Category: kyma-local-news

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is warning Imperial County residents to prepare now for extreme weather as the summer monsoonal storm season gets underway.

Officials state that severe summer weather patterns, which typically run through early September, can bring sudden risks to the region, including high winds, localized flooding, and widespread power outages.

While IID emergency crews are fully prepared to respond around the clock to repair infrastructure and restore power safely, utility leaders emphasize that customer readiness is the first line of defense during a storm event.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take proactive steps today, such as building residential emergency kits equipped with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, and backup power banks for essential devices.

Beyond physical supplies, emergency officials say digital preparedness is crucial for keeping families informed. IID is asking all customers to verify that their telephone numbers and email addresses are entirely up to date in the utility’s system to ensure they receive automatic outage alerts and extreme weather updates.

“That’s our easiest way to communicate with them, whether that be through text messages [or] through our IID Customer Connect app,” said Moises Cardenas, Public Information Officer for IID. “That is a way for us to communicate with them to make sure you know that there’s an outage in your area. An educated population base can get through an emergency a lot faster.”

Utility customers can review and update their current account contact details through several convenient methods:

Log into the IID Customer Connect website.

Use the official IID Connect mobile app.

Contact IID Customer Service directly by calling 1-800-303-7756.

Officials also remind the public to always treat downed power lines as live and dangerous, stay clear of flooded roadways, and monitor official IID social media channels for verified safety updates throughout the summer.

Click here to follow the original article.

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A judge denied a Yuma doctor’s release during a court appearance Monday.

Dr. Irfan Fazil and his business, Bio Family Clinic, were charged with fraudulent schemes, illegal control of an enterprise, theft, conspiracy and drug-related charges.

The judge denied the defense’s request to reduce Dr. Fazil‘s “$50 million cash bond or release him to house arrest.”

Defense attorneys argue Fazil, 54, is not a danger to the community, and has spent years caring for patients.

“He saves lives. So looking at this here danger to society. No, I’m arguing that he is opposite…He is the physician. He helps people. He saves lives,” said Jeremy Claridge, one of the defense attorneys.

However, prosecutors argue Fazil remains a significant flight risk, citing alleged overseas assets and international connections.

The judge agreed that the current bond remains the same, and the case returns to court on July 24 for a case management conference.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro is offering a way for Imperial Valley residents to honor a Veteran.

The city is accepting applications to add names to the memorial wall at Bucklin Park.

The expansion is being made possible by grant funding, allowing the city to add names to the western-facing side of the memorial.

Honorably discharged Veterans, or those who have died in service, are eligible to be recognized. Living service members are also eligible.

Families must provide proof of service, such as a DD-214 or other military identification.

They also require proof of military service such as a DD-214 or other military verification or identification.

FUNDING THE WALL

The project is funded by a $632,260 contract, which the city awarded to Three Peaks Construction.

Additional funding of $$170,260 was provided by Measure P, a half cent local sales tax, and other support from Park Impact Fees.

Spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are open until September 25 and the engraving fee is $350.

Click here to follow the original article.

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As the July 21 primary election approaches, Yuma City Council write-in candidate Derek Egeberg is asking voters for their support while outlining what he says are his top priorities for the city.

Egeberg said his campaign faced an early challenge after falling just short of the number of signatures needed to appear on the ballot.

“I need everybody’s vote to write me in because I am a write in candidate,” Egeberg said. “I was only 47 signatures short to get on the ballot and I need everybody’s help to spread the message. Write in Derek Egeberg. Vote for me for Yuma City Council July 21.”

A lifelong Yuma resident, Egeberg said his connection to the community is what motivated him to seek public office.

“I am very passionate for this City of Yuma,” he said. “I’ve grown up here since 1981. I went to high school here, raised my family here and built my career here. I’m not going anywhere.”

Egeberg said he decided to run after realizing he wanted to be part of the solution to issues facing the city.

“Probably about a year ago I’ve thought about politics before, but about a year ago I said, ‘Man, I wish someone would get in and fix this stuff,’ and it dawned on me that I’m wishing for somebody else to fix the problems when I should step up and do it myself,” he said.

If elected, Egeberg said he would focus on managing the city’s resources while planning for future growth. He identified energy, water and responsible development as key priorities.

He also said he wants to expand manufacturing opportunities in Yuma and encourage more people to pursue hands on careers through education and workforce training.

“Those are the three main things that I would love to talk about is education, manufacturing and really managing the resources we have right here in the City of Yuma,” Egeberg said.

Egeberg said he believes city leaders should make tactical and logical decisions based on what is best for the community rather than relying on emotion.

The Arizona primary election is scheduled for July 21, and early voting is now underway.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma is hosting the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Desert Sun Stadium.

This is a free event, and everyone is welcome. Guests can enjoy entertainment, patriotic celebrations, and a fireworks show that will light up the sky.

Kathy Urfer with City of Yuma Special Events said, “We are having a bigger and better fireworks show this year, and our fireworks show will be at least 25 minutes long.”

Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring cozy blankets and a lounge chair, and enjoy a spectacular night full of patriotic celebrations.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The 65th annual Independence Neighborhood Parade kicked off Saturday morning to celebrate the Fourth of July

Neighbors walked in the parade alongside the Yuma Fire Department, Eagle Scouts, and other community members in honor of Independence Day.

One neighbor says he and his family have enjoyed the neighborhood parade for the past 11 years and look forward to the celebration every year.

John Combs said, “It’s a great neighborhood. Really family-oriented. My kids have grown up here and they’re all adults now. We just love it. We wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

The annual parade brings neighbors together to celebrate community, tradition, and Independence Day.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA)-The City of Somerton is kicking off the holiday weekend with a Fourth of July celebration Friday night.

The event is open to everyone in the community to enjoy and celebrate America’s 250th birthday with live music, food vendors, water balloons, and a highly anticipated drone show and fireworks display.

“We are having fireworks and a drone show tonight. I think it’s a really fun thing to see something a little different or a little outside of the traditional one with the drone show,” one organizer said.

The drone show and firework finale starts at midnight at Council Avenue Park in Somerton.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Caballeros de Yuma hosted their annual Independence Day flag raising ceremony to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our country.

The ceremony kicked off with a flag retirement ceremony followed by the flag raising ceremony. Organizers say this ceremony is a great way to honor those who have fought for our freedom.

Derek Egeberg of Caballeros de Yuma said, “Again, just a great way to start the Fourth of July Independence Day. Nothing says let’s be honored as Americans watching our nation’s flag be raised to our national anthem.”

The stars and stripes were proudly raised by the Young Marines as the crowd stood by for the national anthem and other patriotic songs to honor our Independence Day.

Click here to follow the original article.

Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Lifelong resident of San Luis, Arizona, Brian Analiz De La Hoya committed to focusing local as the race for San Luis City Council heats up.

De La Hoya who works as a substitute teacher and is currently studying business administration has plans on improving the local economy.

His focus includes creating jobs, expanding affordable housing, and supporting local businesses.

“My main proposal is to increase employment opportunities in our city. Our city has not reached the level of excellence it should have, we are a border city,” said De La Hoya.

He says his priorities also include attracting new investment, expanding education, and making city government more responsive to residents.

Click here to follow the original article.