Rural Metro responds to fire at Daybreakers Cafe in the Foothills

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro responded to a fire at local cafe in the Foothills over the weekend.

According to a post on Facebook, the fire happened before 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Daybreakers Cafe, located in the area of N. Frontage Road, near S. Fortuna Road.

Upon arrival, Rural Metro says, “Crews found smoke and flames coming from the roof,” prompting them to quickly deploy ladders and multiple hose lines, and “began extinguishing the fire from the roof.”

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Rural Metro says the fire was inside a bathroom, and says they extinguished the fire in less than ten minutes as well as containing it to the area of origin.

Rural Metro also says the cause of the fire was from an exhaust fan from inside the bathroom, and says crews remained on scene to check for any hotspots.

No injuries were reported.

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74th Annual Yuma County Fair returns, celebrates America’s 250th birthday

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Fair is set to return for its 74th year next week, bringing back a wide range of attractions that continue to make it one of the most anticipated events in the region.

From carnival rides and games to farm animals and classic fair food, attendees can once again expect a full slate of traditional entertainment.

Beyond the attractions, organizers say the fair is about creating meaningful experiences for the community.

“What I want the community to continue [is having people] come out here to create those memories,” said Yuma County Fair General Manager Eric Wofford. “Mine are unique and special to me, and it’s gonna be unique and special to everybody that comes out, but that’s what we do. We help foster a great time and great memories for generations.”

This year’s fair will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, adding a patriotic element to the event.

“That’s really our theme this year celebrating our 250 years…so a lot of decor, that kind of stuff, is very patriotic,” Wofford said.

The fair is scheduled to run from Tuesday, March 31, through Sunday, April 5.

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Hunter’s Army to Host Fifth Anniversary Fundraiser in Yuma

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local nonprofit is inviting the community to come together for a day of fun, all while supporting families facing childhood cancer.

Hunter’s Army announced it will host its Fifth Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Colorado River State Historic Park.

The event aims to raise money to help local families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Organizers say the celebration will feature live music, including performances from the Chavez Family Band and Jack Jackson.

Families can also enjoy free food, giveaways, an auction, and activities for kids such as jump houses and slides.

First responders are also expected to attend, with the sheriff’s department offering fingerprinting for children. Attendees will also be able to check out vehicles on display.

“All the money we raise stays local,” said Andrea Priest, Hunter’s Army co-founder. “We support families going through a childhood cancer journey and help ease the financial burden during a very difficult time.”

Hunter’s Army was inspired by the Andrea’s own experience after her young son was diagnosed with cancer at just two-years-old.

He is now a survivor, and the organization continues to give back by helping other families in similar situations.

Admission to the event is $5 per person or $10 per family, with all proceeds going directly to the nonprofit. The event is presented by FTS Automotive Center.

Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon with family and friends while supporting a meaningful cause.

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Gov. Katie Hobbs visits Yuma County

Moses Femino

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) made two stops during her visit in Yuma County Friday.

Gov. Hobbs stopped in San Luis, Arizona, where she visited the Regional Center for Border Health (RCBH) to tour its newly constructed Medical Mall along with the nearly completed New Vida Birthing Center.

After that, Hobbs stopped at Yuma Agricultural Center to meet with the staff as well as to discuss the center’s “vital contributions to Arizona’s agriculture, food security, and economy.”

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, these visits to RCBH and the Yuma Agricultural Center highlighted the following:

The critical role community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers play in providing essential healthcare services to Arizonans in rural communities.

The Yuma Agricultural Center’s innovative research, education programs, and support for the state’s high-value vegetable and citrus industries.

In addition, the press release says the county produces over 90% of the country’s winter leafy greens, which makes it a key player in feeding the nation and driving Arizona’s economy.

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Locals in Yuma react to gas prices continuing to rise

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As gas prices continue to rise, more people in Yuma County are growing concerned.

Locals say they’re frustrated that the price of gas has gotten to where it is now, adding they’re losing faith that there could ever be a price drop in the future.

“It’s like there’s no running away from it. You’re gonna find expensive gas all throughout the country and it’s unfair,” said Patrick Rylee, a Yuma local.

According to AAA, the average price of gas in Yuma County is $4.20. They say just a month ago, the price for regular unleaded gas was $3, something some locals say feels unfair.

“Makes me feel bad…makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. The obvious reason why gas prices are getting so high is because what our president and our government are doing,” said Rod Eck, another Yuma local.

Rylee says he moved to Yuma from Temecula, California six months ago, looking for a cheaper place for him and his family to live.

He says with prices like the ones at the gas pump, he feels like he never left.

When asked if he is worried gas prices could climb even higher, Rylee says, “Oh yeah. 100%. This is a never-ending battle…never-ending. You can run from it…I ran from this six months ago, and it’s back.”

Some locals, like Eck, say they’ve had to change their way of living just to be able to afford filling their tank.

“We don’t travel around as much…We’re cutting back on groceries, so we can afford gas. It’s hurting,” Eck shared.

“I stay at home a lot. I live in a fifth wheel, and I minimize everything, and I just simplify my life because, to me, prices are not gonna go down…They gonna keep going up,” said Deb Purdy, another Yuma local.

