Category: kyma-local-news

Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Even though plans for a data center in Yuma have been ruled out, at least for now, the conversation is far from over.

Locals on both sides of the debate continue to speak out about what a project like this could mean for the community.

While no current plans are moving forward, the idea sparked strong opinions from residents, leaving some questioning whether the city could handle a project of this scale in the future.

Concerns largely center on water and energy resources, which many say are already under pressure in the region.

“The first situation, is that the water rights have never been resolved. In the area, nor further up in the Colorado River,” Alex Bordokoff, a Yuma local, said. “And the people that are holding it hostage are irresponsible.”

At the same time, supporters argue a data center could bring economic growth and new opportunities to Yuma.

“We need to grow. I think it’s a good thing…Go ahead and pass it and let them in,” Glen Gipson, a local man, said.

However, others remain unconvinced, citing too many unknowns about potential long-term impacts.

“My biggest concerns about bringing a data center to Yuma is that we don’t have enough information to know what the consequences of it are,” Priscila Ruedas, a Yuma local, said. “And the preliminary information that is available is very negative.”

For now, no data center is planned in Yuma, but the debate over the project and its potential impact is expected to remain a key topic of discussion in the community.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Board of Supervisors voted on a lot merger needed to proceed with a proposed large-scale data center late Tuesday morning.

The merger was submitted by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing LLC.

At least four people were removed from the meeting, with the seats were filled with union construction workers from neighboring counties.

There was also a protest happening outside the Administration Building.

“Vote them out, vote them out,” was heard by the protestors.

The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday on a lot merger needed to proceed with a proposed data center in the City of Imperial.

The Board approved the lot merger 4-1, with Martha Cardenas Singh voting “NO”.

Emotions ran high inside the meeting as dozens lined up to speak ahead of the vote, with dozens more left outside without a seat, and four attendees were removed from the meeting during public comments.

A point of contention among residents was that the board room was filled with union construction workers in support of the project, most of whom live in surrounding counties such as Bakersfield.

This raised concerns among citizens that the promised jobs will not go to imperial county workers.

“A union has hired a bunch of people that are not from the county. They were bussed in and they took us over 90 percent of the seats in the county board of supervisors office. And so, all of the noise that you hear out here are actually residents of imperial county that were not afforded a seat,” said Tomas Oliva, an El Centro resident.

Residents opposed to the data center cited water usage, power demand, and the long-term impact on nearby communities.

“Real consequences for our water, for our air, for our infrastructure and our people. We don’t have to look far for lessons about what happens when decisions are made without fully considering the long term impacts,” said Bryan Vega, Chair of Imperial County Democratic Party.

Community members say they will make their voices hear come November at the ballot box.

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Jessamyn Dodd

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – Over 110 rounds of ammunition was found in Calexico over the weekend.

Authorities were called to the scene where mortar rounds and ammunition were found in a lot in Calexico.

The discovery was made when property owners were clearing the lot, but police say the ammunition was not live.

“Someone moved, I guess, [an] abandoned vehicle there, and…under the vehicle, there was a couple of those dummy rounds there, and after further search of that immediate area, there was more found,” said Sgt. Marco Mardueno with the Calexico Police Department (CPD).

This is the second time ammunition has been found at that property, where CPD previously removed a pallet of non-explosive mortar rounds.

“This is like the second time this has happened but that lot used to be like a scrap metal yard, and I guess before they cleaned it up there was a large amount of those duds, like mortar rounds, practice rounds,” Sgt. Mardueno shared.

The rounds were turned over to the Bomb Squad. The area has been cleared and is now safe.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local school gave its students a first-hand look at what careers they can pursue in the future.

It was part of OC Johnson Elementary School’s Tunnel of Hope and Career Day. Students learned what it takes to work in a variety of jobs locally.

The goal of the event was to help transform kids’ dreams into a reality.

“It’s important so they can make a plan for their future, have some dream and set some goals to find a college or career that they want to go to,” said Principal Angela Logan.

More than 30 agencies were a part of the Career Day, including the Yuma Police Department, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and Onvida Health.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The family of a man killed while riding his bicycle in Imperial held a vigil this past weekend.

Ruben Camargo‘s friends and family gathered at Mando’s Stereo in El Centro Saturday, just miles from where he was struck and killed on his bike.

The evening began with Camargo’s niece paying tribute by singing one of his favorite low-rider oldies.

“I picked this song because that’s who my uncle was. He was an angel. He’d do anything for anybody, no matter how he could do it,” Nevaeh Garza, Camargo’s niece.

His family is also petitioning the City of Imperial to add a dedicated bike lane on Highway 86.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Law enforcement agencies, including the Yuma Police Department, within Yuma County are participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run 2026.

According to a press release, the relay will take place on Main Street, near the roundabout, in San Luis, Arizona Thursday at 6 a.m., with each agency carrying and passing the “Flame of Hope” along the route.

YPD says the relay will continue along Highway 95 to First Street in Yuma, concluding at around 10 a.m. at the Colorado River State Historic Park.

Courtesy: Yuma Police Department

This is to help raise funds to support Special Olympics athletes in Yuma, with YPD saying they raised over $14,000 last year to help the athletes and their chaperones travel to state and national competitions.

