Author: KYMA

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Gadsden Elementary School District marching band had the honor to show off school pride and perform in the London New Year’s Day parade.

Over 100 students in the district traveled to London for a week-long trip to perform in the parade. Band student Diego says he enjoyed trying new foods and performing with friends.

“Yah, it was a really cool experience being on TV. Like I was really nervous cause I thought I was gonna mess up, but it was really fun,” said Diego Arellano.

The four member Estrella Norteño band also performed, making history as the first and only Norteño band from San Luis, Arizona to represent the Gadsden Elementary School District. Two of the members share how exciting it was to perform with their friends.

“It was really fun to being with our friends and especially in another country. It was really fun to be out there and just enjoying and seeing everything out there,” said band member Yarell Vargas.

“Enjoying the world a part of music,” continued band member Irving Dumadag.

The band director says he loved to see the student’s hard work pay off.

“I am very very proud of the students because I’ve seen them since day 1, since the first day that they picked up an instrument, and all the struggles they never quit, and they were learning little by little,” said marching band director Mario Hernandez.

The school says they’re looking forward to performing at Disneyland later this year.

Karina Bazarte

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro has completed a street plan and is now asking for the public’s help.

The community development director says they have officially released a draft of the Imperial Avenue Complete Streets Plan.

He says this plan will help improve safety and access for all modes of transportation which includes pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists.

“The draft of the plan currently includes two to three traffic signals in the area between Adams Avenue and the northern city limits,” said Angel Hernandez, El Centro Community Development Director.

The community development director encourages residents to review the plan by next Friday, January 24.

He says they will be presenting the plan to the city on February 4.

To find information about the plan click here.

Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Amberly’s Place, a vital resource for victims of abuse in Yuma County and beyond, is celebrating 25 years of dedicated service.

Since opening its doors in 2000, the organization has grown from assisting 48 victims in its first year to supporting more than 3,000 annually.

“Never doubt the ability of a small group of people to change the world, and that is true of Amberly’s Place,” said Executive Director Tori Bourguignon. “We are a product of our community’s desire to impact lives and improve the quality of life here.”

Amberly’s Place offers a range of critical programs, including the Children’s Justice Project, which trains over 1,500 professionals each year to identify and report child abuse.

Their “Report Right Away” campaign has also been pivotal in encouraging victims to seek help sooner, granting them quicker access to life-changing support.

Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Bourguignon expressed gratitude for the countless individuals who have contributed to its mission.

“It’s just been an incredible journey, and there have been so many people who have been a part of the things we’ve accomplished,” she said.

Development Director Trevor Umphress described Amberly’s Place as a “lighthouse” for victims, providing daily care to five to seven individuals.

“It’s the most amazing thing every day because I know that those five to seven individuals—they know they’re believed, they know they’re loved, and they know they’re not alone,” Umphress said.

However, Umphress also acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the work.

“For 25 years, we’ve been sad that we exist, that we have to come to work and do this. But everyday, we empower those individuals, giving them strength and hope for the future,” he said.

To celebrate this milestone, Amberly’s Place will host a “Venetian Dreams Gala” on February 8 at the Q Resort and Casino. Proceeds will support the organization’s mission to provide trauma-informed care and advocacy for victims of abuse.

Valeria Rodriguez

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – One local organization, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, says everything is up in the air as they look ahead of President-Elect Trump’s impact in the nation’s immigration population, adding that they help the majority of those who are here with H2A visas: Farm workers.

“We should always have a plan, we should always be well informed and that will help us to not be as concerned or afraid,” said Emma Torres, Executive Director for Campesinos Sin Fronteras.

Torres explained how new laws could impact migrant Ag workers: “It may support even more H-2A visas holders because you know the need for agricultural workers continue to grow and that is something that we are very aware of.”

Torres added that the Mexican Consulate is also a great resource for immigration-related help as they are set to launch an alert app for Mexican migrants sometime next month.

One migrant, Manuel Reyes, said he has already been deported seven times, and the new administration deters him from attempting to cross into the U.S. again.

“The first time I was in the US for 15 years, they deported me and I went back and now its been seven times I have been deported,” Reyes shared, adding that people like him can’t live comfortably in the U.S. due to the fear of being deported. “It’s tough, theres so much law enforcement…I dont want to go back.”

Reyes’ next stop is Mexicali, hoping to find more job opportunities.

Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A man from Calexico was arrested for check fraud after police say he tried to cash in checks at a local business on two different days.

The Calexico Police Department (CPD) say the 28-year-old man tried to cash three checks worth over $1,000 last week.

Officers say the owner of a money exchange business recognized him from a previous visit where he tried to do the same thing.

