Author: KYMA

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- As temperatures begin to rise, so does insect activity.

As spring heats up, you may notice more creepy crawlers in and around your home. Experts say that’s no coincidence and there are a few things you can do now to stay ahead of the bug boom.

Its a seasonal pattern pest control experts know too well.

James Rodriguez, owner of Empire Pest says, “We just had a burst of heat within the last month and we’ve already seen a massive up flow in incoming calls regarding pest control.”

Spring and early summer marks the start of increased bug activity. Insects become more mobile looking for food, water, and shelter.

Rodriguez says the most venerable parts of your home are the yard and garage seals: “At the base of the seals, you can always see light, and at night time, when the lights are on, that’s like a huge sign to an insect that says ‘Come eat at my house!'”

Daniela Hammond says she’s already noticed an influx in pests adding, “I’ve seen a lot of ants and mostly geckos and a lot of flies recently.”

Experts recommend removing lingering debris around your home like cardboard boxes, plants, or wood piles.

“Those create natural harborage areas for any insect whether it be an insect or a snake. They just get in there and hang out,” says Rodriguez.

Rodriguez adds keeping as much clutter off the floor can save you a trip to the hospital: “Don’t leave piles of laundry on the floor because scorpions love that. Scorpions will get into the laundry. Next thing you know, you’re picking it up and you’re going to the hospital.”

Whether it’s a can of spray or calling the pros, now is the time to act before pest settle in.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A new effort is underway to better support local businesses in Yuma.

The City of Yuma, the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Arizona Western College (AWC) have teamed up to launch a survey aimed at hearing directly from business owners.

The survey is part of a Business Retention and Expansion program, or BRE, which aims to learn what local businesses need to grow and succeed. The feedback will be used to shape future programs, workshops, and resources.

“We want to hear about the challenges businesses are facing,” said Crystal Mendoza with AWC’s SBDC.

Mendoza also pointed out that small businesses play a big role in Yuma’s economy.

“Over 80% of the jobs in our community are created by the businesses we already have here,” she said.

The survey is now live and will close May 27. Local leaders hope business owners across the region will take a few minutes to fill it out.

The goal is to make sure growing businesses get the support they need and that Yuma continues to be a place where businesses can thrive.

To participate in the survey, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – San Diego State University Imperial Valley celebrated its Class of 2025 during the 66th commencement ceremony held Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. at the Rollie Carrillo Quad.

Approximately 350 graduates participated in the event, surrounded by family, friends, and faculty.

The top majors among this year’s graduates included Criminal Justice, Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education, Psychology, Nursing, and Public Administration.

The ceremony recognized the hard work and achievements of students who completed their academic journeys at SDSU Imperial Valley.

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Abraham Retana

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Two men seriously injured in a violent assault in El Centro.

The El Centro Police Department (ECPD) said the fight took place on Eucalyptus Avenue near Third Street around 11:00 a.m. Thursday.

During the altercation, two men sustained serious injuries that required life-saving measures from police until El Centro Fire arrived.

Both men were taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center.

Taly Ruiz, lives in the neighborhood and describes what she saw.

“A neighbor got into a fight with two men and then I saw the ambulance and police units and the yellow tape,” said Ruiz.

ECPD used descriptions of the suspect and quickly located and arrested a 36-year-old-man and charged him with attempted homicide.

Ruiz says she is in shock about what happened.

“Of course, because this a very quiet neighborhood, I don’t know what’s going on, but it worries me a lot,” expressed Ruiz.

The incident remains under investigation, if you have any information call ECPD.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – College students from across the country are in Yuma this week for a national engineering competition.

The EcoCAR EV Challenge brought together 13 collegiate teams working on engineering the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ, implementing CAV technologies and innovative features.

The teams gathered at the General Motors Desert Proving Ground in Yuma for vehicle technical inspections.

“Right now is probably one of the times of most rapid change in the industry since we transitioned from horse and buggy to motors and wheels,” said Jesse Alley, EcoCAR Sr. Program Director.

After the testing in Yuma, the competition moves to San Diego where teams will compete for over $100K in prize money and the Year 3 winner will be crowned. 

Students from UC Davis were hard at work preparing for the big day and shared what they were working on.

“We’re writing code, and we have a team of three to four different people, making sure that each line in the code works so that we can get our car running and ready to go for the next events,” said Anthony Aguilar, an engineering student from UC Davis.

Anthony said he’s proud of his team as they continue to put their all into perfecting their vehicle.

The competition’s sponsors like General Motors looks for the competitions top talent to recruit.

“This truly is a consortium of government, industry, and academia, we’re all in it together because we believe in the value of the program and we believe in investing into the next generation of engineers,” said Alley.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 24-year-old Israel Preciado and 20-year-old Yancy Antonio both appeared in court for the second time this week.

The suspects are accused of being involved in the hit and run that left 48-year-old Eric Martinez hospitalized.

Preciado is facing two counts of tampering with physical evidence and obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions.

Meanwhile, Antonio is facing five counts which include aggravated assault alleging using a dangerous weapon or vehicle.

Eric’s family says they are grateful that the suspects have been caught.

