Category: kyma-local-news

Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Lerner & Rowe held a backpack giveaway event Saturday at the Yuma County Fairgrounds.

The non-profit event aims to help local families in need of school supplies before heading back to school.

Dedicated to its mission of making a difference in the lives of people in need by giving back to the community.

The non-profit event was founded by Kevin Rowe, managing partner of Lerner & Rowe, P.C., who wanted to show his daughter the values of humanity and to help those less fortunate.

Lerner & Rowe Gives Back will help over 5,000 students kick off the 2026-2027 school year with a backpack full of supplies.

There will be a total of 1,000 backpacks filled and available for the local Yuma community at this years non-profit event.

This year, the nonprofit will spread its local impact in Arizona by hosting events in the East and West Valley, and also Tucson.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man appeared back in court Friday for the final arguments and impact statements ahead of his sentencing hearing.

25-year-old Gabriel Taddei was found guilty last month of one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection to the shooting of a 29-year-old man back in October of 2024.

The jury reached the verdict during his retrial, and the charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

“I will continue to believe, given all the evidence, everything we know, and everything presented to the jury, that he did act in self-defense,” said Joshua Tesoriero, Taddei’s lawyer.

Taddei will be back in court later this month to learn his sentence.

Click here to follow the original article.

Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma School District One students wrapped up a week of hands-on learning Friday during STEMKAMP Family Day at Ron Watson Middle School.

The event marked the conclusion of the Fourth Annual STEMKAMP, a weeklong summer program that introduces incoming third through eighth grade students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through interactive activities and real-world experiences.

STEMKAMP, which stands for “STEM for Kids of Active Military Personnel,” welcomes all students while maintaining its mission of supporting military-connected families.

Throughout the morning, students showcased projects they completed during the week and participated in interactive STEM challenges alongside their families.

The event also featured the Pathways to Possibilities Expo, where local businesses, military organizations and higher education partners introduced students to a variety of STEM career opportunities.

“STEMKAMP is a science enrichment camp. It’s a weeklong camp for incoming third through eighth grade students in Yuma School District One,” said Amanda Norton, the Yuma STEMKAMP Director. “This is our fourth year doing it. Each year is a very different one…And we just enjoy the community participating with us and having the kids and the families come back each year.”

Organizers say the nationally recognized program helps students strengthen problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking skills while connecting classroom learning to future careers in STEM fields.

Yuma School District One says partnerships with local businesses, military organizations and community leaders continue to provide students with meaningful opportunities to explore careers and develop skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

OCOTILLO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) says firefighters extinguished a fire in Ocotillo.

ICFD says the fire happened in the area of Sierra Vista Avenue and Agate Road, near Evan Hewes Highway, before 3 p.m. Thursday.

Upon arrival, ICFD says Engine 4 saw a “rapidly spreading fire involving multiple structures and large LPG tanks,” but as the fire intensified, firefighters retreated due to ammunition found in the area.

While four structures were fully engulfed in flames, ICFD says fire crews “faced the immediate threat” of nine additional homes and “the potential involvement of up to 16 more structures.”

Courtesy: Imperial County Fire Department

Courtesy: Imperial County Fire Department

This prompted ICFD to request mutual aid from the following agencies who responded:

Calexico Fire Department

Yuma Fire Department

El Centro Fire Department

Holtville Fire Department

Westmorland Fire Department

NAF El Centro Fire Department

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

American Medical Response

CalOES Fire & Rescue

U.S. Border Patrol

Courtesy: Imperial County Fire Department

Courtesy: Imperial County Fire Department

In addition, ICFD says a “reverse-911 notification was issued to Ocotillo resident,” urging them to evacuate the area, and says the American Red Cross and Imperial Irrigation District (IID) were notified, with ICFD requesting IID “to shut off power to the Sage Brush, Sierra Vista and Imperial Highway corridors to enhance firefighter safety.”

Courtesy: Imperial County Fire Department

Firefighters remained in the area until 4 a.m. Friday fighting the fire until it was fully extinguished.

While there were no injuries reported, there is no word on what caused the fire, and the investigation is ongoing.

Imperial County Fire Department – Media Advisory Ocotillo – Sierra Vista and Agate Road 07.09.26Download

Click here to follow the original article.

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Valley is breaking down traditional employment barriers, helping individuals with disabilities achieve self-determination through entrepreneurship.

“Access to Thrive,” a local non-profit organization, recently celebrated the inaugural graduation of its S.T.E.P. (Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Pathways) program, marking a major milestone for inclusive business development in the region.

The first-ever graduating class consisted of 25 passionate individuals from across Imperial County. The cohort brought together individuals with disabilities, full-time caregivers and local community visionaries.

Over three months, the intensive program guided participants from initial concepts to formal business launches.

To set the new entrepreneurs up for long-term success, Access to Thrive provided each student with a free, brand-new laptop, operational artificial intelligence (AI) training, and essential business development tools.

Beyond that, the program set itself apart by offering comprehensive mental health and emotional support.

A dedicated psychologist worked alongside the students to help navigate the emotional toll of both systemic barriers and the anxiety of starting a business.

S.T.E.P. Program Director Ashley Contreras witnessed a dramatic shift in the participants over the course of the training.

