Category: kyma-local-news

Adrik Vargas

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – A new Arizona law means some motorcycle violations could now lead to a reckless driving charge.

This includes riding between lanes of traffic, known as lane splitting, and passing another vehicle while staying in the same lane.

Both were already illegal, but now they can lead to reckless driving charges.

A first offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor, with a second offense within 24 months bumping up to a Class 1 misdemeanor.

“It is dangerous and it’s hazardous. So please avoid doing it because you can cause an even bigger accident,” said Sgt. Lori Franklin with the Yuma Police Department (YPD).

YPD said riders should know their limits, pay attention to the cars around them, and always drive defensively. They also said if they are not comfortable with a move, don’t do it.

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Dillon Fuhrman

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Brawley Police Department (BPD) arrested a San Diego man for allegedly robbing a bank Tuesday morning.

The robbery happened at the Corazo Credit Union, located near the Walmart on S. Brawley Avenue, at around 9:15 a.m.

Upon arrival, BPD said the suspect ran away in a grey sedan with an undisclosed amount of money, prompting them to contact the FBI for their help.

BPD said the El Centro Police Department helped in identifying the potential suspect vehicle as a grey Nissan Sentra with Michigan license plates, which was last seen driving westbound on the I-8 freeway.

Once the information was relayed to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), BPD said CHP found both the vehicle and the suspect, identified as a 41-year-old man from San Diego, at a rest area off the freeway.

From there, BPD said the suspect was taken into custody, was turned over to the FBI for further investigation, and was later booked into the Federal Detention Facility in El Centro.

If anyone has information regarding the case, call BPD at 760-344-2111.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The University of Arizona’s new agriculture dean is getting a firsthand look at the research, technology and people helping shape the future of farming in the desert.

Dr. George W. Smith, the Charles-Sander Dean of the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, recently spent three days in Yuma meeting with local farmers, students, researchers and agricultural leaders.

Smith took over as dean in August, and Yuma was his first regional visit since taking the position.

During his visit, Smith toured research fields at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center, where researchers are working on some of the challenges facing desert agriculture.

The research includes irrigation management, food safety, weed control, pest management and tree fruit production.

Smith also met with local growers to hear about the challenges facing Yuma’s agricultural industry and learn more about how university research can support farmers in the field.

“I am just blown away by what I’ve been able to witness and experience here,” Smith said. “My interactions with the local growers, the local farmers…really makes a difference for agriculture in Yuma and for agriculture in the state of Arizona.”

The three-day tour also highlighted the next generation of agricultural and health professionals.

Smith visited the University of Arizona Yuma Academic Center, where he met with students and faculty. University officials say 98 percent of Yuma graduates find employment in their field within six months of graduation.

Smith also learned more about the campus’ Nutritional Sciences program and its Dietetics emphasis, which prepares students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists.

Another focus of Smith’s visit was the future of agricultural technology.

At the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Smith received an update on the region’s “Smart Farm” initiatives.

One project includes a dedicated 5G network designed to support real-time data, automated machinery and others.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Whether it’s part of a morning routine or a reason to catch up with friends, coffee is a daily staple for many people.

At Old West Java in Yuma, owner Chris said coffee shops can be about more than just the drink. They can also give people a place to work, relax, meet up with friends or simply spend time together.

“Coffee is people,” Chris said. “Coffee brings people together.”

Old West Java started as a coffee trailer at the farmers market before eventually opening a permanent location in Yuma.

Chris said many of the customers who supported the business in its early days continue to stop by today.

He also encourages people to support local businesses, saying it helps keep money in the community and supports local workers.

On National Coffee Day, his message is to enjoy a cup of coffee and the people you share it with.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – News 11 is following the race for Arizona State Senate for District 25.

As the election approaches, candidates, like State Sen. Tim Dunn (R-District 25) said it’s important for people to get out and vote, “your voice matters, I’m here to listen to you and the biggest way is make sure you show up and vote and support the candidates that support you and your values, it’s about reelecting people with values.”

State Sen. Dunn said he is ready to fight for the people who cannot fight for themselves.

“Your vote counts and you need to make sure you show up to the polls and vote because typically midterm elections people don’t vote,” said Dunn.

Dunn said he decided to run again because he wants to continue his work on the state legislature advocating for rural values and protecting water rights.

“I really think I need to stay at the Senate to help protect Yuma’s water and be a voice for agriculture and all the things that are important to Yuma, specifically water,” he explained.

The Yuma local said if he’s re-elected, he wants to continue to protect Yuma’s water rights, agriculture, and our higher education system.

He said one of his priorities is making sure there’s enough water in the Colorado River System, so it continues to flow into Yuma.

Dunn said he has the knowledge needed to keep representing District 25.

“Born and raised in yuma and also been advocating for rural Arizona for 25 years…working on understanding what Arizonians issues are…I own a small business several business so making sure we know how to take care of our employees…so I just have that experience level that it takes to care of each and every citizen,” Dunn spoke.

Dunn will be running against Democratic candidate Laura Huber in the general election in November.

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Carolina Garcia

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – Two of the candidates running for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors squared off on a variety of topics.

It was part of a candidate forum organized by Mujeres with Voices Monday night in Calexico.

District 5 Supervisor John Hawk, who is the incumbent, and candidate Patricia Lizarraga talked about road improvements and political unity.

Both candidates agreed on the need to continue repairing the roads, but said the high cost requires state funding.

