Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Congressional District 7 candidate Deja Foxx is coming back to Yuma County this week as part of her “Crashout or Congress” Tour.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, the tour made stops in Avondale, Bisbee, Douglas and Nogales.

“This race is about who’s willing to fight for the people who’ve been left behind. So I’m hitting the road and taking this campaign straight to every corner of our district,” said Deja Foxx. “I don’t have a legacy last name or big dollar donors, this moment calls for more than a politician. I’m showing up, speaking out, and making sure folks know they’ve got a real fighter in this race.”

Foxx will be at Taco Monster, located at 2198 S. 4th Avenue in Yuma, Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. She will also be at Tacos Y Mariscos La India, located at 879 B Street in San Luis, Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

Foxx is running in the Arizona Special Election Primary against several other candidates including Adelita Grijalva and Daniel Hernandez. The seat was held by U.S. Congressman Raul Grijalva.

The Primary Election is taking place July 15.

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Abraham Retana

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A mosquito pool in Imperial County tests positive for West Nile Virus.

The sample was collected a week ago and results confirmed as positive on Friday.

This is the first positive mosquito pool for West Nile Virus identified in Imperial County this year.

The Imperial County Health Department Vector Control shares some preventive steps to decrease the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

“Dump any standing water in your properties. Right now, we are having a lot of swimming pools, portable swimming pools in the yard. We want to enjoy our yards but remember to dump the water after used, don’t let it stand for more than three days,” said Antonio Lechuga, Imperial County Vector Control biologist entomologist.

Also limit your outdoors activities during dawn or early evening. Wear loose fitting, light color clothing and apply insect repallent.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – With triple-digit temperatures already hitting Yuma, local firefighters are urging hikers to take extra precautions before heading outdoors.

The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) says preparation is key to staying safe on the trails, especially during the hottest part of the year.

“If you are gonna get active and get outside, do it during the cooler parts of the day,” said David Padilla with YFD. “Avoid that 12 o’clock to 4 or 5 o’clock time frame where the heat is at its worst.”

In addition to timing, the department advises hikers to bring more water than they think they’ll need and to carry a fully charged phone in case of an emergency.

“Preplanning your trip, letting somebody else know that you’re gonna be out doing activity or hiking, letting them know where you expect to be, how long you expect to be out there,” Padilla added.

This way, if someone doesn’t return as planned, there’s someone who knows where to start looking.

Spencer Aiken, physical educator at Stronger Together Education Academy, also recommends building upper body and leg strength to prepare for the weight of backpacks and the physical demands of uphill trails.

Exercises like rows, lunges, and step-ups can help hikers avoid injury and improve endurance.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Wheat is a rotation crop that is grown locally to break up the cycle between growing the same crop every season.

It allows for different fertizilers to be introduced to keep soil health high.

But aside from selling the product, Anthony Gallardo, a research technician at the local U of A Cooperative Extension, shares why this crop is so beneficial.

“I mean the number one thing is soil health, we won’t be able to grow our winter produce if our soil isn’t healthy so that rotation crop allows us to have that ability to keep our soil healthy,” Gallardo says.

Planting begins in January and the wheat is harvested in June.

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Abraham Retana

HEBER, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) continues to investigate a fire which destroyed a mobile home and two trucks.

The fire happened Monday afternoon on Fawcett Road near Dogwood Road in Heber.

The fire started with two trucks full of clothing and spread to a mobile home and into an agricultural field.

One family was displaced.

“We understand the power was restored to most of the residents of the area yesterday. Residents that were affected by the fire remains without power, those people remain displaced, the Red Cross is assisting with the housing,” said Deputy Chief Cedric Ceseña with ICFD.

ICFD says two firefighters received medical assistance, one for knee injury and one for dehydration.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Eduardo Morales

UPDATE (5:20 PM): A fire broke out at Yuma River RV Park Monday morning, destroying four trailers and one vehicle. The fire also claimed the life of a dog.

The park is located north of the Colorado River.

Battalion Chief Jeff Woodruff shares what the crew saw when they arrived on scene.

“When they got on scene they had one home fully involved, a motor home fully involved, and the second home was starting to catch fire, and they continued to work it,” said Chief Woodruff.

Rural Metro says no other injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, Michael Kimbll, a maintenance worker at the park, describes what he felt as he saw the flames spread from one building to another.

