Author: KYMA

Karina Bazarte

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – There is a memorial is dedicated to 14-year-old Mike Jimenez, known to his friends and family as Moso, outside where the teen was shot and killed by the El Centro Police Department (ECPD).

The mother of the teen, Alma Serrano, says she won’t stop fighting until she brings justice for her son.

“‘You’re coming back.’ That was the last thing I said and he said, ‘Yeah, I love you,’ and that was it…by 6:30 he was already deceased,” said Serrano.

On October 5, Jimenez went out to see his friends and later became involved in an incident with ECPD, who shot him multiple times.

“That was murder that was not self-defense…you shoot someone to move them down to stop them from doing something. You don’t shoot my son three bullets in the face blow his head off,” said Serrano.

Serrano says she has not seen the body cam video released by ECPD last week.

“I don’t think any mother wants to see something like that as well as my attorney said that it was edited, so when I am ready to see the video, I’ll be ready in court to see the full video, not parts of it…I want to see the full video,” said Serrano.

However, the sister of the teen, Jasmine Moreno, says she saw the video when it was released. They both think the shooting was uncalled for.

“I heard more than 12 rounds you know, I’ve studied the video my own way and everything, and I just think it was overly excessive. They did not try to deescalate anything. When I seen how the cop cars where position, I was thinking he wasn’t going to go anywhere,” said Moreno.

This past weekend, family members and friends gathered for a walk to demand justice for Jiménez, for his mother and her legal advisors. 

“We are here to put pressure on the investigating agencies to do so in an independent way…to have a truly investigation and if not, we are planning on civil justice of our own we will be filing a tort claim,” said Tim Scott, the family’s attorney.

Meanwhile, the family says they will continue to hold rallys and raise awareness for Jimemez.

“We are still going to stand strong for my son, and we are not going to stop we are just not going to stop,” said Serrano.

“I miss him so much. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him. I always passby his room and I look and he is not there,” said Moreno.

We reached out ECPD, but they told us they won’t be commenting at this time. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A new workforce and economic study shows that the growing lithium and clean-energy industry could bring significant jobs and investment to Imperial Valley.

The RAND report outlines the opportunities the industry could create, but also highlights challenges the county still needs to address, including infrastructure, affordable housing, and training programs for local residents.

Priscilla Lopez, Director of Workforce and Economic Development, said the report acts as a “roadmap” for preparing a trained workforce for the emerging industry.

She emphasized that county training funds should be invested locally to ensure residents are the first to benefit.

The study notes that Imperial County already has key pieces in place, such as partnerships with local colleges and existing training programs.

Local unions, including IBEW Local 569, say they are ready to step in as Lithium Valley grows. Union representatives are advocating for project labor agreements with new companies to ensure local workers get first access to jobs.

Daniel MacHain of IBEW Local 569 said, “When you come into an agreement with the unions, that’s a legal document you can actually use so you can get your local people to take those jobs.”

If Lithium Valley reaches its potential, it could reshape Imperial County’s economy, and local workers are preparing to step into these opportunities.

Click here to follow the original article.

Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A California organization is accepting donations.

The California Highway Patrol is hosting CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive.

You can donate an unwrapped toy by mailing or dropping it off at El Centro CHP (2331 Highway 86, El Centro, CA 92243).

Donations must be received by December 18.

Flyer – Chips For Kids 2025Download

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma says Kennedy Skate Park will be temporarily closed for renovations.

According to a press release, the closure is set to begin Monday, December 8, and “will undergo demolition and reconstruction to ensure long-term durability and quality for years to come.”

The City says surface cracking began to appear after the park reopened earlier this year, and says while the park remains safe to use, they, along with a project contractor, determined a full replacement was the best course of action in order to maintain a “high-quality, state-of-the-art facility” for skaters, BMX riders and scooter enthusiasts.

“While we know many will miss the park during reconstruction, we’re very pleased with the contractor’s commitment to make things right and provide Yuma with the very best skate park possible for our community,” said Eric Urfer, Director of Parks and Recreation.

Kenny Shepherd, Project Executive for Willmeng Construction, the company in charge of the renovation, issued the following statement:

“At Willmeng, we’re passionate about building spaces that bring people together and inspire active lifestyles. We know how much Kennedy Skate Park means to Yuma’s skaters, riders, and families, and we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience this closure may cause. We’re excited to work alongside the City and American Ramp Company to deliver a renewed, top-quality skate park that everyone can be proud of. Thank you for your patience and support as we make Kennedy Skate Park better than ever!”

