Author: KYMA

Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis Fire Department (SLFD) is inviting the community to come out, connect and enjoy a fun and tasty morning at their Third Annual Community Pancake Breakfast.

The event is designed to bring families together with a mix of free food and entertainment, including games, raffles, a dunk tank and opportunities to interact with local firefighters.

SLFD says the goal goes beyond serving breakfast. It’s about building stronger relationships with the people they serve.

“What inspired us was to give back to the community in a way that’s not through emergency response,” Sal Estrada, a SLFD Fire Captain and Paramedic, said. “Meet us in a more informal setting and really get to know us and the department.”

Firefighters say events like this help create more personal connection with residents. Allowing them to see a different side of the department aside from emergency situations.

“We are here just to show the community that they’re more than welcome to have free pancakes,” Beatrice Ortiz, a SLFD Emergency Medical Technician, said. “Get to know our department, get to know all of us and it’s a great time. It’s a great experience.”

The Community Pancake Breakfast will take place Saturday at Fire Station 1.

The event is free and open to the public, with food, family-friendly activities and plenty of opportunities to meet your local firefighters.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Behind every grocery store shelf is a story few of us see. Yuma is recognized as the winter lettuce capital of the world and the foundation of American agriculture. H-2A workers are a big part of that story.

“They are very hard workers. It’s hard to replace those employees,” said Valentin Sierra of Amigo Farms.

More than 175 different crops are grown in the Yuma area. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Yuma agriculture generated $1.3 billion in direct sales in 2022.

But those numbers only tell part of the story. The fields are tended by H-2A guest workers who are the backbone of this operation year after year.

“We have dedicated workers through the H-2A guest program that have been with the company for about 20 years. They keep coming back every year. They know our policies and rules, our safety program. Some of them could probably run the crews themselves. They are very important to us — they are very dedicated workers. We trust them. They are safe, and it makes it all better for the company and the produce when you’re receiving it,” Sierra said.

The H-2A visa program was officially established in 1986 and is one of the most popular programs in the U.S. for temporary and seasonal agricultural workers. 8,000 workers in Yuma County are certified H-2A visa holders.

“What they earn in a week working there in agriculture they can earn it here in three. That’s why the H-2A program was invented — because some of them just work three days, make what they would make in a week over there and then head back. Then we were short-handed the rest of the week and produce has to be harvested,” Sierra added.

All H-2A agriculture workers are paid an hourly rate of $17.51, mandated by the Department of Labor. These workers make a sacrifice to get paid more working in America than in Mexico.

“If you take advantage of the money you earn here, it’s worth it to wake up and come to work this early in the morning because there are good opportunities to work,” said Ruben De La Rosa, a worker.

Male agriculture workers tend to be the dominant gender in the fields, but this type of work does not discriminate.

“We are treated equal. No — if I am treated different because I’m a woman? No. We are all the same,” said Lucia Patiño, a worker.

H-2A visa workers are the backbone of agriculture, and without them, harvesting wouldn’t be possible. With technology advancing, there’s always a fear that tech could replace their labor.

“It’s very crucial — that’s our backbone. Without them, harvesting wouldn’t be able to get done. Salads wouldn’t be able to get to your table. A lot of companies are turning to automated harvesting, but even that — there’s errors. It’s not going to be 100 percent. There are areas where machines can’t get into where people can, or some of the quality effects are better with hand harvesting instead of automated harvesting,” Sierra said.

As technology continues to evolve and reshape labor, there is still a need for agriculture workers because without them America could be left hungry.

H-2A visa workers are extremely dedicated workers who make sacrifices to make a living doing one of the most thankless jobs: Feeding America.

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Dillon Fuhrman

SAN DIEGO (KYMA) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Diego Field Office says their officers seized 6,130 pounds of narcotics worth over $14 million in March.

According to a press release, CBP says the officers seized 4,484 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,138 pounds of cocaine, 382 pounds of fentanyl and 37 pounds of heroin at the ports of entry in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Calexico during enforcement operations.

CBP says the suspects involved in the drug trafficking attempts were all arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations while the officers seized the narcotics and vehicles used for smuggling.

Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

“The mission at CBP and the San Diego Field Office is clear: protect our borders, safeguard our nation, and ensure the safety of our communities,” said Director of Field Operations for San Diego Sidney K. Aki. “Our officers’ dedication and vigilance led to over $14 million in narcotics seizures in March alone, underscoring our commitment to disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs and protecting our communities.”

CBP says the San Diego Field Office encompasses ports of entry within Southern California. This includes San Ysidro, the San Diego Air and Seaport, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico East/West and Andrade.

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

2026-0415 San Diego CBP Field Office seizes over $14 million — FinalDownload

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma will be participating in an annual Antiterrorism/Force Protection exercise next week.

According to a press release, Semper Durus is taking place at the base from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, and it is to test the base’s ability to “conduct command and control and support military forces while responding to a full spectrum of potential threats.”

MCAS Yuma wants to make the community aware of an increase in security on and around the base.

There will also be an increase in first responders, military police, temporary traffic delays at the gates, and use of mass notification systems.

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

02-26 Press Release – Semper Durus 26- MCAS YumaDownload

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – BBB often warns consumers against doing business with callers and online companies who don’t have a valid physical address, but scammers are tricky and have found a way to associate an address with their shady dealings.

BBB Scam Tracker reports indicate that many con artists steal online rental listings, including the photos of the house or apartment and the property description, and create their own listings, which look legitimate but contain the scammer’s contact information instead of the property owner’s or rental agent’s.

They may work out a deal with potential buyers or renters over the phone, insisting that because of an emergency or circumstances outside of their control, they are not able to meet in person or show the property.

Instead, they’ll set up a drive by of the property to view from the outside and then, send a contract by mail or email. The entire transaction is done virtually.

Once the contract is signed, they ask for a deposit and first month’s rent. In return, they promise to mail the keys once the funds have cleared.

Sadly, no key arrives. The phone and email address that worked before during the negotiation process are shut down and the cash is gone.

Vacant house scams

Scammers will use vacant addresses to convince unsuspecting renters that they own the place.

They’ll scout out vacant homes that don’t seem well-cared for: A “For Sale” sign, lack of an alarm system, or an unkempt lawn are a few clues.

After identifying a potential client, the vacant home is set up as their own rental listing including tours to potential renters.

In a few cases, renters who thought they had a signed lease and were paying rent, eventually find out who really owns the home months later and have to move out.

Businesses using fake addresses

Common high value items such as RVs, cars, boats, select breed puppies, and brand name clothing, advertised at steeply discounted prices and prompt shipping can be found online on what looks like a trusted website.

The images are harvested from legitimate websites to convince people the products are in stock, ready for delivery.

The address listed for the business is also not as it seems.

A quick web search may reveal the “business address” may be located in a residential area, a vacant place of business, an empty lot, or the same address as a real, but unrelated business.

Tips for renters:

Confirm the identity of the landlord. A legitimate landlord won’t hesitate to show their ID and allow a photo to be taken. Confirm the real property owner by checking county registers.

Know local rental prices. If someone offers a great rental for an extremely low price, compare the same property in the same neighborhood and ask questions.

See the property first. Never sign a lease or make a deposit without seeing the property in person first.

Never wire money to a stranger. Don’t give in to a sob story. Once the wired cash is gone and the deal falls through, there is no way to get the money back. Legitimate landlords should always accept payment by check.

Watch out for red flags. If a property has a “for sale” sign, but the “landlord” wants to rent, ask questions. It’s also suspicious to find a broken lockbox. Check local rental and sales listings. See if the property is on there before going to an open house.

Use the services of a reputable rental agency. Find agents on BBB.org.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – There are new developments in the case involving the death of a Yuma toddler.

21-year-old Angelina Vasquez has pleaded guilty in court Wednesday to child abuse resulting in death, and she is now facing a presumptive sentence of 17 years in prison, with a possible range of 10 to 24 years.

Her sentencing is scheduled for next month.

Meanwhile, her boyfriend, 24-year-old Miguel Garcia, had pleaded not guilty, and is set to go trial beginning June 9.

