Author: KYMA

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Kids in Imperial County now have a fun new way to learn about money, thanks to a new bilingual coloring and activity book launched by the Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

The book is part of the SBDC’s broader summer effort to boost financial literacy and spark interest in entrepreneurship, also including QuickBooks classes offered in English and Spanish, and startup game nights for teens, offered in English and Spanish.

“We’re hoping this book really opens the door to those broader conversations that children can have with their parents, and even explore entrepreneurship,” said Viridiana Rosales-Trujillo of the SBDC. “Maybe they have that little bug to create a business of their own…this is a fun way for them to explore.”

The book’s artwork was created by Daniel Belzagy Velarde, a graphic design intern from Imperial Valley College. After proving himself designing flyers and social media content, staff gave him creative freedom with the book.

“To have him intern at our office and create something that is now giving back to the community…is a great way to show young artists they can create something meaningful,” Rosales-Trujillo said.

“They gave me the opportunity to do what I love,” said Velarde. “Since it’s for kids, I was thinking of a lot of round shapes and slightly sharp shapes to make it pop.”

With creativity and community at the core, the SBDC hopes to inspire the next generation, one colorful lesson at a time.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Chloe Comet, a sophomore at Yuma Catholic High School, has been nominated to be a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders next month.

The Congress, taking place from June 25 to June 27 at the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus just outside of Boston, is an “honors-only program for high school students” who want to be doctors or go into the medical field.

“Really look into becoming a medical doctor, maybe. But not in the pediatrician dentist, but more like in the psychology part of it,” Comet shared.

The event is also to “honor, inspire, motivate and direct” students across the country interested in the field to “stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.”

Comet’s nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, who is the winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and is the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent Arizona “based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.”

“We’re really proud of her,” said Frank Comet, Comet’s father.

During the three-day event, Comet will join other students in the country to participate in the following activities:

Hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discuss leading medical research.

Be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school.

Witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles.

Be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies.

Learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

Comet’s thankful for all for all those who believed in her along the way.

“Thanks to the Quechan tribe for helping me fund my travels over there to the Congress. And thank you. Yeah, thank you to my family, my parents and my friends who, like, supported me,” Comet expressed.

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Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro announced Police Chief Robert Sawyer as Acting City Manager.

Chief Sawyer will be serving in the role until a permanent City Manager is found.

Sawyer’s role will begin on May 28 as City Manager applications remain open until June 23.

The police chief has been serving over 27 years in public safety and returned to serve El Centro in 2020. Sawyer was appointed as police chief in 2022.

“I’m honored to serve in this capacity and support the city during this transition,” Sawyer said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated city staff, council, and community to maintain momentum on key initiatives and ensure continued delivery of services.”

The previous city manager, Daniel Paramo, had limited time in the role due to a service agreement and chose not to continue as a permanent position.

“We appreciate Mr. Paramo’s leadership and dedication during this transitional period,” said Mayor SoniaCarter. “His experience helped maintain continuity and stability across city operations.”

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River and Phoenix Districts implemented seasonal Stage 2 fire restrictions last week due to dry conditions.

The restrictions went into effect last Friday, May 23, at 8:00 a.m., and they were for the following lands and counties:

State lands

Gila County

La Paz County

Maricopa County

Yavapai County

Yuma County

BLM-managed lands

La Paz County

Maricopa

Southern Mojave County

Northern Pinal County

Western Pima County

Yavapai County

Yuma County

“Fire restrictions for most land managers traditionally begin going into effect before Memorial Day and that coincides with the conditions we typically see as it starts getting hotter and dryer as we enter the summer and that when most of our larger wildfires happen,” said Dolores Garcia with BLM.

In addition, the following activities were prohibited once the fire restrictions took effect:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings.

Operating any internal combustion engine, such as a chainsaw or similar tool.

Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal law, and regulations.

This restriction also includes the BLM Phoenix District’s developed recreational shooting sites: Baldy Mountain, Box Canyon, Church Camp Road, and Saddleback Mountain.

Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting or grinding implement.

Some locals support the move saying bad things can happen if people don’t take the new restrictions seriously.

“I mean, it’s so dry out here. Everything burns, so when you have people who don’t follow directions, they want to see what they can get away with and that’s not good,” said Delbert Baldwin, a local.

Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited on federally managed lands in Arizona year-round while fireworks and target shooting are prohibited on state lands in Arizona year-round.

Other parts of Arizona were already under fire restrictions. To learn more about this, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – What was originally supposed to be the sentencing for a man accused of murdering a couple in their Brawley home has now become a trial.

There was sadness in courtroom Tuesday as the family of the victims had to hear some of the details the elderly couple went through on the day of their murder.

“My in-laws were good people and lived out their golden years…you know, not bothering a soul, so we are here for justice and we are going to get it,” said Michael Fong, victims’ son-in-law.

26-year-old Brandon Hamlin originally pleaded no contest to four charges, two of them were for premeditated murder and the other two were for robbery.

However, during the latest court appearance, Hamlin dropped his plea after the judge announced he would not get rid of the robbery charges, leading the case to go to trial.

“The issue today came up as whether or not the judge had the authority to strike those special circumstances, and the judge agreed that he did not, and did a lot of extensive briefing on both sides, and so did the court, to come to the realization,” said Jeffrey Brooker, Assistant District Attorney.

