Category: kyma-local-news

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – New changes for mobile food vendors could be coming to Yuma County.

The community raised concerns about food trucks in residential areas and the noise disturbances caused by their loud equipment.

Jonathan Lines, Vice Chairman of the Yuma County Board of Supervisors, says “There’s been concerns on a state level for a while regarding some of the regulations surrounding food trucks.”

The Board of Supervisors reviewed a proposal that would change the county zoning ordinance on mobile food vendors.

The proposal included where and when food trucks can operate.

Some of the provisions presented were limiting vendors to 96 consecutive hours on any single private property, as well as banning the use of noise-making machines, like generators, between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

“Primarily food safety, secondarily, kind of, is it a good fit for the area, is it in a residential area, and if so then it requires approval from the board of supervisors,” says Lines.

A local food vendor, Mauro Alfaro, says the noise they make is not on purpose.

“From the residential point of view as a resident, if there is a noise outside my house, could be annoying, could be annoying hearing the noise all day, but as a businessman, those are things you need. It’s not because you want to be making noise,” says Alfaro.

A full discussion with the board of supervisors will be happening in the next few weeks to satisfy as many people as they can and still provide safety for the community.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As students head back to school, so do the germs, and doctors are urging families to be proactive in keeping their children healthy.

Crowded classrooms and sharing supplies make it easy for viruses like the flu, RSV, and the common cold to spread.

Dr. Kristina Diaz, the President of Onvida Health Medical Group, says, “Kids like to share everything; water bottles, lollipops, candies, and their lunches. Just chat with your child about the importance that you’re not putting things in places where you’re exchanging saliva.”

She says the best defense starts with the basics like regularly washing hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.

“That’s the quickest way we can transfer bacteria into our bodies. The other way, if you’re going to touch your face really try to wash your hands or use the hand sanitizer, of course be careful not to get the hand sanitizer in your eyes,” Dr. Diaz adds. 

She also recommends parents remind their kids to cough or sneeze in their elbows and that not sharing is also caring, some simple steps that can stop germs in their tracks.

“Best advice I can give parents as we return to school is really to encourage your kid to do all the things we already know, but they just need those reminders. If we all collectively can do that, it’ll decrease the amount of cooties that end up at the schools that we have to continue to fight for several months actually once they start getting shared,” Dr. Diaz explained. 

Doctors also recommend to keep your child at home if they’re feeling sick and to not underestimate the power of rest and a healthy diet, both can boost the immune system and help kids stay well through the school year.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – As temperatures rise and resources run low, nonprofits in Imperial County are stepping in to support those most vulnerable to the summer heat.

This week, the Salud Sin Fronteras Coalition gathered in El Centro to hand out hygiene and hydration supplies to unhoused and at-risk community members.

The outreach is led by Access to Thrive, The Becoming Project, Our Roots Multicultural Center, and Comite Civico del Valle.

“More shoulders make for lighter loads, and that’s how we approach everything here,” said William Cooper with The Becoming Project. “The more of us who get involved, the further our reach.”

Organizers say they’re adapting based on what people in the community actually ask for.

“One comment was, do you guys have deodorant? We didn’t bring deodorant this time, but it’s definitely something we’ll be adding to the list,” said Ashley Contreras, Executive Director of Access to Thrive.

Volunteers shared some of what they’re providing, including toothbrushes, bandanas, sanitary pads, and informational pamphlets.

“So we start off by handing them this, a toothbrush, information about heat resilience and illness prevention, sanitary pads if needed, and a bandana,” one volunteer explained.

But it’s not just about supplies. Organizers say education is just as important, especially when it comes to preventing heat-related illness.

“You can experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke even within the home, just by having symptoms, depending on the indoor heat,” said one coalition member.

The Salud Sin Fronteras Coalition says this is just the beginning of their emergency response efforts.

“This is our first time out here and it’s not going to be perfect, but we will be consistent,” said one organizer. “We’re gonna be in different places in the Valley, and it’ll get more and more specific to meet the needs of the Valley.”

To learn how you can help or get involved, you can reach out directly to the organizations taking part in this effort:

https://ccvhealth.org

https://www.facebook.com/p/Our-Roots-Multicultural-Center-100064731427108

https://accesstothrive.org

https://www.becomingprojectinc.org

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Karina Bazarte

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The El Centro City Council formally voted to approve an affiliation and transfer agreement with the Imperial Valley Healthcare District.

The vote happened Monday night in a special city council meeting.

One local, Isabel Solis, is in favor of the merger of the two hospitals, saying it will help save lives.

“As an educator, I am starting my 32nd year as a teacher. I have seen so many children who had to be airlifted or have to travel all the way outside of our community to get services so the hope hopefully is that when we unite these hospitals there will be pediatric services for our children,” said Solis.

