Category: kyma-local-news

Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The El Centro Public Library held a story time for children, led by American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter Nathan Enrique.

The presentation included story time, book giveaways, and a sign language lesson, with easy signs that children can learn.

Library staff says the event helps introduce the community to sign language and promotes inclusion. This is the second ASL story time the library has hosted.

“We’re finding that the community…this is one of the needs of the community and we’re always trying to help the community out and fulfill the needs that they have,” El Centro Library Director Carla Mason said.

Enriquez said, “It’s to bring awareness to deaf culture and American Sign Language.”

In addition to the sign language event, the library has been hosting some other popular fun experiences for children.

One event brought animals in the library to give kids a chance to get up close and even pet some of them.

“So we have this new Zubargo company and people just went nuts over it. We had all kinds of animals that we haven’t had before, like a beautiful hawk that spread its wings,” Mason explained.

They will also host a Planetarium Day Wednesday. On Thursday, colorful lion dancers are set to perform.

The last week of the Summer Reading Program promises parties for both young and adult readers, complete with prizes.

“They’re given different gifts, usually books and also gift cards, so they can go buy books places or Target,” Mason said.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, AZ – (KYMA, KECY) A destructive crop pest is making a comeback in Yuma, putting some of the region’s most valuable vegetable crops at risk.

Researchers at the University of Arizona’s Yuma Agricultural Center are studying the resurgence of the Diamondback Moth (DBM) — a pest known for damaging brassica crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

The pest previously caused major problems for growers during a widespread outbreak in 2016. After several years of lower activity, researchers say the Diamondback Moth returned in large numbers starting in late 2023.

“Growers are consistently telling us there is a control failure with insecticides,” said Rosan Adhikari, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona. “They are discarding their whole field because of the DBM damage.”

Researchers say controlling the pest has become increasingly challenging. While Yuma’s extreme summer heat creates a natural break when crop production slows, the moths can return during the fall and spring growing seasons.

Scientists believe the pests may be entering the region through two main pathways: incoming vegetable transplants from areas with year-round production, and weather patterns that carry moths north from Mexico.

To better understand the problem, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Wilfrid Calvin’s research team is collecting live Diamondback Moth larvae from infested fields and testing how they respond to commonly used insecticides.

The team uses two laboratory testing methods to measure the pest’s response. One exposes larvae to the maximum legal field rate of a chemical, while another tests different chemical strengths to determine how much is needed to kill half of the population.

Early results show diamides — a widely used class of insecticides — are becoming less effective against Diamondback Moth larvae in laboratory tests.

Researchers say the pest’s ability to adapt is a major concern, making prevention and management strategies critical for growers.

One recommendation is rotating insecticide groups, since different chemicals target different parts of the insect’s biology.

“Rotate the insecticide group,” Adhikari said. “Some target the nervous system, some target muscles, some target the digestive system. Growers need to rotate those so insects cannot adapt.”

The research team is continuing to study Diamondback Moth populations across Arizona and California, with plans to conduct additional field trials.

The goal is to create a seasonal guide for growers, helping them determine which treatments to use and when to switch strategies to better protect Yuma’s vegetable industry.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) — New opportunities and second chances are opening up for dozens of incarcerated individuals in Imperial County. The California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) held a graduation ceremony Tuesday morning at Centinela State Prison, celebrating inmates who are actively rewriting their futures behind bars.

The ceremony honored 25 hard-working individuals who completed rigorous apprenticeships and earned nationally recognized job certifications. The training programs focus on high-demand fields, including Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, specialized TPC training courses, and the fabric industry.

For the graduates, the ceremony was the culmination of years of grit and determination.

“We’re here in celebration of all the hard work that we’ve been doing for these last couple of years,” said graduate Douglas Lopez.

Lopez, who jumped at the chance to enroll the moment the programs became available, noted that the real-world training environment offered unexpected personal growth. “It wasn’t a letdown. It was, matter of fact, everything that I thought it would be,” Lopez shared. “Being able to work with other people that I never would’ve received an opportunity to work with… helped me personally just develop skills that I needed or thought I had lost. It’s been a blessing honestly, a big blessing.”

CALCTRA currently provides vital real-world job skills to more than 5,800 incarcerated individuals in prisons across California.

The atmosphere inside Centinela State Prison was electric on Tuesday, packed with family members, friends, and program leaders cheering from the audience.

Facility leaders took turns at the podium to remind the graduates that their mistakes do not define their potential.

“Can’t do anything about your past, but you’re definitely doing something about your future,” Centinela State Prison Chief Deputy Warden Iainnardo Black told the class. “Be proud of that.”

