Author: KYMA

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Holiday travel is hitting a peak this season.

AAA says it’s seeing record travel this holiday season, with over 122 million Americans hitting the road or flying, including many to and from Arizona.

We asked locals what the holiday season means to them.

Local Nick Felago says, “The holidays, specifically Christmas, is the birth of Jesus, and we’re celebrating that…It’s just an amazing time to be thankful for our lives and spend time with family.”

Another local, Donna Brewlow, says, “We just want this year to be peaceful and healthful, and everybody get along.”

Many travelers, like Alex Mall are excited for the holiday season and shared their travel plans.

“We are going to Santan Valley to visit my sister and her family,” Mall shared.

Felago says, “Right now, we’re on the way to Prescott, Arizona to visit my grandmother for Christmas.”

This year, AAA is projecting a 2% increase from last year for travelers on the road.

Other locals are more cautious about hitting the roads.

“No, not at Christmas…I don’t do that…We get enough traffic in town. I don’t need to be out there on the freeways during Christmas,” says Brewlow.

Remember to travel safely and enjoy the holidays whether your spending time with family and friends or just sitting at home.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Heavy rain is expected across much of Southern California this Christmas week.

While Imperial County is not anticipating major rainfall, fire officials are encouraging residents to stay prepared and take necessary precautions.

The Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) says the rain is expected to last several days, and officials are closely monitoring weather conditions alongside the Office of Emergency Services.

“The Imperial County Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Services are currently monitoring the state of the storm,” officials said.

ICFD officials say that as long as rainfall does not hit all at once, Imperial County should avoid major impacts. However, they continue to urge residents to remain prepared.

Fire officials say sand and sandbags are available to the public and are self-serve at local fire stations.

“Our firefighters may or may not be at the station,” officials said. “However, the sand and sandbags are self-served, so the public is welcome to come to our stations and pick up sandbags and sand at their leisure. For seniors or those who may not be able to help themselves, we will provide assistance.”

The fire department is also monitoring rural areas that are prone to flooding, particularly washes and roadways.

“We are aware of the areas that are prone to flooding, especially where water runs through the washes, including Highway 78 and the corridor between Blythe and Brawley,” officials said.

Fire officials say seniors or residents who need assistance with sandbags can call any local fire station for help.

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Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Calexico Fire Department (CFD) is asking for the community’s help in spreading holiday cheer by donating toys to children in need.

CFD officials say they are currently collecting toys that will benefit the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home.

Community members can drop off new, unwrapped toys at Calexico Fire Station One, located next to the Calexico Police Station.

According to CFD, about 50 toys have been collected so far, but they are hoping to receive many more donations before the holiday.

“We are trying to get as many toys as possible, hoping to get some more,” said Edgar Morales with CFD. “It’s been a little slow starting, but we should get more toys tonight.”

CFD says donations will be accepted all day on Christmas Eve. Even if you miss the deadline, officials say you can still drop off a toy after Christmas to support the cause.

Community members are encouraged to participate and help make the holidays brighter for local children.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local university is making sure their research on agricultural crops does not go to waste.

Once the University of Arizona’s local research farm completes its studies on produce, they donate it to the Food Bank.

The university donates so much produce that the local food bank is able to share it with other food banks across the state.

Andy Robinson, the Food Bank’s CEO, says he doesn’t want to see people in need give up healthy eating during tough times.

“The first thing that people give up is fresh food, fresh vegetables, fresh produce, and things like that, you know, when things are tight, and so we’re able to provide that service here locally to people in need,” Robinson says.

Robinson says he is thankful for the help from local agriculture and says healthy eating is a year-round mission.

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Marcos Icahuate

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) arrested a man from El Centro for the murder of Kerri Ann Abatti in Pinetop, Arizona.

Michael Abatti was arrested on December 23 in El Centro as a suspect of the murder.

ICSO says he was arrested without incident at a business on McCabe Road.

Multiple agencies believe Michael Abatti traveled to Pinetop, Arizona and may have shot Ann Abatti, according to a Navajo County PIO.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Light rain moved through Yuma Tuesday, giving residents a reminder that even gentle showers can change holiday plans.

Locals say the rain has them taking extra steps around their homes to make sure water doesn’t get inside.

Jackets and umbrellas are coming out before heading to dinner, shopping, or other holiday activities.

“We’re thinking about going caroling, so I don’t know if it starts raining really hard,” said Harley Coleman. “We might not, but hopefully it doesn’t rain too hard because caroling is super fun.”

Another resident, Suzanne Sibilly, said, “Because everything’s flat here, you have to put some rocks in all the little gullies and make sure they don’t go into the house anywhere. Things like that. Maybe a jacket when I go out for dinner tonight.”

Officials remind drivers to take it slow on the roads and give themselves extra time, especially with holiday plans underway.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local family is continuing their neighbor’s legacy and spreading holiday cheer throughout their community this Christmas.

Beloved neighbor Grandma Candy Cane used to pass out candy canes every night at her Yuma home for decades. but after she passed from cancer a few years ago, neighbors wanted to keep her legacy alive and keep passing out the treats to families.

This December, the Rosillo and Hernandez family have stood outside their home every night passing out more than 800 candy canes so far.

“She would just you know go through each car and give them candy canes. You know, she was the soul of her neighborhood,” said neighbor Aida Hernandez.

This is the family’s first year doing this, and they say they hope to keep the tradition ongoing for several more years to come.

You can stop by the home for a sweet treat near the corner of West Westridge Drive and South Las Palmas Vista Avenue in Yuma.

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Melissa Zaremba

An adorable doggie duo who are looking for a forever home.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) –  It’s time to meet our pets of the week. 

Badger weighs 77 pounds and Skunk weighs 61 pounds. They are both female huskies who came into the shelter together. 

They both walk great on a leash, love people and love to play. They also can be adopted together or separately. 

As Pets of the Week, there are no fees for them to join your family. In fact, through December 31 all adoption fees on huskies are sponsored. 

Come visit Badger and Skunk at the Humane Society of Yuma located at 4050 S. Avenue 4 1/2 E, or call (928) 782-1621.

HSOY is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you want to give Badger, Skunk, or any animal at the Humane Society a good home you can contact or visit the Humane Society of Yuma today.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local organization is hosting a Christmas celebration.

The 3 Days of Christmas will be held at Crossroads Mission, who will serve locals food, give away free clothing, and have other fun activities for families to enjoy.

The Crossroads Mission has been hosting this event for over a decade. They also delivered 1,300 homebound meals.

“We do it every year, so the community can be involved, and we like for the volunteers to come and join in with us and be part of it,” said Myra Garlit, the Crossroads CEO.

The event schedule is as follows:

December 23 – Mexican food dinner

December 24 – Roast beef dinner

December 25 – Traditional turkey dinner

Each event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will be needed to help serve meals.

3-Days of Christmas 2025Download

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A walk with nature is planned for January.

The Friends with Cibola NWR 5K Walk is an event for the community to see the beauty of wildlife.

The event is on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Goose Loop Auto Tour at the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge.

Family is invited to see a variety of animals such as cranes, ducks, geese and blackbirds.

You can register here.

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