Author: KYMA

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – What started as a Facebook Marketplace listing has turned into a years-long passion project for Yuma firefighter Raul Carlos.

Carlos, who has spent the last 10 years in the fire service, found the vintage 1978 Pierce fire engine online and knew he couldn’t pass it up.

“When I saw it, the listing was posted maybe a couple days, and it was one of those where I knew I had to do it,” Carlos said.

The fire engine has a long history. Originally built for a fire department in Ohio, it later made its way to Arizona, where several owners began restoring it before Carlos took over the project.

Despite its new purpose, the truck still operates much like a traditional fire engine.

“You have a captain, you have a driver, or what we call engineers,” Carlos explained. “All these switches control how you get water to your nozzles and your hoses.”

But inside the truck’s compartments, the story changes.

Carlos is converting the fire engine into a mobile tap truck featuring eight taps capable of serving everything from nitro cold brew and lemonade to mocktails and other specialty drinks.

“If you can keg it, we can serve it,” he said.

The taps are hidden inside the truck’s original compartments, preserving the vintage appearance from the outside.

“The whole purpose of this was for you to walk up to it and never think that it’s a tap truck,” Carlos said.

Each beverage requires a different serving pressure, allowing the truck to offer a variety of drinks from the same system.

“Having that ability to control your drinks separately is what kind of makes this truck unique,” he said.

The project has required hundreds of hours of work, often after long shifts as a firefighter.

“Usually late nights…sometimes up to 12 in the morning,” Carlos said. “I’ve been a firefighter for 10 years—that’s my primary full-time job.”

For Carlos, the truck is about more than starting a business. He hopes it becomes something the community can enjoy while inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

“It was kind of one of those gut feelings—going for it,” he said. “I hope to inspire the younger generations to actually do something that they put their mind to.”

Carlos hopes to have the tap truck ready for community events across Yuma in the coming months.

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Jessamyn Dodd

WESTMORLAND, Calif. (KYMA) – In honor of America’s 250th birthday, the City of Westmorland has created a time capsule.

The City is asking residents to bring anything from keepsakes to photographs to City Hall to preserve a piece of history. On July 3, the capsule will be sealed, creating a snapshot of what life was like in Imperial County in 2026.

“Everybody in 50 years, when I’m gone. I’m not going to be 120 years old. When we’re all gone, and only our grandkids are left, they’ll know…’Oh, that’s where they buried it,'” Westmorland Mayor Justina Criz told KYMA.

El Oasis Water Company brought in business cards and a flyer, hoping to be remembered in 50 years.

“I want them to remember the building. The building is over 100 years old already. I want them to remember that’s the business that was in,” Richard Guerro, El Oasis Water Company owner, said.

Mayor Cruz said although styles have changed, businesses have come and gone, and technology has evolved immensely in the last 50 years, one thing that hasn’t changed is that Westmorland is still a small, close-knit community.

“We still get together, we still have things in the park, we still have the street, we get together in the streets. I mean, we do fun stuff. We do stuff together mostly,” she said.

She pointed out that the sports teams at the schools keep families coming out for games during the school year.

The capsule will remain closed for another 50 years until a future generation gets to open it.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – California drivers already facing nearly $6 per gallon will soon pay even more.

Starting July 1, the state’s gas tax is set to increase by more than two cents. This bump will push the total state tax rate past 63 cents per gallon.

The price hike comes on the heels of a failed legislative battle in Sacramento.

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-District 36) introduced Assembly Bill 1745, which sought a temporary, one-year suspension of the gas tax to provide direct financial relief to hardworking families, commuters, and small businesses struggling with inflation.

The legislative effort was officially killed when the Democratic supermajority on the Assembly Transportation Committee blocked the bill from advancing.

Democratic lawmakers argued that pausing the tax would strip essential revenue from vital public works, creating an unsafe funding gap for ongoing road and highway infrastructure projects.