CALCTRA Director Suzie Changus pushed the graduates to keep their momentum going as they look toward re-entry. “If you’re willing to take one meaningful step on your own behalf towards making a dream come true, the universe will meet you where you are and help you take two,” Changus said.

The graduation also featured a powerful appearance by former graduate Tony Curtis. Now a celebrated success story of the program on the outside, Curtis returned behind bars to serve as living proof of what is possible upon release.

“Yes, it matters,” Curtis emphasized to the crowd. “There’s real opportunity on the other side. There’s real success on the other side of this opportunity, and you guys are here today because you understand that.”

Beyond the personal milestones achieved by the graduates, state officials highlighted the massive, long-term societal and economic benefits of in-prison vocational training. According to data tracked by the agency, these programs dramatically reduce the likelihood of ex-offenders returning to custody.

“Eighty-five percent of the folks that participate in our programs for at least six months do not return to prison,” Director Changus revealed. “So they don’t come back to custody, which is a huge savings for the state. But it also saves in their ability to go home, contribute to their families, contribute to their future, and change the cycle of crime.”

The industry-accredited certifications earned by the class are specifically structured to qualify individuals for immediate job placement in high-demand fields the moment they finish serving their time.

For the 25 graduates celebrating at Centinela State Prison, those savings, successes, and a true fresh start are officially within reach.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran from Yuma says he has what it takes to be the next Yuma County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1.

Jorge Gonzalez brings a background shaped by service, family, and faith. He is a father, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, a retired Border Patrol agent, and a Deacon.

Gonzalez says those experiences have prepared him to serve the community from the bench.

Gonzalez says he wants to give back to his country.

“Serving the community is something that is personal to me…to give back. I’m also an ordained minister; I’m a deacon, so I think service to the community is paramount to me. I think it’s a good opportunity for me to serve the community on the bench,” Gonzalez said.

The Yuma County Justice of the Peace oversees Justice Court cases, including issuing warrants, setting bail, and handling preliminary hearings.

“If I get elected, I think the priority for me will be to treat people with respect, integrity, and fairness. I think that will be the main thing I’m going to be focusing on: making sure everything keeps running smoothly, but with a focus on respect, kindness, and fairness to the people,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez also shares why he’s best candidate saying, “Because I could be a plus as a bilingual person. You want to talk to somebody who understands you, especially in a border town.”

Gonzalez will face Carly Sandoval in the Arizona primary Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

For information on where to vote, click here.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) President Tim Kelley is speaking out following allegations made by Calipatria Mayor Michael Luellan.

Mayor Luellan accused Kelley of strong-arming City Council members to reverse a vote on withdrawing support from Kelley’s organization.

However, Kelley says there was never any vote, nor was there a reversal.

In order to vote on an item not on the agenda, the council would need two-thirds vote that immediate action is necessary, and Kelley says it never happened.

“The question is the vote pertaining to IVEDC, and there was no vote taken,” Kelley explained. “As a matter of fact, if you look at the agenda, it can’t be voted on unless it’s on the agenda, and there’s nothing on the agenda to vote on. So therefore, that must have been a mistake on his part.”

KYMA reached out to Luellan, who maintains that a vote did occur.

“I’ts unfortunate that, you know, one member of the council has said some things that are untrue, not only about me, but about Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation. And IVDC is made up of over 100 investors, and the 100 investors are not appreciative of a member of a community speaking out against them,” Kelley said.

Kelley said he has a good working relationship with the city council.

He said the mayor’s comments recently on Facebook have caught him off guard, especially since they had spoken about Luellen’s plan to run for reelection.

“The mayor contacted me about 6 weeks ago requesting that I endorse him for his reelection,” Kelley said.

Another topic was if Kelley ever called any of the city council members to talk about a possible vote to ban data centers in Calipatria.

Kelley said he is not even aware of any plans for a data center in that area.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect across the region, making it difficult for some to keep cool. However, one local nonprofit in Yuma is helping those in need beat the heat.

Stella Diaz, who is homeless, has been living in her hut for more than a year, and says during the summer, the heat can make her living situation even more brutal.

“It’s hard…it really is hard. I mean, I just try to do the best I can,” Diaz expressed. “My sister helps me out and stuff, but she’s married…she has a family.”

The Desert Southwest is under an Extreme Heat Warning, making it difficult for some to find a place to cool off.

However, Crossroads Mission is one of many cooling stations across Yuma County, offering a place to realx and hydrate.

