Author: KYMA

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals across Yuma County are sharing their reaction to the record triple-digit temps.

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect from Thursday through Sunday evening, but that didn’t stop people from being out and about in Yuma.

People were seen grabbing a bite to eat, getting some ice cream or enjoying a beverage at the Yuma Palms Mall.

By the Colorado River, people made the trip from near Los Algodones just to come by the river to bring their pets and relax.

“This is nice because you can go in and swim and cool off, and you can come down here and enjoy,” said Monica Burgess, a visitor.

There were even some who took the bus from San Luis.

“I’ve been here for 13 years, and this is my first time on the bus with my baby. It’s amazing. Right now, we’re just going to jump in the water,” said Dolly Ruiz, a resident of San Luis.

With temperatures this high, safety is key.

If anyone has to be outdoors, say hydrated, take breaks in the shade, wear light clothing, and never leave kids or pets in the car even for a minute.

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Paul Vozzella

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The four defendants in the murder trial of a Yuma man, whose remains were found in Winterhaven, pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.

42-year-old Gabriel Mills Sr., 21-year-old Gabriel Mills Jr., 35-year-old Daniel Martinez and 21-year-old Sadie Hiatt were all present for Thursday’s arraignment in El Centro.

All pled not guilty to their charges which include torture and murder in the murder of 23-year-old Jacob Sims.

Sims was murdered in November of 2024. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled in June.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A San Luis man has been found guilty of murdering three people.

43-year-old Ivan Osuna was convicted in connection with a triple-murder that happened in September of 2022.

Investigators say three people were killed in a single day, including one victim found near Mojave Lane and Eighth Street, and two others found near County 13th Street and Avenue F. They were found with gunshot wounds.

The victims were identified as 45-year-old Juan Luna-Montijo, 28-year-old Kristin Carrillo and 31-year-old Daniel Herrera Jr.

Police say Osuna was identified as a suspect more than a year later while he was already in custody in another state on an unrelated case.

His sentencing has been scheduled for March 27.

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Skylar Heisey

(KYMA) – Highway 111 is now open Thursday morning after a train derailment near the Salton Sea forced it to close.

According to our sister station KESQ, it happened after 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Mecca and North Shore area, near Parkside Drive.

At least 20 train cars derailed, forcing a response from hazardous materials crew, with Cal Fire saying none of the chemical freight appeared to have been affected and no injuries were reported.

“We ask that people avoid the area to allow crews to get in there. There’s gonna be some extensive cleanup involved. Otherwise, just mind the roadblocks, be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you comply with any directions that come out,” Tawny Castro, Public Information Specialist for Cal Fire, said at the time Highway 111 was closed.

Highway 111 was closed from Bayside Drive to beyond the derailment area.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A major community event focused on hope, remembrance, and the fight against cancer is returning to Yuma this weekend.

Relay For Life of Yuma County is set for Saturday, March 21, marking its 30th anniversary of bringing the community together to support the fight against cancer.

The annual event, hosted by the American Cancer Society, raises funds for cancer research, patient services, and advocacy.

Organizers say this year’s event will feature a full day of activities for all ages, including an opening ceremony, survivor and caregiver laps, live entertainment, and community team campsites.

To keep participants safe in the expected warm weather, organizers have moved the traditional survivor lunch to a survivor dinner at 6 p.m.

Registered survivors and a caregiver are invited to attend the sponsored meal.

Other highlights include the Luminaria Ceremony, where glowing bags line the track in honor and memory of those impacted by cancer, as well as activities like a childhood cancer lap and family-friendly attractions.

The event will take place at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex, with gates opening at 10 a.m. and the opening ceremony beginning at 11 a.m.

Organizers say while the event lasts 12 hours, community members are encouraged to attend at any time throughout the day.

Since it began in 1996, Relay For Life of Yuma County has raised more than $3.5 million to support cancer research and services.

Event organizers say the mission remains the same: bringing people together to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and continue the fight against cancer.

It’s not too late to get involved. To register or learn more, visit here.

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Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – The annual Cesar Chavez Day Celebration in Brawley will continue as scheduled, only with a shift in recognition, as it will no longer be named after the civil rights leader.

The change comes as communities across the country reconsider how to mark the holiday following recent allegations against Chavez.

Organizer Eric Reyes says the celebration will shift the focus away from Chavez and direct the attention toward farmworkers in Imperial County.

He says the goal is to honor the labor movement while recognizing the sacrifices of the workers in the Valley.

Reyes explained, “The celebration itself must continue because it’s about a farmworker movement and a farmworker community and how we have advanced as a community through the hard work of all the movemientas, so it’s called El Movemientos Celebration.”

He noted that the alleged victims should be given space and time to tell their stories, all all claims should be investigated.

Imperial County Chief Public Defender Ben Salorio says the rebranding makes sense as it will focus on the Mexican-American and Filipino farm workers, who helped lead the Delano Grape Strike in 1965.

“I think recognizing the Filipino and Mexican Farmworkers, along with the current farm workers, is not just appropriate, but probably long overdue,” Salorio explained.

