Category: kyma-local-news

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – This week, select local high school and college students are experiencing Onvida Health’s annual healthcare camp.

Local students are gaining hands-on experience this summer through exposure to healthcare careers.

Elizabeth Hammonds, Director of Volunteer Services for Onvida Health, said, “We give them the opportunity to explore a multitude of health careers and hope by the end of the week that we have inspired them to select something in the field and be educated in that field.”

The goal of Onvida Health’s annual healthcare camp is to educate students interested in the healthcare field by giving them the opportunity to practice skills such as suturing, PPE, and participating in simulations.

Student volunteer Andrik Reyes said, “The healthcare career camp is where I really fell in love with surgery.”

Students also have the opportunity to learn how to use surgical robots through hands-on simulations, with the hope that campers will discover their passion.

One former camper, now a camp volunteer, says Onvida Health’s career camp is not only a great place to learn hands-on skills, but also a place to build connections.

Jennifer Casillas, a student volunteer, said, “My biggest take away would probably be again the connections that you make.”

The annual week-long camp brings together like-minded students for an immersive learning experience that creates a lasting impact on every participant.

Onvida Health says camps like these help inspire students to pursue future healthcare careers.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – While Yuma is known around the world as the Winter Vegetable Capital of the World, the work that makes those crops possible begins long before the first seeds are planted.

At the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center, crews are spending the hottest months of the year preparing research fields for the upcoming fall and winter growing season.

The fields are used to support research projects for major agricultural companies, with the goal of improving crop production and farming practices.

Before vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower can be planted, crews carefully prepare the soil by disking, chiseling, and leveling the fields.

According to farm managers, proper land preparation is one of the most important steps in producing a successful crop.

“It all starts with the ground,” said Mesa Farm Manager Angel Perez. “If the soil isn’t prepared correctly, everything that comes afterward becomes more difficult.”

In addition to soil preparation, the center plants rotational crops such as Sudan grass and teff during the summer.

The crops help restore nutrients to the soil, reduce wind erosion, and suppress plant diseases before the next vegetable season begins.

Water conservation is another major focus. Using GPS-guided laser-leveling technology, crews create uniform fields that allow irrigation water to flow more efficiently while helping flush excess salts below the root zone.

The process improves soil conditions while maximizing every drop of water in Yuma’s desert climate.

The agricultural center has also added new tractors equipped with advanced technology to improve precision and productivity as research fields are prepared.

Valley Farm Manager Stuart Bennett said technology continues to play a critical role in modern agriculture.

“Technology is big in farming,” Bennett said. “You have to keep up with technology.”

From precision irrigation and soil management to crop rotation and modern equipment, the work taking place during Yuma’s hottest months helps lay the foundation for the region’s world-renowned winter vegetable industry and the harvests that will follow.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial Valley College (IVC) will soon be searching for a new leader as the current president of IVC is moving on to his next adventure.

Dr. Lennor M. Johnson, Superintendent and President of IVC, has accepted the same role at Mira-Costa College in San Diego.

Dr. Johnson has led IVC for the past decade, and he leaves some words of encouragement to incoming and current students.

“Continue to pursue your dreams. You know there’s nothing that you cant accomplish if you put your mind to it and you’re willing to work hard for it,” Johnson expressed. “And many of our students are doing that every single day. But knowing that you have the potential, you have the gift within you, push, push, push your limits because that’s what we have to do as a society.”

Johnson has overseen major initiatives which include the college earning national recognition and expanding student and workforce programs.

He also helped bridge the divide for cross-border students.

“We reach across the border to establish relationships, connections with those individuals. Many of our students reside in Mexico, or visit Mexico, have family in Mexico,” Johnson shared. “And many of our students either work over there. So it’s just so many things that are unique to this county.”

Johnson says he hopes whoever takes up the reins as IVC’s president will continue pushing ahead to create opportunities for the valley.

In addition, he touted the college’s 2030 Plan, which will expand technology and equity while also expanding the campus.

“I think a picture says a thousand words, so I’m going to point to this,” Johnson remarked. “We’re constantly fighting to remove barriers to increase student access to success with the ultimate goal  of eradicating poverty.”

