Author: KYMA

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more common in the workforce, many employers are beginning to feel pressure to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology.

This growing concern is often referred to as AI FOMO, or the fear of missing out on using artificial intelligence effectively.

Some workers are already seeing the impact, with Yuma local Jorge Diaz saying automation is becoming more noticeable, especially in fast food restaurants.

He says, “I’ve noticed that in fast food, there’s no more people. It’s more of a computer thing going on. That would be the only place I could see that it’s overtaking some things, but other than that, as long as there’s a limit to it where we can live with it in a way.”

Diaz believes AI can be beneficial as long as there is a balance between technology and human workers.

Experts say there is no need for panic when it comes to AI. Chris Willis, chief officer at DOMO, encourages employers to take a thoughtful approach.

He says, “Be proactive, but don’t be panicked. The bigger risk now is just being unprepared to use AI well and not being so worried about being replaced by it, or thinking that your job is going to change dramatically.”

AI FOMO can stem from feeling behind in the workplace or not knowing how to properly use artificial intelligence.

Willis says success will not come from adopting the technology as quickly as possible, but from using it wisely.

“The winners of this, both organizations and individuals, are not going to be the ones who do adoption quickest, but the ones who adopt technology in the smartest way,” he says.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 64% of small businesses in Arizona are already using some form of AI platform.

Tools like ChatGPT and systems developed by OpenAI are becoming more common in everyday tasks, though not everyone fully understands how to use them.

Willis recommends starting small when bringing AI into the workplace.

“The best approach is to start small and experiment with things that are low risk, maybe responding to an email or creating a draft to an email from a customer. AI is actually good at extracting important information from those documents,” he says.

In the end, experts agree that artificial intelligence should not replace human workers, but instead support them.

Willis adds, “AI is not something that should be designed as a replacement tool, but be used to elevate human judgment and creativity.”

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In celebration of Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration is honoring nine small businesses for their contributions to the economy.

One of the recipients is Peter Romero, owner of Camp Titan Fitness in Yuma. The Veteran-owned, family-operated gym focuses on strength, accountability and discipline.

“Being recognized, and being a Veteran retired from the Army, it’s an honor,” Romero said. “Not just to be able to serve my country but also now to serve my community as a Veteran and give back in a different way.”

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps entrepreneurs and small business owners like Romero reach their goals through business counseling, workshops and networking.

“Getting connected with them and doing the workshops was a big advantage…to be able to connect and see different perspectives of professionals,” Romero added.

SBDC counselor Mary Lopez praised Romero’s commitment.

“Peter Romero is a disciplined business owner who is deeply committed to motivating others and promoting healthier lifestyles for both current and future generations,” she said.

“Honestly, the rewarding piece is being able to help people and you see your hard work and effort changing lives,” Romero said.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A quiet stretch of farmland that sat untouched for decades is now bursting into color, as a Yuma County family and their close friend turns a former pasture into a growing agricultural venture.

What was once a 30-year-old pasture has been transformed into rows of sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias, marking a new chapter for the land.

For Skylar Kammann-Pruit, a partner in 3A Farms and Kammann Family Farms, the project is both a continuation of family history and a step into something new.

“My brother and I are fifth-generation farmers here in Yuma County,” Kammann-Pruit said. “It started with my great-great-grandpa starting a pecan grove…to see the evolution and where we’re at right now, and knowing it will carry on for generations to come, it’s pretty incredible.”

Kammann-Pruit says the transition from pastureland to flower production hasn’t come without challenges, but each season brings progress.

“There’s lots of weeds and grasses,” she said. “It’s been a process to clean up the field, but I feel like we’ve done a pretty good job and learn more each year.”

The operation has also grown into a partnership between three college friends: Kammann-Pruit, her husband Buck Pruit, and Francisco “Kiko” Aguirre.

Together, they formed 3A Flowers, combining their backgrounds in agriculture into a shared business.

Pruit, an agriculture teacher at Gila Ridge High School and partner in the farm, says their different experiences strengthen the team.

“The great thing about us is we all have different backgrounds, but we’ve worked in production ag for all of our lives,” Pruit said. “The sky’s the limit on what we want to do.”

Beyond the colorful fields, 3A Flowers has expanded into multiple avenues of agriculture-based business.

The operation now includes photography rentals, allowing the public to use the scenic fields as a backdrop, along with fresh-cut and dried floral arrangements sold through their online platform.

The team is also involved in seed production, harvesting sunflower and artichoke seeds after bloom cycles end.

Francisco Aguirre, a partner in 3A Farms who also works in seed production, oversees specialized crop trials, including artichoke fields that serve a dual purpose.

“Artichoke is an immature flower,” Aguirre said. “We let it dry down, and every single plant has to be chopped to harvest the seed.”

As the operation expands, the team continues to balance tradition with experimentation, working the same land that has supported generations before them while developing new agricultural opportunities.