Assemblymember Gonzalez and his Republican colleagues strongly pushed back against that argument. They advocated for covering the infrastructure deficit by pulling funds directly from California’s General Fund, rather than placing the burden back onto the taxpayers.

“They claim to be the fourth largest economy with the highest revenue…record revenue,” Gonzalez said. “We’re still choosing to continue to tax the very people that are working hardest in our community.”

The automatic annual tax increase stems from Senate Bill (SB) 1, a law passed in 2017 that built in a mandatory yearly rate hike without requiring a vote from the Legislature. When SB 1 originally passed, the tax was 27.8 cents per gallon.

By next month, that rate will have more than doubled in less than a decade.

Gonzalez criticized the committee’s decision, stating that Sacramento politicians are completely out of touch with the realities faced by rural commuters in regions like Imperial County.

“63 cents doesn’t sound like a lot, but 63 cents times the number of gallons, times the miles we drive, that’s a lot of money,” Gonzalez added. “That’s a lot of money that could be spent towards feeding your family, sending your kids to school, healthcare costs.”

The Assemblymember extended an open invitation to lawmakers to visit local cities like Calexico, Brawley, El Centro, and Holtville to see firsthand how hard residents must work just to keep up with skyrocketing fuel costs.

Without a legislative lever to pause the 2017 mandate, California drivers can expect these automatic tax increases to continue taking effect every summer.

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Dillon Fuhrman

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Town of Wellton is inviting residents and visitors to attend the America 250 Independence Day Celebration this weekend.

The event is taking place Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Butterfield Park at 6:30 p.m., and Chapman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is sponsoring the event.

The Fourth of July has always been a time for communities to come together, and this year is especially meaningful as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” said Town of Wellton Representatives. “We are proud to host this event for our community and sincerely thank Chapman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for serving as our Premier Sponsor and helping make this celebration possible.”

During the event, there will be live entertainment, food and drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks show.

The Town is asking those who attend to bring their lawn chairs or blankets, and “arrive early to enjoy all the festivities before the fireworks light up the night sky.”

To learn more about the upcoming event, read the press release below, or call 929-785-3348.

4th of July Press ReleaseDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – Two organizations in Imperial County teamed up to host an event to help support local families and workers.

The Community Resource Fair took place Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Bill E. Young Middle School, located at 220 S. International Blvd, at 8:30 a.m.

During the event, hosted by Comite Civico del Valle, Inc. (CCV) and The Becoming Project, attendees “participated in workshops supported by the Agricultural Labor Relations Board on three key topics: workers’ rights, the risks of extreme heat and pesticide exposure, and air quality.”

There were also a variety of fun activities, a complimentary breakfast and snow cones, and free raffles for prizes such as bicycles and scooters.

Agustin Martinez, Environmental Outreach Supervisor for CCV, said, “Education on workplace issues and environmental topics helps strengthen our community. By listening to residents and understanding their concerns, the state and local non-profits can provide information, resources, and opportunities that enable informed participation in decisions affecting their lives.”

Courtesy: Comite Civico del Valle, Inc.

“Access to accurate information is the foundation for meaningful participation in our communities. When people understand the policies, resources, and opportunities available to them, they are better equipped to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves and their families,” said William Cooper, Executive Director for The Becoming Project.

A couple of Imperial County residents shared their experience attending the fair, with one of them emphasizing the importance of events like the fair.

“At times, people may not know where to turn for reliable information or how to navigate the programs, policies, and resources available to them,” said Isabel Lopez, a resident of Calipatria. “Access to trusted guidance can help community members better understand the options and services that are available.”

“We were here connecting and learning about all the benefits and all the help we can receive. Sometimes we’re not even aware of what’s available,” said Maria Lizaola, a resident of Brawley. “That’s why it’s so important to come to the meetings and events that Comité Cívico del Valle offers.”

While the fair ended, CCV is offering Imperial County residents many ways to stay connected.

“We have many ways to connect…through social media, by visiting our offices, or with a simple phone call. We are there at the community’s service,” Martinez shared.

