Category: kyma-local-news

Carolina Garcia

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – Calexico firefighters said they need more resources to help them respond to emergencies. That’s why they want people to vote in favor of Measure O.

A study was presented to the city council Wednesday night. The study showed that paramedics, who are also firefighters, often have to leave the city to take patients to hospitals elsewhere in the county because Calexico does not have a local hospital.

The Calexico Fire Department (CFD) said another issue is they only have three ambulances. That’s why the city is looking for additional funding through Measure O

The measure would create a sales tax starting at “half-a-cent” and increasing to “one cent” by 2030.

“It’s finally coming to council for presentation to see how we can get to where we need to be on our transportation and EMS services,” said Chief Juan Contreras with CFD. “Knowing that we’re short staffed, we heavily rely on overtime every day, two to three people a day just to run a second ambulance. That’s in the in the study, I believe that’s going to help us out.”

Half of the revenue from Measure O would go to the fire department, while the other half would go to the police department.

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Jessamyn Dodd

UPDATE (5:51 PM): The City of El Centro has provided an update on the Broadway Fire damaging a commercial structure.

The fire happened before 11 p.m. Wednesday, the City said.

In addition to the El Centro Fire Department, the City said fire agencies throughout the Imperial Valley and Yuma helped in battling the fire.

Firefighters worked to battle the fire throughout the night, and it was contained at around 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

The City said their Public Works Department and Code Enforcement Division took over and established safety measures as well as restricted access.

To learn more about this, read the press release, written in English and Spanish, below.

BroadwayFirePREngDownload BroadwayFirePRSpaDownload

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A fire broke out in El Centro, causing massive damage to a commercial structure.

The fire sparked Wednesday night on Broadway, between Fourth and Fifth Street.

Firefighters were there overnight extinguishing the flames, and they got it under control Thursday morning.

A few firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

“Upon arrival, we found a fully involved commercial structure fire which had had multiple reports,” said Battalion Chief Andrew Miller with the El Centro Fire Department. “We moved it to a defensive fire attack position due to the type of building and the amount of fire we were encountering.”

The structure has about seven businesses, with the owners trying to figure out what to rebuild.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Connor Emery

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Wellton Police Department (WPD) said they helped the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s (AZDPS) GIITEM – State Gang Task Force in seizing around 70 pounds of fentanyl.

WPD said the seizure happened on the eastbound lane of Interstate 8 Tuesday at around 8 p.m. after AZDPS requesting their help for a “K9 narcotics sniff.”

During the search, Atlas, WPD’s K9, and her handler responded to help AZDPS, resulting in them finding approximately 70 pounds of fentanyl.

“The seizure highlights the continued cooperation between the Wellton Police Department and our state law enforcement partners in identifying and intercepting dangerous narcotics traveling through the Interstate 8 corridor,” WPD said in a press release.

WPD also emphasized how crucial K9s are when it comes to intercepting narcotics across the interstate.

“The importance of having a K9 is that it enables the police department to have the tools necessary to be able to even identify and detect these types of dangerous drugs,” said Officer Nathan Hammond with WPD.

WPD would like to thank the State Gang Task Force for calling in for help.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, NBC) – Local lawmakers across Yuma County are sharing their reaction to former Sen. Jon Kyl’s (R-Ariz.) passing Thursday.

According to his son, former Sen. Kyl passed away Thursday at his home in Phoenix, with the family attributing his death to complications from a neurological disease.

The former senator stepped away from public life after announcing his dementia diagnosis last December.

During his time on Capitol Hill, Kyl served in both the House and Senate Chambers, with his career spanning from the Reagan Administration to President Donald Trump’s first term in office.

In addition, Kyl shaped landmark water policies and guided the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Yuma County District Two Supervisor Jonathan Lines, who had the opportunity to work closely with Kyl, remembers him for his service to Arizona.

“I think he’s one of my most favorite senators of all time because of his service to Arizona,” Lines said. He was completely unselfish in his approach and one of the true statesmen. He was a servant of Arizona, and I think he’s one of the most effective legislators that we’ve ever had out of the state.”

Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn (R) also reflected on Kyl’s influence, saying the former senator served as a personal example for him during his own time in public office.

“To me personally, as a senator, he’s a role model,” Sen. Dunn said. “Someone that I kind of like to model myself after. The way he acts and understands, listens to people. Really understood water. Really was a world leader in national security. But just understood rural Arizona and wanted to make sure that he was working hard for his constituents.”

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls posted to Facebook expressing his condolences to his family while saying, “As a great friend to Yuma, he maintained a legislative connection to us, and helped push for water and land policies.”

We also spoke with Mayor Nicholls who reflected on Kyl’s approach to political discussions and working through differences.

“Today we could learn a lot from the way Senator Kyl approached his legislative role,” Nicholls said. “And I think there’s a lot of lessons we could learn. And it would really, I think, at this point in time, help our country tremendously if we all took a little bit of his approach to legislating.”

Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who appointed Kyl to return to the U.S. Senate in 2018 following the death of Sen. John McCain, also shared his condolences on social media.

Ducey wrote on X, “Jon Kyl gave Arizona nearly three decades of principled, thoughtful leadership — and he gave me something just as valuable: his mentorship and friendship. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest in peace, Senator Kyl.”

Reporter Moses Femino went live to share other local reaction. To watch the livestream for that, see attached video.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to take action on two Colorado River water issues that could have implications for the region’s water supply.

One of the actions involves legal proceedings related to a proposed Colorado River water transfer from GSC Farm in La Paz County to the Town of Queen Creek.

Yuma is joining Mohave and La Paz counties in legal action concerning the transfer. City officials say they are concerned the transfer could set a precedent for how Colorado River water is moved from rural areas to growing communities elsewhere in Arizona.

The council also authorized potential legal action against the U.S. Department of the Interior over its August decision concerning the Colorado River’s operating guidelines.

The proposed changes include potential water-use restrictions for Lower Basin states.

Mayor Doug Nicholls said protecting Yuma’s access to Colorado River water is critical to the community’s future.

“We need to make sure that we’re fighting for the rights of Yuma because that is our future,” Mayor Nicholls said. “Without water, we don’t get to grow. Without water, we don’t even get to sustain. And so, we need to be at the table, and we need to make sure that we give the best fight.”

Local resident David Renaudin said potential water cuts could affect both families and Yuma’s agricultural industry.

“A lot of families would really suffer, you know,” Renaudin said. “Escaping the heat coming down here. Definitely the agriculture, with Yuma being such a big agricultural center. In my opinion, it would hurt Yuma very badly.”

The City’s legal actions come as Colorado River states continue to navigate the river’s long-term water supply and operating rules.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man has been sentenced to ten years of probation after pleading guilty to sexual conduct with a minor.

Derek Moreno, 21, was accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl. As part of the sentence, Moreno must register as a sex offender for life.

Seven other charges, including sexual conduct with a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual assault, were droped.

Moreno has a status hearing scheduled for October 20.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Dozens of Yuma County residents are speaking out after they say a new water company took over drastically raising their water bills.

Tierra Mesa Estates is one of the many systems across Arizona that have seen a bigger water bill due to water/utility company Cactus State. 

Cactus State has multiple operations across Arizona, including Yuma, that it took over in late 2021.

Last November, Cactus State got approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission (A.C.C) to increase their rate by at least 300%.

Tierra Mesa Estates resident Deb Parker says some people are struggling to make ends meet.

“I don’t think I ever got the memo that the water price was going up. So when I got home, I didn’t get home until January 9, I opened the water bill so I could get it paid and it was almost $400 and I was used to bills of $40-$50,” Parker said. “I know I’ve been on a fixed income and a few people that are on fixed income. It’s kind of hard for them. I know it’s hard for me. I’m trying to watch my water usage, but it doesn’t make much difference, but it’s more just watching my spending.”

In addition, there is also high amounts of uranium that is above the federal limit. When asked about it, Cactus State said cost plays a factor.

