Category: kyma-local-news

Andrea Turisk

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Department of Social Services (ICDSS) has informed residents about benefits under the CalFresh Program have been restored for this month.

ICDSS says those who receive benefits between the first and seventh day of each month should’ve received their benefits overnight or throughout the day Friday.

However, ICDSS says those who receive their benefits between the eighth and 10th day of each month remain unaffected.

In addition, ICDSS offered the following tips to customers:

Continue submitting any required verification requests.

Monitor EBT balance and issuance status via the ebtEDGE mobile application, online portal at www.ebtEDGE.com, or by calling the number on the back of their card.

Contact the Imperial Valley Food Bank at https://www.ivfoodbank.com or (760) 370-0966 for continued food assistance.

Stay informed by visiting www.benefitsCal.com and the Imperial County Social Services website at https://www.imperialcountysocialservices.org/ or (760) 337-6800

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

IC_PR_CalFreshRestored_11.07.25Download

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Dozens of local volunteers came together in Yuma Friday to lend a helping hand to community members in need.

The Benevolence in Action Ministry hosted a free food drive at American Legion Post 19, distributing meals to hundreds of residents facing hardship.

A semi-truck filled with food from San Luis arrived early in the day, providing supplies to an estimated 200 cars that lined up for assistance.

Organizers said the need for food has grown more urgent in recent weeks, particularly with the ongoing government shutdown and an increase in homelessness during the colder months.

“Food is hard to come by right now, and we just want to make sure the people who are doing without food stamps and without jobs…get a little something,” said Rev. Alex Montoya of the Benevolence in Action Ministry.

The ministry has been running the food drive for several months but hopes to expand its outreach in response to rising demand.

Rev. Montoya said the group aims to make the event a weekly effort and is prepared to travel long distances to gather supplies.

“We go as far as Vegas, Los Angeles, Tucson….wherever we can get a load, even New Mexico,” Montoya said.

As the community continues to face economic challenges, the ministry’s volunteers remain committed to ensuring that no one in Yuma goes hungry.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Salvation Army teamed up with Yuma First United Methodist Church Wednesday to feed local citizens. The church volunteers at the Salvation Army on the first Wednesday of every month.

However, the Salvation Army is looking for more church or civic groups to join in on the efforts that go a long way for the community.

Volunteers provide the food and cook it to serve to over 20 locals.

“People need to know that there’s somebody out there that will help to provide them during these rough times, and even beyond these rough times, there’s always somebody that’s hungry in this world, and that’s what we’re here for,” said volunteer Susan Lykins.

As of right now, the First United Methodist Church is the only group volunteering on a designated day every month.

It’s something the Salvation Army is hoping to expand.

“Well, it’s a wonderful blessing to be able to give to the community and for them to come over here and eat,” said Salvation Army Social Services Aid Connie Esparza. “This is just wonderful and I hope it continues to happen every Wednesday.”

For those interested in volunteering, Lykins believes it’s a terrific way to give back to the community in a time where it’s much needed.

“This is an awesome opportunity to do some community service where needed,” she said. “People in the community are hungry, especially during these times, so we’re here to just feed the community. Anybody, if you know anybody that’s hungry, there’s a place at our table.”

Prospective volunteers can reach out to the Yuma Salvation Army at 928-783-0181.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – After three years of providing care to the people of Yuma, Exceptional Community Hospital is marking its anniversary by strengthening its bond with the community it serves.

Hospital leaders, staff, local officials, and community members gathered at the Pivot Point Conference Center for a ceremony celebrating the hospital’s third anniversary and its continued dedication to the region.

“We are here for the long-term and here to make a difference in the care that people get,” said Bruce McVeigh, Chief Operating Officer of Exceptional Healthcare.

During the event, the hospital’s leadership team signed a Community Pledge, publicly reaffirming their commitment to quality care and community involvement.

“Everything’s about the patient and family for us,” McVeigh added. “You’ll hear that as we reaffirm our commitment to not only the town but to all the patients we take care of. It’s vitally important to celebrate that and reaffirm our commitments.”

Since opening its doors in 2022, Exceptional Community Hospital has made community outreach a priority, an effort that hasn’t gone unnoticed by local leaders.