The toddler‘s father, Ethan Aguerro, was in court for the hearing, and became emotional as Vasquez’s plea was entered.

The case stemmed from the death of two-year-old Kano Aguerro, who was reported missing last year before his remains were later found at a home in Yuma.

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Marcos Icahuate

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors released an op-ed discussing context in its role for a possible data center project.

Previously, a meeting was held on April 7 in El Centro where a lot merger was approved in a 4-1 vote by the Board of Supervisors.

A protest was held outside the administration building where the meeting was being held, as many residents opposed a data center being built in the Imperial Valley.

The op-ed, written by Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Peggy Price, stated community feedback was being heard, with many voices both approving and disapproving the project.

“I want to be clear that the action before the Board was limited to the lot merger itself and did not approve, authorize, or commit to any future development,” wrote Chairwoman Price.

The ope-end broke down several key points in the Board’s decision to approve the lot merger, as well as highlight growing tensions from residents.

“It was not a vote to approve or build a data center, nor was it a final decision on the broader project. Additional approvals are still required, including those related to water and power by other agencies. In that moment, our role was not to decide whether the project was popular or unpopular,” continued the op-ed.

A protest was held outside the meeting due to seats being filled by Bakersfield union workers. This raised concerns among citizens that the promised jobs will not go to Imperial County workers.

“Let me be clear: I respect and welcome public input, including strong and passionate opposition. But intimidation and threats are not acceptable. They do not strengthen an argument; they undermine it,” wrote Chairwoman Price.

You can read the full op-ed here:

Op-Ed_ Governing by Law, Not by NoiseDownload

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Melissa Zaremba

Tacna, Arizona reached 111 degrees on March 20, making it the NEW Arizona record high temperature in March 2026.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – March 2026 was the hottest March on record for a lot of areas on the western part of the United States, including cities here in Yuma County.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix just released some new data that named Tacna, Arizona, in Yuma County, reached 111 degrees on March 20, making it the NEW Arizona record High Temperature set in March 2026. 

The National Weather Service in Phoenix reviewed some data compiled from their cooperative weather observers in Arizona, and they noticed one substantial observation.

The warmest March temperature recorded by an established NWS site in Arizona in the period of record (since 1895).

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Skylar Heisey

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Brawley Police Department (BPD) is holding DUI checkpoint Friday night.

According to a press release, the checkpoint is taking place from 8 p.m. to midnight at an undisclosed location, and it is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Drivers under the influence create serious dangers for everyone on the road,” said Interim Police Chief Jonathan Blackstone. “Taking proactive steps to prevent impaired driving helps keep our streets safer for the entire community.”

BPD says impaired driving is not just alcohol, but some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs that may interfere with driving.

While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, BPD says driving under the influence of marijuana is not legal.

BPD also says drivers charged with a first-time DUI can face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, and a suspended license.

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

DUI Release Form 04.14.26Download

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Bubba’s 33 locations across the country, including Yuma, is holding a fundraiser to support the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) next week.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, the fundraiser is taking place Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and every Bubba’s 33 locations will donate 100% of all dine-in and to-go proceeds to AEF as it is in honor of their mascot, Ace the Eagle.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with an iconic brand like Bubba’s 33,” says Lori Moore, CEO of AEF. “This partnership allows us to further our mission in an engaging and authentic way. We’re ready to soar with ACE the Eagle!”

Courtesy: Bubba’s 33

“The Bubba’s 33 partnership is driven by our passion to secure the future for the Bald Eagle population,” says Lauren Lilly, Marketing Coach.  “American Eagle Foundation’s mission is based on the conservation of bald eagles and other birds of prey through educational outreach and rehabilitation initiatives. We’re honored to partner with this incredible organization.”

In addition, Bubba’s 33 says they will also be partnering with schools, churches, libraries and other organizations in their community “by providing them with coloring sheets that children 12 and under can color and turn in at any Bubba’s 33 location to receive a free Kids Meal.”

Last year, Bubba’s 33 said they raised $123,000 for AEF. To learn more about the organization, click here.

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