The City says the park will reopen in late spring 2026. To learn more about the renovation, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is hosting their annual Christmas at the Crossing next month.

The two-day event is taking place at the Colorado River State Historic Park, located at 201 N. Fourth Avenue, from Friday, December 19 to Saturday, December 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

During the event, there will be food and drink vendors, train rides, hourly light shows, face painting, a teddy bear giveaway sponsored by Onvida Health, and live entertainment.

Tickets are on sale from November 1 through November 30, and it’s $15 for adults and $12 for youth. Tickets can also be purchased online, from December 1 through December 20, and at the gate, and it’s $18 for adults and $15 for youth. Kids two and under can get in for free.

To learn more about the upcoming event, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Farmers Market is hosting A Homemade Country Christmas Dinner and Dance next month.

The event is taking place at Elks Lodge, located at 1917 W. 32nd Street, Saturday, December 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

During the event, there will be food and live music from Big Boss Band, door prizes, jewelry giveaways, and attendees can take pictures with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

Tickets are $65. To purchase tickets, call Mary Kay at (928) 503-2852 or Barbara Rochester at (928) 510-0738.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Catholic High School is hosting their annual Rachel Determan Memorial Rib Cook-Off next month.

The annual event is taking place at the school Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

During the event, there will be a variety of food vendors, live music, raffles, face-painting and free parking.

The event is in honor of Rachel Determan, who passed away in 2008 after a two-year battle with leukemia.

Food tickets are on sale at the door for $10. For more information about the annual event, call Hailey Curry at (928) 317-7910.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Crossroads Mission is hosting It’s a Christmas Ball 2025 next month.

The event is taking place at the Yuma Civic Center, located as 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive, Saturday, December 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

During the event, attendees will enjoy food, listen to live music from Bobby G. and the Time Machine, and see holiday decorations.

All proceeds from the event will go back to Crossroads Mission to help build the Center for Hope.

Tickets are $65 person and $520 for a table of eight people. The event is semi-formal and is for attendees 18 and above.

To purchase tickets, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Fight League (YFL) 7 showcased some of the best local talent the Desert Southwest has to offer.

The stage was set, the fighters were ready, and there was a packed crowd for YFL 7.

In a city filled with hidden talent, YFL shined a light on fighters who otherwise have to go long distances to gain exposure.

“We have our time to show out, promote ourselves. A lot of these places like this, we have to go out of town, so with us to just be able to drive 15 minutes, it’s a blessing for all the fighters here,” said John Ortega, a fighter.

Even for those willing to make long trips for fights in Phoenix or California, the experience can be vastly different.

“We’re always looked at those small-town guys and these big gyms look at us like, ‘Eh, look at these little guys. Let’s just smash them and get them outta there.’ I was like, it’s nice to just have the spotlight for a little bit here in Yuma,” said Alexander Magana, the main event fighter.

For many fighters, the event offered a platform to launch careers.

“With the Commission and everything, I fought in the second and the third one, but with its new record now, so now I’m 0 and 0. It’s my debut,” said Edgar Lopez, another fighter.

But once the referee calls for the start, it was all up to the fighters to prove their worth in the octagon.

Fans may not see the work put in leading up to the event, but they always see the results of the rigorous training the athletes put themselves through.

At the end of the night, all that matters was what happens when the cage is closed.

“Ready to go. Got all the training in. Now it’s time to put it in the cage,” said Richard Molina, another main event fighter.

YFL 7 continues to prove that there is an abundance of local talent in the MMA world.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local artists across Yuma County got the chance to showcase their art to the public over the weekend.

The Yuma North End Art Walk took place in Downtown Yuma from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, with the walk starting at Cafecito and ending at Lute’s Casino.

During the walk, Yuma residents met with artists and learned about their work. They also purchased some of their artwork as well.

Morgan Laguna, one of the organizers, shared how the event benefits artists.

“This is a great event for artists in Yuma because the event is free…It’s just great exposure, especially if you’re a newer artist that has had a lot of opportunity to be in an event like this so that’s why we try to keep it free for everybody to participate,” Laguna explained.

If any artist wants to participate in next year’s Art Walk, contact northend.az@gmail.com.

Click here to follow the original article.