Author: KYMA

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Middle school students from across Yuma County saw their hard work come to life as seven schools’ automotive programs faced off in the bi-annual RC car race.

The event featured more than 120 students, all competing for prizes that included gift cards, goody bags provided by Chapman Chevrolet, and medals awarded to the top three finishers.

The Arizona Business and Education Coalition supplied the curriculum and funded the RC cars, but students were fully responsible for designing, maintaining, and preparing them for competition. Teachers said the event showcased the students’ growing independence and technical skills.

“Now, as a teacher, I get to stand back and just get to watch and enjoy, so they’re very independent in fixing the cars. They’re independent in running the teams,” said Elizabeth Colton, an automotive teacher at Crane Middle School.

“Shop, safety and communication, teamwork, even the RC—everything is new for them, so I’m very excited to see what they’ve learned from August to today,” added Walther Flores, an automotive teacher at Somerton Middle School.

Students will have another chance to race at the end of the school year.

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Madeline Murray

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – Somerton is getting into the holiday spirit all packed into one big celebration.

The City of Somerton is lighting up with tons of festivities and holiday cheer with their annual lighting of Centennial Park. 

Dona Carrazco, special events park aid says, “Thanks to our parks staff, they did an amazing job putting up the lights, they’ve been doing it for the last two weeks, working as a team it really helps putting everything together for the community.”

This event was free and had lots of activities for everyone to enjoy, like a gingerbread house contest, plenty of festive performances, games and raffles, and even a special visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. 

The event started at 5 p.m. with the countdown to the tree lighting that happened at 6 p.m.

We spoke to parks and recreation of the City of Somerton about how these events bring the community together.

“It’s a family place, so anything that you want to do with your family, it’s free. We have free activities, we have different types of vendors, we have different types of foods, local vendors local performers, we also invite yuma county performers, so its a combination of all,” says Carrazco.

It’s been a night full of festive energy, but more than anything, it’s been about community.

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Marcos Icahuate

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – California State Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) sent a letter requesting for further information on the data center approved for the Imperial County.

The letter was sent to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors asking their rationale on the approval.

The County previous revealed that the data center was exempt from an environmental review, raising concerns about the energy and water needed for the project.

“The potential of data centers should not come at the cost of environmental and public health,” said Senator Padilla.

Senator Padilla also plans to introduce a legislation to develop energy and resource standards for data centers.

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Marcos Icahuate

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local law firm donated Thursday to help provide thousands of meals to the Yuma Community Food Bank.

Rafi Law Group presented the food bank with a check for $12,500. This helped kick off a food drive, which is taking place from now through December 15 at the Walmart in San Luis, Arizona.

“Rafi, YCAT, Yuma Community Food Bank, and Walmart united to carry out the food drive this year we will be there so you can donate food, money, to support the community,” said Gabriel Trujillo, Rafi content director.

All donations will go to locals who are depending on the food bank this holiday season.

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Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Naval Air Facility El Centro is holding a design contest for the 2026 NAF El Centro air show poster.

All participants must be 18 years or older to enter.

The winning designer will receive publicity and name recognition, including on the poster and an announcement during the 2026 air show.

The deadline to enter is December 12.

For full contest rules and application, you can click the attachments below.

26_AirShow_Contest Entry FormDownload

26_AirShow_Contest RulesDownload

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Catholic held one of its biggest community events of the year Saturday as locals flooded the field of the school for the Rachel Determan Rib Cook-Off.

Over a dozen vendors showed up for the annual event, which took place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to put their best food to the test.

There was also a 50/50 raffle, a raffle for a 1975 Plymouth Duster, with the winner being announced during the 2026 Midnight at the Oasis, and plenty of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.

“It’s really just a time for us to get together and celebrate Rachel and at the same time, it’s just coming together as a community for Yuma Catholic…We have face-painting for the kids…it’s on a large field. Lots of food, food you can take home…we just pray and hope that you would come and hang out with us, and grab some food tickets and have fun.”

Hailey Curry, Director of Alumni Relations

This year marked the 22nd time the was hosted.

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Karina Bazarte

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – After 29 years of serving in law enforcement, the Brawley police chief is taking off his badge.

“29 years…I always tell people jokingly law enforcement officers live dog years…you get to see a lot. I think it’s a good career I feel pretty comfortable what I have accomplished,” said Jimmy Duran, Brawley Police Chief.

Chief Duran announced his retirement Tuesday night at the Brawley City Council meeting.

“It was a very emotional moment for me. It did take a while to come up with this decision and it wasn’t something that happened overnight,” said Duran.

Chief duran served 29 years in law enforcement. He spent about 24 years as a lieutenant with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office before becoming Brawley’s police chief.

He says he’s proud of all the things he has accomplished, like adding 14 petitions at the station and creating many youth programs.

“Kids that belong to the MLS go soccer league came in unexpectedly and they actually handed me this trophy…which was awesome and a pretty emotional moment because in law enforcement you do so many things but helping the kids is one of the things I believe has been my greatest achievement,” said Duran.

Duran says his last day as the police chief will be on December 30.

“I am very thankful to God for allowing me to have this opportunity to serve our community of Imperial County and our City of Brawley, and for the trust that the City Council and city manager gave me in the last five years,” said Duran.

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Jalen Fong

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District is ready to light up the holiday season with its second annual Festival of Lights celebration.

The Festival of Lights will begin Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and will continue on select dates throughout the month.

It takes place at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds and will feature a drive-through Christmas lighting spectacular, making the holiday season more fun, festive, and colorful.

The completely free event is a perfect way for families to kick off the holiday season.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A popular haunted house venue in Yuma has transformed into a unique Christmas experience.

Yuma Nightmares, known for its Halloween attractions, is extending the spirit of the spooky season by incorporating holiday décor and a family-friendly atmosphere into its winter event.

Visitors can choose between a drive-through experience or walking through the haunted house itself. Both options blend actors with Christmas decorations, though most performers are present on Friday and Saturday nights.

The goal is to create a setting that captures elements of Halloween while remaining approachable for families with children.

“It’s a combination of Halloween and Christmas, kind of more family-friendly…the kids seem to do great with it. It’s a way of introducing yourself to the haunted house stuff without being too intimidated,” said owner Mark Plante.

Yuma Nightmares Christmas runs through December 20, operating Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals had the chance to embrace the holiday spirit while staying active Saturday morning.

The City of Yuma Run Series held its latest event, the Winter Wonderland 5K/10K Run, at West Wetlands Park from 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Participants had the opportunity to dress in Christmas attire and race through the Playa Linda Trails.

Yuma was in a jolly spirit with the event registering the best turnout in years.

“Today, we had over 400 that were signed up with our screaming deal that we had and for the run itself right there. It’s actually the highest run total we’ve had in…since probably about 2018,” said Nathan Zack, Recreation Program Supervisor.

The next event in the run series is Jukebox January, happening at West Wetlands Park on January 10. To learn more about, click here.

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