Author: KYMA

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Illegal dumping in Yuma has been a serious issue in our community, and the Yuma County Department of Public Works is reminding locals to properly dispose of any unwanted items to keep Yuma clean.

Illegal dumping is a crime with serious consequences as anyone can face a misdemeanor, or even felony, charges depending on the seriousness of the crime.

The illegal disposal of items poses a threat to agriculture, wildlife and the neighborhood.

“It’s illegal. There are penalties, there are fines anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony,” said Michael Herrera, Superintendent for Waste Management.

“All of these transfer sights are free to the public. We just don’t understand why people are dumping trash into the desert,” said Santos Guerrero with Yuma County Public Works.

Public Works is asking the community to use the existing public free services in the county to dispose of their burning waste, tires, furniture and more items.

Public Works also says keep the desert clean for future generations to come and enjoy its beauty.

“If they start closing these area off because people don’t pick up their trash, that’s the last thing we want is to close these areas,” Guerrero expressed.

There are also multiple free transfer sites for Yuma County residents to dispose of unwanted waste.

“There is no reason for illegal dumping that we see in Yuma County. We have transfer sites that are absolutely free for residents to dispose at. I think[, as] Yuma County residents, we can do better as a community of keeping our communities clean,” Herrera remarked.

Illegal dumping is an issue that impacts everyone in the community. Do your part and properly dispose of unwanted items.

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Dillon Fuhrman

(KYMA) – Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) has issued a statement in regards to the ongoing partial government shutdown and unpaid TSA workers.

The partial government shutdown started back in February after Congress weren’t able to come to terms on a way to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

As a result of the shutdown, DHS says more than 400 TSA officers have quit, with thousands more calling out as they miss paychecks again.

“For more than a month, TSA officers and other [DHS] workers have continued to show up every day to keep our country safe, without receiving a paycheck.

Many of these workers are Veterans who have already served our nation and continue to serve in our airports, including in communities like Palm Springs and across our region.”

Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.)

In his statement, Rep. Ruiz also talked about ICE agents being deployed to help the TSA at some airports across the country, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, during the shutdown.

According to border czar Tom Homan, ICE would take on tasks like securing exits and checking IDs.

“ICE agents are being deployed to assist at airports, a step that underscores how serious the situation has become. But this does not address the root problem: These workers are still not being paid,” the congressman expressed.

Ruiz also adds, “House Democrats have a solution. Legislation is ready that would fund DHS, ensure these workers receive their pay, and help stabilize operations, and there is now an effort to force a vote on the House floor.”

“We must act to pay our workers, support those who serve, and protect our local economy. Our communities deserve stability, not more uncertainty,” Ruiz remarked.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma says they were awarded $1.4 million from two federal housing grants.

According to a press release, they received the grants from the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and the Healthy Homes Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The City says these grant fundings will help expand their Housing Rehabilitation Program, which will allow more homes to receive lead hazard reduction and healthy home improvements.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the health and safety of Yuma residents,” said Cynthia Blot, Assistant Director of Community Development, Neighborhood Services, and Economic Development. “By strengthening our Housing Rehabilitation Program, we can remove dangerous lead hazards, improve indoor air quality, and help ensure families — especially children — are living in safer, healthier homes. It is a direct investment in the long-term well-being of our community.”

Through the grant process, the City says they have identified opportunities “to address lead hazards and other housing-related health concerns,” particularly for low to moderate-income households.

In addition, the funding will help the City “expand its current housing rehabilitation efforts and increase the number of homes eligible for assistance,” with improvements focusing on the following:

Lead hazard reduction

Indoor environmental upgrades

Other health and safety improvements designed to create safer living conditions for residents, particularly families with kids

For more information, or to apply for the program, click here, or call the Neighborhood Services Division at (928) 373-5187.

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Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) announced he will host Veterans University this weekend.

According to a press release, the event is taking place at Imperial Valley College, located at 380 E. Aten Road, in Imperial at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The event is said to connect local Veterans, service members and their families with “critical resources and support.”

During the event, it will cover a variety of topics, such as healthcare and disability benefits, exposure to burn pits, mental health and more.

“This event helped me understand benefits I didn’t even know I had,” said one local veteran. “Every veteran should come—it can truly make a difference.”

