Author: KYMA

Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – Calexico’s new mayor says he’s excited to step into the role and focus on moving the city forward.

Mayor Victor Legaspi says his top priority is public safety, which he believes is key to building trust and encouraging growth in the community.

“The priority is obviously safety, safety for our citizens of Calexico,” Mayor Legaspi said. “If you don’t have that, then you’re not going to have businesses coming in.”

Legaspi also says improving infrastructure is a major focus, pointing to ongoing and planned street projects throughout the city.

The new mayor says he wants to take a hands-on approach to leadership and stay connected with residents.

“I believe in boots on the ground,” Legaspi said. “I believe in going out there and working hand in hand with the public…not behind my desk.”

A lifelong Calexico resident, Legaspi says his goal is to build on past progress while staying accessible to the community.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On Tuesday’s Home Grown report, we highlight Luz’s Cacti Ranch, which sells pure raw honey, snacks, cacti and other plants.

The business originally started in the 1990s, and Luz Tejeda, the owner, wanted to sell products that reminded her of her home in Guadalajara, Mexico.

She says running a business has always interested her so she decided to get to work.

“When I came here, I thought, ‘Why don’t I do this here?’ I love it, and I produce all of my gifts, cactus, my palm trees,” Tejeda says.

The shop is located near Laguna Dam Road and East County Sixth Street.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday they have received a $226,500 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

According to a press release, the grant is to support a specialized prosecution team who handles alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases.

“We are grateful for this grant, which will allow us to focus specifically on holding individuals accountable for impaired driving and making the roads in our community safer for everyone,” Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez said. “Impaired driving remains a significant danger on our roads, particularly drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. This funding strengthens our commitment to improving road safety and making sure justice is served effectively and efficiently.”

In addition, the team will also partner with the state’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Program (TSRP) to train other prosecutors and investigators as well as collaborate with law enforcement agencies on best practices for handling and managing DUI cases.

“Through focused prosecution efforts and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where all people will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Together, we’re holding impaired drivers accountable and encouraging safe, responsible choices that help build a culture where safety comes first.”

The grant program runs through September 2026. To learn more about this, read the press release below.

FY2025-2026-Kickoff-PressReleaseDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Freedom Library and Yuma Landing Bar & Grill are hosting an all day fundraiser next week.

The fundraiser is taking place at the restaurant, located at 195 S. Fourth Avenue, Tuesday, January 6, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The library says the fundraiser is to support their Education and Scholarship Program, and says the restaurant will contribute a portion of all sales to their program.

In addition, the library says those who attend the fundraiser can either dine-in or order their food to go, and also thanked their sponsors like APS and Church for the City.

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Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis Police Department (SLPD) released a report detailing incidents recorded around the December holidays, as part of the ongoing prevention efforts during the holiday season.

Authorities reported several traffic accidents during this period, some involving drivers who fled the scene.

According to the police, these cases may be related to individuals driving without a valid driver’s license or under the influence of alcohol.

In addition, several home burglaries have been reported, primarily at houses whose owners were out of town during the holidays.

Criminals have taken advantage of these vacant properties to commit crimes.

In light of these incidents, SLPD urges the community to take preventative measures, such as securing their homes, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, and reporting any suspicious activity.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – T-Mobile presented a grant check to the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) Tuesday afternoon.

The check presentation was part of T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant, where they award up to $50,000 per town across the country to help fund local projects.

To date, T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants Program has provided more than $20 million to 450 communities across 48 states.

“When we launched Hometown Grants four years ago, we set out to make a real difference for small towns across America, and that’s exactly what’s happening with 450 projects now reaching 2.6 million people — with even more to come,” said Jon Freier, Chief Operating Officer, T-Mobile. “These communities are full of creativity and resilience, and through projects like new trails, upgraded libraries and revitalized historic venues, it’s incredible to see how their passion can spark lasting change for a better future.”

Imperial County is one of 25 towns across the U.S. that received a Hometown Grant from T-Mobile, and ICFD says they’ll use the funding to upgrade technology equipment to enhance readiness.

You can read more about the grants and who received them on the T-Mobile website here.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – If you’re looking for live music, dancing, or a chance to show off your own musical talent, a longtime Yuma tradition is returning this January.

The Arizona Old Time Fiddlers, along with the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo, are hosting their annual Fiddle Contest and Music Festival Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11.

The weekend-long event features fiddle contests throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, with live music and free dancing on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Organizers say the event brings together a mix of winter visitors and local musicians who share a love for old-time fiddling.

The group is a volunteer organization that regularly performs around the community and works to keep the tradition alive.

The fiddle contest has been part of Yuma’s culture for nearly five decades. This year marks its 49th anniversary, with proceeds supporting the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo.

Participants of all ages are welcome. Age divisions range from musicians eight and under, all the way up to a senior division for performers 80 and older.

In addition to fiddle competitions, the event also includes vocal categories and other stringed instruments, making it a family-friendly experience with something for everyone.

Organizers hope the event will attract new musicians who may not yet know about the group, encouraging anyone with a passion for music to take part.

The festival also kicks off excitement for the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo, which takes place February 13 through the 15.

Rodeo tickets are already on sale, with officials reminding the public that the only official online ticket source is rodeoticket.com.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the New Year’s season so close, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your loved ones are staying safe, and yes, that includes your little pets.

Animals are easily scared by loud and sudden sounds, and fireworks are something that can cause high levels of anxiety in them.

Remember to take every precaution possible when using fireworks and to be considerate of others’ pets.

Make sure to keep in mind where your animal is before opening a door when fireworks are going off, as they can get panicked and try to run away.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro says they are accepting nominations for the 2026 Mardi Gras King and Queen ahead of the upcoming Mardi Gras Light Parade and Street Festival.

The City is encouraging community members to nominate those who live or work in El Centro as well as those who demonstrate leadership, community involvement and a commitment to service.

In addition, the selected honorees, who will be recognized during the Mardi Gras King and Queen Coronation Ceremony on January 22, will serve as “ambassadors of the celebration and participate in promotional activities, community outreach and officials Mardi Gras events.”

Courtesy: City of El Centro

Courtesy: City of El Centro

The deadline to submit nominations is January 13 at 5:00 p.m. The completed forms and supporting material can be submitted by email to anava@cityofelcentro.org, or dropped off in-person at the El Centro Community Center.

To fill out the nomination form, click here, or visit the El Centro Community Center if you prefer to complete the form there.

To learn more about this, read the press release, written in English and Spanish below.

MardiGrasnominationsPREngDownload

MardiGrasnominationsPRSpaDownload

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In this week’s Military Matters report, a familiar face at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is stepping away after more than three decades.

YPG Fire Chief Gerald Ball has officially hung up his helmet after 36 years with the department.

During his retirement ceremony, according to YPG, Ball was praised by his colleagues for his calm leadership and unwavering commitment to his crew.

When asked to reflect about his career, Ball said, “It’s not been a job…It’s been an honor and a privilege.”

Ball officially retired on December 18.

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