Author: KYMA

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – For many small businesses the holidays are a make-or-break time period.

The end of the year can be the most chaotic time of the year, but also wonderful, especially for small businesses.

Dave Charest, Constant Contact Director of Small Business Success, says, “Those dollars that you spend within the local economy are going to recirculate two or four times more than if you spent that money with a non local company for example.”

According to constant contact, 60% of small businesses earn up to about half of their revenue during this time.

The holidays are crucial in order to help businesses take a look at what the next year will look like.

It’s the perfect time to shop at a local business because it means more than you think.

“Go out into the local community, go into a local shop, find something that offers that unique experience that for that gift or whatever that case may be, you not going to get any place else because it really does make a difference,” emphasises Charest.

We spoke to a local business about why it’s important to shop local for Christmas.

Serena Koogal, owner of Rebel and Rove, says, “You get a different type of service when you come to a small business, the heart is there. Corporate businesses while they employ a lot of local people, the money doesn’t stay in the community like it does when you shop a local small business.”

She adds that being a gift shop, she sees a lot of revenue come in during the holidays.

“We are primarily a gift and clothing store, so we do see that at the holidays, everyone needs a fun little gift for someone at work or a family member or friend,” said Koogal.

When you spend money locally, you’re not only supporting small businesses, but also the members of our community.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of Imperial has filed a lawsuit against Imperial County and the Board of Supervisors to stop the development of a data center.

“Our hope is that will be able to dialogue with the county and the developer, and so, the concerns that the council has I anticipate and hope that they’ll be addressed in a way that it’s a lawsuit doesn’t need to go forward,” said Dennis Morita.

The City of Imperial says the county did not notify residents about the center and claims the project was pushed through quickly, without proper environmental oversight.

“We feel that there is details about the project that should be made public and folks should have the opportunity to way in,” said Morita.

The lawsuit claims that the project is not in compliance with the California Environmental Act.

“County ordinances identify a data center as being a permitted use, and what does that means is that they’re the county could basically issue permits for the project excuse me to go forward and wouldn’t require much in the way of public engagement,” said Morita.

The lawsuit also states that the City of Imperial has attempted to reach an agreement with the county on the appropriate public process and permits.

The City of Imperial says they are not against the data center, but are asking for the county’s transparency.

“As the developer as indicated could be a big economic boost to the County of Imperial, and so the City Council isn’t necessarily a published to that, but it is interested in making sure that the project is built in a way that doesn’t unduly impact its neighbors,” said Morita.

The City of El Centro says they haven’t received or approved the use of wastewater and are also not committed to the project.

We reached out the county last week and we are waiting to hear back.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local members of the Jewish Community in Yuma are reacting to the Bondi Beach shooting from over the weekend.

People everywhere are mourning the lives lost at Bondi Beach.

Kristin Lavotshkin, a member of the local Jewish community, say she was distraught when they saw the images and videos from the tragic event near Hannukah.

“Just takes your breath away, you almost don’t have words, again for what for being at a celebration? It just completely breaks my heart,” says Lavotshkin.

With 15 victims, ages ranging from ten to 87, it was difficult to hear.

However, local Rachael Barkley says she will not hide away from her religion.

“I’m going to show more light, I’m going to invite more people over to celebrate Hanukkah, non-Jewish and Jewish, and yes, it makes me want to share my Jewish religion with everyone that I can,” Barkley says.

Lavotshkin agrees with her not shying away from who she truly is.

“It makes me kind of stand firm. I don’t think more fighting is what’s needed when this kind of thing happens. I think if anything we need to sit down and talk, we need to find peace,” she explained.

They also share what they would say to the two shooters.

“I would tell them to open their hearts and try to believe in love not hate. Hating a person because of their religion is terrible,” said Barkley.

“These are innocent children…these are people just trying to celebrate their traditions…No one is attacking you, and if you feel that way, why is that,” Lavotshkin says.

She also urges people who are scared to pray, listen to their heart, and respect everyone’s expression of love no matter the religion.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Salvation Army in Yuma needs your help reaching its goal in their largest annual fundraiser.

This year is the 135th Red Kettle Campaign which raises money for the Salvation Army for the entire year.

As of Monday, they’ve raised $77,500, but they are still short around $52,000 of their $130,000 goal.

“But just know that all of these dollars, every single dollar, every single penny is helping somebody else in the community that’s less fortunate. And we all need help sometimes in our lives, and it just brings me great joy to be able to continue to serve the community,” said Salvation Army Christmas coordinator Cristina McInnes.

