Category: kyma-local-news

Joaquin Hight

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The El Centro Police Department (ECPD) arrested a man who allegedly assaulted and strangled a victim, and the entire arrest was captured on body camera.

ECPD said it happened Wednesday morning. They said the suspect picked up a knife and attempted to stab them as well.

The suspect barricaded himself inside a car before surrendering when officers shattered the rear window.

He was safely taken into custody and booked into the Imperial County Jail on multiple felony charges.

The suspect was wanted for multiple felony offenses, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and felony domestic violence.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As students across Yuma County prepare to head back to the classroom, many families are finding that getting ready for school involves more than checking off a supply list.

Parents are also helping their children navigate the stress and anxiety that can come with the start of a new school year.

For local mother Daisy Hernandez, preparing her daughter Natasha for the first day of school has included easing some unexpected worries.

“Natasha actually had a dream the other day that she was only going to be in school with pencils, dry erase markers, and highlighters and she wasn’t going to have anything to write on,” Hernandez said. “So that was something she’s been stressing on because we haven’t gone back to school shopping. So she’s ready to have all the tools that she needs.”

While some students are eager to see friends and meet new teachers, parents say the transition back to school can also bring concerns about having the right school supplies, making new friends and adjusting to a structured routine after summer break.

Parents also shared that their own concerns often focus on their children’s safety, bullying and making sure they return to school with a positive mindset.

“I think it’s important for parents to be open with their kids and stay positive with their kids,” Alicia Johnson, another local parent said. “Like school is a fun thing. Don’t worry about the bullies. Don’t worry about your anxiety. You got this. You can do it. And don’t shut them down when they talk to you.”

Behavioral health specialists say those conversations can play an important role in helping children feel more prepared before the first day of school.

Experts from Onvida Health recommend reestablishing school-year routines, including consistent bedtimes, while encouraging children to openly discuss any fears or concerns they may have.

“A lot of parents do end up going back to a routine,” Dr. Panna Patel, a D.O. and local child and adolescent psychiatric specialist said. “So making sure kiddos are going to sleep at a good time that they would expect during school. There’s a lot of communication and a lot of positive reinforcement that can really happen right before school starts to help ease some of the anxiety about going back to school.”

Some schools in Yuma County welcomed students back to class this week, while others are preparing to begin the new school year next week.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) said one person has died in a crash Wednesday morning.

In a press release, the crash happened before 7 a.m. in the area of W. County 14th Street and S. Fourth Avenue.

YCSO said a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk was driving westbound on County 14th Street when a 2009 Honda Fit Sport, driving northbound on Fourth Avenue, approached the intersection.

The Honda, according to YCSO, failed to stop at the stop sign, and the vehicles crashed at the intersection.

Rural Metro responded to the area and took both drivers to Onvida Health, YCSO said.

While the driver of the Jeep suffered non-life-threatening injuries, YCSO said the driver of the Honda, identified as 54-year-old Amarilis A. Jimenez de Burnett of Yuma, was in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

While County 14th Street has been reopened, YCSO said the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has information regarding the case, call YCSO at 928-783-4427, call 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

2026-63-Fatal-CollisionDownload

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As students head back to school, local officials are reminding drivers and families to stay alert in school zones.

With more traffic during morning drop-off, the Yuma Police Department (YPD) said drivers should slow down, follow traffic laws, and watch for students crossing the street.

Sgt. Lori Franklin with YPD said parents should plan ahead and give themselves extra time.

“If you’re going to drop your kids off, leave early. Make sure that you get there in time so you’re not stuck in traffic, but again watch for pedestrians crossing, don’t block crosswalks,” Sgt. Franklin shared.

Officials also recommend students who walk to school use the same route each day and, if possible, practice the route with a parent.

Local parent Leila Lopez says drivers should also be extra careful during busy drop-off times.

“I just am extra precautious with the kids,” she said. “A lot of kids like to open the door and run out, so a lot of stopping, a lot of braking.”

Officers are also reminding students and drivers to put their phones away, look up, and stay aware of their surroundings.

They say taking simple precautions can help keep students safe as the school year begins.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local family was rescued from drowning at Martinez Lake.

Bailey Ray, a mother, shared on Facebook last weekend that her and two kids were trapped in a 30-foot current.

Her daughter Wren and family friend Rebecca were wearing life jackets, but Ray was not, but just when they thought they would get swept away, a miracle happened.

A boat came by, where KC and Scott jumped in and rescued everyone.

News 11 spoke with Ray Wednesday, who shared more about what happened.

“I will never be comfortable with water without a life jacket anymore after going through something like that,” Ray expressed. “Because as a mother, I wasn’t even thinking about myself and threw myself into the sensation because I cared about their safety. I didn’t even think about myself until I was treading water.”

Ray’s post on Facebook has gained a lot of reaction.

“For five minutes, we were there and we were like we got this. And then I started reaching for my mom. I started saying, ‘hey, I need help,'” said Wren.

“I don’t know how to fully swim yet. And it was just scary because the lifejacket was pretty loose on me,” Rebecca said.

Recently, Fisher’s Laking Resort and Rio Loco Grill put up a life jacket loaner station near the fire department.

One worker told me it’s important for situations like this.

“We’ve had instances before, and it’s important to wear the lifejacket for everyone,. Especially when your kids are out there. There’s a drop offs where you think you’re on solid ground and it drops off or those currents can come along and just pull you out so quickly,” said Leslie McDaniel, a Rio Loco Grill bartender.