“We all carry the weight as a community, and I see Exceptional Health doing that here in Yuma,” said Mayor Doug Nicholls.

The hospital has also earned national recognition from the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality for its high standards of care.

Looking ahead, Exceptional Community Hospital is continuing to expand its presence in Yuma.

“We’re soon to be opening up our first acute care surgical center on our property,” McVeigh said. “We’re here for the longterm to keep growing that campus. We have a lot of space…if you look behind the hospital, there’s 10 acres there.”

As it looks toward the future, Exceptional Community Hospital remains focused on its mission of providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare and strengthening its partnership with the Yuma community.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Fort Yuma Rotary hosted their annual Penitentiary Pint Fest Saturday evening.

The event, which took place at the Yuma Territorial Prison from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., brought several different breweries across Desert Southwest.

There was also live music from bands like Big Boss Band and food provided by Taco El Gando.

Sal Martinez, the Brand Manager for Romer Beverage, shared how Pint Fest benefits Yuma County.

“So we’re not just promoting beers. We’re also raising money for building playgrounds, so…that’s what [Fort Yuma Rotary] put on the show and that’s this is their biggest fundraiser of the year and they build a lot of playgrounds around the county,” Martinez explained.

Attendees must have been 21 and up to attend and IDs were required, and all proceeds from the event went to Fort Yuma Rotary.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors approved a budget amendment for their re-powering project.

During the regular meeting, the IID approved more than $2 million to upgrade their re-powering project which will replace the unit four boiler and steam turbine.

IID says the unit four boiler and steam turbine has been operating since 1968 at the El Centro generating station.

“What it helps us do is it adds more energy to our portfolio, so what we see behind us here, in unit four, is a generator that produce a 74 MW. When this project is done will increase it to 113 alone, so that’s a big step…That’s 39 MW and just to put that in perspective 1 MW serves about 1000 customers 1,000 homes,” said Robert Schettler with IID.

IID says although it is a large cost the focus is investing in the valley and not buying power on the market.

The project is expected to be finished in three years.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left four people injured.

According to a press release, the crash happened Saturday at around 5:45 p.m. in the area of W. 20th Street and S. Avenue C, near Cibola High School.

YPD says a 53-year-old woman was driving a 2011 Scion XD southbound on S. Avenue C, and was “making a left-hand turn onto W. 20th Street” when she crashed into a 2024 Ford F-250 “traveling northbound on Avenue C.”

The driver of the Scion and her passenger, a 14-year-old girl, were taken to Onvida Health for non-life-threatening injuries. However, the girl was later taken to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for her injuries, according to YPD.

Meanwhile, YPD says the driver, a 34-year-old man, and passenger, a 31-year-old woman, of the Ford suffered minor injuries, and “were treated and released” by the Yuma Fire Department while on scene.

While alcohol and speed did not factor in the crash, the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Injury collision 20th Street and Avenue C 25-70434Download

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A tree lighting ceremony was held at the Yuma Palms Regional Center early Saturday afternoon.

The event had a trackless train, face painting, local high school band performances, music, and even Santa Claus himself made an appearance.

The tree lighting ceremony is sponsored by Arizona’s Children Association, Toys for Tots and Silver Spur Rodeo Inc. 

Dave Brudy, CEO of DRB Group LLC with the Yuma Palms Regional Center, shared about why this event is important for the community.

“We support the community, and the community is what keeps retail alive and vibrant, so we feel it’s a way to give back and at the same time, the community gets to enjoy something free of charge for everybody,” Brudy explained.

The ceremony lasted until about 6:30 p.m, and organizers say the annual Winter Festival is a great way to give back to the community.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local organization is having a sale to support locals.

The Humane of Society of Yuma Thrift Store will have their sale on Thursday, November 6, from 6-8 p.m.

Proceeds from the thrift store goes towards low-cost spay and neuter operations.

Normal hours are Mon-Sun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can find the thrift store on the big curve at 136 W. 32nd St.

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Marcos Icahuate

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – An event will be held for the holidays in Calexico.

The City of Calexico is planning their Christmas tree lighting for Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The event will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Calexico City Hall (608 Heber Avenue).

Entertainment such as pictures with Santa, the Grinch, and Mickey Mouse will be available.

Families can also expect raffles, food vendors, live music and more.

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