Month: May 2026

Manoah Tuiasosopo

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – 33 Imperial Valley College (IVC) students are getting a major boost to their education after receiving brand new laptops through a technology assistance program.

The initiative is supported by the IVC Foundation and AT&T, and funded through a $20,000 grant aimed at expanding digital access in underserved communities.

“Companies like AT&T are not obligated to support these types of projects. They do it because they see the value of investing in Imperial Valley and specifically students here at IVC,” said Todd Evangelist, Executive Director of the IVC Foundation. “They see the potential in these students, and so does the IVC Foundation.”

Courtesy: Imperial Valley College

Courtesy: Imperial Valley College

Officials say the laptops will help students stay connected to classwork, campus resources, and online learning.

College leaders say the goal is to remove barriers and help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

To learn more about this, click here.

Courtesy: Imperial Valley College

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro says a portion of Main Street will be temporarily closed as part of the ongoing “Embellece El Centro” Downtown Project.

According to a press release, the closure, happening from Sunday, May 17, 2026 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, is impacting Main Street from Eighth Street “to approximately the midpoint of the adjacent car wash property located east of the intersection.”

The City says the closure is to allow construction and infrastructure improvements in the downtown area, and says traffic control measures and detour signs will be in place throughout the duration of the project to help guide drivers safely around the work zone.

In addition, the City says corner businesses location at the intersection of Eighth and Main Street will be accessible during that time.

The City also says customers and businesses will also have access “to their respective properties” during the closure.

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

Eighth&Main ClosurePREngDownload

Eighth&Main ClosurePRSpaDownload

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma gym owner is being recognized after receiving the Arizona Veteran Small Business of the Year Award.

Peter Romero, owner and head trainer of Camp Titan Fitness, started the business in 2021 as an outdoor boot camp in his backyard.

Since then, the Veteran-owned business has grown into a full fitness gym and training community focused on helping people live healthier lives.

Romero said the award came as a surprise and was meaningful to him because it reflects both his military service and his commitment to helping the community.

“Honestly it was a shock. I didn’t expect to win it, but it is an honor,” Romero said. “It means a lot to me because of being a Veteran and being able to serve my country and also serve my community.”

Camp Titan Fitness works with people of all fitness levels, including some dealing with different health challenges.

Romero said the goal of the gym is not only physical training, but also building accountability, discipline and a supportive environment.

Romero was presented the award on Wednesday by the Arizona Western College Small Business Development Center.

As Camp Titan Fitness continues to expand, Romero said he hopes to eventually become part of a future youth health initiative in Yuma.

He is also encouraging community members to come out, try a class and see if the Camp Titan Fitness family is right for them.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) is expanding its curriculum with inspiration from international universities after being selected as one of only three institutions in the country to participate in the U.S.-India Partnership Lab.

The year-long initiative, led by the Association of Community College Trustees, aims to expand collaboration in workforce education and emerging technologies.

Through the program, AWC will partner with leading institutions in India to develop workforce programs and explore the growing use of artificial intelligence in education and industry.

The initiative also includes fully funded trips to India, where students will visit universities and work directly with the school.

The partnership will focus on developing curriculum in high-demand fields tied to modern manufacturing and logistics.

“We will create a curriculum jointly,” said Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Entrepreneurial College and Vice President of Workforce and Healthcare Programs. “And it will be manufacturing, logistic, predictive analytics, and supply chain management, and look into the processes of smart manufacturing.”

AWC will also collaborate with the other universities selected for the program to determine which curriculum areas will become top priorities moving forward.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – OneAZ Credit Union awarded grants to nonprofit organizations across Arizona through its Community Impact Grants Program, with three Yuma-area organizations among the recipients.

The United Way of Yuma County, the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, and the Yuma Community Food Bank each received $7,500 in funding.

According to OneAZ, the program is designed to support organizations focused on housing stability, food security, and economic opportunity. In total, the credit union distributed $360,000 to 48 nonprofits throughout the state.

The Yuma Community Food Bank plans to use its grant to help provide a basic but often difficult-to-source necessity for local families.

“We’re gonna use this money that we received to buy milk,” said Yuma Community Food Bank CEO Andy Robinson. “We’re hoping to buy about sixteen-hundred gallons of milk. Milk is one of those items that we just don’t receive in donations, or it’s very hard to get, and the people in the community needs that nutrition, so it’s a great opportunity.”

OneAZ says partnerships with local nonprofits are central to the foundation’s mission.

“The foundation focuses on strengthening the families in Arizona, so it’s important for us to partner with local nonprofits that are providing these services to the communities we are in, and…We’re always looking at the partnerships we have to strengthen our community even further,” said Arlyn Morales, OneAZ Community Relations Specialist.

Since its founding in 2016, the OneAZ Community Foundation has donated more than $3.5 million to nonprofit organizations across Arizona.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Crossroads Mission held its Fifth Annual Drive-Thru BBQ Fundraiser Friday, bringing the community together in support of its upcoming “Center of Hope” project.

For $10, community members were able to purchase a barbecue plate, with many local businesses and organizations taking part by buying meals for staff lunches, team appreciation events or donating plates to others in the community.