In Yuma County, where farming is deeply rooted in the region’s identity, the transformation of this once-quiet pasture is a reflection of both heritage and progress.

From soil to seed to bloom, the field is no longer just farmland. It’s a living example of how legacy can grow in new directions.

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Abraham Retana

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – San Luis, Arizona reaches a milestone statewide in safety despite the violence across the border.

According to the website Safewise, San Luis, Arizona is the safest city in Arizona with an average of 0.9 violent crimes and 5.6 in property crimes.

San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel says it’s all thanks to the police work and community involvement in crime prevention.

“Despite of being 50% short on officers, they are doing an outstanding job with the tool we are providing them,” explained Mayor Riedel.

Even though the violence across the border continues, Riedel says working together with Mexican law enforcement helps keep the city safe.

“This working environment that we have among our law enforcement agencies especially the police department working hand and hand with the police department in Mexico helps to keep it very safe,” said Riedel.

San Luis has been in the top 10 of safest cities in Arizona for the last 10 years. Second place is Surprise and third place is Oro Valley.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Cinco de Mayo celebrations are underway across Yuma, with residents marking the holiday in different ways, from gatherings out in the community to celebrations at home.

The holiday traces back to the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces defeated the French on May 5, 1862. As one local described it, it is the victory that is traditionally remembered each year.

As festivities continue, the Yuma Police Department (YPD) is reminding people to celebrate safely and plan ahead before heading out.

“If you’re going to go out and drink, make sure you have a designated driver, or if you have to, use Uber or Lyft,” said YPD Officer Hayato Johnson. “$20 to get home is a lot better than thousands of dollars in DUI fees and court costs…or even taking a life or damaging somebody’s property.”

Police say taking a few minutes to plan a safe ride home can help prevent serious and lasting consequences.

They also encourage drivers who are not drinking to stay alert on the road and watch for impaired drivers.

“If you’re not drinking and driving, just drive defensively,” Johnson added. “Look out for other vehicles driving erratically or that appear to be under the influence.”

YPD say extra patrols will be out Tuesday night watching for impaired drivers and encouraging everyone to stay safe on the road.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The trial of a Yuma man accused of a 2024 shooting ended in a mistrial.

25-year-old Gabriel Taddei was on trial for two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Taddei is accused of shooting another man during a neighborhood fight in 2024, but after six days, jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Court records show they were unable to agree on a final verdict for both counts, and the case could be retried.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) has promoted Richard Root as their new Deputy Fire Chief.

According to a press release, Root served more than 27 years with YFD in a variety of roles, such as Battalion Chief and Division Chief, which YFD says he consistently demonstrated “strong leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.”

In addition, YFD says Root served a key role in “supporting department operations, mentoring personnel, and helping guide strategic initiatives that benefit both the organization and the community.”

“After 27 years with the department, it’s a privilege to step into this role,” said Deputy Chief Root. “My focus will remain on supporting our firefighters and delivering reliable, high-quality service to the citizens of Yuma, while continuing to strengthen staffing, enhance professional development, and plan for the department’s future growth.”

Prior to his promotion, YFD says Root served as the Interim Deputy Fire Chief.

013 New Deputy Fire ChiefDownload

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A teacher from Yuma County was awarded the National Teacher of the Year.

Arilene Gaxiola was recognized by the Teachers of Tomorrow to receive the honor at the state-level. Gaxiola is an eighth-grade math teacher at San Luis Middle School.

“Our Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators whose commitment, skill, and heart are changing lives,” said Dr. Heath Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Teachers of Tomorrow and former superintendent. “This year’s honoree, Arilene Gaxiola, stands out for her exceptional dedication to her students and her innovative approach to education. Arilene exemplifies the profound impact teachers can have, and we’re proud to recognize her as our 2026 National Teacher of the Year.”

Gaxiola will receive up to $5,000 to support her classroom, which she plans to use to expand hands-on learning in math.

“Being a teacher has changed my life in ways I didn’t expect, making me more patient, empathetic, and aware of the challenges students face at a young age,” said Gaxiola.

For more information on Teachers of Tomorrow and the award, you can click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro is hosting the grand opening of an immersive art exhibition.

According to a press release, the exhibition, which is in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Calexico, is called Chiapas Through the Lens: Celebrating Culture and Supporting Education, and will open Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Old Post Office Pavilion, located at 230 S. Fifth Street.

The City says the exhibit will highlight the “vibrant culture of Los Altos de Chiapas” while also supporting educational initiatives for Indigenous communities through Fundacion Escalera.

Courtesy: City of El Centro

In addition, the City says the exhibit aims to raise awareness of educational challenges in the region, encourage community engagement and support programs that will expand opportunities for students in underserved communities

The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is located in the lobby area of the Old Post Office Pavilion, and will go until the end of June.

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

ChiapasArtPREngDownload

ChiapasArtPRSpaDownload

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