“Mostly happy for Eric that these two people that have been caught and arrested…you know that the Yuma Police Department has done a very good job of getting those people, and I hope they get punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Eric’s stepfather Larry Munoz.

Antonio and Preciado are both set to appear in court again next Friday.

Meanwhile, the Yuma Police Department (YPD) would like to thank the community for its help and shares how you can help in investigations like this one.

“It’s really important for the community that if you do have any surveillance camera to ensure that it is properly recording and in working order. Anyone who has any dash cam video you know for any hit and runs we really appreciate if they contact us,” says Public Information Officer Christina Fernandez with YPD.

As far as Eric’s condition, he is expected to be released from the hospital Saturday morning.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 33-year-old Abel Melano appeared in front of a judge for the second time after surrendering and being taken into custody earlier this week.

He is facing three counts, which include attempted murder in the first degree, aggravated assault, and burglary in the first degree.

“Through the hard work of our detectives and our officers on Wednesday, May 14th, we were able to locate 33-year-old Abel Melano Casillas who was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center,” said Yuma Police Department Public Information Officer Christina Fernandez.

Melano is facing a $1,000,000 cash bond and is set to appear back in court on May 23.

Meanwhile, a second suspect involved in the case, was taken into custody on Thursday.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A ribbon-cutting was held Friday to celebrate the opening of the Sunset View Wildlife Area.

It’s a project that’s been in the works for over two decades.

The two-acre area is transformed into a passive recreational park with native trees and shrubs, a wildlife viewing area and several more amenities.

“We wanted to create a more beautiful entry into the East Wetlands – walking trails, biking trails, and it provides connectivity from the bike path. The paved bike path that goes through this area and over to a primitive. There’s a boat ramp that accesses the south channel for kayaking and fishing, paddle boarding, things like that,” said Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Executive Director Cathy Douglas.

The Yuma National Heritage Area says this is meant to be an extension of the native habitat within the 380-acre East Westlands area.

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Jalen Fong

UPDATE (7:08 PM): A quiet night in Somerton turned into a frightening ordeal for residents after shots rang out in a neighborhood on South Rincon de España late Thursday.

Around 9 p.m., deputies with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) responded to reports of gunfire. Investigators say a 72-year-old man from Yuma opened fire on a home with people inside.

A resident in the home reportedly returned fire, leading to a tense exchange of bullets before the suspect fled the scene on foot.

“I just moved here. I’ve only been here two or three months and I thought it was gonna be good for my girls,” said Irene Arellano, who lives nearby.

“Of course I’m scared. I live here. I heard the gunshots and then about 30 units parked right there,” said local resident Alejandro Paz.

Authorities credit both witnesses and multiple cooperating law enforcement agencies with helping contain the situation quickly and without injury. YCSO says the suspect was eventually found hiding in an overgrown mesquite tree and taken into custody.

“The occupant of a nearby residence opened fire on the suspect, which caused the suspect to then flee on foot,” said Tania Pavlak with YCSO. “Thanks to the cooperation of the victims and of nearby witnesses, they were able to locate the suspect quickly.”

The man is now facing multiple felony charges. A cash bond has been set at $50,000, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.

The incident has left residents shaken but grateful no one was hurt. As the investigation continues, deputies are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) and Border Patrol teamed up in a shooting that was reported in Somerton.

The incident happened around 10 p.m. Thursday night at Lorenza Street and Rincon de España near Highway 95.

Border Patrol agents and YCSO deputies are looking for evidence and for a possible suspect around the neighborhood.

One local said that he heard gunshots prompting law enforcement to respond very quickly.

We will follow up on the story and bring you the latest details coming up on our evening newscasts.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) broke down his new border plan looking to ensure border safety.

The plan is built on what Sen. Gallego calls a five-pillar system, starting with securing the border and keeping our communities safe.

Gallego’s plan also seeks to “bring immigrants out of the shadows” while tackling hot-button border issues.

Some of these include investing more in border patrol and expanding a legal pathway for immigration.

“Why not just create a responsive, reflective, work permit, that is actually answering to the needs of this economy that would encourage these men and women from around the world to apply to come here legally,” Gallego says.

However, Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn from Yuma says he’s not in favor of the plan, as he’s seen something similar before.

“It’s a rebranding of the so-called bipartisan bill in the past they’re focusing on the wrong issues we do need to work on the laws that we have on the books,” Sen. Dunn said.

Meanwhile, Gallego explains how this plan is different from ones in the past, like Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s bipartisan border bill.

“What she didn’t cover was the pathway for citizenship for Dreamers, for U.S. spouses, temporary work permits for people that are here in the United States illegally to make sure that they’re brought out the shadows,” Gallego says.

Gallego’s team provided us a statement showing San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel’s support for the plan.

“I am proud to support Senator Ruben Gallego’s immigration plan. This plan offers a thoughtful, pragmatic approach that not only ensures stronger border security but also provides pathways for those who contribute to our communities and economy. In a city like ours, where families cross the border every day, it’s essential we have policies that balance safety, opportunity, and compassion. Senator Gallego’s plan is exactly what our border communities need,” Riedel said.

The framework of the plan is in the early stages, if you would like to check out the plan for yourself click the link HERE.

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