Salorio is set to make an appearance at the event as part of his campaign for Imperial County Superior Court Judge in this year’s election.

Despite the shift, the event will feature a march, community activities, and resource tables for those in need.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rising temperatures in Yuma are creating increased risks for the city’s homeless population, prompting a surge in demand for services at Crossroads Mission.

The early arrival of hotter weather has led more individuals to seek relief at the shelter, where access to water and daily necessities becomes critical.

According to Public Relations Director Sassa Culver, those utilizing the shelter’s services are already consuming more water as temperatures climb.

The organization operates year-round, providing essential resources such as food and hydration, but its role becomes even more vital during periods of extreme heat.

Seasonal residents contribute when they are able to, but those supplies only last for a limited time.

“We do have winter visitors that are getting ready to go back up north. They do bring what they have left in their pantry and their refrigerators, and then May, June, July and August are our slow months,” Culver shared.

To meet rising demand and prepare for sustained high temperatures, Crossroads Mission is encouraging local residents to organize water and food drives.

Donations of bottled water, canned goods, and breakfast items can help ensure the shelter continues to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals as the region transitions into the hotter spring and summer months.

Community members interested in contributing can donate directly at Crossroads Mission’s main campus at 944 S. Arizona Ave. or its 2nd Chance Thrift Store at 550 W 8th St.

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Lauren Duffel

Lauren Duffel shares who is helping distribute all of this food, and what they’re still looking for.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Community Food Bank has distributed over one million pounds of food to the community this past month.

“The carts you see behind built behind us. We go through and give out [600-700)] a day so our volunteers are definitely vital to building those and helping us get those out,” Laurie Baker, Volunteer Coordinator for the Food Bank.

Hundreds of volunteers help sort and distribute donations so neighbors can take home fresh produce and pantry staples.

But while the shelves are often bursting with fresh vegetables, staff say there’s a growing nutritional gap.

Many neighbors aren’t receiving enough protein rich foods and volunteers continuously work to bring fresh food to neighbors in Yuma and La Paz County in need every week.

Baker shares how crucial volunteers are in their daily operations

“We only have approximately 15 employees right now and that the only amount we usually ever have and the rest is volunteer based so everything we do serving those two counties is definitely volunteer based we need our volunteers,” Baker explained.

With a small team, volunteers are truly essential for the Food Bank. For some, volunteering is a way to serve the community and give back.

“It’s heart warming to be able to help others and give back to the community, it just makes you feel good all over,” said Mary Cooper, a volunteer.

Their efforts are the backbone of the operation.

If you’re looking to make a difference in your community, consider volunteering at the Yuma Community Food Bank.

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Dillon Fuhrman

DATELAND, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is has issued a notification regarding a Level 3 sex offender in the Dateland community.

YCSO says 46-year-old Elijah Dale Seybert told them he is living in the area of E. Highway 80 in Dateland.

Seybert is described by YCSO as six-feet, four-inches tall, weighing 275 pounds, is bald and has brown eyes, and is not wanted by YCSO at this time.

In June of 1998, Seybert pled guilty to one count of indecent exposure in the the Boulder County Court in Boulder, Colorado, YCSO says.

He was sentenced to serve nearly two years of probation and six months of work release, with a credit of 90 days of time served, YCSO says.

In January of 2002, Seybert pled guilty to one count of indecent exposure and one count of harassement alarm/annoy in the Mesa County Court in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he served four months in jail, according to YCSO.

In September of 2017, Seybert pled guilty to two counts of false information on registration and one count of patronizing a prostitute in the Boulder County Court in Boulder, Colorado, YCSO says.

He was then sentenced to serve nearly two years in jail followed by six months consecutively, with a credit for 186 days of time served, according to YCSO.

Seybert is described by YCSO as a Level 3 sex offender, with a high risk to reoffend.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – A parent of a student in the Imperial Unified School District (IUSD) is claiming their son is facing retaliation from the district’s administration.

Jeffrey Jimenez says his son was suspended after reportedly filming a fight on campus at Frank Wright Middle School on March 5. He alleges the suspension is retaliation for reporting the vice principal following a previous suspension of the child which has since been expunged.

That previous suspension stems from an off-campus incident in which the vice principal allegedly suspended several students for fighting.

We obtained a letter from IUSD, which stated that even though there was enough evidence to justify disciplining the student, the school did not follow proper legal process.

The letter reads, “California Education Code § 48911 requires a pre-suspension informal conference to inform a student of the reasons and evidence for a proposed suspension from school and allow a response.”

“My son was involved in an incident off campus in February and Vice Principal Genaro Sanchez responded to that incident and didn’t do an investigation. Didn’t get any statements didn’t do anything. He immediately told us our son was suspended, didn’t do an investigation. Didn’t get any statements and that’s in violation of California law. Due process laws,” Jimenez told KYMA.

Our newsroom contacted the IUSD, but the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Summer Heraz, said the school is not at liberty to comment on student disciplinary action due to privacy.

We’ll keep following this story and provide you with the latest details as they become available.

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