The IVC District Board of Trustees is expected to appoint an interim president as they search for a permanent replacement.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro says a fire engulfed two homes and a car early Tuesday morning.

In a post on Facebook, the fire happened in the area of Avenue C and S. El Prado Road at around 5 a.m.

Upon arrival, Rural Metro said crews found a car, a house engulfed in flames and another house also on fire “with multiple exposures.”

This prompted crews to quickly deploy hose lines and began extinguishing the fire, which was contained to the two houses of origin, Rural Metro said.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

While no injuries were reported, Rural Metro says the Red Cross was called in to help the residents.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County recorded a completely clean slate in California’s latest annual hate crime audit, reporting zero bias-motivated events, offenses, victims, or suspects last year.

The local data stands in sharp contrast to a complex statewide report released last week by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, which revealed a modest 3.4% dip in overall hate crimes, but exposed a troubling 30.3% surge in anti-Hispanic or Latino bias incidents across the state.

Local law enforcement officials suggest that the Imperial Valley’s unique population makeup acts as a natural safeguard against the specific identity-based targeting plaguing other parts of California.

Lt. Mike Mistriel of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the distinction between standard lawbreaking and crimes motivated by prejudice against a protected class, such as race, religion, ethnicity, or gender identity.

“We would like to have no crime at all,” Lt. Mistriel said. “Criminal activities is one thing, but specific crime against a specific person or population is something we don’t want to see, and we’re glad that that’s not something that’s here.”

With the Imperial Valley holding a predominantly Hispanic population, local officials note that the shared cultural identity creates a protective community dynamic.

“Being such a high percentage of a Hispanic population, having hate crimes related to Hispanic is quite, quite low and basically not at all,” Mistriel added.

The alarming spike in anti-Latino and anti-transgender crimes across the Golden State prompted a swift response from Attorney General Bonta.

In a video message on Wednesday, Bonta defended basic community freedoms and called on local jurisdictions to maximize public safety resources.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring that Californians can go to work, go to school, worship, raise a family, run a business, and enjoy all our communities have to offer safely,” Bonta stated.

Bonta insisted that reversing the broader state trends requires strengthening local law enforcement budgets alongside robust public safety initiatives.

“This isn’t the time to pull back on our efforts or investments. It’s time to double down on them,” he said.

Despite the county’s pristine record, state authorities urge caution when interpreting the numbers, noting that hate crimes are historically underreported due to fear or incomplete data collection.

To maintain the valley’s safety, local law enforcement reminds residents that active community watching remains vital.

Mistriel encouraged citizens to report suspicious behavior before it escalates into targeted violence.

“Sometimes just being a good witness and then maybe even calling law enforcement early for the individuals that are involved would be the best way to do it,” Mistriel said.

Officials encourage anyone impacted by bias-motivated behavior or hate incidents to contact state support infrastructure by calling 211, or dialing 911 for immediate emergencies.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Priscila Ruedas is asking voters to write in her name on the ballot as she runs for Yuma City Council.

Ruedas said she narrowly missed qualifying for the ballot after falling short of the required number of petition signatures.

“My name will not show up on the ballot,” Ruedas said. “I was off by 40 signatures. I almost made it, but at the end of the day I’m here and I’m going to keep on giving it my best.”

Ruedas said she decided to run because she wants to better represent the community.

“I’m just a local [that has] seen the way this community is, and has seen that there is a big gap between the people that represent us and the everyday Yuman,” she said.

If elected, Ruedas said she would focus on heat safety, improving transportation and increasing community involvement in local government.

“My goal really is to see what’s data driven, see what makes sense, and talk to the community before we’re implementing and doing all of these things,” Ruedas said.

Arizona’s primary election is Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and early voting is underway.

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Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – Community leaders and local activists gathered at the Hidalgo Society in Brawley to discuss the growing concerns around a proposed AI data center in Imperial.

A panel of speakers, including Michelle Hollinger of Victoria Homes, a neighborhood right across from the planned data center, encouraged the community to take action with continued opposition to any future data center.

