Yuma County launches free alert system to protect homeowners from property fraud

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Recorder’s Office says property fraud isn’t just a big city problem anymore. It’s now hitting smaller communities like ours, and a new alert system aims to help homeowners stay one step ahead.

It’s called a Fraud Alert Notification System. It’s used to warn property owners if new documents are recorded under their name.

County Recorder David Lara says it’s an important new weapon in defense against fraud with cases  starting to pop up locally.

“It just notifies the person that there’s some activity in the title, in their deed. That way they can come in and start looking into it before it gets too far gone,” Lara said.

Lara says catching suspicious activity early can save property owners from costly legal battles down the line. Some locals say fraudulent activity is deeply concerning, especially for the older community 

Alex Molina, a Yuma local says, “Fraud is going to happen regardless and I guess the people that are more vulnerable is going to be our older community.”

Lara encourages all homeowners to take advantage of this free, new system to help protect themselves. 

“The day there is some movement is when they get notified via email. It’s just a way to help them prevent a bigger problem if it is a bigger problem,” Lara explained.

To sign up, click here. An email is required to sign up for the “Fraud Notify” alert.

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He said-she said situation at a local RV park

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A couple claims to be the target of bullying by some neighbors at Shady Acres Manufactured Home and RV Community. However, the neighbors say otherwise.

Katherine and Bruce Farr said everything was going good during their stay at Shady Acres, until Katherine became sick and they began to get behind on rent.

They say that is when things became more hostile, and during one confrontation, Katherine was punched in the face.

However, the accused neighbor, David Waleen, firmly denies hitting Katherine.

“I got gout. I can’t use my right arm I couldn’t straighten out my left arm, I got it in hips and everything I was just in pain,” said Waleen.

While Waleen was arrested for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, there no was complaint filed for the latter.

Katherine says she is still shaken by the incident.

“I’m a nervous wreck. I don’t sleep I don’t go outside the trailer very often. I don’t talk to anybody…I feel like I’m getting watched and stared down everywhere I go even driving down the street,” said Katherine.

Her husband Bruce said he’d like to see a better solution.

“We want it stopped. We want them fired. Whatever needs to happen, this Western Management Company needs to get rid of these people, get them out of the park, and they need to bring in another management company. The owners of this park need to step up,” said Bruce.

However, multiple neighbors do not agree with the Farrs.

Just over a week later, Bruce was arrested for trespassing on neighbor Cindy Cheslak’s property.

“I didn’t know if he was back there trying to steal things. I didn’t know if he was the electric company, I didn’t know what he was doing back there,” continued Cheslak. “He was not apologetic, he screamed and hollered at me, telling me I don’t know anything. I was the previous manager, and that’s why I’m not the manager because I don’t know anything.”

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STEM Extravaganza Encourages Dorothy Hall Students to Dream Big

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Students at Dorothy Hall Elementary got a taste of real-world science during a special STEM day filled with rollercoasters, marshmallow houses, and egg case experiments.

The hands-on activities encouraged students to think creatively and explore new ideas across different subjects.

“It’s fun when we get to do science experiments in every class,” said student Sophia Medina.

Science teacher Jonathan Bailey hopes the experience inspires future careers.

“These might be small activities now, but they’re real-world jobs,” he said.

Other teachers added the day was meant to inspire the students to take risks.

For many students, the future looks bright and filled with possibilities.

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City of El Centro previews Buena Vista Park ribbon-cutting ceremony

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Buena Vista Park next month.

The ceremony is taking place, Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at 1010 Fieldview Avenue.

The park, according to the City, “is the latest addition to El Centro’s growing park system and was made possible through Measure P funding and a grant from the California Climate Investments Urban Greening Program.”

“For us, this was really important. This neighborhood has about 250 households and there wasn’t a park within a one mile radius, and so as a community, it is really important to have parks nearby any neighborhood in El Centro,” said Adriana Lima, Community Services Director for the City of El Centro.

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Latest on the arson suspect arrest in Calexico

Dillon Fuhrman

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – An arson suspect was arrested over the weekend following a violent disturbance at a Walmart in Calexico.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jesse Romero, entered the store Saturday and attempted to set store merchandise on fire.

“What we had been reported is that there was a subject causing a disturbance it was later found out that the subject that it was the subject we had previously contacted prior to this call,” said Armando Orozco, chief of police.

According to the Calexico Police Department (CPD), Romero, who is a registered arsonist, was previously removed from another business prior to the incident at Walmart.

Romero, according to CPD, initially confronted and stopped by a Walmart employee before officers arrived, but Romero assaulted the employee and tried to stop him from calling 911.

“The customer saw him trying to stop him and he proceeded to punch that customer… an associate got involved… he got the associate in a headlock,” said Orozco.

When officers arrived, CPD says Romero displayed “continued aggressive behavior and violently resisted arrest,” with additional units being requested as Romero fought with officers and “attempted to disarm one of them” by reaching for both their taser and firearm.

When they were cuffing him he actually broke loose and was swinging that handcuff freely … during the struggle he attempted to disarm one of the officers with his taser and firearm,” said Orozco.

Following this, CPD says officers successfully restrained Romero and placed him under arrest.

A medical team from the Calexico Fire Department, according to CPD, responded to treat Romero, who was then subsequently taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center for medical clearance before being booked into the Imperial County Jail.

Romero is facing multiple felony charges, which includes attempted arson, burglary, felony assault and felony resisting arrest, according to CPD.

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One man injured after crashing into a canal

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left one man injured.

The crash happened at around 5:10 p.m. Saturday, in the area of South Araby Road, after YPD says they received reports to a pick-up truck crashing into a canal with the driver still inside.

YPD says a 73-year-old man was driving a 2005 Dodge Ram southbound on Araby Road when he “possibly suffered a medical issue and left the roadway,” crashing into the canal as a result.

