Category: kyma-local-news

Adrik Vargas

MARTINEZ LAKE, Ariz. (KYMA) – As the Extreme Heat Warning continues throughout the Desert Southwest, Martinez Lake has set the record for the hottest day ever recorded in March in the U.S.

Martinez Lake hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and it was confirmed Thursday evening.

The previous record was set by North Shore, California, which was set Wednesday at 108 degrees, and the record before that was also 108 in Rio Grande, Texas back in 1954.

With temperatures still climbing, locals, like Penny Sims, say it’s not keeping them away. In fact, it’s what draws them there.

“It feels like summertime. It’s quite early for us to have this hot weather, but we live here because we like the heat,” Sims explained.

That sentiment was a common theme among those at the lake.

“I have a place here. We bought it probably about ten years ago, but before that, we used to came here in our RV and then we liked it so much, we ended up getting a place here,” said Victoria Tomeoni, another local.

The Martinez Lake Fire Department (MLFD) says the area is a popular hotspot for people wanting an alcoholic beverage on the weekends.

“A lot of people make mistakes where they drink alcohol and they think that’s good to stay hydrated, but, you know, light beers and seltzers don’t count as water…Water is water,” said Felipe Ramirez with MLFD.

While some find the heat pleasant, not everyone can survive it.

“In general, March is very busy with the snowbirds, but since it’s been so hot, a lot of them left,” Sims shared.

If you’re planning a trip to Martinez Lake, MLFD is reminding visitors to drink plenty of water, find shade and know your limits in the heat.

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Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif (KYMA) – The couple charged with the abuse and murder of a five-year-old child in Brawley were back in an Imperial County Criminal Courtroom Thursday.

24-year old Leah Lentz and 24-year-old Isaac Elizondo faced a judge. This time, as co-defendants following the previous consolidation of their cases.

Judge Marco D. Nunez oversaw the proceedings during this hearing.

On Wednesday, the public defender assigned to represent Elizondo filed a motion in opposition to the cases being combined.

However, Lentz’s attorney, Veronica Henderson, said Lentz is ready to get her case moving.

Henderson told Judge Nunez, “She’s anxious to get this case to trial. She maintains her innocence. However, as her attorney, I need to make sure all of her rights are protected.”

Lentz was the mother of five year old Joseph Jr. Elizondo is her boyfriend.

Elizondo is charged with the abuse and murder of Joseph Jr. Lentz faces her own charges of murder in the death of the child. They both remain in custody.

The public defender’s office stated that they will also re-subpoena the Imperial Valley Healthcare District, serving the director and demanding he be present in the courtroom.

When we previously spoke to Henderson outside the courtroom, she urged the public to remember that defendants are allowed the presumption of innocence in this country.

“Everybody in this country is innocent until proven otherwise, and so I would like to make sure that people remember that,” she said.

Meantime, a preliminary hearing setting and amended arraignment are set for April 30.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma City Council has submitted comments on the future of the Colorado River.

The federal process will determine how the river will be managed for decades to come.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls says it’s important to have collaboration to find out if there’s a risk of a water supply shortage.

“We’re opening up the walls of the river and how distributions happen. These threats that Yuma County has are direct contracts with the federal government, so they really shouldn’t be at risk, but you really don’t know,” Mayor Nicholls shared.

In its submission, the Yuma City Council addressed proposed strategies for managing Lake Powell and Lake Mead as those are the two major reservoirs that regulate the Colorado River.

The city also emphasizes the need to maintain reservoir levels to ensure reliable water delivery and sustainability.

Nicholls says it’s all in an effort to ensure Yuma’s share of the river isn’t affected, and that it’s important to conserve water to the best of our ability.

“I also believe that it’s efficient, and beneficial use of water is important to maintain our rights doesn’t mean we can’t use water. It just means let’s not set ourselves up to waste it,” the mayor expressed.

Valentine Sierra, a representative of Amigo Farms, says he’s worried about the water cutbacks since they are dependent on the water for growing winter crops.

“With cutbacks, obviously, it’s harder for us to grow. We’re depending on the Colorado River not just here in the desert, but other states as well, and it’s one of the vital water sources we have here,” Sierra remarked.

Yuma is one of the nation’s leading producers of winter vegetables, and reliable river water is vital for growing.

“The river water helps grow all these vegetables. We’re very depending on it…It’s one of the main sources here that we need to grow and produce water,” Sierra added.

For more on the Colorado River operations, click here.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A national shipping company has officially opened its doors in Yuma Thursday.

Amazon held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new delivery station, and they were joined by Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls and community partners.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, the facility is to represent the company’s continued investment to the Desert Southwest by “creating quality jobs and strengthening the local economy.”

“Amazon boosts Yuma’s economy by creating hundreds of jobs at this facility with competitive wages and a variety of roles that enhance the employment opportunities and are part of our vision to delivering a prosperous future,” said Humberto Quintana, Senior Economic Development Manager for Amazon.

Amazon has invested over $35 billion in the state of Arizona. They’ve brought 35,000 jobs statewide, including 200 in Yuma.

Mayor Nicholls said the much needed facility was built in eight months, and says it will not only help regular customers, but local businesses as well.

“From the greater world, to be able to say not only is Yuma great at feeding the country, but Amazon has invested. That spurs on a lot of other conversation,” the mayor expressed.

Quintana says delivery stations, like the one in Yuma, help local entrepreneurs elevate their business.