“It’s unimaginable what goes through your mind at the time when there is a fire, you know this isn’t the first fire I’ve seen, but the worst,” Kimbll says.

The case is still under investigation.

UPDATE (1:00 PM): Eduardo Morales is live to provide updates on the RV park fire. See attached video for the livestream.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Rural Metro Fire has responded to an RV park fire late Tuesday morning.

The fire took place at Yuma River RV Park, located in the area of E. County 5 1/2 Street, near Levee Road.

According to a reporter on scene, the fire looks like it’s just about out.

KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The State of California has updated laws regarding distracted driving and street racing.

In a ruling, which went into effect on earlier this month, drivers cannot hold a phone while driving, text, scroll or browse apps and watch or record videos.

However, drivers are allowed to mount their phone on a dashboard or windshield when using a GPS, use voice commands or Bluetooth and operate your phone with a single tap or slide when it’s mounted.

At the same time, there will be an update to the state’s street racing and sideshow laws.

Starting next Tuesday, July 1, courts in the state may order a persons driver’s license to be suspended for 90 day to six months “for an exhibition of speed, or aiding and abetting an exhibition of speed, if the violation occurred as part of a sideshow,” according to CalMatters.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A man who allegedly shot at a Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) helicopter earlier this month is facing new charges.

According to YCSO, he was originally facing three counts of first-degree attempted murder, but those charges were not filed.

Instead, he is facing seven counts, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, endangerment and disorderly conduct.

The man was arrested on June 13 after he allegedly shot at a YCSO helicopter, carrying three deputies, while on routine aerial patrol.

He will be back in court next Monday, June 30, to be formally charged.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Locals throughout Yuma County share mixed reviews about the United States bombing of Iran.

Some locals, like Latosha Hosko. fear the retaliation could have led to more violence.

“Now we have to be terrified and pray every day that nothing happens and leave it in God’s hands you know, there’s only so much we can do you know, I didn’t vote for him,” said Hosko.

While other locals like Walt Loomis feel it’s something that needed to be done.

“I thought it was necessary because they kept threatening us for the last 40 years, and they were getting very close to a nuclear bomb, that could have wiped out half the country,” said Loomis.

Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn says he supports the move made by the president, saying if Iran has nuclear weapons, it’s not a safe situation for anyone.

“That is an exponential threat to the United States and the world, and we need to continue to remove the rest of those sites and this sends a message that we’re not going to tolerate that, and that’s why I think the world is a safer place,” Sen. Dunn says.

Meanwhile U.S Senators took to the social media platform X to share their displeasure with the decision.

“The American people do not want to be dragged into another endless war in the Middle East. I would know. I saw close friends die next to me serving as a Marine in a high-combat unit in Iraq. Each of these deaths was needless,” said Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego via X.

“Trump’s decision to bomb Iran without bringing a plan to Congress and without using all our diplomatic options risks escalation that puts thousands of American troops and families at risk,” added Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

You can see Kelly’s statement here.

Meanwhile, Governor Katie Hobbs said in a statement on Sunday, “Earlier today, I joined a call with [Sec. Kristi Noem] and fellow governors to discuss threats linked to Iran. I appreciate the Administration’s coordination. Arizona remains vigilant and prepared to protect our communities and critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats.”

However, it is important to note that since the interviews and statements have been conducted both Israel and Iran have come to a ceasefire.

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Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro has changed a local ordinance, giving police the ability to charge people with a misdemeanor if they refuse services like rehab or mental health support.

City officials say the goal is to reduce public nuisance issues, not to criminalize homelessness.

“Where would they go? If they have a place to take them then that would be awesome to do that, it would force some people to get assistance,” said local resident Jose Rodriguez.

But some community members are concerned the change could do more harm than good.

“I think that charging them with a misdemeanor for refusing services is just gonna further their challenges, like trying to get jobs,” said Valerie Sanchez, another local resident.

Others believe more investment in services would be a better solution.

“I think as long as we continue to offer support and put funding into mental health resources and our Veterans, that might be better for all of us,” said Gannon Strong, another local resident.

Another concerned local, Miriam Silva, added, “I think it’d be better to incentivize them than punish them.”

City officials say support services will continue to be offered, and this ordinance is just one tool to address ongoing issues.

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