Author: KYMA

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – An excessive heat warning remains in effect across the region and officials say these condition can be especially dangerous.

This kind of heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous.

Local fire crews and health officials say staying hydrated and cool is critical right now, especially for those who take certain medications or don’t have reliable shelter.

It’s the kind of heat that can turn deadly, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

In 2023, there were 990 heat-related deaths in Arizona, with 31 being from Yuma County.

Yuma is bracing for another spike, with temperatures expected to reach 116 degrees and up to 118 degrees in the Imperial Valley.

“We also see water related emergencies and so people take refuge out at the river or they’re using their swimming pools. Unfortunately. we have already responded to a few drowning and near drowning call this year,” said David Padilla, Yuma Fire Department PIO.

It’s not just water, firefighters say just being outdoors in this heat can quickly lead to exhaustion or worse.

“If you can avoid being outside, avoid it. If you must be outside pre-hydration is better than rehydration so stay ahead of the fluids the day before. Long sleeve shirts, SPF, plenty of sunscreen is gonna help keep the sun off of your skin,” explained Padilla.

Ryan Butcher with the Yuma County Health Department (YCHD) also warns about hidden risks, especially for those who take certain medications.

“You might think that you’re hydrated enough, but depending on the medication you might become a little more dehydrated. Some side effects of certain medications maybe make you dizzy,” said Ryan Butcher, YCHD PR and community engagement coordinator.

For those who may need extra help, cooling centers are open throughout the area.

“These facilities volunteer and let individuals into the facility to cool down and kind of get out of that heat for a little bit,” said Butcher.

For more information about cooling centers and heat related tips, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County is tackling a massive waste problem: More than 440,000 tires piled up at its facility. Officials say progress is underway, thanks to recent funding boosts and new policies.

“Last fiscal year, Yuma County Board of Supervisors gave us an additional $200,000 in our waste tire budget, and this made a big difference on how we were able to get those tires out,” said Kelly Fricke with the Department of Public Works. “It didn’t fix the problem, but it made a big difference.”

The tires are hauled to Phoenix by a rubber manufacturer to be recycled. But with thousands still remaining, the county is exploring long-term solutions, like purchasing its own shredder.

“Seeing what we can do in terms of trying to dispose of the tires using a tire shredder, because it’s cheaper to dispose of shreds than the actual tires,” said Santos Guerrero.

An additional $850,000 from the state could help clear the rest.

“I think it will allow us to clear out all the tires we have in our facility,” said Fricke.

The county also updated its tire drop-off rules. Residents can still bring in up to five tires a year for free and after that, there’s a per-tire fee.

“So, we’ll monitor that for a year or so, and if we do need to make additional changes that tire shredder could be an option in the future,” Guerrero added.

Officials say clearing the current backlog is only the beginning. A long-term fix is still in the works.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Extreme heat is covering the Yuma region, making it hard to keep cool, but one non-profit is helping people in need beat the heat.

With extreme heat covering the region, one local we spoke to says keeping cool has been hard, but with the help of a local non-profit, its been easier for them to get by.

Crossroads Mission is one of many cooling stations in the area, offering a place to cool down, relax and grab a drink of water.

During the summer months, Sassa Culver with Crossroads Mission says they see an increase of 15-20 guests, which means they need more resources.

“During this extreme heat, the biggest struggle we have is keeping enough water in the cooling stations, water donations, and asking people to come inside,” said Sassa Culver, Crossroads Mission PR Director.

For longtime Crossroads Mission guest Terry Hinzman, the extreme heat has been difficult to deal with.

“It’s miserable out there, and with the wind blowing sand in your face, it’s really tough,” said Hinzman.

But says the support he receives is very encouraging.

“It’s very uplifting, especially when you’re feeling down. It brings you right back up, and God’s here too,” expressed Hinzman.

Crossroads Mission is open to the public 24 hours for whatever relief locals may need.

Hinzman says he’s here daily doing everything from washing clothes to catching up with friends.

“I do laundry, shower, food, companionship, you know. There’s friends here and its great,” said Hinzman.

Culver says they’re still in need of donations to continue extreme heat relief efforts. If you’d like to help, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Calexico is proposing a new housing plan that could bring thousands of new homes, and residents, to the city over the next few years.

The draft plan, recently released by the city, identifies 53 sites for possible development through 2029. Some of that land would need to be rezoned for higher-density housing, including options for low-income families.

“This plan would allow for up to 8,000 units within the city, so we’re looking at maybe an additional 20,000 people in population, and it would help with our housing needs,” said Planning and Building Director Michael Coyne.

Coyne adds that more housing could also mean more demand for services and businesses.

“So of course, with more rooftops that would entail additional commercial needs, service needs, and so that would help foster growth within our commercial business sector as well,” he says.

Mayor Pro Tem Victor Legaspi said the city is already hearing from developers eager to build.

“A lot of developers are reaching out to us in reference to coming in, waiting for these zone changes, and I’m excited,” said Legaspi.

Legaspi says new development could also support local schools.

“I know it’s gonna help out our impact fees when it comes to the schools. You have more kids coming in to schools, more students. I think it’s a great thing,” Legaspi shared.

The next step is a public workshop in August, where residents will be able to weigh in before the city finalizes the plan.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) reminds locals that illegal dumping is a crime.

In a press release and a post to social media, YCSO encourages locals to report illegal dumping.