Residents say they’d like to see gas prices closer to $3, but don’t know how soon that’ll happen.

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City of Yuma to host Yuma Salutes America’s 250: A Star-Spangled Celebration

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma is inviting the community to attend Yuma Salutes America’s 250: A Star-Spangled Celebration happening in April.

The event is taking place Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Desert Sun Stadium from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and it is to honor America’s 250th Birthday while taking advantage of the spring weather.

According to the City, there will be live music from Randy Houser, Parmalee and Bobby McClendon, as well as food and drink vendors, a kids zone and other activities during the event.

“Yuma Salutes America’s 250 is a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy live music, family activities, and a patriotic celebration,” said Special Events Assistant Kathy Urfer. “We’re excited to bring this event to Yuma as part of this historic national milestone.”

To purchase tickets for the upcoming event, click here. To learn more about the upcoming event, click here.

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ARC After school program in Brawley terminated

Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – The ARC After School Learning and Enrichment Program will cease to operate at the end of this year.

The third party state-funded program currently serves 904 students in Brawley, and will be replaced by an in-house program called GLOW next year.

Families will have the opportunity to enroll in the new program once it becomes available, and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

“From what they told us, we were doing amazing, we did great, we’re finishing off the school year, it’s just that next year they’re decided to run the program in-house,” Roger Rascon, ARC’s Director of Program told KYMA.

Rascon said he took several student to Sacramento, where Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, who represents Imperial County is pushing to keep state-funded after school programs running.

“We went to the state capitol to kind of talk about a new bill. It’s AB 2430, which is trying to help continue that funding for those schools, but also open it up to the high schools,” Rascon said.

The proposed bill focuses on increasing access to after school learning programs for grades seven through 12.

Rascon said the program will continue to run in the Imperial Unified School District for the 2026-27 school year.

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San Luis man convicted of triple murder sentenced

Skylar Heisey

Sunrise anchor Skylar Heisey was in the courtroom Friday and says Ivan Osuna will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A San Luis man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of three people in Yuma.

It was a tense and emotional day in the Yuma County Superior Court Friday as 43-year-old Ivan Osuna was sentenced after being found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder last week.

Osuna addressed the court and delivered a statement.

“To the three families, I just want to say something from my heart…two of them were my friends…the only thing I want to say is for them to not be resting,” Osuna remarked.

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

Judge Claudia Gonzales handed down three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

“It is ordered that you be sentenced to a natural life term in prison. These sentences [shall run consecutively],” Judge Gonzales declared.

During the hearing, the victims’ family members had the chance to speak about the impact of Osuna‘s crimes.

“I have decided to not express the impact of the death of Kristin because I refuse to give him the glory or satisfaction of giving him any further harm or pain to my family, We will always remember them and cherish every moment we had with them,” said Carrillo’s family member. “I will be able to tell Daniel and Kristin’s children that the person who hurt their daddy and mommy will never be out of society to hurt anyone else again.”

To close out the hearing, Osuna was seen blowing kisses towards his family.

A restitution hearing is set for May 29.

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Yuma Random Acts of Kindness to host Bake Sale this weekend

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Random Acts of Kindness (YRAK) is inviting the Yuma community to their first bake sale this weekend.

The event is happening at 1496 Yuma Palms Parkway, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds from the event will go towards helping community members in need.

During the event, guests can purchase sweet treats, refreshing drinks, enter a raffle and more.

Leilani Groves, Interim Secretary of YRAK, shares how sweet it feels to give back to the community.

“I always tell people that being with YRAK, I have a big, warm, fuzzy heart. It makes me so happy,” Groves expressed.

YRAK is a working organization of all volunteers. Originating in January of 2016, YRAK has been supporting Yuma locals and military personnel in distress for the past ten years.

“This organization is 100% volunteer…Nobody gets paid for anything, and all the baked goods are donated [for] both time and product,” said Lynn Kramer, Vice President of YRAK.

For more information on ways to get involved with YRAK, click here.

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Ben Salorio eyes Superior Court Judge role

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Voters in Imperial County will soon decide who they want to serve on the bench in this year’s election.

Imperial County Chief Public Defender Ben Salorio has his eye on the judge’s gavel. He brings 25 years of legal experience with him.

A major issue Salorio wants to address is the need for more accessibility to the courtrooms for those who live farther away or do not have reliable transportation.

At this time, Imperial County only has two courthouses, including the newer criminal court house on Wake Avenue.

Salorio said this makes if difficult for his clients who live in towns like Niland and Calipatria.

Salorio explained, “Allowing and being lenient with remote appearances, I think would help alleviate the issue of the courts being completely consolidated in one place in El Centro.”

When it comes to the question of accountability for people who break the law, we asked Salorio his thoughts of balancing rehabilitation versus incarceration when it comes to punishment.

“If there is a statute or something that allows for diversion or some sort of mental health treatment of course that’s always an option. But there are many crimes where that is not an option so, as a judge you swear to follow the law and you have to follow the law,” he said.

Salorio disclosed that he is a registered Independent, and said political influence from either side of the political isle is unethical and illegal.

“Outside pressure, whether it comes from a community or political parties, again is certainly not allowed,” Salorio explained.

Salorio continues his campaign, running booths at local community events as he gears up for June 2 primaries.

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