The terms were set on March 11. The council was ready for the transfer on July, first but it was postponed as they were still finalizing the legal documents.

“Delays were necessary to make sure the due diligence was completed. It’s unfortunate, but we are here today…to move forward with a much stronger healthcare distinct for the whole county,” said Robert Sawyer, El Centro City Manager.

We reached out to the healthcare district for an interview, but they provided a statement instead.

“The Imperial Valley Healthcare District lays the foundation for a united, integrated healthcare system and improved, more sustainable, and expanded health services for the residents of the Imperial Valley.

Creating one united, integrated healthcare system provides a foundation for improved, sustainable, and expanded health services for our residents.”

We also reached out to the El Centro City Council for comment, but we are still waiting to hear back.

  

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – In Tuesday’s Home Grown report, we highlight how local growers are preparing for the date harvesting season.

Currently, growers are in the annual process of bagging dates. This allows for the dates to be protected from birds, bats, and even moisture.

“The growers find that if the dates are kept drier if possible, they’ll reduce the amount of fermentation and the amount of black mold that grows on the dates,” said Dr. Glenn Wright from the U of A Cooperative Extension.

The harvesting season for dates typically begins around the third week of August and can continue into late October.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Alexandra Robles was an active person from running in marathons to playing soccer. However, after going unconscious earlier this year, she discovered she has a neurological disorder.

“Since then, it’s been a journey, it’s been a ride where, I am fighting everyday for my life,” Robles says.

This caused her to lose control of certain parts of her body, including her ability to walk.

She has since been going to physical therapy and several doctors to try to regain her strength.

“Life can impact you in just…from one day to another, and just seeing everything that I’ve went through, it’s been very tough,” said an emotional Robles.

With her family being by her side, Robles said it is a struggle, but she is doing it to inspire her children and others.

Luis Robles, her husband, describes how he has seen her stay strong throughout this process. 

“Seeing her throughout these couple months, where I can see her growth since the beginning, since it happened up until now, it’s been amazing, like everything she’s ever accomplished, she has a lot of strength,” he says.

She says she would like to thank the local community for all the support they have shown her throughout this time.

Robles is now an online facilitator for the same school she used to teach at.

She shares one message of inspiration for those going through similar struggles.

“Keep going. I know that healing can be messy, but if you find your motivation to keep going you will rise,” Robles says.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Bring out your sunblock because the sun is here to stay!

We will continue to see above normal temperatures throughout the week with highs around 110 degrees.

According to the National Weather Service, sunny conditions will continue for the rest of the week with limited monsoon moisture.

For the lower deserts, we will continue to see clear to mostly clear skies with high temperatures running around five degrees above normal.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Western College (AWC) announced former NCAA Division I player Kourtney Celaya had joined the Arizona Western Matadors coaching staff.

AWC says Celaya, a Yuma native, will serve as the assistant coach to the Women’s Soccer Team.

She played for the Matadors for one season before she signed to play for Cal State Bakersfield, AWC says.

But after two years, AWC says Celaya transferred from Cal State to Texas Southern University, another Division I school, “where she played center back for two years while earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology.”

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

“I’m very grateful to return to Yuma and be part of the AWC coaching staff,” Celaya said. “I’m excited to support our student-athletes in their growth both on and off the field and to contribute to a program that works hard for success and development.”

“We are so excited to welcome Kourtney back to Arizona Western,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Victor Verdugo. “Kourtney is one of the most accomplished women’s soccer players to come out of Yuma, having her return and bring her experience as an NCAA D1 player and an alumni of our program is tremendous for the program.”

To learn more about Celaya, read the press release below.

Yuma native and former DI player Kourtney Celaya returns to Arizona Western as assistant coachDownload

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Andrea Turisk

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is shining a light on local communities.

They’ve awarded $300,000 through their new GLOW Grant Program.

The funds will support 12 energy-efficient lighting projects across schools, parks, and recreational areas.

The City of Brawley is lighting up four major sites, including the Lions Center Gym and Gonzalez Park.  Holtville High will get upgrades at its sports complex, gym, and tennis courts.

In total, 437 LED lights will be installed.

All projects are set for completion by early December. To learn more about this, click here.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A show will be highlighting local bands in September.

Yuma Rocks 2025, presented by the Yuma Art Center, is set to celebrate the local music scene.

Five Yuma bands were selected through submissions and will be performing at the Historic Yuma Theatre.

The bands selected are:

Carbon Copy

Coffin Up Blood

JL

The Valentines 

The Mystic Fusion

Locals are invited to watch the performances on September 5, 2025.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

All ages welcome and concessions will be available for purchase.

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