Criminal littering can range from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony, with fines up to $150,000.

A list of free waste disposal sites can be checked here.

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Calexico is moving closer to bringing back its downtown parking meters. The City Council recently gave early approval to updated rates and upgraded solar-powered meters.

Under the new plan, meters would charge $1 per hour with a two-hour limit from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and $2 per hour overnight. The goal, city officials say, is to address concerns raised by both business owners and locals.

“I think it’s good they charge minimally, so that people don’t stay parked longer than they’re supposed to, and also to respect the local businesses,” said Sebastian Romero, who works downtown.

But not everyone is convinced. Some residents are worried that higher parking costs could drive shoppers away.

“Because if people pay a price they’re not used to, especially if it’s more expensive, they’ll think twice about coming by,” said Jesus Mayoral, a local.

Another concern is people leaving their cars for days while crossing into Mexicali.

“A lot of people start to play the system, like they’ll park the car and leave it there for days,” Mayoral said.

Business owner Joong Kim thinks a separate lot for overnight parking could help.

“To the people staying in Mexicali long hours, we could find some way to charge them, that is more constructive than charging the people every minute,” Kim said.

Brand new meters aren’t expected to be installed until sometime next year.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 51-year-old Candice Hurt has accepted a plea deal for causing the crash that killed 75-year-old Cocopah Tribal Council member Irwin Twist in June 2024.

Under the agreement Hurt will serve 10.5 years in prison and pled guilty to manslaughter.

According to the court, Hurt was under the influence of multiple substances at the time of the crash.

Shelyne Twist, Irwin’s niece, says there is a little comfort knowing this case is coming closer to closure.

“Just the tiniest sense of relief that this is finally somewhat coming to a close, that some justice has been served. It doesn’t bring anything back, it doesn’t change anything,” Sheylne says.

Heather Twist, another one of Irwin’s nieces, echoes Shelyne’s view that hurt should serve more time .

“It was such a tragic loss, you know there’s no words for what somebody should get, but when you know the factors of the case, and you know the underlining irresponsible acts that somebody took…it’s a hard pill to swallow for 10.5,” Heather said.

While it may be hard to swallow, remembering the kind of person Irwin was brings some comfort.

“He worked with many organizations with the tribe, with the City of Yuma, with Yuma County, he was a leader. He was a great man. He was a helpful man,” Shelyne says.

Candice Hurt was out of custody for the duration of the proceedings, but after Friday’s court hearing, she will remain behind bars until her sentencing which is scheduled for early August.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County has announced that some mosquitos in our area carrying the Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus.

The County says most people who get the virus won’t develop symptoms. However, you can get fever, aches, and it could even progress into a brain infection. 

Once an area tests positive for the virus, the county takes immediate action.

“One square mile of it from that trap will be fogged to kill the adult mosquitoes and reduce that transmission cycle,” said Richard Cuming, County Vector Control Program Supervisor.

If you are going to be in an area with mosquitos, the county recommends wearing mosquito repellent or long sleeve clothing as well.

Faith Valdez, a Yuma local, says they are worried about the bug but won’t let it stop them from having fun.

“Honestly, with the heat out, I still want to come out and enjoy the water cause it’s too hot for that. It does concern me, but I choose the enjoyment over it,” Valdez says.

The County says that having things that retain water around the house could attract these insects, like dishes underneath potted plants.

They also explain how these mosquitoes get the virus and spread it around.

“The mosquito will bite an infected bird that then replicates inside the mosquito, and if we introduce ourselves into their environment, we can get bitten,” says Cuming.

If you would like the mosquitos tested near your area, reach out the Yuma County Vector Control Program.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local non profit is lending a helping hand to those in need. Every year when the weather gets extreme, nonprofit Hands Extended Thrift Store puts together umbrella bags to help people get by.

When they see someone in need, they lend a hand and give a bag.

“What we do is we put together an umbrella, a couple of bottles of water, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a couple of snacks. And as we’re driving along and we see someone along the road or we know someone who is in trouble, that kind of thing, we give them one of these bags, gives them a little shelter from the heat,” said Hands Extended Thrift Store manager Karen Lebarron.

In 2024, they made and distributed over 100 bags to several churches, veteran organizations, and locals in need.

If you would like to help with the project, you can donate at their bins by the front doors.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Governor Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) signed a bill making it a crime to fail to get medical attention for pets. Pet owners who fail to properly attend to their animals are at risk of a class 5 felony, class 6 felony, or a class 1 misdemeanor.

“Our previous animal cruelty laws did not define some elements very clearly, so like adequate water adequate food. There was real no definition to determine what those two things are, it’s all left up to interpretation,” said Anette Lagunas, Humane Society Executive Director.

Senate Bill 1658 gives more definition to the previous animal cruelty laws by allowing animal control officers to prosecute offenders quickly and effectively.

“Anytime you adopt an animal, you should automatically know that it’s going to require some medical care at some point in their lives,” says Lagunas.

Dr. Cheryl Haugo says sometimes it’s hard to access emergency care in Yuma.

“The best thing you can do is call around see if anybody can see you, and if not then, Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, El Centro, El Cajon, those are your best options,” says Haugo.

If you happen to see an animal in bad condition, try to find proper assistance.

Haugo says, “If they say ‘Oh and you know I don’t know; he’s just skinny or whatever,’ then I would say maybe call animal control.”

The law takes effect in September.

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