Author: KYMA

Adrik Vargas

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Four Democratic candidates are running for two seats representing Arizona’s Legislative District 23 at the state Capitol.

As part of candidate conversations ahead of the election, I sat down with Juan Manuel Guerrero to learn more about his campaign and the issues he says are driving his run.

Guerrero says education funding, housing and affordability are among his top priorities.

“It’s consuming our community, especially our rural communities,” Guerrero said. “This is a time that we need to raise our voices and say stop…We need to get to a point where everything is equitable.”

Arizona House representatives vote on state laws and help shape policies and spending that impact communities across their districts.

Guerrero says his background in the military, work responding to the fentanyl crisis, time coaching local soccer and perspective as a first-generation Mexican-American all influenced his decision to run for office.

Education is one area where he believes more investment is needed.

“There’s a lot of morale issues right now that teachers feel that they are being asked to do more with less every year,” Guerrero said. “Too many children in classes…those are the issues that we need to address to bring more funding, especially to our area.”

Healthcare was another issue Guerrero pointed to, especially in rural communities.

He said local providers are finding ways to meet needs, but believes the state should play a larger role in supporting access to care.

Affordability also remains a major focus of his campaign.

“They care how they’re going to pay the mortgage next month, or how they’re going to provide food to the table,” Guerrero said. “That’s what they care about.”

The top candidates in Arizona’s primary election will move on to the general election in November.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Moody Garden at the Yuma County Cooperative Extension is back open to the public after a brief closure tied to infrastructure upgrades that temporarily disrupted water access.

The demonstration garden, located at 2200 W. 28th Street, recently had its irrigation system restored after construction-related power and water relocations forced it offline for about a week.

During that time, several plants were lost, underscoring how critical consistent irrigation is, even for desert-adapted species.

Staff and volunteers are now fine-tuning the garden’s drip lines and emitters to better prepare the site for the upcoming summer heat.

John Metha, an outreach instructional specialist with the Yuma County Cooperative Extension, said the garden serves both an educational and community purpose.

“It provides a lot of opportunity for providing workshops, educational opportunities,” Metha said. “It’s a great location to stop, relax, take a lap around here and find some shade, some cool plants to look at.”

The Moody Garden showcases identified Arizona native plants and allows visitors to see what species thrive in desert conditions, information that can help residents apply similar landscaping choices at home.

The site remains open year-round and is maintained by Master Gardener volunteers through the Cooperative Extension.

For those interested in expanding their horticultural knowledge, the Yuma County Cooperative Extension also offers a Master Gardener certification program and related educational courses covering topics such as plant science, soil health, and composting.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma woman says she has the proven leadership skills to be the next Yuma County Superior Court Clerk.

The Superior Court Clerk serves as the official record keeper and financial officer for the court.

“I have been serving my public as an educator and as a business owner, leading teams, managing budgets, and I know that those skills have prepared me for the high demands of this office,” said Malba Alvarez (R), candidate for Yuma County Superior Court Clerk.

Alvarez says she wants to serve her community and bring a fresh perspective to the position.

“We do not need stagnation at this office. Stagnation cannot stay in the Clerk’s Office,” Alvarez expressed.

If elected, Alvarez says her focus will be on improving customer service and finding new opportunities within the Clerk’s Office.

“My focus will be on exceptional customer service and finding new opportunities within the Clerk’s Office,” Alvarez shared.

Alvarez is running against Bobbie Jo Daily in the Arizona Primary, taking place July 21.

In-person early voting starts Wednesday.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As Fourth of July celebrations approach, Yuma officials are reminding residents about the dangers of illegal fireworks and the impact they can have on people, property, and pets.

One Yuma resident says illegal fireworks are a recurring problem in her neighborhood and recently caused significant damage to their vehicle.

“Basically, in my neighborhood, people are just doing illegal fireworks on their own, and it goes on from basically sundown to sunrise,” they said.

The resident reported that firework debris caused about $1,600 in damage to her car. The City of Yuma says fireworks that leave the ground, shoot flaming material into the air, or explode are generally considered illegal.

The resident hopes people will choose safer alternatives this holiday.

“Please realize how it affects people and animals and why not just do what’s right and have fun legally,” they said.

The Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) is also encouraging pet owners to take precautions. Development Manager Hilary Mulherin says fireworks can cause pets to panic and run away.

“Fireworks can really scare pets, and if they are outside they can jump six-foot walls easily. We see it all the time,” Mulherin said.

According to the HSOY, unmicrochipped pets are far less likely to be reunited with their owners if they go missing.

Mulherin says microchipping is one of the best ways to ensure a lost pet can return home.

