally importing cocaine into the United States, and he pleaded not guilty in court.

The DOJ said this is the second-largest cocaine seizure in the Southern District of California this year, where cocaine worth more than $45 million was found in connection with a subterranean cross-border tunnel back in May.

To learn more about the seizure, click here.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A car carrier hauling nine vehicles caught fire Wednesday evening, shutting down a portion of Interstate 8 (I-8) in Yuma and destroying the entire load.

The fire broke out around 7 p.m. in the westbound lanes near Telegraph Pass in the Foothills.

Emergency crews responded to the scene and worked for hours to contain the flames and clear the roadway.

Authorities said the semi-truck and all nine vehicles it was transporting were destroyed in the fire.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the left westbound lanes of I-8 have since reopened, while crews continue clearing the shoulder.

The truck driver said the fire started without warning.

“It’s crazy,” Jose Medina said. “The truck didn’t have any issues. It wasn’t smoking. No, the brakes were fine. This truck didn’t have no issues. It wasn’t overheating, nothing. It’s just out of nowhere something blew. And I thought it was a tire. I was sitting in the truck for like five minutes before I heard the next tire, or what I thought was the next tire popping, but something else popped, and that’s what made me jump out of the truck and look.”

DPS said no injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Joaquin Hight

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The El Centro Police Department (ECPD) arrested a man who allegedly assaulted and strangled a victim, and the entire arrest was captured on body camera.

ECPD said it happened Wednesday morning. They said the suspect picked up a knife and attempted to stab them as well.

The suspect barricaded himself inside a car before surrendering when officers shattered the rear window.

He was safely taken into custody and booked into the Imperial County Jail on multiple felony charges.

The suspect was wanted for multiple felony offenses, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and felony domestic violence.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As students across Yuma County prepare to head back to the classroom, many families are finding that getting ready for school involves more than checking off a supply list.

Parents are also helping their children navigate the stress and anxiety that can come with the start of a new school year.

For local mother Daisy Hernandez, preparing her daughter Natasha for the first day of school has included easing some unexpected worries.

“Natasha actually had a dream the other day that she was only going to be in school with pencils, dry erase markers, and highlighters and she wasn’t going to have anything to write on,” Hernandez said. “So that was something she’s been stressing on because we haven’t gone back to school shopping. So she’s ready to have all the tools that she needs.”

While some students are eager to see friends and meet new teachers, parents say the transition back to school can also bring concerns about having the right school supplies, making new friends and adjusting to a structured routine after summer break.

Parents also shared that their own concerns often focus on their children’s safety, bullying and making sure they return to school with a positive mindset.

“I think it’s important for parents to be open with their kids and stay positive with their kids,” Alicia Johnson, another local parent said. “Like school is a fun thing. Don’t worry about the bullies. Don’t worry about your anxiety. You got this. You can do it. And don’t shut them down when they talk to you.”

Behavioral health specialists say those conversations can play an important role in helping children feel more prepared before the first day of school.

Experts from Onvida Health recommend reestablishing school-year routines, including consistent bedtimes, while encouraging children to openly discuss any fears or concerns they may have.

“A lot of parents do end up going back to a routine,” Dr. Panna Patel, a D.O. and local child and adolescent psychiatric specialist said. “So making sure kiddos are going to sleep at a good time that they would expect during school. There’s a lot of communication and a lot of positive reinforcement that can really happen right before school starts to help ease some of the anxiety about going back to school.”

Some schools in Yuma County welcomed students back to class this week, while others are preparing to begin the new school year next week.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) said one person has died in a crash Wednesday morning.

In a press release, the crash happened before 7 a.m. in the area of W. County 14th Street and S. Fourth Avenue.

YCSO said a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk was driving westbound on County 14th Street when a 2009 Honda Fit Sport, driving northbound on Fourth Avenue, approached the intersection.

The Honda, according to YCSO, failed to stop at the stop sign, and the vehicles crashed at the intersection.

Rural Metro responded to the area and took both drivers to Onvida Health, YCSO said.

While the driver of the Jeep suffered non-life-threatening injuries, YCSO said the driver of the Honda, identified as 54-year-old Amarilis A. Jimenez de Burnett of Yuma, was in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

While County 14th Street has been reopened, YCSO said the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has information regarding the case, call YCSO at 928-783-4427, call 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

2026-63-Fatal-CollisionDownload

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