Author: KYMA

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Teens in the Imperial Valley are making their voices heard through a new podcast that showcases the experiences of growing up in the region.

“Voices del Valle” is an 11-episode series created by students at Central Union High School in collaboration with KPBS San Diego.

The podcast explores life in a rural, tight-knit community, covering topics such as mental health, teen parenting, sports, music, and the challenges and triumphs local teens face every day.

“We don’t get noticed much here unless we do something big, and that’s what a lot of us kids here in the Imperial Valley want to do because we want to be heard. That’s what makes it unique,” said Grace, a student involved in the podcast.

Through “Voices del Valle,” Imperial Valley teens are sharing their unique stories, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and pride that define life in their hometown.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) – We’re seeing slightly below normal temperatures today that will warm up to around 5 degrees above normal this weekend. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), we’ll have dry conditions through the weekend before rain chances gradually increase during the first half of next week.

We’ll have a sunny day today and end Saturday night with a waxing half 1st quarter moon on Saturday. We’ll then see partly cloudy days to begin next week.

NWS reports slight chances (15-30%) for isolated showers and thunderstorms across the higher terrain on Sunday afternoon and early evening.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Foundation of Onvida Health, in collaboration with the AdvoKATE Foundation, is hosting its annual “Shine a Light” cancer awareness event that invites the community to come together in support of children affected by cancer.

The event encourages attendees to pause, reflect, and unite in honor of the children and families impacted by pediatric cancer, those currently in treatment, survivors, and those who have lost their battle.

This year, “Shine a Light” is expanding its mission by adding a fundraising component. Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to contribute to the Pediatric Oncology Support Fund at the Foundation, which helps provide essential resources and support for young patients and their families.

“It’s all about awareness,” said Kristan Sheppeard, board member of the AdvoKATE Foundation. “We just don’t want to forget what these kids are going through, what they have gone through in the past, the ones going through it right now and the ones that will go through it. We Want them to know we’re here – and really, ultimately, hopefully fund a cure for these diseases.”

The “Shine a Light” event will take place on Saturday, September 6 at the Serenity Garden at the Onvida Health Cancer and Blood Disorder Center. The public is welcome to attend and stand in solidarity with children and families who are facing the challenges of cancer every day.

If you would like to donate, you can do so here.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Gila Ridge High School remains closed for in-person instruction as crews work to repair a broken pipe critical to the school’s air conditioning system.

The damage occurred during a severe storm on Monday, prompting the early dismissal of all students.

Since then, students have been attending classes virtually while the Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) works to restore normal operations.

“The district’s facility team, along with the vendor on site, have been excavating and working almost around the clock since we had to release early earlier this week,” said Eric Patten YUHSD Chief Communication Officer.

Despite the unexpected setback, the district remains optimistic. The current goal is to reopen Gila Ridge High School next week, pending the completion of repairs and final safety checks.

The district will continue to provide updates to families as work progresses.

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Paul Vozzella

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA) is calling for urgent action to protect federal funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) after the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would not defend the program in an ongoing federal lawsuit.

This decision could put millions in funding at risk for several local colleges, including Imperial Valley College (IVC). Leaders warn that losing this support could significantly affect academic programs and student services across the region.

“Federal funding for for HSIs is not about preferential treatment, but about a shared commitment to building opportunity,” said Dr. Lennor M. Johnson, Superintendent/President of the Imperial Valley College. “Support for institutions like IVC ensures that every student has access to better career connections and stronger academic programs.”

HSI designation allows colleges with a high percentage of Hispanic students to receive targeted federal grants that expand educational opportunities, improve facilities, and enhance student success programs.

SDICCCA represents over 200,000 students across six community colleges in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

If the lawsuit leads to a loss of support for HSI programs, the financial impact could total more than $15 million in lost funding, placing pressure on already resource-stretched institutions.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 48-year-old Randall Medders has been found guilty of five counts of child molestation, five counts of child abuse, and ten counts of aggravated assault with sexual motivation.

The jury began deliberating Wednesday afternoon following weeks of trial.

Before the trial started, Medders rejected a plea deal offer from the state, which would have sent him to prison for 17 years, given him lifetime probation, and would have required him to register as a sex offender.

