Category: kyma-local-news

Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A semi-truck driver is safe Wednesday night after his rig caught fire.

The flames erupted from a semi-truck on Highway 115 near Zenos Road.

The Holtville Fire Department (HFD) says the driver was heading into town for lunch when he saw black smoke coming from the front of the truck.

“At the time, he decided to pull off and he got out and opened up the engine compartment and that is when the fire took off on him. He got out and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher. However, it wasn’t able to do any effect to the fire,” said Thadeo Campbell, a firefighter with HFD.

HFD says the driver then called 911.

Another driver got out of his semi-truck and tried to help put out the fire.

HFD says no one was injured but the semi-truck is a total loss.

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Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- The Calexico City Council appointed the city’s Police Chief Armando Orozco as the new interim City Manager on Tuesday night in a special meeting.

The previous interim city manager was only there on a 90-day contract to help the city.

Chief Orozco says although the council is looking for a permanent City Manager, he will continue to help the city move forward.

“My first thought was I was very honored that the city council will place their trust on me as they continue to place trust on me to be their police chief, and it something that, you know, I feel like I worked hard for and it’s been recognized and so, I have great gratitude to the city council for giving me their voted trust,” said Orozco.

Orozco started his new role on Tuesday. He will also continue to serve as the police chief.

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Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Alzheimer’s Association held a town hall in El Centro to provide information and support to Imperial Valley families impacted by the disease.

Panelists shared the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s and highlighted its greater impact on Latino communities, who are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than white Americans.

Organizers also called for more local volunteers to help expand outreach in a region with one of the highest rates of Alzheimer’s in the U.S.

“Imperial County has the 9th highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s in the country, so we know how important it is for the families of Imperial County to get the resources,” said Janet Hamada-Kelley, the association’s executive director.

The association says the event is part of a broader effort to reach underserved communities.

“Alzheimer’s has historically been thought of as an old person’s disease, but actually a lot of individuals as young as their 30’s or 40’s are getting diagnosed,” Hamada-Kelley said.

She added that increased research and FDA-approved blood tests are helping doctors diagnose the disease earlier.

The event was hosted at DayOut Adult Day Health Care.

“We wanted to actually welcome them into our building so they can feel more of the essence of what DayOut Adult Day Health Care is,” said Maribelle Mendez with DayOut.

Hamada-Kelley said the association will return later this year: “We’ll be back in town in October for our resource fair and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- Food trucks aren’t currently allowed in Calexico, but that could soon change.

City officials are exploring a new ordinance that would allow mobile food vendors to operate under specific rules. They say food trucks could bring life to underused areas, while still protecting nearby restaurants.

“They can also, if strategically located, they could also help enliven an area that may be dilapidated,” said Michael Coyne, the city’s Planning and Building.

One possible location is Border Friendship Park, where the city hopes to create a food court and community space.

Coyne says food trucks could also support long-term business growth.

“With food trucks they can serve as incubators for future restaurants,” he said.

Some of the possible rules include limiting how close trucks can park to existing restaurants, setting specific operating hours, requiring permits, and capping the number of vendors allowed in certain areas. The city may also require access to restrooms and rules for outdoor seating, lighting, and noise.

But some local business owners have concerns. Joong Kim, a downtown Calexico business owner, is concerned for nearby restaurants.

“So, when the lunch trucks come, just to take the customers away during lunchtime, to take care of their hunger, how are they gonna survive? The restaurants?” he asked.

Kim also said there hasn’t been much demand for more lunch options.

“I’ve never had problems, or heard people have problems with getting lunch here,” he said.

A draft ordinance is in the works. The city says it will ask for community feedback before making any final decisions.

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Jalen Fong

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Ring in Independence Day with a bang down by the border.

The City of San Luis will be hosting its annual Fourth of July Freedom Celebration at Joe Orduno Park on the 4th of July starting at 7 p.m.

The event, put on by the city’s Parks and Recreation department will bring together great food, music and an assortment of family-friendly activities and attractions for everyone.

“We’re always thinking about our community and these events are very important to have so they don’t have to drive to other cities,” said Angelica Roldan, Park and Recreation director for the City of San Luis.

A kids area for neurodivergent children is planned to be set up to provide a calmer environment.

Fireworks are planned to begin at about 10:20 p.m.

Entry tickets are $1 from online pre-sales and tickets will cost $2 at the gate.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – In the previous three days, there has been a minimum of three vehicle fire in Yuma, now the Yuma Fire Department (YFD) and a local mechanic share some advice on how to help prevent this from happening.

“That’s why those lights were made you know, as soon as they pop up you have to bring it into the shop that way we can inspect it and make sure everything is okay,” said Isaac Garcia.

Garcia is the owner of Garcia Automotive and Tires Shop.

“They can definitely catch on fire especially leaking fuel pumps, leaking fuel lines, it’s very important to keep up with all that maintenance,” he continued.