“Getting a microchip for your pet is the best way to have them reunite with you should they become lost,” she said.

HSOY will host a free microchip clinic sponsored by the City of Yuma and Yuma County on July 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Town of Wellton says there will be water service interruptions happening this month.

In a Facebook post, the Town says, “necessary water line relocations and adjustments must be completed to accommodate the County Retention Basin Flood Control Project.”

“These temporary interruptions are required to safely perform the work and ensure the long-term maintenance issues are addressed,” the town added.

In addition, the Town has provided the following water service interruptions:

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Affected area: San Jose Avenue from Jessie Street to Bobbie Street.

Crews will connect a relocated two-inch water line that is being prepared in advance of continued project construction.

Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Affected area: Maybelle Street from Los Angeles Avenue to San Jose Avenue.

Crews will lower an existing two-inch water line.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 8 a.m to noon. Affected area: Maybelle Street from Los Angeles Avenue to San Jose Avenue.

Crews will lower an existing six-inch water line as part of the project.

If anyone has question regarding this, call Wellton Town Hall at 928-785-3348.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Lerner & Rowe Gives Back is bringing their Backpack Tour to Yuma next month.

The event is taking place Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Yuma County Fairgrounds at 2 p.m., and will give away 1,000 to students.

During the event, there will be snacks and activities, as well as some Lerner & Rowe swag attendees can get.

Courtesy: Lerner & Rowe Gives Back

The organization is asking those who attend to wait in their vehicle until the event starts, and says to be mindful of others when entering and exiting the parking lot.

In addition, the organization says the backpacks and giveaways are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and student must be presents to get a backpack.

For more information on the event, click here, or call 928-222-2222.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Mae Gomez, a San Luis High School senior (Class of 2026), is one of the recipients of the Flinn Scholarship, making her the school’s first students to receive the scholarship.

YUHSD says 20 students were selected “from more than 1,150 applicants” across Arizona, making the scholarship one of the state’s most competitive.

“Receiving the Flinn Scholarship is a major milestone in my educational journey,” Gomez said. “Being the first student from [SLHS] to receive this honor carries a deep sense of responsibility, driving me to set a path for those who follow. With this financial freedom, I can focus entirely on my studies and ensure that my journey helps clear the way for the next generation of students from my community.”

YUHSD also says scholarship applicants must have at least a 3.5 GPA, rank in the top 5% of their graduating class, and “participate and demonstrate leadership in a variety of extracurricular activities.”

“Mae’s selection as the first Flinn Scholar in San Luis High School history is a historic achievement, not only for her, but for the entire community,” said Cesar Castillo, Director of Counseling at SLHS. “It demonstrates that students from San Luis can compete with and succeed alongside the highest-achieving students in Arizona, regardless of geography or background. Her accomplishment will inspire future generations of students to pursue ambitious goals and believe that opportunities like the Flinn Scholarship are within their reach.”

Gomez says she plans to study aerospace engineering at the University of Arizona, starting in the fall.

To learn more about the scholarship, read the press release below.

PR – San Luis senior named school’s first-ever Flinn Scholarship recipientDownload

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors gathered Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. for their regular meeting to formalize their unified opposition against a contentious state bill targeting the region’s air quality governance.

In two separate three-to-two votes, supervisors officially ratified a June 2, 2026, letter signed by the Chairwoman opposing Senate Bill 675 and approved a critical follow-up letter to the California Assembly Appropriations Committee, cementing the county’s continuous “oppose unless amended” stance.

Introduced by State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-District 18), SB 675 is an active legislative proposal designed to overhaul the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District.

If passed, the bill would dissolve the current five-member regulatory board, composed entirely of the sitting county supervisors, and replace it with a brand new 10-member panel.

The new structure mandates equal representation split between the county, incorporated local cities, and community members.

The bill aims to diversify the board by adding city council members and community representatives.

“It makes sure that there are people sitting on the board who actually have some professional credentials and a background in the science of dealing with air pollution,” Sen. Padilla said regarding the restructuring.

Supporters argue the transformation is vital to boosting public transparency and local representation in a region long plagued by air quality challenges.

Under the provisions of SB 675, the air district would be legally required to launch an independent tracking website, post all permit applications online within three business days, and enforce stricter rules on high-polluting industrial operations known as Title V sources.

During public comment, residents in favor of the expansion voiced their support for a change in governance.

“We’re asking for an advisory council to help you make decisions,” one community member stated.

Another added, “It’s silly to think that this same group of people, none of whom are experts in air pollution, would sit on the APCB board.”

However, county supervisors and local opponents argue the sweeping state mandate overreaches and directly threatens local governance. Opponents argue it will trigger expensive new permits, potentially crippling local farmers.