Medders is scheduled to be back in court on September 23.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Early voting has opened up for Arizona’s Seventh Congressional District seat.

You can now cast your vote in person at the Yuma County Recorder’s Office. You can also drop off your ballot at a drop box located at any of the libraries in Yuma County, or mail in your ballot.

Yuma County Recorder David Lara shares why it’s more convenient to vote early rather than wait. 

“What happens if you have an emergency, what happens something where you can’t make it to the polls, then it’s better to vote early, you show up in person, it’s safe secure, and you know you’re vote is in,” Lara says.

The race is down to Republican candidate Daniel Butierez and Democrat Adelita Grijalva.

Gisselle Garcia, a local, shares why she thinks it’s crucial to vote.

“It’s just important to make a difference, and I feel like there’s a lot of us that want to see change so I think it’s important for us youngings to make forward to that change,” Garcia said.

The Arizona Special Election is on September 23. The deadline to request an early ballot by mail is September 12. 

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Closing arguments were heard Wednesday evening in the trial of 48-year-old Randall Medders.

Medders is facing five counts of child molestation, five counts of child abuse, and ten counts of aggravated assault with sexual motivation.

In court, both the prosecution and the defense made their closing arguments to the jury.

The prosecuting attorney, Marissa Zhu, explained how the alleged abuse affected the victim.

“She didn’t want to sleep in her bedroom anymore, because of all the furniture, her bed, her door, the painted sky on her wall, all reminded her of the abuse,” says Zhu.

 Meanwhile, the defense attorney, Richard Parks, argued it could be a misunderstanding.

“She can have convinced herself that this is exactly what happened and Randall did all this to abuse her…the state presented no evidence that he actually had such motivation,” said Parks.

Zhu later explained why the victim spoke up about the abuse later on.

“Delay is common for children of sexual abuse, the timing of disclosure doesn’t tell us about whether the allegation is credible,” she says.

The defense has one final message for the jury.

“If you have made up your mind, guilty, not guilty, you have no duty to change that,” Parks said.

The trial is now in the hands of the jury, as they started deliberating Wednesday afternoon.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Monsoon storms swept through Yuma County on Monday bringing in strong winds, power outages, and localized flooding.

The intense weather created dangerous driving conditions and caused power outages across parts of Yuma County.

Traffic signals can be seen out on Fourth Avenue. Multiple roads were also shut down including one on Fortuna Road near the railroad tracks due to flooding.

Local Charles Sims says, “Water was like a lake in my front yard…I’ve never seen it rain like that in a long time.”

Although skies have cleared up, some locals say they wouldn’t mind seeing more rain as long as it comes without the damage.

Fred Webber explains, “We’d like to see a little more rain but nothing devastating. Of course nobody wants to see a storm that causes damage. I don’t think most of us are used to wet roads and the rainfall but Yuma is a pretty safe town.”

Sims lives in the foothills and says while rain is rare, improving drainage should be a top priority.

“They really need to work on the infrastructure out there as far as the drainage. That’s the problem here in the desert because of the water table and the sand. You get so much water it gets saturated and it has no where to go,” Sims shared.

Drivers are still being urged to use caution as some roads remain closed. For the latest weather updates, click here.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Small Business Development Center in Yuma helped launch Busy Drones Cleaners LLC.

The business had their red ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon. They use drone technology to pressure wash building rooftops and solar panels.

John Peel is the owner and he explains how his new business helps keep people safe.

“By doing this, we’ve eliminated all the fall hazards associated with the trade, and we’re able to meet new heights and clean areas without the need of lifts, ladders, or booms,” Peel says.

While they have had a soft opening in the past, starting Tuesday, they are officially open.

Alyxandra Mcclendon, the owner’s girlfriend and first customer, shares her experience with how effective the technology is.

“Extremely clean. I didn’t realize again how dirty my roof was until I stood out there and watched him, and it literally was like mud coming down it was disgusting, so looking at it the next day and comparing it to my neighbor’s, I was able to see what good of a job he did,” said Mcclendon.

If you would like to contact the business or find more information on them you can click on the link HERE.

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