Category: kyma-local-news

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Strong winds and cooler temperatures made for a noticeably different day across Yuma, with blowing dust lingering into the evening hours.

While some residents stayed indoors, others embraced the change in weather. Along the Colorado River, Marcia Glass said she found the gusty conditions interesting.

“It’s crazy. I’ve been watching the river, because it’s going every which way with the waves and I just think it’s interesting. Not a lot of people have been around and I’ve been here for a while,” Glass said.

As residents dealt with the gusty conditions, city officials also shared an important reminder about water use.

The City of Yuma Utilities Department says windy weather can cause sprinkler water to blow onto sidewalks and streets instead of soaking into lawns.

Cinthia Cota Miramontes, the department’s Water Conservation Program Coordinator, explained that wind also increases evaporation, meaning even more water is lost before plants can absorb it.

Because of that, officials recommend skipping irrigation on especially windy days and waiting for calmer conditions.

City officials say holding off on watering during windy weather can help conserve water and ensure it’s not wasted.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The 20th Annual Southwest Ag Summit wrapped up Thursday in Yuma, closing out three days of discussions, technology showcases and industry networking.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Richard Fordyce, served as the keynote speaker on the final day of the summit.

During his remarks, Fordyce explained that he made the trip to Yuma to better understand the region’s role in feeding the country and to hear more about the challenges local growers are facing.

Organizers say his three-day visit gave him a firsthand look at the area’s agricultural landscape and the opportunity to bring Yuma’s concerns back to the Department of Agriculture in Washington.

They say the overall message is that Yuma’s desert climate and year-round vegetable production make it a critical part of the nation’s food supply, and a place where new farming innovations can be tested and refined.

Throughout the summit, vendors from around the world showcased emerging technology designed to help growers improve efficiency and productivity.

That included drone systems designed to protect crops from birds, as well as specialized track wheelchairs aimed at helping farmers with disabilities continue working in the field.

Organizers say events like the Ag Summit help keep Yuma at the forefront of agricultural innovation, and with national attention on the region, they remain confident in the future of local agriculture.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local medical provider is promoting healthy habits among children.

As part of Health Heart Month, Exceptional Community Hospital of Yuma held a drawing contest with some of Dorothy Hall Elementary School students.

The goal is to inspire kids to take care of their hearts starting at young age.

“Our hearts don’t sleep so it’s very important to take care of them 24 hours a day and taking care of them includes the four things, activity water, healthy eating and sleep,” said Lisa Brazeel, Exceptional Community Hospital marketing and community liaison.

Exceptional Community Hospital will also host a Health Heart Fair on Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its location on Araby Road next to Interstate 8.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local hospital teams up with a museum to give kids an hands on experience about health care.

Onvida Health began an interactive exhibit at the Children’s Museum where kids can “play” and learn about what it takes to pursue a career in the medical field.

“We are very proud to give this to the community because we want to able to spark that excitement for children early on before they make their career choices to say, ‘Hey, this is something I can do. Is that is available to me?'” said Robert Trenschel, Onvida Health President CEO.

“Children an caregiver coming through here to relate to medical to calm nerves, to help kids feel at home when they need medical attention, that was the goal and we thnk we achieved it,” said Sabra Lemmon, Children’s Museum executive director.

The Onvida Health exhibit is permanent. The Children’s Museum of Yuma County is located on main street across the street from the Yuma County Administration building.

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Adrik Vargas

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – As part of American Heart Month, healthcare providers in the Imperial Valley are encouraging residents to take a closer look at their heart health.

At Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, registered nurse Alejandro Cortez says heart disease remains a concern locally, especially in a community that is largely Hispanic.

He explained that cultural and dietary traditions, including meals that can be higher in fats and salt, may increase risk over time.

But Cortez says prevention doesn’t have to be complicated.

Simple habits like going for a daily walk, limiting salt and fat intake, and keeping up with routine checkups can make a meaningful difference.

He encourages residents to stay connected with their primary care provider and seek referrals to specialists when needed.

“The heart is a muscle,” Cortez said. “You may feel fine, but problems can develop without warning.”

Health professionals also advise residents to take symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual chest discomfort seriously and seek medical care if something feels off.

Providers say small, consistent changes today can help protect heart health in the long run.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) reports seeing an increase in car burglaries within the past week.

Just on Monday, February 16 alone, officers say there were six car burglaries in a three-hour span ranging from around 3:30 to 6:30 in the morning.

They share some preventative measures to stay safe.

“Lock your vehicles, make sure windows are rolled up. Just because you have a security camera doesn’t mean it’s going to stop somebody from burglarizing your vehicle,” said YPD Public Information Officer Hayato Johnson. “Take a couple minutes to lock your car to save everything that you worked so hard to receive and get for yourself.”

