Author: KYMA

Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of Calexico says it’s seeing more stolen jeeps in the city.

The Calexico Police Department (CPD) say at least 19 stolen Jeeps were seen in Calexico since September.

One was stolen from Calexico. The rest were stolen from Brawley, Riverside County and Los Angeles.

“Based on on the reports and the investigation that we’ve done their scout cars that go out and I think they they pre-identify the jeeps are going to steal and then they’ll just go and then though they use a machine to break into the car re-key another key and then it overrides the system they started, and then they leave because usually we find a breaking broken window on the Jeeps,” said Jose Cuellar with CPD.

Some of the Jeeps are taken to Mexico. There have already been multiple arrests.

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Jalen Fong

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – For the first time in over 30 years, a new grocery store officially opened its doors to residents in the north end of the Imperial Valley.

“State Foods Supermarket” held its grand opening Saturday in Calipatria.

The new grocery store welcomed hundreds of people from the north end with games, raffles, prizes and a whole lot of fun.

The manager of the store says that he’s thankful for the support that he’s received from local residents.

“[Our] grand opening it was really nice,” said Bashar Saleh, manager for State Foods Supermarket. “We got a bunch of people come in to the event. It was great doing something good for the community.”

The event was capped off with a lucha libre wrestling match.

State Foods will gave another event this Saturday with even more raffles and prizes and a chance for kids to have their picture taken with Santa.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A judge has set February 25 as the date for the preliminary hearing in the murder case of 23-year-old Jacob Sims.

Six people are charged in connection with Sims’ death, according to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office.

Sims was reported missing from Yuma before his remains were found in a bonfire in Winterhaven last November.

Speaking after the court hearing, Sims’ grandmother said, “I know that the trial date will be a little out there, but at least I’ll have some peace.”

She added, “It just keeps getting pushed further and further out, and it really takes a toll on our family.”

The case remains under investigation.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Powerball jackpot continues to climb, giving lottery players across the country a chance at a massive payday.

Wednesday’s drawing has an estimated jackpot of $1.25 billion. It is the second-largest of the year and only the second time in the game’s history that back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots have been offered.

Locals considering buying a ticket shared what they would do with the prize.

One local said, “I can even understand doing it with a million dollars. Imagine with a billion. Man, you could change a lot of people’s lives. Not just yourself, but everybody around you, the whole community.”

Lottery officials remind players to check their tickets and play responsibly. Ticket sales help support state programs.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – President Donald Trump held an address Wednesday night.

In his speech, President Trump doubled down on getting rid of the Affordable Care Act, saying he wants the money to go directly to the people.

Locals like Nicole Burgi are hoping for health care costs to go down.

“With the healthcare, it’s just awful. I have health insurance but I have the minimum in case something bad happens and I can’t even go to the doctor or have health insurance because until I meet my deductible, which is unaffordable, I can’t even go to the doctor,” said Burgi.

Locals also hope the Trump administration doesn’t cut or change social security or disability benefits.

“I live on my social security. That’s all I have and I hardly make it to the end of the month. If he takes that off, I don’t know what the heck are we going to do,” said Ernie Vaca, another local.

“Even in the economy, can’t save enough after retire on. They really need these benefits to survive on. We live on my husband’s social security and without any other benefits, we live day by day,” said Burgi.

Trump also said that he has secured $18 trillion in investments into the United States, but some locals we spoke to said their reality is much different.

“The economy is so bad, never been this bad. I don’t care what he says that is the best, but he lives in his own little world,” expressed Vaca.

“It’s tough even to buy groceries, the gas and everything. Well, the gas is coming down a little bit but the interest rates,” stated Burgi.

Trump also shared active military members will get a check said the military troops are getting a “Warrior Dividend” of $1,766 dollars before Christmas, something that will help military members in our community.

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Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Planning Commission held a public hearing to discuss a proposed merger of land parcels for a new data center planned near the City of Imperial.

The project, developed by a Huntington Beach based company, would be built on unincorporated land outside city limits.