The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) was also there to deploy a technical rescue response, with YFD saying the rescuers safely removed the man from the vehicle.

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

YPD says the man was taken to Onvida Health with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

While neither speed nor alcohol appeared to have factored in the crash, the investigation is ongoing.

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

If anyone has any information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 782-7463 or 78-CRIME at (928) 783-4421 to remain anonymous.

Injury collision 3100 Blk S Araby Road canal 25-25948Download

Vehicle in CanalDownload

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Arson suspect arrested for violent disturbance at a Walmart in Calexico

Dillon Fuhrman

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Calexico Police Department (CPD) announced the arrest of an arson suspect following a violent disturbance at a Walmart store located within the city limits.

According to CPD, the incident happened before 5:00 p.m. Saturday, with the suspect, a 38-year-old man, entering the store and “attempted to ignite store merchandise using a lighter obtained from the shelves.”

CPD says the suspect, later identified as Jesse Romero, was previously removed from another business, located south of Walmart.

During the incident at the Walmart, CPD says Romero was initially confronted and stopped by an employee before officers arrived, but Romero assaulted the employee and tried to stop him from calling 911.

When officers arrived, CPD says Romero displayed “continued aggressive behavior and violently resisted arrest,” with additional units being requested as Romero fought with officers and “attempted to disarm one of them” by reaching for both their taser and firearm.

Following this, CPD says officers successfully restrained Romero and placed him under arrest.

A medical team from the Calexico Fire Department, according to CPD, responded to treat Romero, who was then subsequently taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center for medical clearance before being booked into the Imperial County Jail.

Romero is facing multiple felony charges, which includes attempted arson, burglary, felony assault and felony resisting arrest, according to CPD.

A CPD officer suffered injuries during the altercation, with CPD says the officer is currently receiving treatment and is expected to survive.

Romero is a registered arsonist with a prior conviction for setting fire to a former Burger King building in Calexico.

Press Release Walmart ArsonistDownload

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Inclusive job fair in El Centro connects people with disabilities to job opportunities

Samuel Kirk

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A free job fair in El Centro turned the spotlight on accessibility and opportunity Wednesday morning, connecting dozens of local job seekers with disabilities to hiring employers from across the region.

Held at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sports Pavilion, the event was hosted by Options For All, a nonprofit focused on empowering people with disabilities through employment and community engagement. The goal: To bridge the gap between job seekers and employers through face-to-face interaction.

“There’s bound to be something that will catch your interest and just try it. You’ll never know,” said local resident Gerardo Guardado, one of the many attendees who came ready to work.

Other participants said the in-person setup helped eliminate common barriers in the job search process.

“When you’re doing it by yourself, my personal experience, I never get past the ‘We’ll call you back.’ So it’s good that you at least have a one-on-one with hiring managers here,” one Imperial Valley local said.

Eddie Rendon, Business Development Support Manager for Options For All, says unemployment in Imperial County remains among the highest in the country and even higher among individuals with disabilities.

“In the Imperial Valley, it’s known that it has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, which is not something to be proud of, and individuals with disabilities, you know, they challenge that at a doubling rate,” Rendon said. “So again, we’ve had events in the past and we’re always thinking of a way to collaborate with the community.”

Ashley Contreras, Executive Director of Access to Thrive, says these hiring events highlight a bigger truth: Disability doesn’t mean inability.

“I really love that they are trying to find employers that are willing to work with them and partner people with disabilities, give them the opportunity to get real work experience. I think it’s awesome,” Contreras said.

“These people are innovators…They’re creators, they’re creative and are always finding a solution to a problem. They’re problem solvers, so just keep that in mind,” she added.

With on-the-spot interviews and potential job offers, organizers say this fair is just one of many ways to foster inclusion and build a more accessible local workforce.

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Alcohol: “The Silent Epidemic” warns addiction specialist

Samuel Kirk

Experts say daily drinking poses serious health risks—both physical and mental.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As national attention grows around the health impacts of alcohol, one leading addiction expert is calling it a “silent epidemic.”

Dr. Joseph Volpicelli, Executive Director of the Institute of Addiction Medicine, warns that excessive drinking can lead to devastating long-term effects on nearly every system in the body, from the liver and heart to the brain.

“It can affect your mood, it can affect your social relationships, your financial health,” Volpicelli said. “The consequences of excessive drinking go throughout the whole body and throughout the whole person and even the individuals who interact with that person.”

Volpicelli also highlighted that alcohol-related deaths now outnumber opioid overdose deaths in the U.S.

For those looking for help, Yuma’s Crossroads Mission offers a 24/7 detox center. “Anyone can come in and get help detoxing from drugs or alcohol,” said Sassa Culver, the mission’s PR Director. “There are EMTs on staff 24/7 so people can detox safely.”

Health leaders recommend seeking early intervention, using screening tools like AUDIT, and joining support groups or treatment programs.

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Yuma celebrates Arbor Day with community tree planting

Samuel Kirk

Dozens gather at Joe Henry Memorial Park to help grow a greener future

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – With shovels in hand and sunshine overhead, residents gathered at Joe Henry Memorial Park Thursday morning to celebrate Arbor Day with a special community tree planting ceremony.

Hosted by the City of Yuma, the event brought together families, students, and city staff to recognize the importance of trees in building a healthier, more sustainable environment.

“We do it for the community, we do it for the kids,” said Jeffrey Ellin, Grounds Maintenance Crew Leader. “This is something they can remember as they grow up saying, ‘I planted that tree.'”

The Arbor Day tradition highlights not only the environmental benefits of trees, like shade, cleaner air, and carbon capture, but also their emotional and community value.

City officials say they hope events like this one inspire the next generation to be active stewards of the local environment.

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