Category: kyma-local-news

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – New federal guidelines for the Colorado River will bring additional water reductions beginning in 2027, with Arizona expected to take the largest share of the cuts.

The changes come as major Colorado River reservoirs remain near historic lows and the region continues to deal with prolonged drought.

The federal government has established a new 10-year framework for Colorado River operations.

Under the plan, operating guidelines will be developed in two-year periods, allowing water managers to adjust to changing conditions.

For 2027 and 2028, Lower Basin states face a combined reduction of 1.25 million acre-feet of Colorado River water each year.

Arizona’s share is expected to be about 760,000 acre-feet, the largest reduction among the three Lower Basin states.

California is expected to account for about 440,000 acre-feet, while Nevada’s share is about 50,000 acre-feet.

The new water rules could eventually affect several irrigation districts in the Yuma area.

Tom Davis with the Yuma County Water Users Association says the area’s lower-priority water users could face shortage allocations if drought conditions continue.

“The next Priority Three districts are the irrigation districts in the Yuma area…Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation District, Yuma Mesa, Yuma Irrigation District and North Gila,” Davis said. “They will eventually, if the shortage and drought continues, they’ll probably get hit for shortage allocations.”

Davis said the Yuma Valley has Priority One water rights, which provides some protection from immediate water cuts.

However, he said continued drought could eventually affect water users across Arizona.

Local water users have also taken steps to conserve Colorado River water.

Davis said Yuma-area users have reduced diversions in recent years, helping leave additional water in Lake Mead.

That conservation could help lessen the immediate impact of the ongoing shortage, but water managers continue to face difficult decisions as reservoir levels remain low.

The Colorado River supplies water to more than 40 million people across the Southwest and supports communities, agriculture and industries throughout the region.

The river also provides water for millions of acres of farmland and plays an important role in hydropower production.

The new federal guidelines are scheduled to take effect in 2027.

Water managers will continue working on longer-term agreements as they prepare for future Colorado River conditions.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) held a memorial event honoring the lives lost during the September 11 attacks.

Participants gathered for the 9/11 Walk, Run or Ruck to remember the nearly 3,000 people who died and the first responders who risked their lives to help others.

Specialist Nicholas Venus, a participant in the event, said the courage of first responders continues to inspire him.

“The first responder in particular that climbed, knowing that that could be it for them, and still went anyways, that’s true courage,” Venus said.

For Col. Charles Seaberry, YPG Commander, the events of 9/11 also played a role in his decision to serve in the military.

“I was commissioned in December and in September 9/11 happened, so just a short few months after that it was definitely my ability to answer the calling,” Col. Seaberry said.

Seaberry said the annual event brings people together to remember the unity seen across the country after the attacks.

“It was very shortly after that where we came together and started working as a community,” Seaberry said. “The ability to have a day where we are able to remember together is very important.”

Twenty-five years later, events like the one at YPG continue to honor those who lost their lives and remind communities of the courage and unity that followed one of the darkest days in American history.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A major piece of legislation aimed at restructuring the Imperial County Air Pollution Control Board is officially on the governor’s desk, but local county leaders are ramping up a final fight to stop it. 

Senate Bill (SB) 675 has cleared the State Legislature, passing the Senate in a 30-to-10 vote and securing a 58-to-19 victory in the Assembly.

While the bill represents a major legislative milestone for its author, State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-District 18), local officials warn it carries an immense, unfunded financial burden that could hurt rural communities.

Introduced by State Sen. Padilla, SB 675 seeks to expand the current air pollution board from five county supervisors to an 11-member panel.

Proponents argue that the expansion is critical to increasing public transparency and bringing needed structural diversity to the district. 

“It makes sure that there are people sitting on the board who actually have some professional credentials and background in the science of dealing with air pollution,” Padilla said.

However, local county leaders push back on the premise, arguing that the existing five-supervisor panel is highly efficient and already inherently diverse.

“Right now, we have an office that runs smoothly,” said Imperial County District 5 Supervisor John Hawk. “Why not leave it alone? Why expand this whole thing, give us more government, and then turn around and tax the heck out of us?”

Supervisor Hawk emphasized that local representation is already built into the current county framework.

“Every supervisor is different. We’re all different. We all have different needs…We look at things very differently, but we come together. Each supervisor has a district, so we all look at the air quality within our districts,” he said.

The conflict surrounding the bill has shifted heavily from a question of governance to one of local economics.

An independent third-party audit commissioned by Imperial County concluded that the changes mandated by Sacramento would force the local air district to secure a dramatic increase in resources.

According to the analysis, implementing SB 675 would require over $1 million in one-time technology upgrades, paired with nearly $5 million annually in ongoing staffing, legal, administrative, and expanded air monitoring costs.