“Further investigation revealed the checks were fraudulent and belonged to a person who had passed away over a year ago,” said Officer Gabriella Torres.

Calexico police say the suspect was carrying a concealed replica of a firearm.

The suspect booked into the Imperial County Jail for check fraud.

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – With President-Elect Trump set to begin his second term in office, some locals share mixed reactions.

Some are eager for the president-elect to take office, saying they are optimistic about a change throughout the country.

“We’re all looking for something to lighten our hearts and lighten our spirits and for some reason, everyone has just been very heavy, so I’m just looking forward to something that feels lighter,” said Yuma local Laurie Howard.

While others respect the country’s decision, but still do not like the outcome.

“I don’t like the kind of a person he is and I do not plan to watch his inauguration and I am sad in a way that he was able to win,” said Joyce Sowers, a winter visitor.

The inauguration will take place in Washington D.C. Monday starting at 10 a.m. local time.

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The man suspected of stealing agriculture equipment made his second court appearance.

56-year-old Gregorio Medina Haros asked the judge for his bond of $75,000 to be lowered. 

The judge denied the request because of the defendant’s criminal history and because he is on felony probation.

Deputies say they found multiple boxes and pallets, AG tools and equipment, valued at $30,000 at Haros’ home.

They say he was an employee at the local packing company, the same place where he allegedly stole from.

Haros will be back in court next week.

Samuel Kirk

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A community is coming together to support the families of three young men who tragically lost their lives in a deadly crash last week.

A fundraiser event in Somerton is helping to ease the financial burden of funeral expenses for Adrian Palacio, Jovan Orozco, and Luis Gamez, all of whom were deeply loved by their friends and family.

The fundraiser features Pollo al Disco dinner plates, priced at $12. Each plate is served with rice, macaroni salad, tortillas de maíz, and a drink.

The event is scheduled for Friday, January 17, at noon and offers both pickup and delivery within the Somerton area. Delivery in Yuma is available with a minimum purchase of four plates.

Pickup Location: 1320 N. Van Brunt Ave., Somerton, AZ 85350

To place an order, call or text Alejandro Gonzalez at (928) 318-9032. Payments can be made via cash or Zelle to the same number.

The proceeds from every plate sold will go directly toward the funeral expenses of the three victims.

“Our friends were deeply loved, and we want to honor their memories while helping ease the financial burden on their families,” said the event organizers.

The support has been overwhelming, and the community’s generosity is a testament to how much these young men meant to everyone who knew them.

“All four men were just very young but very much loved,” said Alejandro Gonzalez, the fundraiser organizer.

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Locals share their reaction to the anticipated ban on the social media platform TikTok.

The government says the main reason for the ban centers around national security and the risks related to data privacy and personal information.

The locals we spoke with say the potential threats don’t seem that imposing.

“I don’t know a lot of the specifics of the ban and I haven’t really been keeping myself updated on it. I’ve just been posting as normal and having fun with it,” says Naya Ott.

Valeria Rodriguez, a News 11 Reporter, says, “I like to watch home recipes and I like to watch anything that’s artsy and crafty.”

Ott, a young woman from Yuma with over 25,000 followers on TikTok shares how she utilizes the app: “Random vlogs of my day and I also like to talk about Jesus and my faith on TikTok. That’s the most important thing to me on there.”

Rodriguez has had her fair share of the spotlight on the app as well: “I was standing right here (on 4th Avenue) when a car splashed me and I went viral on TikTok.”

Ott says she understands where both sides are coming from.

“It would be cool to see people get involved more hands-on in their community and influencing that way instead of through social media…But I do have sympathy for those who it’s their full-time job and it’s their main source of income,” says Ott.

Rodriguez says the app is great for sharing, connecting, and making a difference.

“I think it is going to make a really big impact because it’s helped a lot of people. I know there are a lot of moms out there with kids that have special needs and don’t know what it is until they see other kids that look like them,” she explains.

One local says a lot of people are just overreacting.

Alan Ridley says, “There’s Instagram, YouTube, and a bunch of other media apps you can use to do that. It’s not like it’s the end of the world for short-term media.”

The locals share their thoughts on a possible return.

Rodriguez says “I think that TikTok will be making a comeback because it has been super helpful in informing people about what’s going on in the world especially now that we are living in such a fast-paced environment.”

Ott adds “I think it would be cool if someone in America bought it so we can continue using it,”.

Ott says there are some apps that will fill the role of TikTok.

“I’ve been really wanting to start YouTube and start posting on that consistently and you can make the same content on Instagram reels as you can on TikTok,” Ott adds.

Experts expect the app to be removed from Apple and Google stores on Sunday.

They say a sale of the popular app by its current owner can restore access for U.S. users.