In addition to YPD, the following agencies are also participating in this year’s run:

Yuma County Sheriff’s Office

LaSalle Corrections

U.S. Marshals

Arizona Department of Transportation

U.S. Pretrial and Probation

FBI

Homeland Security Investigations

San Luis Police Department

Yuma County Adult Probation

Arizona Department of Corrections

MCAS Yuma

Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center

U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground

Somerton Police Department

Somerton Municipal Court

U.S. Border Patrol

Cocopah Police Department

AWC Police Department

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

Bureau of Land Management

AWC Law Enforcement Training Academy

DEA

Law Enforcement Torch Run 2026Download

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) responded to a mobile home fire over the weekend.

According to a press release, it happened in the area of N. 19th Avenue and W. First Street Saturday at around 5 p.m.

Upon arrival, YFD says, “Crews found smoke coming from the mobile home,” and says they entered the mobile home through an unlocked rear door, after receiving no response at the front door, and located the fire in a bedroom.

YFD says fire crews quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the home, and contained it to the bedroom and its contents.

YFD also says no injuries were reported, and says the residents were not home at the time of the fire, but they arrived shortly after fire crews were on scene.

In addition, YFD says they contacted the American Red Cross to help two adults and five children who were displaced.

YFD says fire crews remained on scene to make sure the fire was fully extinguished as well as check for any hotspots, and says they monitored the home by driving by for the next few hours as a precaution.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

010 Trailer Fire N. 19th Ave.Download

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local Veterans and community members in need will have a chance to access essential services at this week’s free Community Resource Fair, hosted by the Yuma Coalition to End Homelessness (YCEH).

The fair, set for Wednesday, April 8, at the Heritage Library on Third Avenue, will bring together more than 30 local agencies to provide help with housing, employment, healthcare, mental health services, legal assistance, and more.

“Our goal is to help people find long-term stability through local support services,” said a spokesperson for YCEH. “This is a no-barrier event, open to anyone who needs assistance.”

What to Expect

Attendees can expect a wide range of support, including:

Housing programs and referrals

Healthcare and behavioral health services

Employment assistance and job resources

Legal aid and youth programs

Essential items such as hygiene products, food, and clothing

The fair will also offer Coordinated Entry Assessments, helping those experiencing homelessness get connected to housing programs based on eligibility and availability.

How to Participate

No appointments are necessary. Residents are encouraged to bring friends or family and take advantage of this opportunity to connect directly with service providers.

“Real people, real help, real connections…that’s what this fair is about,” said organizers. “We hope everyone in need takes advantage of this day of support.”

For more information, contact YCEH at (928) 317-4584.

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Abraham Retana

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – April is the Child Abuse Prevention Month.

We talked to local police department to find out what resources are available for children and what signs we need to be aware of if a kid has been abused.

The San Luis Police Department (SLPD) will be attending to local schools to bring awareness about child abuse.

“We go and do presentations at different schools agencies. There are really good agencies like Amberly’s Place that will be part of the pinwheel event and they also do the mandatory reporting trainings,” said Lt. Emmanuel Botello of SLPD.

Lt. Botello says one incident is too much and the community shouldn’t be dealing with child abuse and also said it’s important to vigilant and look for some signs of child abuse.

“Somebody that can be active and cheerful can go from that to be somebody quiet, somebody a little more reserved. There is also change in behavior that goes from somebody who is quiet, to somebody who becomes violent. Some children display that aggressiveness,” explained Lt. Botello.

Every child deserves to live in a loving lovely family without fear, with respect and grow into a world of opportunities.

If you know a child that may being abused, call immediately to your local police or Amberly’s Place.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – CASA volunteers across Arizona are being recognized this week for their commitment to supporting children in the foster care system.

Many of whom are navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, connects trained volunteers with children in foster care.

Appointed by a judge, these volunteers serve as independent advocates focused solely on what is best for the child.

In Yuma County, volunteers say the role goes far beyond occasional visits. Sarah Healy, a local volunteer, has been a part of CASA for over seven years.

“Everything pointed me in the direction of that’s how I want to spend my time,” Healy said. “Because what they kept saying was, you’re going to be a voice for children who may not have a voice from anyone else.”

CASA volunteers spend time getting to know each child’s unique case. Meeting with them regularly, learning about their background and speaking with those involved in the child’s life. They then provide recommendations to the court that best suit their needs.

The ultimate goal is to help children find safe, stable and permanent homes.

According to CASA, studies show that children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to succeed in school, find permanency and half as likely to re-enter the foster care system.

For volunteers like Marde Randall, the work is both meaningful and motivating.

“If you’re going to have a child in foster care, Arizona might be the place to be,” Randall said. “The children, are really cared for and that was what inspires me…Daily, really.”

Volunteers say cultural understanding and speaking the native language of the child or their family can play a crucial role in building trust.

“It’s very rewarding, especially if you [are] bilingual,” Sandra Perez, a CASA volunteer, said. “It’s very important, we have a lot of kids that only speak Spanish, or maybe they are with a relative that only speaks Spanish, so it’s very helpful.”

CASA programs operate in all 15 counties across Arizona and is administered by the Dependent Children’s Services Division of the Arizona Supreme Court.

Locally, the Yuma Council for CASA works to raise funds and awareness to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Despite ongoing efforts, the need remains high. CASA’s goal is to have one volunteer for every child in foster care. Something advocates say is only possible with continued community involvement.

For many children, having one consistent, caring adult can make a lasting difference.

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