“There was a third-party audit that looked at this and said yes, you do have financial, administrative, and technological staffing that needs to be in that office,” Hawk said.

Padilla, however, has sharply dismissed the report’s multi-million dollar estimates.

“Some of the folks out there who have been arguing about cost have been throwing around big, wild, crazy numbers that have no basis in reality at all,” Padilla countered.

Because the state legislation provides no funding mechanism to implement these changes, county officials persist that the mandate behaves like a hidden tax on local municipalities. If permit fees cannot cover the ongoing millions, the financial obligation may fall onto city budgets.

“Cities are already struggling, our county is struggling,” Hawk warned. “These funds that we take from cities now will compete with fire, fire needs, with our public health, with our roads, and other things that we’re already paying for. Why would we add more bureaucracy to something that is functioning well?”

Imperial County has formally requested that Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) veto the legislation, insisting that any structural air district reform must come with a realistic timeline and dedicated state funding. 

The final decision now rests entirely with the governor, who has until the end of September to act. Under the California Constitution, the state operates under a “pocket signature” rule. If Governor Newsom chooses to do nothing and leaves the bill unsigned, it automatically becomes law without his signature once the deadline passes. 

To prevent SB 675 from taking effect, Newsom must issue an explicit, formal veto.

“Let’s move forward with what we have. It’s working,” Hawk concluded. “We think Mr. Padilla should listen to our concerns and Governor Newsom should veto this legislation.”

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Carolina Garcia

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Valley Mall is celebrating Mexican Independence Day this weekend.

The traditional celebration will be hosted by the Mexican Consulate in Calexico, with more than 26 vendors offering traditional Mexican food and handcrafts brought in from Mexico.

There will also be live Mariachi music, a beer garden, and some local businesses will remain open for extended hours to welcome visitors.

“So we’re actually opening from 6 to 11 p.m. that night. It’s a special event night. Candlelight is going to be open until 11 as well. And you know, it’s a new new thing for for the mall,” said Edgar Maen with the Imperial Valley Mall. “We’re trying to make this after hours events and of course bringing the family. We’re trying to do this venue, a family oriented event, which of course, this is you know, this is just the beginning.”

The event is free and open to the public.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A power company surprised local teachers with funds to improve their classrooms.

Arizona Public Service (APS) gave away $500 gift cards to 62 teachers in Yuma County, and the goal is to support schools with much needed supplies.

“We want to make sure that we are giving them the supplies they need to be successful and that our teachers don’t have out of their pockets so we are trying to make a difference in our communities,” said Nicole Culpepper, Public Affairs Manager for APS Southwest Division.

The teachers were chosen among 8,300 applications APS received statewide.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of Imperial began an upgrade at the playground at Eager Park in an effort to be more inclusive.

The goal is to make the playground more accessible for children of all abilities, and the project is expected to cost around $650,000.

“This project is a revamping of the existing amenities at Eager Park,” Anthony Lopez, Imperial Parks and Recreations Director said in an interview with News 11.

“It will include accessibility components for children with mobility issues, and also sensory disabilities,” he added.

There will also be a fitness component for the senior population.

The project should be completed by the end of the year and is already getting positive feedback from residents.

“We’ve gotten some good feedback on Facebook,” Stephanie Sanchez, the Administrative Specialist with Imperial Parks and Recreations told News 11.

The goal is to make Eager Park a place where all children can play together. 

The city has some big plans for its parks coming up.

“We are working on our Imperial Regional Park design and master planning project. So that project will give us a blueprint to a future regional space for the entire Imperial County, central hub here in Imperial,” Lopez said.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – We’re used to the heat in the desert, but this week, humidity is adding another challenge.

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Yuma and Imperial Counties through Friday. Highs are expected to reach the upper 100s, with humidity making conditions feel even hotter.

With little relief from the heat, we asked locals how they’re adjusting their routines to stay safe.

Yuma resident Erik Pallanes says he still enjoys running outside, but he’s doing it earlier in the day.

“I like to go out and run, so now I still do it just earlier,” Pallanes said. “When it’s twilight or like sunrise.”

Staying hydrated is another part of his routine.

“Polar Pop. Always a Polar Pop at all times,” Pallanes said.

Pallanes also says he wears sunglasses and a hat when he heads outside to protect himself from the intense desert sun.

With temperatures staying in the triple digits this week, health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in cool or shaded areas.

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A growing text message scam seems so innocent that it’s tempting to reply, but con artists are using phony “wrong number” texts to lure victims into conversation and falling for a scam.

How the scam works

You receive a text that reads something like this: “Hey is this John? It’s Amanda. We chatted on Tinder before when I came to visit my cousin but we never met irl. I’m back in town if you want to meet up this time, are you free?”

