Category: kyma-local-news

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Wait times to get an Autism diagnosis can stretch for months in Imperial County.

A local organization is hoping to change that by bringing screenings closer to home.

Getting an autism diagnosis in Imperial County isn’t always easy. Limited providers and long wait times can leave families without answers for months or even traveling out of the county for help.

“And that’s usually due to the limitations in service providers and clinical psychologists available in our county, or transportation difficulties…If they have to reschedule and there’s nothing available, it delays them possibly getting diagnosed,” said Abby Martinez, Behavior Specialist.

But now, a first-of-its-kind mobile diagnosis unit, called George and Audrey is hitting the road. Come May, it’ll be staffed with clinical professionals trained in the gold-standard ADOS evaluation, thanks to a team effort between San Diego State and UC Riverside.

“It’s a team approach, so it makes it multifaceted, it’s not just one lens of an experienced clinician, but the lens of many,” said Martinez.

James Gonzalez with Autism Support of Imperial County says creating the mobile unit has always been about speeding up that process.

“We’re just hoping to be able to fast track a lot of families and their services, that’s the goal.” said Gonzalez.

And for families looking to learn more, they’ll get a chance this weekend.

“We’ll have the mobile unit there to give tours, and answer questions for any family, and SDRC will be there too to answer any questions.” said Gonzalez.

The unit will be at the Fourth annual Autism Fair and 5K at Eager Park, Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m., complete with live music and resources for local families.

“It’s the first of its kind in all of California…and it’s here in Imperial,” said Gonzalez.

For more information on the application process, head to ASIC.LOVE.

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A man charged with fatally stabbing another man outside of a Circle K in Yuma was back in court Friday. 

26-year-old Angel Witrado is facing one count of first-degree murder.

His attorney requested more time to review additional video evidence.

The state allowed the request and will present Witrado with a potential plea deal at his next court appearance.

The Yuma Police Department says he stabbed 37-year-old Justin Arviso outside of the Circle K on 24th street and Avenue B last October. 

Arviso was taken to Onvida Health where he died from his injuries.

Witrado was arrested after he was found in Maricopa County, where he was arrested on an unrelated charge.

He will be back in court on May 16.

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – One of the young men tied to a Yuma house party shooting where two young men were killed appeared back in court Friday for a status hearing.

21-year-old Aden Arviso was involved in a house party shooting that killed 19-year-old Danny Garcia and 20-year-old Ande Blackthunder back in May of 2023.

Arviso, who is facing two counts of second-degree murder, declined a plea offer from the state back in April of last year that would have carried a 40-year prison sentence.

He will be back in court on July 11. 

His trial is set to begin this September and is expected to last four weeks.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) is hosting the Bridal and Quinceanera Open House Sunday.

The event is taking place at the Colorado River State Historic Park from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is free.

During the event, attendees will “Tour the venue and grounds, meet professional vendors, sample food, and test out photobooths.”

“We are one of the most historic sites in Yuma. What a beautiful background for your wedding or quniceanera. We have got an expansive beautiful green lawn. Yuma’s got plenty to offer, especially with our venues and vendors. So, stay local,” said Teri Ingram, the event’s coordinator.

Organizers asy they have prices to fit about every budget. For more information about bookings and availability, click here.

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A car crashed into a local bank in Yuma some time early Sunday morning. Footage of the incident was captured before 3:00 a.m.

The car appears to be a white SUV and it crashed into the front entrance of the National Bank of Arizona, located in the area of 16th Street and Arizona Avenue, which was closed at the time.

Crews were on scene repairing the damages to front entrance.

The condition of the driver is still unknown.

KYMA reached out to the Yuma Police Department and will keep you updated on any information once available.

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.

The crash happened at around 7:30 p.m. Sunday near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and West 22nd Street.

One lane on Fourth Avenue was shut down while crews responded to the scene. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

KYMA will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Dillon Fuhrman

UPDATE (5:12 PM): According to YFD, they were dispatched to the house fire at around 3:45 p.m. after receiving reports of smoke and flames inside the home.

When crews arrived, YFD says they found smoke and flames actively burning inside the attic.

No injuries were reported and the fire was contained inside the home, YPD says.

A family of five, two adults and three children, were displaced as a result of the fire, prompting YFD to contact the Red Cross.

While the home was not a total loss, YFD says the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is on scene battling a house fire Sunday afternoon.

According to a reporter on scene, the fire is happening in the area of Second Avenue and Eighth Street, near Roxaboxen Park.

Our reporter says there are four fire engines and one ambulance on scene, and says Eighth Street is closed from Orange and First Avenue as well as Second Avenue is closed from Eighth to Seventh Street.

Our reporter says the fire is still active, and KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) responded to a mobile home fire during the overnight hours of Monday morning.

In a press release, the incident happened shortly after midnight in the area of S. Fifth Avenue and W. 12th Street.

YFD says Yuma Batallion 1 was the first to arrive and they found “a fully involved mobile home on fire,” with Yuma Engine 1 assigned to attack the fire and “began applying water to the fire.”

YFD says the fire was quickly under control and “contained to the trailer of origin.” They also say the people inside the mobile home evacuated prior to their arrival and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

012-Trailer FIreDownload

Dillon Fuhrman

Local customers are reacting to the damages caused by a car crashing into the front entrance of the National Bank of Arizona over the weekend.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Customers of the National Bank of Arizona are shocked that a car crashed into the bank over the weekend.

“It was surprising and shocking to me that such a big car crashed into the building,” said local customer Marlene Coronado.

Because of the damage, customers are rerouted to the second floor to see a banker, while the first floor or drive-thru is for transactions.

“It affected, you know, the business and customers going into the building cause like I said, it was crowded people seemed a little bit impatient…you know, just being in there,” said Coronado.

However, despite the damage, local customer David Lara says they happy for the bank to still be open.

“It shows that they really want to please the customer and they go above and beyond,” he said.

Lara describes the process of how the bank is adapting to the damages.

“Right now, it’s pretty smooth. I’m looking at everybody using the merchant window or the drive-thru and so far, it’s pretty smooth. I think they’re doing a good job with what happened,” said Lara.

Meanwhile, Coronado has some advice for those who have not visited the bank after crash.

“The car crash did happen recently, so they’re barely building, you know, reconstructing everything so just be patient with the tellers and everything when they go in there,” she said.

The Yuma Police Department says the driver was arrested for criminal damages.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Western College’s (AWC) has announced the launch of a “new industry certification from the Institute of Management Accountants in Financial Managerial Accounting,” which is scheduled to begin later this month.

In a press release, the Financial Managerial Account Associate (FMAA) Certification will provide “training in financial reporting and cost management” for those “seeking careers in accounting, finance, and business management.”

“I am excited that AWC is able to offer the Financial Managerial Accounting Associate Certification from the Institute of Managerial Accountants. This organization is one of the largest professional accounting associations in the world. This certification is a wonderful addition to anyone beginning their accounting career.”

Dr. Kristine Duke, AWC Accounting Professor

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

AWC says, “The course will run from April 28 to July 28, with classes every Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 [to] 6:30 p.m.,” with classes being held at the AWC Reskilling and Technology Center, located at 1351 S. Redondo Center Drive.

AWC says, “Registration is open until the first day of class, as long as there is space available.” The cost to participate in the course is $850.

If anyone is interested in applying, read the press release below.

New finance certification courses offered this AprilDownload