“Uranium treatment is very expensive, and we’ve been reviewing options since we acquired these systems in late 2021. We reviewed the best treatment system, but we’ve also had an eye on the cost,” Fred Kriess, Cactus State Regional Director, said.

As for the higher water bills, Kriess said it’s been a long time since the rate was increased. 

“Where most of our complaints are coming from his Tierra Mesa Estates and their last last adjustment was in 2000,” Kriess said.

Local and state leaders have spoken on the huge increase. Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls wrote a letter to the A.C.C saying the increase is excessive.

“You see a 300% increase of anything, I think it warrants taking time and making sure that a full review and even maybe a second review is needed,” Mayor Nicholls said.

For Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, she was not aware of it but says she would be willing to look into it. 

“We have intervened in a couple of different rate cases. Even in one situation after the fact, we found some problems with the process of the corporation commission,” Mayes said.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left one person dead.

YPD said the crash happened at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the area of S. Avenue 3E, near Duwa Playground.

A 65-year-old man, according to YPD, was riding a 2017 Honda Goldwing motorcycle southbound on Avenue 3E.

For reasons unknown, YPD said the Goldwing “crossed the centerline into the northbound lanes,” and crashed into the rear tires of a semi-truck, driven by a 39-year-old man.

The motorcyclist, according to YPD, was pronounced dead at the scene. Traffic in both directions was shut down from 40th Street and County 14th Street.

While alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the crash, call YPD at 928-783-4421, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

Fatal Collision 4700 S Ave 3E 26-70116 (1)Download

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A deadly crash in the Foothills is drawing new attention to a dangerous intersection.

The crash happened at Frontage Road and Avenue 10E.

The Yuma Police Department (YPD) said a 55-year-old man was trying to turn left from Avenue 10E onto Frontage Road when he hit another vehicle.

The driver of the other vehicle, 43-year-old Jose “Bimbo” Fernandez Chavez, died after being taken to Onvida Health.

Police said overgrown brush and trees near the intersection have been a concern for drivers for years.

News 11 reached out to Westwind RV Park about those concerns, but officials declined to comment.

“Within the last five to six years, this is our second fatal accident at that intersection. We do get a lot of complaints about the brush and trees from the RV park right there. We are working with the RV park to try to fix that,” said Officer Hayato Johnson, Public Information Officer for YPD.

According to the LexisNexis Crime Map, at least 19 citations have been issued at or near the intersection since 2020.

Alicia Garcia, who works at Taco Fish near the intersection, said she has seen too many tragedies in the area.

“This street is highly trafficked, so the people driving onto Frontage Road get impatient. People don’t slow down to let you turn, so people just go for it,” Garcia said.

Garcia believes a traffic light could help improve safety.

“An intersection with traffic lights would be ideal. That would be respected,” she said.

YPD said local residents can help by reporting their concerns through the city’s ClickFix app.

“If there are more complaints, continue to send those requests in for repairs via the ClickFix app,” Officer Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Fernandez Chavez’s family said he was the sole provider for his family. They have started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses and other costs.

His son wrote on the fundraiser, “My father always filled everyone’s hearts with joy and happiness. He was also the pillar of our family.”

A link to the GoFundMe can be found here.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Silver Spur Rodeo is teaming up with Bridget’s Gift to help local families battling breast cancer.

The rodeo is hosting a dine-to-donate event Thursday, September 17, at Texas Roadhouse from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

10% of meal purchases will be donated to the “Buckin’ for Bridget” campaign when customers present the event flyer.

Organizers said the campaign started about two years ago, and has already raised nearly $28,000 for local breast cancer support.

“All the proceeds that we get during our campaign is going to go towards Bridget’s gift. And those are families and patients that have breast cancer in the Yuma community,” said Lefty Leifeste, Chairman of the Silver Spur Rodeo.

“This year, of course, we want to get bigger and better, and we’re just excited to keep the funds local in our community,” said Tina McCash, Chairwoman of Buckin’ for Bridget.

Organizers are encouraging the community to come out, grab a meal and help support local breast cancer patients and their families.

To learn more about the upcoming event, click here.

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