Author: KYMA

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma City Council has submitted comments on the future of the Colorado River.

The federal process will determine how the river will be managed for decades to come.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls says it’s important to have collaboration to find out if there’s a risk of a water supply shortage.

“We’re opening up the walls of the river and how distributions happen. These threats that Yuma County has are direct contracts with the federal government, so they really shouldn’t be at risk, but you really don’t know,” Mayor Nicholls shared.

In its submission, the Yuma City Council addressed proposed strategies for managing Lake Powell and Lake Mead as those are the two major reservoirs that regulate the Colorado River.

The city also emphasizes the need to maintain reservoir levels to ensure reliable water delivery and sustainability.

Nicholls says it’s all in an effort to ensure Yuma’s share of the river isn’t affected, and that it’s important to conserve water to the best of our ability.

“I also believe that it’s efficient, and beneficial use of water is important to maintain our rights doesn’t mean we can’t use water. It just means let’s not set ourselves up to waste it,” the mayor expressed.

Valentine Sierra, a representative of Amigo Farms, says he’s worried about the water cutbacks since they are dependent on the water for growing winter crops.

“With cutbacks, obviously, it’s harder for us to grow. We’re depending on the Colorado River not just here in the desert, but other states as well, and it’s one of the vital water sources we have here,” Sierra remarked.

Yuma is one of the nation’s leading producers of winter vegetables, and reliable river water is vital for growing.

“The river water helps grow all these vegetables. We’re very depending on it…It’s one of the main sources here that we need to grow and produce water,” Sierra added.

For more on the Colorado River operations, click here.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A national shipping company has officially opened its doors in Yuma Thursday.

Amazon held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new delivery station, and they were joined by Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls and community partners.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, the facility is to represent the company’s continued investment to the Desert Southwest by “creating quality jobs and strengthening the local economy.”

“Amazon boosts Yuma’s economy by creating hundreds of jobs at this facility with competitive wages and a variety of roles that enhance the employment opportunities and are part of our vision to delivering a prosperous future,” said Humberto Quintana, Senior Economic Development Manager for Amazon.

Amazon has invested over $35 billion in the state of Arizona. They’ve brought 35,000 jobs statewide, including 200 in Yuma.

Mayor Nicholls said the much needed facility was built in eight months, and says it will not only help regular customers, but local businesses as well.

“From the greater world, to be able to say not only is Yuma great at feeding the country, but Amazon has invested. That spurs on a lot of other conversation,” the mayor expressed.

Quintana says delivery stations, like the one in Yuma, help local entrepreneurs elevate their business.

“In Arizona, we support about over 10,000 of these small and medium business sellers and we strive also to uhh be the world’s best employer,” Quintana added.

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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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