Author: KYMA

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – We aren’t the only ones vulnerable to heat related illnesses. So are our four-legged friends.

Pet safety is a growing concern that shouldn’t take the backseat.

With high temperatures on the rise earlier than ever, Remember those who can’t ask you to turn on the AC.

I spoke with Yuma Police Department (YPD) about the possible repercussions pet owners can reap if they aren’t taking the rising heat temperatures seriously. 

“Please take care of your pets you know you have them they are depending on you to save their lives,” Sgt. Lori Franklin, Public Information Officer for YPD.

Leaving your pet inside the car is a huge cause for concern for your animals health and can lead to serious legal problems for you.

“If you do leave your pet in the car, and they become overheated and stuff like that, you can face charges for animal cruelty,” Sgt. Franklin shared.

With the rising temperatures its important to keep your pets at a comfortable temperature.

“It’s very crucial that we make sure that our pets have access to a cool environment or at least shade at the very least,” said Hilary Mulherin, Development Manager for the Humane Society of Yuma.

Keeping your pets in a controlled environment during the peak temperature hours during the day is crucial for your pets health. 

“If you’re planning to take your dog for a walk, please keep in mind that if the sidewalks are too hot for your hands, they are too hot for paws,” Mulharin expressed.

These are simple tips to keep your furry loved ones safe, cool, and happy.

Click here to follow the original article.

Abraham Retana

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Somerton is hosting a very special celebration this Saturday, marking when it was founded.

The Greater Days Festival, happening at Council Avenue Park, is commemorating 108 years of Somerton’s foundation.

The event starting with a parade happening at 9 a.m. followed by a day full of fun and entertainment for the entire family.

“So, we are going to have food vendors a lot of drinks cooling stations because the weather is going to be a little bit hot, so we are going to have cooling stations and kids area with a petting zoo,” said Stephanie Pereda, Special Events Director of the City of Somerton.

Live music will be provided by the All Mighty Majestics and Los Apson.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – Future farmers took center stage at the California Mid-Winter Fair at the IV Fairgrounds in Imperial Sunday.

Students from the local 4H and FFA programs spend months raising and training their animals, everything from sheep and goats to bunnies and pigs.

The fair offers the opportunity to show off all of their hard work in the ring, where the animals are judged on health, grooming, and handling.

For many of the students, it’s not just about bringing home the blue ribbon, it’s abput the hard work and responsibility they have learned all year long.

“Working with them. Usually what we’re doing is we are brushing their hair in certain directions. When we’re washing them, we are blowing their hair, giving them about three hours of care every day,” FFA student Lexi Sutter told KYMA.

In addition to the hard work and responsibility it takes to raise livestock, the students still remember to have fun and enjoy their time at the fair.

“It’s been really fun, especially since I’m in FFA. The competition’s a little bit higher and it gives me a little bit more of a challenge, but yeah overall, it’s been really fun,” FFA student Rhett Boston told KYMA.

While the goal is to sell the animals, whether it’s as pets or for food, parting ways can be bittersweet for some students.

Sutter explained, “Today, I got to take my steer for auction and I had a boar goat and a deer goat here but they left last weekend. And today, I was just going through auction with my steer and selling him so I’m going to have to get rid of him now after all of that.”

She said it it hard to break from the routine of working with the animal, but after the summer, she will be ready to take on a new one.

Click here to follow the original article.

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Recorder’s Office will be moving buildings in preparation of renovating the current office.

Starting next Monday, Yuma County Recorder David Lara says they will be moving down the street to the old Mexican Consulate Building on Main Street. The last day in the current building will be this Friday.

Lara says the Recorder’s Office will be in the new building for about a year, and says this will not impact early voting.

“There shouldn’t be a change. Everything’s pretty smooth and we already looked at the facility…I had staff look around before I rented it. I wanted to make sure that it would work, that it was up to date as far as elections, and I think we’re good,” Lara explained.

Lara also says everything they did in the old building will be done at the building they are renting out.

Click here to follow the original article.

Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Tadeo Azael De La Hoya has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of San Luis, Arizona.

He is currently a City Council member and President of the Gadsden School District Governing Board, and brings over 25 years of experience working in and serving the local community.

De La Hoya says throughout his career, he has worked on community programs, supported local families, and advocated for education and economic opportunities.

His leadership roles in both city government and the school district have positioned him as a key figure in local development.

“My greatest motivation is the commitment and the work I have already accomplished in San Luis, Arizona. The most important priority is to continue upholding public safety, as well as economic growth and development; San Luis, Arizona, possesses immense potential, and I believe we must take it to the next level.”