“From day one when the students came in, a lot of them were depressed, lost, and unsure if they wanted to do this or not,” Contreras said. “At the end, it was just a complete 360. Everyone was motivated, dreaming, and feeling capable of accomplishing and starting a business.”

The impact of the program is already hitting the local market. Armed with legal business registrations and concrete operational plans, the graduates have officially launched a wide variety of localized ventures, including businesses in gardening, fashion design, and cosmetology.

Due to the overwhelming success of the first session, organizers say plans are already well underway for future S.T.E.P. cohorts.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lynette Niebla

HEBER, Calif. (KYMA) – The Heber Elementary School District (HESD) is celebrating a major statewide honor after being selected as a recipient of the 2026 Latino/a Educational Advancement and Distinction (LEAD) Award.

The prestigious recognition, granted by the California Latino School Boards Association (CLSBA), names HESD as one of only seven school districts across the entire state of California to receive the honor this year.

The LEAD Award honors district leadership that exemplify exceptional governance, innovation, and professionalism.

Specifically, the award recognizes an unwavering commitment to advancing educational opportunities and leveling the playing field for Latino/a and at-promise youth.

Heber was selected based on demonstrated excellence in educational equity, visionary systems leadership, and creating a positive, lasting impact within the local community.

According to district leaders, the accolade serves as a powerful reflection of what can be accomplished when an entire community unites around student success.

For district leadership, the statewide spotlight validates the daily, often unseen efforts of local classroom teachers and support staff.

“It validates the work of our team,” said HESD Superintendent Juan Cruz. “Our teachers and our staff work extremely hard, and…I’m proud to say that the staff here is not a staff that just gives a minimum. They go far above and beyond every single day, and it’s a validation that the work that they’re doing is paying off.”

The 2026 LEAD Awards will be officially presented next month during the annual CLSBA Unity Conference in San Jose.

Click here to follow the original article.

Lynette Niebla

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Mexican Consulate in Calexico has launched its Summer 2026 Preventive Protection Campaign, an effort aimed at warning migrants about the dangers of crossing the border during extreme summer heat.

The initiative brings together government agencies and civic organizations from both sides of the border to coordinate safety and emergency response efforts.

The campaign covers an 80-mile stretch of terrain through California’s Imperial Valley and Baja California’s Mexicali Valley.

A core focus of the strategy is strengthening and streamlining emergency communication between binational first responders and official agencies.

By unifying resources, leaders hope to deploy rapid assistance and intercept travelers before they attempt to cross through highly hazardous zones.

Consular officials stress that proactive education is the most effective tool to save lives.

“Prevention must also occur before attempting crossing, that’s the main cause,” said Brenda Garcia, Counsel for Protection and Legal Affairs. “And because we understand both countries, we share responsibility on trying to maintain our own community’s well-being.”

According to officials, the leading causes of death for individuals attempting unauthorized crossings in this specific corridor include:

Heat-Related Illness: Severe dehydration and fatal heat stroke triggered by blistering desert temperatures.

Drowning: Strong, deceptive undercurrents found in local agricultural canals and waterways.

Border Wall Falls: Traumatic physical injuries caused by falls from high border fencing infrastructure.

To combat these recurring tragedies, binational teams are actively distributing graphic warning materials and informational flyers, ensuring individuals are fully aware of the extreme risks before stepping out into the deadly terrain.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) says they are investigating two vehicles burglaries in the Mesa del Sol area.

YCSO says they responded to reports of the two burglaries, which happened this week, and says they remain under investigation.

During the investigation, YCSO says the vehicles were left unlocked and items inside them were stolen.

YCSO is reminding Yuma County residents to always lock their vehicles as well as to not leave any items inside, or been seen through the windows.

“Burglars often target vehicles that present an easy opportunity,” YCSO says.

A News 11 viewer also reached out to us sharing that someone tried to break into his vehicle on the same night. The attempt was captured on camera.

If anyone has information regarding the case, call YCSO at 928-783-4427, 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – AZ Gunslingers Football Academy and Hunter’s Army are teaming up to host a flag football game between local agencies.

The game is taking place Friday, July 24, 2026 at Yuma Catholic High School at 7:30 p.m., with the gates opening at 6:30 p.m.

Courtesy: Hunter’s Army

This is between the Yuma Police Department and the Yuma Fire Department.

Tickets are $10, but it is free for kids ages five and younger. To purchase tickets for the event, visit Hunter’s Army’s website, visit AZ Gunslinger’s website, or buy them at the gate.

Click here to follow the original article.

Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County leaders are reviewing updates to the county’s environmental review rules as some residents question how the changes could impact the proposed data center project near Imperial.

The proposed updates focus on the county’s rules under the California Environmental Quality Act, also known as CEQA. The changes are meant to align the county’s procedures with state requirements, including how environmental decisions can be challenged.

County officials say the local CEQA rules were first adopted in 1979 and were last updated in 2017.

During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, some residents raised concerns about changing the appeal process while questions surrounding the data center project remain.

Board Chairwoman Martha Cárdenas-Singh said the updates would not change past decisions.

“We must state clearly for the record that these rule changes do not apply retroactively to protect or alter any board approvals made prior to today,” Cárdenas-Singh said. “This is about alignment with state law moving forward, not shielding past actions.”

The Board of Supervisors continued the discussion and is expected to revisit the item at its July 28 meeting.

Click here to follow the original article.