Several representatives of local and state representatives attended the meeting.

The speakers also asked the community to get involved by participating in public meetings, local elections, and by volunteering.

“It is not at the cost of my dignity that they will try and take my land and my water and my electricity. But it is everything in me to fight against that,” Julian Daniel, a resident of Imperial Valley told the crowd.

“I want to promote, to educate, to be about, to show you, to network with every single person around you, to be a part of that change,” he said.

William Cooper of The Becoming Project said, “If we don’t invite in new perspectives, we’re doomed to repeat the same thing over and over again.”

Speakers and audience members said they will attend the next Board of Supervisors meeting to continue making their voices heard.

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Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is investigating an RV fire that damaged a trailer.

YFD says it happened Monday at Windhaven RV Park, located in the area of 32nd Street near Circle K, before 8 a.m.

Upon arrival, YFD says crews found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the trailer, and firefighters quickly confirmed everyone had evacuated before beginning fire suppression efforts.

YFD says the fire had spread underneath the trailer, but was contained before it could extend to nearby trailers and other structures.

The residents were evaluated at the scene, but declined to be taken to the hospital, and YFD says the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced residents.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

016 Windhaven Trailer FireDownload

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local nonprofit is helping make sure veterans facing hardship have access to everyday essentials through a community-driven hygiene kit donation effort.

Right Turn for Yuma Veterans recently wrapped up its annual hygiene kit drive, collecting more than 1,000 kits filled with essential personal care items, including shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and shaving cream.

The donated supplies will go toward veterans experiencing homelessness or financial hardship in the Yuma area.

Through transitional housing, outreach efforts, and other support services, Right Turn for Yuma Veterans assists about 60 veterans each month.

Organizers say the hygiene kits help provide critical resources while supporting veterans during times of need.

The organization says the success of this year’s drive was made possible through the generosity of community members and volunteers who helped collect and prepare the kits.

The donated supplies will continue to support veterans throughout the year.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A new community organization is launching in the Imperial Valley with a clear mission: To fill development gaps and help local families and youth thrive.

The Protect Children Imperial County Coalition aims to unite parents, law enforcement, and local professionals to build a stronger support system for the region’s next generation.

According to coalition founder Rosa Diaz, the initiative stems directly from systemic challenges that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns left many children isolated, out of school, and drifting without clear guidance.

“Parents had to work, no fault of them, but [kids] were being left alone,” Diaz said. “I thought there has to be a program that’s going to keep them involved and keep them thinking about the future.”

To address these needs, the coalition’s roadmap includes but is not limited to:

Hands-on parent coaching and caregiver support groups.

Teen pregnancy resources and mentorship for young parents.

Financial assistance to help low-income families afford youth sports and local activities.

Organizers emphasize that keeping youth active and engaged prevents them from falling into unsafe situations. Without reliable mentors, goals, or hobbies, idle teenagers can easily succumb to negative community influences.

“When a kid doesn’t think about tomorrow, everything is about today,” Diaz explained. “They’re not gonna be kids forever…they’re gonna be adults. What can we do to help them and guide them to get there?”

The coalition relies heavily on experienced local voices to power its youth mentorship framework. Giovanni Castellon, a father and coalition mentor, brings 15 years of law enforcement experience to the organization. He has seen the rise of local juvenile crime firsthand.

“The ones that are out running around at one in the morning, committing crime…those are the ones that we wanna help,” Castellon said.

For Castellon, the mission hits close to home. Growing up in Brawley, he witnessed the long-term impact of poor decision-making on his peers. He wants a different trajectory for his own children and the youth of Imperial County.

“I just don’t want to see my kids go down a path that will not benefit them in the end,” Castellon said. “I know people that I grew up with that are not around anymore because of certain decisions that they made.”

Ultimately, leadership hopes this expanding network of mentors and resources will guide the valley’s youth away from crime and toward becoming the county’s next generation of leaders.

The Protect Children Imperial County Coalition is officially open to new members, community partners, and financial sponsors.

Residents interested in joining or supporting the initiative can email protectchildrenic@gmail.com.

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