Organizers say the event continues to serve as both a fundraiser and a way for the community to support a local cause.

Crossroads Mission say the goal of the event is to raise funds to help complete its new men’s shelter in Yuma.

“This is a popular fundraiser because nowadays, you can’t really get a plate of food for $10. And we’re able to still do a low cost because we have a donor who very generously helped us buy some of the foods,” Azucena Solorzano, the Crossroads Mission Marketing and Development Director.

Organizers say every plate sold goes directly toward the “Center of Hope” project, which will provide meals and support services for men experiencing homelessness in Yuma.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma has officially reopened the Kennedy Skate Park following months of renovations aimed at improving the experience for skaters of all skill levels.

The project was first identified in the city’s 2024 Parks and Recreation master plan as upgrades were needed to the aging facility.

The City of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department say the goal was to take community feedback and turn it into a redesigned space that better serves local skaters.

“Citizens really came out and said that was something that they truly wanted. We had an old park here, but it was pretty old and had been here for a while,” Eric Urfer, the City of Yuma Director of Parks and Recreation, said. “Specifically with the skaters. So everything that you see behind me here, that’s all their ideas that’s put into concrete.”

The Kennedy Skate Park was closed for about four months during construction while crews reworked the layout.

According to the city, one of the main issues with the previous design was a disruption in flow, with newer skaters practicing skills in areas that limited more experienced riders.

The updated design now creates a more continuous flow for advanced skaters while also establishing a designated area in the back of the park where beginners can safely practice and develop their skills.

The City of Yuma say input also came directly from skaters during the demolition phase, as members of the local skating community stopped by the site to share feedback with construction crews.

The City of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department added that the goal of the project is to provide skaters with a dedicated area where they can safely enjoy the sport they love while continuing to build their skills in a more structured environment.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma couple are asking for help after needing to stay in Japan due to a medical emergency.

Isaac Garcia and his wife, Kahery, were celebrating their anniversary in Japan, when Kahery had a sudden emergency.

The Yuma couple had to stay longer than expected as they waited for Kahery’s injury to heal.

A GoFundMe was created to help the couple cover the cost of hospital bills and medical care.

You can donate here.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A family friendly event is planned for the 4th of July in Yuma.

The free Fireworks Spectacular event will be held at Desert Sun Stadium and begin at 6 p.m.

Families can expect food vendors and a free kids zone.

“We look forward to seeing families come together for one of Yuma’s favorite summer traditions,” said Kathy Urfer, Special Events Assistant. “We invite everyone to join us at Desert Sun Stadium for a safe and enjoyable Independence Day celebration.”

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local leaders are speaking out against two U.S. congressman from Arizona, claiming their support for federal policies tied to the conflict in Iran is driving up gas prices and increasing costs for families across Yuma County.

At a press conference hosted by the Copper State War room, City of Yuma Councilmember Carol Smith, Yuma County Democratic Party Chair Xanthe Bullard and Yuma County Board of Supervisors Chairman Martin Porchas, criticized U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert, saying their votes against efforts to limit further military action in Iran have contributed to rising fuel costs and broader inflation pressures.

“Families are paying nearly $500 more in transportation costs alone. One of the highest increases in the country,” Smith said. “Driven by rising gas prices following the war in Iran, which Biggs and Schweikert support.”

The speakers also pointed to a recent Joint Economic Committee report that found Arizona families are paying an estimated $2,200 more annually for goods and services. The report also cited $457 in increased transportation costs for Arizona households.

The local leaders said raising fuel prices are putting pressure on agriculture, businesses, workers and families across the state.

“For years, Andy Biggs and David Schweikert complained about inflation and gas prices,” Bullard said. “They repeatedly claimed Arizona families were hurting and promised they would bring costs down. Now they’re in a position to actually do something about it, and they’re doing absolutely nothing to help Yuma families.”

According to AAA, diesel prices in Yuma reached an all-time high of $6.40 last month. Regular gasoline in Arizona is averaging about $4.80 per gallon. With Yuma currently at $4.89, the national average sits at $4.53.

Speakers also referenced recent inflation data tied to tariffs and energy costs, saying price increases have outpaced wage growth and that grocery prices rose faster last month than any month in the last four years.

Porchas encouraged residents to contact their elected officials directly to have their needs heard.

“As local elected officials, we can only do so much locally,” Porchas said. “But I think at the state level, let’s talk to our representatives. Let them know how we feel.”

Biggs’ Senior Advisor, Drew Sexton, provided a response on behalf of the U.S. representative for Arizona’s fifth congressional district.

“Arizona now ranks in the bottom five for affordability because of Katie Hobbs’ weak and ineffective leadership. From vetoing a $1.1 billion tax cut for Arizonans to her terrible mismanagement of the state’s finances, Katie Hobbs has done nothing to address rising costs for Arizona families and businesses while she’s doling out millions of taxpayer dollars to political cronies and donors. Arizonans cannot trust Katie Hobbs and we certainly cannot afford Katie Hobbs.”

We reached out to Schweikert for comment and have not received a response.

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