If you reply to a text like this, even with a polite, “Sorry, wrong number,” the stranger responds anyway, seemingly ignoring your answer. Usually, you’ll receive a few compliments and some photos of “Amanda,” who appears to be a scantily clad blonde woman.

However, as the word gets out about this scam, scammers will change up the names, backstory, and photos.

If you continue to engage with the stranger, who is really a chat bot, it tries to trick you into registering for dating or adult websites. Your new “friend” will encourage you to sign up for a specific website to see more explicit photos, which may involve offering up your credit card number.

Considering the dubious nature of this scam, if you hand over your credit card information at any point, you could be putting yourself at risk for fraudulent charges and identity theft.

Even BBB staff has received these texts.

“I did a double-take,” says Pam Anson, Director of Brand Outreach for BBB Serving Greater Cleveland. “It’s a different approach than most scammers take and I didn’t think anything too seriously until more of my friends started to say that they also received it…It’s obvious that the scammers are trying to elicit a response, such as sympathy, to this woman for receiving a fake number from a friend, but we need to remind consumers that appearances can be deceiving.”

How to avoid chat bot scams

Ignore texts from strangers. Strangers on the internet can pretend to be anyone. Question motives behind both solicited and unsolicited messages. If you receive a text from someone you don’t know, simply don’t reply. It’s the safest route. If you engage with a scammer, even briefly, they will mark your number as active and you could receive even more shady texts in the future. Block numbers that appear to come from scammers. Unsolicited texts that look like they come from a chat bot or that ask you to click on suspicious links are probably not safe. Block these numbers to prevent scammers from contacting you through them again. Never give your personal information to strangers. Never share your credit card or banking information, your full name, home address, or social security number with someone you never met in person. Remember that any photo you upload on social media can be stolen and used by a scammer.

For more information

Before trusting any business, check out reviews, complaints and for trusted Accredited Businesses at BBB.org and visit BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Check out BBB scam warnings at joeknowsbetter.com.

If you have compromised your personal information, you can report the incident to law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission.

For additional romance scam resources visit BBB.org/romance. Read the BBB Tip: Spot the red flags of fake text messages.

Read more about similar scams, such about text messages with surprise offers.

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Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) – Rise and Run, an organization focused on bringing the community together through fitness, running, walking, and positive community events is hosting their Turkey Trot 5k/10k Run/Walk on November 8, 2026 in Yuma.

The event is more than just a race. It is an opportunity for families, friends, runners, and walkers to come together, stay active, and support a greater purpose.

As part of their community outreach, donations are open, and they are encouraging participants and supporters to help make a positive difference.

Rise and Run is highlighting the work of Crossroads Mission, which provides support to people experiencing homelessness, hunger, addiction, and other difficult circumstances.

Crossroads Mission provides services including emergency shelter, free meals, transitional living, adult education, and other programs.

Rise and Run encourages people to get moving, get involved, and come together while giving back to those in need.

For more information of if you’d like to register for the run/walk, click here.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

UPDATE (3:46 PM): A semi-truck rollover crash in yuma created a dangerous situation on Interstate 8 (I-8) late Tuesday night.

News 11’s Manoah Tuiasosopo was driving home when he came upon the crash, and saw the dangerous conditions unfold.

The crash happened around 11:15 p.m. on I-8 heading west, about a mile from the Fortuna offramp.Tuiasosopo said he heard a loud pop, and looked across the freeway to see a semi-truck on its side.

The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) said the semi was hauling steel bars, Scattered debris and materials across the roadway.

Several vehicles hit the debris, with one car narrowly missing another vehicle before ending up in the median.

YFD says the semi driver was able to get out of the vehicle himself, but suffered significant injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Firefighters said crashes like this are among the most dangerous calls they respond to, outside of structure fires.

The scene was eventually turned over to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which worked to clean up the debris and reopen I-8.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A semi-truck rollover crash in Yuma created a dangerous situation on Interstate 8 (I-8) Tuesday night.

The late night crash sent debris into traffic, causing damage to handfuls of vehicles as first responders raced to clear the road.

Footage captured shows drivers having no clue a big object is in the road that can cause a lot of damage.

Footage also captured a car was a feet away from the first responding officer, striking debris before narrowly missing a vehicle and ended up in the dirt median on the westbound lane of I-8.

The semi, lying on its side, barely on the shoulders of I-8, with the nose of the truck facing oncoming traffic near the Frontage Road offramp.

The rollover crash forced over a handful of vehicles as well as fellow semi-trucks to pull over, with drivers being stuck on the side on the road well past midnight.

News 11 has reached out to local law enforcement and fire officials for details regarding the crash, and we’re waiting to hear back.

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