Tadeo De La Hoya, candidate for Mayor of San Luis, Arizona

De La Hoya plans to continue engaging with residents through community events as he seeks to earn their support in the upcoming election.

Click here to follow the original article.

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma car club continues its journey of putting smiles on the faces of local children and special patients.

The Foothills Cruiser Car Club dropped off more than 400 teddy bears and stuffed animals to Exceptional Community Hospital (ECH) Yuma.

The toys not only give comfort to kids but also to some elderly patients as well.

“These are real important events because we’re getting teddy bears over to the children and also, they help out some of the folks with Alzheimer’s. They give teddy bears as well, which was kind of a surprise. I learned that last year,” said Richard Craig, Public Affairs for Foothills Cruisers.

“When you come to the hospital, one, you’re not feeling good, but if you have something to take a little comfort into, I think it really makes a difference, especially the nurses can use them as a tool to let the kids know, ‘This is what I’m gonna do to you. Let’s do it to your stuffy first.’ I think it just builds a little trust between us and the patients,” said Amanda Oliver, Front Desk Registration Manager for ECH Yuma.

The Foothills Cruisers also dropped off more than 400 stuffed animals to the San Luis Police Department.

Earlier this month, the club donated 1,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals to Onvida Health.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has announced the application process for the Summer 2026 Paid Internship Program has opened.

According to a press release, the program is to offer “students a unique opportunity to gain practical work experience, develop professional skills, and make meaningful connections—all while earning a competitive salary.”

“The contributions of our interns help advance IID’s mission and vision as a community-owned utility committed to providing reliable and cost-effective services, which are important to us all,” said Marcy Rivera, IID’s Human Resources Department Manager, noting that about 5% of current District employees began their journey as interns.

“Investing in students today helps ensure our region has the skilled workforce it needs tomorrow,” said IID Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “Through our internship program, students gain valuable experience while learning how a public utility serves its community.”

IID has issued the following requirements for those who want to apply for the program:

18 years or older

Currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university

Minimum 3.0 GPA

Majoring in one of the listed fields of study or a related field

Available to commit to a full-time internship for the summer

Applications are due Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 5 p.m. To apply, click here and select “Student Aide.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Andrea Turisk

(KYMA) – One local non-profit has launched the Federal Law Enforcement Abuse Reporting Hotline in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

The ACLU Foundation of San Diego and Imperial Counties (ACLUF-SDIC) says this move is in response to a surge of civil rights violations occurring nationwide.

Two new regional hotlines have been launched for the public to report harassment, use of force, racial profiling, warrant less stops and detention from ICE or federal agents.

They’re now tracking and investigating unlawful conduct by federal immigration agents both against people lawfully exercising first amendment rights and against people otherwise detained by federal law enforcement agencies.

“Despite what this administration wants us to believe, ICE, Border Patrol and federal agents are not above the law. Nothing about our constitutional protections has changed. We must demand real accountability when federal agents harm members of our communities. We encourage folks to share this hotline with community members and call us if your rights have been violated by these federal agents.”

Frederick Carroll, Legal Director, ACLUF-SDIC

The number for people in Imperial County is 760-645-9335, and there is also ACLUF-SDIC’s online reporting form.

To learn more about this, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – There are shocking allegations coming to light against local civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.

Several Cesar Chavez Day activities are being canceled this year after allegations that Chavez engaged in inappropriate behavior with women and minors during his time as President of the United Farm Workers (UFW) of America.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation released a statement Tuesday saying they are deeply shocked and saddened by the allegations.

The UFW also released a statement saying it has not received direct reports, and does not have any first-hand knowledge of the allegation.

In the statement, they said they will not take part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities on March 31.

Chavez helped create and lead the Farmworker’s Movement, and had a strong local ties to the Yuma County area.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – A GoFundMe has been created for retired San Luis Police Department (SLPD) Chief Rich Jessup.

Jessup, who retired from SLPD back in 2023, is battling Stage IV cancer, which the GoFundMe says has brought “many unexpected challenges, both emotionally and financially,” to his family.

“As we navigate this difficult journey together, the costs of medical care, travel for treatments, and daily living expenses have quickly added up,” the organizer of the GoFundMe says. “Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the stress and allow our adored Papa/Dad/Husband to focus on his health and time with loved ones.”

The GoFundMe has a goal of $11,000, with nearly $8,100 raised so far. If anyone would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.