During the summer months, Greg Culver, with Crossroads Mission, says they see an increase of 15 to 20 guests.

“A lot of people don’t have a way to get water so they will come here and get water to cool down,” Culver shared. “We also let them come inside during the day during operations hours and will have movies playing throughout the day so they can come in, cool off, and get out of the heat.”

It’s why they open their doors from 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day, so at any time during peak heat hours anyone can come down and cool off. If not, things can turn serious really quickly.

“It’s absolutely important because we have people dying from heat exhaustion all the time. If they don’t have a place to get out of the heat, get water in them, hydrated, then it could be a life and death situation for people,” Culver remarked.

To get involved to help fight heat exhaustion, you can donate water, or you can find a list of donations on their website.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Kofa High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (MCJROTC) cadet Mildreth Hernandez earned first place in the National Rifle Associations Rifle Championship.

YUHSD says Hernandez’s win marked the “first national Gold Medal in program history for Kofa’s MCJROTC rifle team,” and says she was one of 132 competitors to earn first place.

In addition to Hernandez’s win, YUHSD says four of the following Kofa cadets finished in the top 30%:

Fifth Place: Thifanny Cardenas

Seventh Place: Delila Mendez

22nd Place: Gunner Kinsey

35th Place: Michael Lawson

The Kofa team also earned second overall out of 27 teams, which earned them a silver medal, YUHSD says.

“There are no words to describe this fantastic season,” Kofa MCJROTC Instructor Maj. Todd Birney said. “We will miss our seniors, but they have mentored the younger shooters who will fill their shoes for years to come.”

To learn more about Hernandez’s win, and to learn more about the Kofa MCJROTC program, read the press release below.

PR – Kofa JROTC cadet earns gold medal in National Rifle Championship.docx (1)Download

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Abigahil Padilla

Delgadillo Re-Elect for Somerton City Council

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Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) says three mosquito pools collected in the county tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

ICPHD says two WNV-positive mosquito pools were collected in the the City of Imperial last Sunday while the other one was collected in the City of Holtville last Monday.

They are “the first WNV-positive mosquito pools identified in Imperial and Holtville this year,” ICPHD says.

ICPHD also says their Vector Control Program maintains around “52 mosquito traps throughout the county,” with the traps being “checked several times each week, and mosquito pools are tested weekly.”

“Our agency will continue to monitor disease activity and treat affected areas,” said Jeff Lamoure, Deputy Director of Environmental Health. “Residents should continue taking precautions, including using insect repellent and limiting outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.”

WNV, according to ICPHD, is transmitted to humans through an infected mosquito’s bite, and they listed off the following symptoms:

Fever

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

Body aches

Rash

Fatigue

While some people experience mild to no symptoms, ICPHD says the virus can also cause severe disease which can affect the nervous system, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

To combat this, ICPHD listed the following steps to avoid being infected:

Limit outdoor activities.

When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions.

Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding by:

Draining or disposing of old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other containers that can collect water.

Emptying and changing the water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.

Draining or filling temporary pools of standing water with soil.

Keeping swimming pool water properly treated and circulating.

Contact Vector Control if you notice unusually high mosquito activity around your home or workplace.

If you or anyone you know develops symptoms of WNV, call your healthcare provider. To learn more about this, read the press release, written in English and Spanish, below.

NR_ Positive Mosquito Pool Detection_EnglishVersion_071426Download

NR_ Positive Mosquito Pool Detection_SpanishVersion_071426Download

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A native Yuma woman says she has what it takes to be the next Yuma County Justice of the Peace for Precinct One.

Carly Sandoval says her decision to run comes from a desire to give back to her community.

The Yuma County Justice of the Peace oversees Justice Court cases, including issuing warrants, setting bail, and handling preliminary hearings.

Sandoval says her decision to run comes from a desire to give back to her community, along with her background and experience.

“I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I bring a combination of experience, proven leadership, and a lifetime commitment to Yuma County. With my years of experience on the bench, in public service, and in criminal justice,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval says she wants to serve because she wants to make a difference.

“I truly believe that the work of the justice court makes a real difference in people’s lives every day. Being appointed to the bench for the past nine years has been one of the biggest honors in my career. Every day, I have the opportunity to uphold the law, ensure everyone receives a fair hearing, and, most importantly, continue to maintain the public’s confidence in our court system,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval says if she gets elected, her priority will be to provide a court that is fair, efficient, and accessible.

“Every person has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, to ensure that they have a hearing promptly and that the decision made in their hearing is made impartially, based on the law,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval will face Jorge Gonzalez in the Arizona primary Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

For information on where to vote, click here.

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