They also called for moving forward with the Anza Bridge Project to help address traffic at the exit toward Mexicali.

“The importance is for the people to get involved here at firsthand, and that they can make the decision and base their vote off of what they hear from each and every candidate,” said Eugenio Ramos, a member of Mujeres with Voice.

The forum will continue Tuesday night for the Calexico City Council candidates, but only four of the six candidates are participating in the forum.

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Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – As the 2026 election cycle heats up, El Centro native and longtime public servant Rick Lopez is shifting his focus toward local government, officially launching his campaign for a seat on the El Centro City Council.

“I’m not just some guy that decided to run one day for city council,” Lopez told News 11. “I’ve been involved in the city for 45 years…my entire adult life. I care about El Centro. I want it to succeed, I want it to grow, and I want our young people to thrive here when they get older.”

Born and raised in El Centro, Lopez has spent his entire life in the community. He has been married for 45 years to his high school sweetheart, with whom he shares three children and six grandchildren. Today, his children are raising their own families right here in El Centro.

“The success of El Centro is very important to me and very personal,” Lopez shared. “My grandkids are growing up here, and I want them someday when they get older and get married to be able to raise their families here.”

Professionally, Lopez spent just over 30 years with the Border Patrol, with half of his career spent operating at the command staff level.

Through his decades in law enforcement leadership, Lopez gained direct, high-level experience in developing and executing multi-million dollar budgets, drafting and implementing organizational policy, and managing large workforces, personnel, and agency resources.

“So when you put all that together, I think I got a pretty solid foundation for serving on the city council,” Lopez said.

In addition to his professional career, Lopez’s civic involvement in the Imperial Valley spans 40 years. He spent decades coaching and leading youth sports and has been heavily involved with local non-profits.

For the last 15 years, he has served on the board and as a past president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Lopez also previously served as a member and chairman of the El Centro Library Committee Services Board.

If elected, Lopez says he plans to focus his leadership on three core pillars:

1. Public Safety

Lopez emphasizes that supporting first responders is critical, noting that local departments are facing resource challenges.

“Both police and fire in the city are understaffed, so I hope to work together on the city council to identify the funding that we can start enhancing both departments to provide public safety,” Lopez explained.

2. Homelessness Reform

To address the homelessness crisis, Lopez advocates for a strategy that balances compassion with accountability. He proposes establishing designated areas to safely transition individuals off the streets.

“I think if we give them a choice between daytime shelter or nighttime shelter and an authorized homeless campground that has security, then we can get them off the streets,” Lopez said. “Then, we have a place for the social organizations and non-profits to come and have direct contact with them.”

Lopez currently works directly on this issue as a committee member for the Imperial Valley Continuum of Care, which addresses regional housing and homeless services.

3. Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

Drawing from his experience managing government budgets, Lopez is pledging absolute fiscal accountability. He states he wants to ensure city funds are deployed efficiently and transparently.

Lopez says he wants his campaign to be highly accessible and collaborative. He plans to host regular community meetings where residents can get to know him directly, air their concerns, and discuss the neighborhood issues they want fixed.

Voters looking to learn more about Lopez’s platform, or coordinate a meeting, can connect with his campaign through his official channels:

Website: https://electricklopez.org/ Social Media: Available on Facebook and Instagram Direct Campaign Line: Residents can reach Lopez directly at 760-791-1782.

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Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Regional Center for Border Health (RCBH) is encouraging women to take advantage of free screening services through the “Women’s Healthy Program.”

The program is available to women who do not have health insurance, and who do not qualify for AHCCCS.

It provides free mammograms and pap smears for women across Yuma County.

If a radiologist determines that additional imaging or a biopsy is needed, those services may also be covered through the program.

“I just wanted to invite you all for October Breast Awareness Month. It’s very important to try to catch breast cancer early to give you a better survival rate. So our goal here is to get patients in for prevention care and early detection,” said Sandy Santana, Radiology Technician for RCBH.

The screenings are available Monday through Friday at the San Luis Medical Mall, with two additional Saturday screening days in October.

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Abraham Retana

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Two candidates in San Luis, Arizona are running for City Mayor, and News 11 is introducing one of the candidates.

James Allen Jr. has been a San Luis resident since 2003, and he is no stranger to politics as he ran for City Council back in 2024.

If elected, Allen said he’ll listen to the community’s demands.

“All the citizens here have a voice and have some to listen to their voice and take it into consideration before they make major decisions or any decision,” Allen shared.

Allen said as mayor, he would encourage the San Luis City Council to be more proactive with the community and more inclusive.

“We need to be a government to reach out to them and a government to reach out to non-profits to come to our to come to our community and be part of our community for the change and the help for all our people with disabilities,” Allen expressed.

The general election is taking place November 3.

To learn more about the candidates, all of the other races News 11 is following, click here.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Crossroads Mission is hosting their annual fundraiser celebrating 67 years in October.

The fundraiser will be held at the Pivot Point Conference Center Saturday, October 24 at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $60 and include dinner, live music and testimonies to benefit the center of the Hope Building Project.

Crossroads says attending this event goes a long way to help those who are less fortunate.

“I think people should come to this event because it’s going towards a really great cause. We’re having, like, some of the people here staying in the men’s shelter are having to sleep on temporary beds in the chapel, and this building will help get them off the floor and give them a little bit more time to get people back on their feet,” Sassa Culver, Crossroads Public Relations Director, said.

For more information about the event, click here.

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