Rebecca’s mom was not at the lake with her daughter but said it was an emotional day for her after hearing what happened.

“She is my everything. If she had not made it, I can’t even tell them what I would have done or how I would feel. I would just probably be numb,” Molly Brown said.

Bailey shared that she was able to get a hold of KC and Scott. She says they deserve an award for their actions.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – As extreme heat waves continue to bake the region, a newly unified front of local organizations is stepping up to ensure the area’s most vulnerable residents stay safe.

Four prominent community staples, Access to Thrive, Comité Cívico del Valle, Our Roots Multicultural Center, and The Becoming Project, have merged their strengths to form the POWER Coalition.

The alliance aims to provide a rapid, pop-up shield against dangerous triple-digit temperatures.

During recent major temperature spikes, the coalition quickly mobilized to deploy three emergency hydration stations in El Centro, Brawley, and Calipatria.

Volunteers at these hubs distributed bottled water, cooling materials, and life-saving heat safety guidelines directly to those facing the brunt of the weather.

Organizers stress that true community impact is about immediate, neighborly action.

“We firmly believe that power is best shown when neighbors are helping neighbors. That’s community power, that’s community empowerment…this is what we’re doing,” said William Cooper, Executive Director of The Becoming Project. “The POWER Coalition is just taking our resources, our knowledge, and our intelligence and sharing it with the person next to us.”

While cooling supplies and immediate shade are essential lifelines for unhoused residents visible on local streets, organizers emphasize that the crisis stretches far deeper into the community.

A significant portion of their outreach targets a vulnerable, hidden sector of the population suffering behind closed doors.

“We see the homeless and we can see what they’re going through, but there’s another hidden population that lives in homes that are not well cooled or insulated,” explained John Hernandez, Executive Director of Our Roots Multicultural Center.

Looking to the future, the coalition remains highly vigilant.

Organizers say they are actively monitoring upcoming regional weather forecasts and stand ready to launch new pop-up relief stations instantly as extreme heat waves develop throughout the summer.

To track the coalition’s next emergency weather deployment, find operational station locations, or learn how to volunteer, you can visit their website here.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Following the sudden closure of Bio Family Clinic, Onvida Health is working to help patients find continued care.

The hospital said it has created a dedicated phone line to help patients looking for care, schedule appointments and get questions answered.

Onvida said it has also opened additional appointment availability, and is working to expand primary care access in the community.

They said the most important thing is for patients to not delay care.

“Oftentimes, patients need to seek care at a walk-in clinic, a specialist, or a primary care provider,” said Justin Farren, Chief Strategy Officer for Onvida Health. “We encourage our patients not to wait when they have a need, and to choose us in their healthcare journey where we’re happy to care for them.”

Onvida said ten new primary care physicians are expected to join the community over the next three months.

Patients with questions can call Onvida Health.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Two local health providers and a college received funds for nursing programs Wednesday.

Arizona Complete Health awarded a $150,000 check to Arizona Western College (AWC), Sunset Health and Onvida Health.

AWC President Reetika Dhawan said the funding will help boost the healthcare workforce in Yuma County.

“Any healthcare program…nursing, medical assistance, sonography, surgical tech…Any healthcare support, for tuition or fees we are there for them,” Dhawan explained.

“This investment from Arizona Complete Health represents far more than grant funding—it is an investment in the future of healthcare access in rural Arizona,” said Dr. Saika Somjee, Senior Director of Clinical Operations & Education at Sunset Health. “Through this partnership, we are strengthening the local healthcare workforce pipeline by expanding employee clinical training opportunities, sustaining preceptor payments, supporting healthcare workers in advancing their careers, and creating sustainable pathways into high-demand professions.”

“Being rooted in our community means investing in its future,” said Justin Farren, Onvida Health Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. “By strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities together, we are supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

The money will go to the AWC Foundation and be distributed evenly among the three groups.

To learn more about the donation, read the press release below.

Arizona Western College, Sunset Health, Onvida Health land 150k grant from Arizona Complete HealthDownload

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Abigahil Padilla

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma principal is being recognized for making a lasting impact within their school and community.

Jena Kugel has been nominated for the Lifechanger of the Year Award.

Kugel is the Assistant Principal at Cibola High School, where she is known for her dedication to students, staff, and families. 

Even while battling pancreatic cancer, she has continued to support her school community with strength and determination.

“This has served as a reminder that even when you think people aren’t watching you, they are watching, observing what you do with your life,” Kugel shared. “I’ve been able to share this with my students through our conversations, helping them realize that even when they think no one sees what they’re doing, people are watching.”

Community members can show their support by leaving a message on the Lifechanger of the Year nomination page through December 31.    To support Kugel, click here.

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Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of Imperial, along with the Sierra Club sued the County of Imperial, over a proposed hyper-scale AI data center.

They argued the county issued a Notice of Exemption for a grading permit before the planning commission could complete their report, and that the county illegaly approved the project in pieces to avoid a comprehensive environmental review.

The attorneys for the city said that the county never studied the proposed use for the land.

Meanwhile, the county attorney said this dispute comes down to a misinterpretation of county codes.

The judge has 90 days to issue a decision.

“The judge was very well prepared and he asked some excellent questions. And we’ll need to wait,” said Alene Taber, attorney for the City of Imperial.

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