Captain David Padilla from YFD shares how difficult it is to put out these car fires.

“Once a vehicle gets fire going, it can take a lot of water to get them to put out. As we look at electric vehicles as some of the newer technology, establishing a water supply being able to get out there, and put the fire out quickly is important and that can be a challenge,” said Capt. Padilla.

They also share some advice on what to do if your car does catch on fire.

“As soon as you notice that you’re vehicle not acting, if you start to see smoke, start to hear odd noises, or you see flames, pull over to the side of the road, shut the vehicle off if you can and immediately get out of the vehicle, there’s nothing in the vehicle worth saving, risking your life,” Capt. Padilla says.

No injuries were reported during these last three fires.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Where there’s smoke, there’s flavor! Dirty South BBQ House held it’s soft opening in Yuma on Thursday.

Their menu includes award winning barbeque ribs, sandwiches, classic sides, date shakes, and more.

They also have a vintage boutique inside the restaurant where locals can check out some stylish clothing.

The owner Angela Birchall is an award winning pit master.

She says she’s excited to share her love of southern barbecue with the Yuma community.

“We might be in the middle of the city, but being from the South, I absolutely brought a little bit of the farm life here into the middle of Oldtown District. We really couldn’t do it without the love and support of the community and Yuma is just so wonderful. I’m happy and just blessed to be able to share my passion with this county,” Birchall explains.

The grand opening will be held next Saturday, July 5.

The restaurant is located on 3rd Avenue and 11th Street in the former La Fonda restaurant building.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma is home to Arizona’s Strongest Man and this weekend, he’s getting ready to test his might.

We spoke with Kelly Howell about his preparation and mindset ahead of this year’s Santa Monica Classic.

The 6’1, 260 pound strongman has been flying past his competitors at numerous local and regional powerlifting competitions.

Howell says, “My last three competitions went really well. I won all three of them. So, I’m sitting good, feeling good, and feeling strong. So, I’ve got some good momentum going into the weekend.”

He’s getting ready to compete against some of the strongest men in the world this weekend in Santa Monica.

Howell says he’s ready to put Yuma and Arizona on the map.

“They’re guys from Sweden, Chile, the Philippines, and all kinds of different places. So, it’s going to be a really good time to represent Arizona. I’m going to be competing against guys well into 350 lbs. – 360 lbs. but we’ll give them a run for their money.”

Deadlifts, log presses, and frame carries are just a few of the events he’ll be competing in.

Howell, who holds the state record for the circus dumbbell press, shares what he does leading up to a competition like this.

“During this prep, we’re deadlifting well over 750 lbs., we’re loading 400 lbs. sandbags, all kinds of just fun, heavy stuff. When it’s 110 degrees and there’s stuff to be lifted, you’ve got to do it outside, no big deal,” he explains.

He thanks his team and the community for the support and is ready to make them proud.

“It’s awesome! There’s a lot of people out there rooting for me. I can’t wait to go out there and show them what I’m capable of. Without their support, I definitely wouldn’t be here,” Howell shares.

Howell is a former United States Marine and also the manager at the Complex Gym in Yuma.

He says he has his sights aimed at the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic next February in Ohio and hopes to crack the top five.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – After nearly two years, Paul Brierley has been confirmed as the new Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

“You know ultimately, what drives me is keeping agriculture viable,” Brierley says.

As the director he will oversee many things like inspections, licensing, and ensuring that both the food and workers are safe.

Brierley has worked for several years in Yuma at the University of Arizona working with the agriculture industry while also having a degree in engineering.

He shares how he has already helped improve the AG industry.

“We’ve been building up that program where we do more training, without a regulatory aspect just training of the industry on food safety, and air quality, and pesticide use, and things like that,” Brierley said.

Meanwhile, Mike Pasquinelli, the president of the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association supports the confirmation but has some advice for Brierley.

“Just as a recommendation, just keep listening to your constituents and to the industry, and lead by what may be needed but listen to all different sides of an argument,” Pasquinelli says.

Brierley says Yuma agriculture is doing great things and wants to work to continue to improve the industry locally.

“We’re all going to work together, and you know, try to improve that so that over time they stay a viable option because they are really a necessity for our whole country and beyond to provide those winter vegetables and the other things they do,” Brierley said.

He also says that he brings an agricultural perspective to cabinet meetings and policy decisions that are made by the governor and other state agencies.

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Abraham Retana

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new business took place in San Luis, Arizona Wednesday.

Skin and Body by Melissa Massage Salon offers a variety of services including facials, massage and therapy.

Owner Melissa Lozolla says this is a dream come true, especially being an immigrant from Mexico.

“I’m just very happy as an immigrant to serve as an example of achievement to other immigrants and you can do it if I can do it you can do it,” Lozolla expressed.

Skin and Body by Melissa is located at 748 N. Archibald Street Unit C, near the U.S. Post Office. To learn more about the business and its hours, click here.

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