The victims’ family says they agree with what happened at the hearing, and they hope this brings them justice.

“We got two people brutally murdered…For him to have a possibly parole, there’s no justice to that,” Fong expressed.

Hamlin is accused of murdering 78-year-old Elia Castro and 84-year-old Rigoberto Castro by stabbing them multiple times in April of 2023.

The trial has been set for July 15.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Colorado River State Historic Park is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new exhibit this week.

Taking place this Thursday, May 29, at 10:00 a.m., the exhibit is called “The Colorado River: Lifeblood of the Yuma Community,” which is installed in the Corral House building, “the original home of the Bureau of Reclamation in Yuma.”

According to the park, “The exhibit will delve into a variety of themes, including the history of the Bureau of Reclamation’s role in water management, the impact of local irrigation districts, water rights in the West, and the influence of the Colorado River Compact on regional water politics.”

In addition, the exhibit will highlight the agricultural innovations which have helped the Desert Southwest “optimize water usage, showcasing Yuma’s contribution to the nation’s winter vegetable supply.”

“The Colorado River is vital to the sustainability of agriculture in our region and across the country,” said Tammy Snook, Park Manager of the Colorado River State Historic Park. “Through this exhibit, we hope to raise awareness of the river’s future challenges and encourage informed decisions on how to address the looming water crisis facing our community and the broader Colorado River basin.”

To learn more about the ceremony and the exhibit, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) will be temporarily closing its Foothills Substation to the public.

YCSO announced this temporary closure from Memorial Day through the duration of the summer which caused some residents in East County to raise an eyebrow.

Lt. Sonny Hixon with YCSO says, “Deputies will be in the Foothills, they’re not leaving.”

They assure locals it has to do with the dip in population and the reduced demand.

“Winter visitor population goes down a lot in the summer time. To assist with everything that goes on in the Winter time, we typically have a clerk out here running the admin stuff,” Lt. Hixon explained.

These walk-in admin services include fingerprinting, pharmaceutical drop boxes, records, and paperwork.

But for now, these will have to be done in town.

“Our East County Patrol Deputies will still be patrolling the area. We will still be available to take any reports. The only thing is that the Administrative Services will not be available here in East County. You would have to go to the Main Office on 3rd Avenue,” YCSO’s Tania Pavlak shared.

In case of an emergency, YCSO says there will be no difference in response times or quality of service.

“Always dial 911. The Sheriff’s Office is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” says Lt. Hixon

The return date of the Foothills Substation is to be determined but YCSO hope this brings some clarity to some of the questions and concerns.

For information about the Main Office’s lobby hours and the services they offer, click here.

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The local Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent accused of sexual intercourse with a minor will be in court Tuesday morning, where he will be formally arraigned.

31-year-old Ramon Marquez faces a total of 15 counts. Among those is sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, and sexual exploitation of a minor who is 16-years-old.

A court document obtained by KYMA says Marquez knowingly recorded, filmed or photographed the minor he’s accused of sexually abusing.

Marquez posted his bond earlier this month and is no longer in custody.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Along Highway 95 in Yuma, the sound of flags flapping and quiet salutes set the tone for a moving Memorial Day tribute hosted by VFW Post 8242.

Community members came together Monday morning to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For many at the ceremony, the day was about more than just patriotism, it was deeply personal.

The event included a special moment of remembrance: A flag once kept by the family of First Lt. Foster Sutton, a World War II soldier who died in the Philippines in 1945, was officially given a new home at the post.

“We’re going to have this flag in our post in honor of First Lt. Foster Sutton, who gave his life, did not come home, and that’s why we honor him on this Memorial Day,” Ibarra said.

The ceremony was filled with emotion and reflection, with attendees sharing stories, memories, and messages of strength.

“It’s one of the most expensive holidays of the year,” said Marge Robison, President of the VFW Auxiliary. “We’re not here for a barbecue, we’re here to honor our fallen men.”

For Veterans still carrying the weight of war, Robison added a gentle reminder: “God works in mysterious ways, and that means their job was not done yet.”

While the day honored those lost, it also reminded everyone of the power of community. Members of the post say their doors, and their hearts, are always open.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – While Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, it’s also a time for community.

In Yuma, American Legion Post 56 brought people together Monday to celebrate and share gratitude for those who have served.

At Post 56, Veterans, families and friends shared food, stories and gratitude while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Today, we are celebrating all of those who have passed before us. All of those that have forges the way for our armed forced to be what they are today. All of those that have made this county what it is today,” said Woodie Woodward with Post 56.

While attendees partook in moments of reflection during the celebration, it was also personal for some.

“My grandfather, Bob Schubert, served in the U.S. Navy, USS Schmidt and my [other] grandfather, Donald Kelly, he served in the Army and the Navy. He was on Pearl Harbor when it bombed,” said Jerald Kelly, a local.

While the mood was relaxed, the message was clear: Remember those who sacrificed and supporting those who still wear the uniform.

“It’s everything to have a county where we have these freedoms, where we have these values, and a culture that supports those freedoms for the whole world,” Kelly expressed.

Post 56 says events like this help bridge generations and make sure the stories of service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

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