Christmas Eve is the last day of bell ringing. You can register online to volunteer or find volunteers outside several local stores like Hobby Lobby and Walmart to donate.

Families can still help and support through the end of the year by giving online on their website.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Trinity United Methodist Church hosted their 45th Annual Cindy Klein Memorial Handbell Choir Concert over the weekend.

The choir, which took place at the church from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, was formed after the tragic death of Cindy Ann Klein.

The concert welcomed groups of guest performers and began with “He is Born,” which is a traditional French Christmas carol.

Host Michael Finch shared a little bit about Klein saying, “Cindy loved music and sang in choirs and often played the obo and flute. Through memorial donations the first handbills were purchased.”

The carols and songs were individually selected by each member of the choir.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Ashley HomeStore of Yuma hosted its annual “Hope to Dream” event Sunday evening, bringing together local children and families for a night focused on comfort, community, and giving back.

50 children selected from Yuma District One, Crane Elementary School District, and Crossroads Mission attended a special screening of “The Grinch,” enjoying the movie from the comfort of beds displayed outside the store.

The event provided a welcoming and festive atmosphere, complete with food for attendees and special appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Following the movie, Ashley HomeStore surprised all 50 children by allowing each of them to take the bed they watched the film on home at no cost.

Owner Tenille Houston emphasized the importance of the event and its impact on the community.

“This is what it’s all about – giving back,” Houston said. “We’re just so blessed to have the opportunity to do this for our local community and our local children.”

Ashley HomeStore of Yuma has participated in the National “Hope to Dream” Initiative since 2010.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Dorothy Young Memorial Light Parade made its return to Downtown Yuma over the weekend.

The parade help kick off the holiday season with festive floats, marching band performances, dazzling lights, and local community groups.

In addition, the theme this year was “Misfit Toys,” where they highlighted forgotten or unconventional characters.

The Yuma Police Department (YPD) talked about their participation in one of Yuma’s favorite holiday traditions.

“It brings the community together and just shows them that we care, we’re part of this, and we’re all just one big pot,” said Officer Hayato Johnson with YPD.

The parade started by Sprouts on Fourth Avenue and ended on Main Street in Downtown Yuma.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local Veterans were honored in the Fortuna Foothills for National Wreaths Across America Day.

Local Veterans and current military members gathered at Sunset Vista Cemetery to honor Veterans who have passed away.

Family members of Veterans and other citizens were also in attendance to pay respects and partake in the laying of the wreaths.

“The Wreaths Across America is to remember all our fallen Veterans, and lay a wreath, say their name, so they are not forgotten,” said Winnie Moir, the location coordinator.

“It’s very heartwarming to see the community come out and recognize the service of our veterans and all those that served,” said Bob Engelhardt, the co-coordinator and a military Veteran.

The wreaths were donated all the way from Maine.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley (BGCAZ) hosted a holiday shopping spree Saturday morning.

The event took place at the Walmart located on S. Pacific Avenue from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

In addition to Walmart employees, members of Raising Cane’s and Dutch Bros. also participated in the event.

According to BGCAZ, 20 Club members of the Yuma branch each received $200 to spend on toys, clothes, and other gifts for “themselves and their family members.”

“Our Club members deserve to have a great holiday season, and this shopping spree allows them to create special memories and select personal gifts that might have been out of reach,” said Rowena Regalado, branch director for the Yuma Branch. “Our shopping event is a memorable experience that the Club creates for Yuma members thanks to generous donors and volunteer shoppers.”

Regalado also shared another reason for hosting the event saying, “This is really celebrating the achievements of the kids, you know, in our club and at the same time, you know, celebrating the blessings that we’ve had over the years.”

In addition, Walmart donated a $1,000 to the Club.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local group is giving back to children across Yuma County.

KIDS CuddleKit Closet hosted its 18th Annual Kindness Makes a Difference Day at H.L. Suverkrup Elementary School Saturday morning.

Kids took turns at different stations around the school, gathering small gifts and participating in games and crafts.

At the end of the event, every kid received a cuddlekit filled with kindness.

“We invite students from all over Yuma County to come and just feel special. It’s an over the top day,” said Liana Goldsboro with KIDS CuddleKit Closet.

“We have teachers that have been here coming 18 years in a row, and it just warms my heart that they, they have so much fun watching the kids that they want to come back every year,” said Cori Auza also with KIDS CuddleKit Closet.

The event gave back to over 280 kids from 39 schools.

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