Officers say they see a common trend of cars left unlocked.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals came together Thursday evening for an immigrant solidarity prayer vigil. Yuma area United Methodist churches and community members gathered at Friendship Park.

They emphasize it wasn’t a political event or protest but a time for prayer and mourning.

“Immigrant communities are experiencing times of turmoil. I describe it as a storm that is raging and people are suffering, and so it’s important for us to create spaces for people to come together to acknowledge our common humanity- our common sacred worth. Our common humanity moves us to compassion, to caring for one another,” said Gila Mountain United Methodist Church pastor Edgar Vergara Millán.

They also want to bring hope and lift their voices.

“It’s important for all of us to have our voices be heard- to all of us to have an understanding of what’s taking place because it is affecting us all in different ways, in different aspects,” said event organizer & speaker Roxanne Barley.

Locals are standing in solidarity with immigrant communities who are being impacted by immigration policies and recent ICE raids and deaths.

“So we’re praying that as we emphasize our common humanity and sacred worth, we can support each other and pray and work together so that change occurs,” said Pastor Millán

The Church Desert Southwest Conference (DSC) made an announcement Thursday of the their solidarity fund and lenten match to financially support families impacted by immigration policies.

“We believe that through the solidarity fund, we can come together, join our resources, and again have that compassion be evident. The families that are struggling to make ends meet because of these reasons can receive the support they need,” said Pastor Millán.

Donations are welcome from Yuma community members that want to support this fund and local effort to support immigrant families here in Yuma. Locals can learn more about donations here. 

The DSC website also shares their short term goal is “a generous matching gift from the Board of Global Ministries commits that the first $5000 will be matched directly. We hope to raise this during this matching amount during the Lenten Season as our community unites over a season of Prayer, Repentance, Fasting.”

They say they hope people walk away in unity.

“I hope that what we all come away from is that there are things we can do. It doesn’t have to all always be the same every day. We can make changes. We can work together, and we’re not alone,” said Reverend Katie Fuchs.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Deputies have identified a man who died in a crash in Tacna, about 45 miles east of Yuma.

32-year-old driver Missael Orozco Leon of Somerton died near E. County Eighth street and S. Avenue 44 E Tuesday afternoon.

Deputies say he was traveling Westbound on County Eighth Street when he didn’t make a turn and drove off the roadway into a canal.

The passenger and driver were able to get out of the car, but the driver didn’t make it.

“Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle got swept away from the current or with the current, and he drowned,” said Yuma County Sheriff’s Office PIO Tania Pavlak.

Deputies say Tri Valley Fire District crew responded and attempted life saving measures. Deputies believe the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol and may have also been speeding.

The case remains under investigation.

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Jessamyn Dodd

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – Options For All, a San Diego based non-profit, held an inclusive job fair aimed at helping connect employers with disabled adults.

Job seekers were able to meet with potential employers, fill out resumess, and network in addition to finding services.

“Today, we’re having an inclusive job fair for individuals with disabilities to find employment out here in Imperial Valley,” said Brian Nero, Vice President of Options For All.

Rachel Holiday, Director of Business Development at Options For All, explained what the organization does.

“We are a non-profit that works with individuals with all types of disabilities, assist them in finding employment, anything that taps into independence is what we work with, with our clients to help them,” Holiday shared.

I addition to employers, several agencies, such as behavioral health, local clinics and Access To Thrive were on site to offer services.

Ashley Contreras, founder and CEO of Access To Thrive said she was there to help differently abled adults become more self sufficient by starting their own business.

“We are helping individuals that want to start their own business,” she said, explaining her new program called STEP. “It’s a program designed for individuals with disabilities.”

She also noted the employers that came out to support the job fair.

“There’s a bunch of other businesses, businesses and agencies that are helping individuals that are looking for employment opportunities,” Contreras said.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In this week’s Home Grown report, a local elementary school is showing their appreciation for the agricultural industry.

Gary A. Knox Elementary School celebrated their annual Ag Day celebration. Students got the chance to see up close at what the industry is all about.

Local farming companiesM like JV Farms and Top Flavor Farms, showcased their drones, while other displays featured smart cultivators and massive tractors.

“This is our fourth year as a celebration of agriculture here in Yuma County and just to hopefully bring some attention to agriculture and hopefully bring some knowledge to the kids as well as some interest in getting them to be able to perhaps go into the Ag industry someday,” said Anne Ogram, Ag science teacher/coordinator.

Ogram also says because children are so technologically advanced, it is vital for them to see that a career in agriculture involves much more than just manual labor in the field.

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