In addition, the hearing drew residents from across the Imperial Valley, many of whom voiced concerns about the project’s potential impacts.

One resident, Reyna Adame, who lives near the proposed site, questioned whether the community had been adequately informed and engaged in the process.

Adame told commissioners that residents were showing up to defend their community against what he described as the encroachment of large companies.

Others raised concerns about jobs and long term economic benefits. Adrian Gutierrez, a local welder, addressed union members who hope the project could provide employment. Gutierrez said he does not believe the data center would create lasting jobs for local workers.

Supporters of the project also spoke at the hearing. Sean Wilcock, Vice President of Business Development and Services for the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation, said the county’s current tax base cannot support needed infrastructure improvements.

He argued that responsible investment could help fund public services and create future opportunities for young people seeking high tech, well paying jobs.

After hearing public comment and discussion, the Planning Commission voted to table the lot merger. Commissioners cited the need for additional community workshops and further review before moving forward with the proposal.

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Abraham Retana

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s one of the most anticipated local events of the holiday season in Yuma County

The Somerton Tamale Festival takes place Saturday on Main Street starting at 11 a.m. Over 20 tamale booths are expected plus other food vendors.

You’ll also be treated to live music and entertainment for the entire family

“For the past 18 years, we haven’t had any major issues everyone comes to have a good time very friendly. The tamale makers they make a chunk change for the holidays and we also able to benefit the students giving them scholarship when they go to college,” said Gladys Anaya, ASU El Diablito alumni secretary.

All proceeds go towards Arizona State University Diablitos scholarship that helps local students continue with a higher education.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A proposed clean energy project could bring new jobs and investment to Imperial County.

Sugar Valley Energy plans to build a facility that would use locally grown sugarcane to produce low-carbon ethanol.

The project would also generate electricity and renewable natural gas by reusing plant material and wastewater, reducing emissions while supporting California’s clean energy goals.

Project leaders say the facility would create about 300 direct jobs, with hundreds more indirect positions tied to farming, trucking, harvesting, and maintenance.

According to the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation, the total employment impact could reach nearly 1,800 jobs across the region.

Developers say the project is fully permitted and in the final stages of financing. Construction could begin as early as 2026 if funding is finalized. The facility would operate nearly year-round and rely on Imperial County growers to supply sugarcane.

The project could provide new opportunities for workers impacted by the recent closure of the Spreckels sugar beet plant, with plans to recruit locally and partner with workforce and education programs.

If completed, Sugar Valley Energy would be the first facility of its kind in the United States, positioning Imperial County as a leader in low-carbon fuel production.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s finally here! Friday kicks off the first night of the Christmas at the Crossing event in Yuma.

The magical holiday event will take place here at the Colorado River State Historic Park. Families can enjoy everything from train rides, photos with Santa, local performances, and more.

“We’ve got local entertainers, dance groups, singing, we have lots of crafts and activities for the kids. We have food and retail vendors, so there’s just a little bit of everything for everybody including a bar,” said Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Cathy Douglas.

Onvida Health will also be giving out hundreds of free stuffed animals.

“We held our teddy bears last year. This year, we’re doing it again. There’s a little mix of animals not just bears, but we’ll be handing out while supplies last,” said Onvida Health community liaison manager Julie Engel.

The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is putting on this fundraiser event in partnership with Onvida Health and RL Insurance to raise money to preserve the Colorado River State Historic Park.

“So last year was our inaugural event. We had about 3,000 people that came out, so we’re really hoping we get you know maybe up to 5,000 people,” said Douglas.

The event is Friday and Saturday from 5 -10 p.m. You can buy tickets online here or at the gate.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The parade will run from Friday, December 19, to Sunday, December 21.

Friday’s route will be the neighborhood route, and participants are asked to line up next to the Dollar General on 46th Street and Foothills Boulevard.

You can find the full map on their Facebook page, and paper versions of the map routes can be found in various locations in the Foothills.

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