“In Arizona, we support about over 10,000 of these small and medium business sellers and we strive also to uhh be the world’s best employer,” Quintana added.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals across Yuma County are sharing their reaction to the record triple-digit temps.

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect from Thursday through Sunday evening, but that didn’t stop people from being out and about in Yuma.

People were seen grabbing a bite to eat, getting some ice cream or enjoying a beverage at the Yuma Palms Mall.

By the Colorado River, people made the trip from near Los Algodones just to come by the river to bring their pets and relax.

“This is nice because you can go in and swim and cool off, and you can come down here and enjoy,” said Monica Burgess, a visitor.

There were even some who took the bus from San Luis.

“I’ve been here for 13 years, and this is my first time on the bus with my baby. It’s amazing. Right now, we’re just going to jump in the water,” said Dolly Ruiz, a resident of San Luis.

With temperatures this high, safety is key.

If anyone has to be outdoors, say hydrated, take breaks in the shade, wear light clothing, and never leave kids or pets in the car even for a minute.

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Paul Vozzella

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The four defendants in the murder trial of a Yuma man, whose remains were found in Winterhaven, pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.

42-year-old Gabriel Mills Sr., 21-year-old Gabriel Mills Jr., 35-year-old Daniel Martinez and 21-year-old Sadie Hiatt were all present for Thursday’s arraignment in El Centro.

All pled not guilty to their charges which include torture and murder in the murder of 23-year-old Jacob Sims.

Sims was murdered in November of 2024. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled in June.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A San Luis man has been found guilty of murdering three people.

43-year-old Ivan Osuna was convicted in connection with a triple-murder that happened in September of 2022.

Investigators say three people were killed in a single day, including one victim found near Mojave Lane and Eighth Street, and two others found near County 13th Street and Avenue F. They were found with gunshot wounds.

The victims were identified as 45-year-old Juan Luna-Montijo, 28-year-old Kristin Carrillo and 31-year-old Daniel Herrera Jr.

Police say Osuna was identified as a suspect more than a year later while he was already in custody in another state on an unrelated case.

His sentencing has been scheduled for March 27.

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Skylar Heisey

(KYMA) – Highway 111 is now open Thursday morning after a train derailment near the Salton Sea forced it to close.

According to our sister station KESQ, it happened after 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Mecca and North Shore area, near Parkside Drive.

At least 20 train cars derailed, forcing a response from hazardous materials crew, with Cal Fire saying none of the chemical freight appeared to have been affected and no injuries were reported.

“We ask that people avoid the area to allow crews to get in there. There’s gonna be some extensive cleanup involved. Otherwise, just mind the roadblocks, be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you comply with any directions that come out,” Tawny Castro, Public Information Specialist for Cal Fire, said at the time Highway 111 was closed.

Highway 111 was closed from Bayside Drive to beyond the derailment area.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A major community event focused on hope, remembrance, and the fight against cancer is returning to Yuma this weekend.

Relay For Life of Yuma County is set for Saturday, March 21, marking its 30th anniversary of bringing the community together to support the fight against cancer.

The annual event, hosted by the American Cancer Society, raises funds for cancer research, patient services, and advocacy.

Organizers say this year’s event will feature a full day of activities for all ages, including an opening ceremony, survivor and caregiver laps, live entertainment, and community team campsites.

To keep participants safe in the expected warm weather, organizers have moved the traditional survivor lunch to a survivor dinner at 6 p.m.

Registered survivors and a caregiver are invited to attend the sponsored meal.

Other highlights include the Luminaria Ceremony, where glowing bags line the track in honor and memory of those impacted by cancer, as well as activities like a childhood cancer lap and family-friendly attractions.

The event will take place at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex, with gates opening at 10 a.m. and the opening ceremony beginning at 11 a.m.

Organizers say while the event lasts 12 hours, community members are encouraged to attend at any time throughout the day.

Since it began in 1996, Relay For Life of Yuma County has raised more than $3.5 million to support cancer research and services.

Event organizers say the mission remains the same: bringing people together to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and continue the fight against cancer.

It’s not too late to get involved. To register or learn more, visit here.

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Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – The annual Cesar Chavez Day Celebration in Brawley will continue as scheduled, only with a shift in recognition, as it will no longer be named after the civil rights leader.

The change comes as communities across the country reconsider how to mark the holiday following recent allegations against Chavez.

Organizer Eric Reyes says the celebration will shift the focus away from Chavez and direct the attention toward farmworkers in Imperial County.

He says the goal is to honor the labor movement while recognizing the sacrifices of the workers in the Valley.

Reyes explained, “The celebration itself must continue because it’s about a farmworker movement and a farmworker community and how we have advanced as a community through the hard work of all the movemientas, so it’s called El Movemientos Celebration.”

He noted that the alleged victims should be given space and time to tell their stories, all all claims should be investigated.

Imperial County Chief Public Defender Ben Salorio says the rebranding makes sense as it will focus on the Mexican-American and Filipino farm workers, who helped lead the Delano Grape Strike in 1965.

“I think recognizing the Filipino and Mexican Farmworkers, along with the current farm workers, is not just appropriate, but probably long overdue,” Salorio explained.

Salorio is set to make an appearance at the event as part of his campaign for Imperial County Superior Court Judge in this year’s election.

Despite the shift, the event will feature a march, community activities, and resource tables for those in need.

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