Courtesy: Comite Civico del Valle, Inc.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Territorial Prison is celebrating 150 years this week.

The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) says the prison opened its gates back in 1876, celebrating a century and a half of history at one of the Arizona’s most visited historic landmarks.

YCNHA says a fundraising goal of $150,000 has been set to support maintenance, historic preservation and enhancements in order to ensure the prison remains structurally sound and engaging for the future.

The celebration will officially begin Wednesday to commemorate the day the prison opened its gates.

There will also be an event, taking place Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., where families are invited to experience the prison “in a fun and engaging way.”

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

150th Anniversary Press Release 2026Download

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Bubba’s 33 says they are donating $1.00 to Homes For Our Troops for every Patriot Burger sold throughout the month of July.

The restaurant says they are partnering with the organization to “raise money to help build specially adapted homes for post 9/11 veterans, severely injured in the line of duty.”

In addition, the restaurant says they are partnering with Harley Davidson to giveaway a Fat Boy motorcycle.

Courtesy: Bubba’s 33

Courtesy: Bubba’s 33

Courtesy: Bubba’s 33

Back in 2024, the restaurant says they “contributed the full cost of the 400th specially-adapted custom home for Marine LCpl. Alberto Flores Jr.,” who was severely injured while serving in Iraq, resulting his right leg above the knee being amputated, “and his family in New Braunfels, Texas.”

“As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate 21 years of building specially adapted homes for our nation’s wounded Veterans,” says Marc Shaw, Bubba’s 33 Marketing Coach. “The freedoms we cherish are secured through the courage and sacrifice of heroes like Lance Corporal Flores. Our partnership with Homes For Our Troops is more than a commitment—it’s a reflection of our deep gratitude to those who have defended our nation. Together, we honor their service by making a lasting difference in the lives of those who have given so much for our country.”

This starts Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and will go until Friday, July 31, 2026, and is taking place the Bubba’s 33 located at 1632 S. Fourth Avenue.

Courtesy: Bubba’s 33

Courtesy: Bubba’s 33

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The American Veterans Service Organization hosted their monthly baby back rib dinner Saturday night.

Participants enjoyed a baby back rib dinner featuring coleslaw, baked bread, and loaded mashed potatoes. Every ticket sold supports the American Veteran Service Organization.

June Condon with the American Veterans Service Organization said, “So, we are doing our normal fundraiser for the baby back ribs which is every Saturday of every month except November and December and it’s to help raise money for our veterans that are in need.”

If you missed the fundraiser, organizers will host another event next Saturday. For more information about these events, visit the KYMA website.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A huge fire broke out last night near Grove 95 on East Madonna Road.

Rural Metro Fire responded to the call around 10 p.m. Friday, initially sending one engine to the scene.

Crews were soon called for additional resources as the flames spread.

Mark Rivera, Wellton Fire Chief, said, “So the fire initially started out about half an acre and it took off. It’s probably burning a full acre, maybe a little more.”

Fire crews worked together to protect power lines in the area.

At this time, no injuries have been reported, and as of Monday, the fire has burned nearly 10 acres.

To keep up-to-date on the fire, click here.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Exceptional Community Hospital (ECH) Yuma invited children in the community to bring their favorite teddy bears for a special checkup.

ECH Yuma says Saturday’s event was a huge success.

Lisa Brazeel with ECH Yuma said, “Huge success…it was a huge success and we are so appreciative and so happy for the community to come out but this is exactly what we want as the Exceptional Community Hospital community is in our name so we are so happy to be able to reach out.”

Kids had the opportunity to explore the world of health care and make visiting the doctor’s office a little less scary.

Through hands-on activities, they learned what happens during a checkup and got a better understanding of the care their fuzzy friends might need.

Brazeel added, “The whole purpose of this is to reach out to our community, especially to our littles, to calm their nerves and lessen their expectations of when they come in here.”

Participants gave their fuzzy friends shots, took blood pressure, and bandaged them up. They also had the opportunity to check out the inside of an ambulance as well as the life flight helicopter.

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