For more information, and to RSVP to the Imperial event, click here.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In this week’s Military Matters report, we’re highlighting a local resource making a real difference for service members and their families in times of need.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is a private, non-profit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to active-duty and retired Marines and sailors, as well as their families.

From unexpected medical bills to emergency travel and basic living expenses, the organization steps in when service members need help the most.

Unlike many programs, NMCRS does not rely on government funding. Instead, it depends on donations and annual fundraising efforts to continue its mission.

Each March, the Navy and Marine Corps hold a service-wide fund drive to support the organization’s programs.

Beyond financial assistance, NMCRS also offers educational resources like its “Budget for Baby” program, helping military families plan for the future.

Volunteers play a critical role as well, helping process assistance requests, teach classes, and operate thrift shops at installations around the world.

In Yuma, the society has an office located at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, making support easily accessible to local service members and their families.

As the needs of military families continue, community support remains essential to keeping these services available.

If you’d like to support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or make a donation, you can visit their official website here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – The National Weather Service (NWS) confirms four areas in the Desert Southwest broke the record for the hottest day in March in the U.S., hitting 112 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday.

According to NWS, the four areas are Yuma, Martinez Lake, Winterhaven, California and Ogilby, California.

This means the four areas beat Martinez Lake’s record of 110 degrees, which it hit Thursday evening.

An Extreme Heat Warning for the Desert Southwest went into effect Thursday and will go until Sunday evening.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Hunter’s Army announced they’re hosting their Fifth Anniversary Celebration next weekend.

The event is taking place Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Colorado River State Historic Park from 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and it is to raise money to fight childhood cancer.

During the event, there will be live music from Chavez Family Band and Jack Jackson, free food, giveaways and an auction.

Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family, and the event is presented by FTS Automotive Center.

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Moses Femino

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – San Luis, Arizona Mayor Nieves Riedel is speaking out following allegations against labor and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.

Earlier this week, allegations surfaced about Chavez allegedly sexually abusing multiple woman, including at least two underage girls.

Labor leader Dolores Huerta, who worked alongside Chavez, also shared she was abused by him, leaving activists and locals shook.

“Morally, I feel totally devastated because I know that in our culture, with our people, it’s something that you don’t talk about. I feel sorry for Miss Huerta that she endured 60 years of pain and shame,” Mayor Riedel expressed.

The allegations are sparking difficult conversations across the community, especially among those who have long viewed Chavez as a symbol of justice.

Now, many are left grappling with how to move forward with his legacy.

“His legacy will never be damaged because he did the right thing to us. And for all of us that work here,” said Emilio Rodriguez, a farmworker.

“He is a man who fought for us. For the Hispanics, so we can have bathrooms [and] water. He fought for our rights,” said Antonio Lugo, another farmworker.

As the community continues to process these allegations, many say it’s a reminder that even the most celebrated figures must be held accountable.

The City of San Luis canceled all Cesar Chavez events this month.

They say they’re also looking into forming a committee to see if they should rename the several public landmarks and other assets named after Chavez.

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Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Democrats are hosting two public political forums next month.

According to Imperial County Democrats, the forums will feature bipartisan candidates running for local and state office in this year’s election cycle.

The first forum is taking place Thursday, April 9, 2026, and will feature candidates running for the Imperial Irrigation District and California State Assembly, District 36.

Courtesy: Imperial County Democrats

The second forum is taking place Thursday, April 16, 2026, and will feature candidates running for County Judge, County Assessor and the Imperial County Board of Supervisors.

During both forums, running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hidalgo Hall, Imperial County residents are provided an opportunity to hear from candidates, ask questions and learn more about them ahead of the June 2 primary election.

All candidates in the respective races were invited to participate, and the forums, according to Imperial County Democrats, are “intended to encourage civic engagement and help voters make informed decisions about the candidates on the ballot.”

Courtesy: Imperial County Democrats

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Abraham Retana

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – San Luis, Arizona Councilman Tadeo De La Hoya appeared in court this week to change his plea to no contest.

De La Hoya, who previously pled not guilty, is facing one count of fleeing from law enforcement last year.

He is expected to be back in court on April 23 for his sentencing.

Earlier this week, De La Hoya, who is also the President of the Gadsden School District Governing Board, announced that he is running for Mayor of San Luis this year.

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