“Agriculture is the backbone of this community…we must help protect our culture’s sustainability,” an agricultural advocate testified. Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “If you’re not in the ag business…you don’t have a say.”

County leaders also warn that the state-mandated expansion will heavily strain local budgets and stretch administrative resources thin.

“This legislation brings more regulation and cost to a struggling business and farming economy in the valley,” one supervisor noted during the debate. Another member added, “Greater representation, that’s fine. But anything that’s gonna have a burden of cost on business in Imperial Valley, I’m against.”

Sen. Padilla quickly dismissed those financial concerns, stating, “Some of the folks out there who have been arguing about cost are throwing around wild, crazy numbers that have no basis in reality at all.”

The dissenting supervisors on the board urged their colleagues to negotiate amendments with Sacramento rather than outright blocking the legislation.

“We should be proactive in working with our state senator and try to make this a bill that makes sense for everyone involved,” one dissenting supervisor argued.

Another stated, “I believe that it’s premature to oppose a bill without having further information.”

It is a conversation Sen. Padilla says he is willing to have.

Tuesday’s split votes authorize the Chairwoman to sign the official follow-up letter to the state legislature on behalf of the board, following final non-substantive adjustments by the County Executive Officer, County Counsel, and the Air Pollution Control Officer.

Though opposed by the local board, the bill could still be signed into law. SB 675 remains pending on the fast-moving Assembly Appropriations Committee file following its second reading and recent amendments.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Special Olympics Yuma is hosting the First Bowling Tournament later this summer.

The tournament is taking place at Inca Lanes, located at 1250 W. 16th Street, Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There will also be raffles and a silent auction during the tournament.

For more information about the tournament, call 928-580-1404 or email mnielsen@soaz.org.

Courtesy: Special Olympics Yuma

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Lynette Niebla

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – In a 3-2 vote, rather than halting high-tech industrial growth, the Brawley City Council voted to drop a proposed moratorium, choosing instead to implement strict new land-use policies for massive data centers.

This comes after weeks of intense local debate regarding how the city should handle the rapid expansion of technology infrastructure across the Imperial Valley.

Initial discussions within city hall leaned toward a temporary construction freeze to give city staff time to catch up with the emerging industry. However, local lawmakers fiercely pushed back against an outright ban, citing massive economic risks.

“This is exactly the wrong message to send to any potential developer or employer that wants to establish a business in Brawley,” stated Council Member John Grass during the public hearings.

Mayor Pro-Tem Tim Kelley echoed those concerns, warning of the long-term reputational damage a construction freeze could cause.

“Putting a moratorium today will be the headlines tomorrow, and it’s gonna be Brawley does not want growth,” Mayor Pro-Tem Kelley explained.

While city leaders focused on economic development, local residents filled city hall to express deep anxieties over environmental impacts, resource consumption, and public health. Community feedback revealed a sharp divide between potential financial prosperity and environmental preservation.

“You have healthy people, you take care of your environment. The profit will come,” urged one local resident.

Another community member questioned the financial trade-offs directly, asking lawmakers, “$2 million, $3 million…Is that what the life of one of your family members is worth?”

Facing heavy pressure from both sides, city leaders struck a compromise designed to keep Brawley competitive while establishing total local oversight.

According to Development Services Director Cristhian Barajas, the council felt it was vital to shift the local narrative from complete inaction to immediate regulation.

“Council believed it would be appropriate to shift the discussion from ‘we will not do this now’ to ‘we will immediately start taking steps toward addressing these issues,'” Barajas explained.

The primary issue forcing immediate legislative action is that Brawley’s current zoning codes do not even recognize or define large-scale data centers. Because the land-use laws are outdated, tech companies could theoretically exploit regulatory loopholes.

The council’s unanimous vote fast-tracks immediate amendments governing heavy utility footprints, cooling mechanisms, and power grid strain before any new projects can break ground.

“It is important for the city to be proactive when it comes to assessing and addressing environmental and socioeconomic impact associated with these relatively recent industries,” Barajas said.

City staff members are already assembling a comprehensive municipal work plan to establish development timelines, public engagement strategies, and funding sources for the code overhaul.

Because drafting technical zoning criteria for data centers requires highly niche knowledge, the city manager has been granted the authority to hire specialized, external consultants.

Any expert consulting contracts that exceed standard administrative spending limits will be brought back to the city council for a final, public vote.

Barajas emphasized that the entire legislative process will remain fully visible to the public as the technical language is crafted.

“We’re really early in the stages of amending our zoning ordinance,” Barajas noted. “We’re not pre-committing to any outcome where we will allow them by right, we will conditionally allow them, or we will restrict them. What we want to do is make sure that we follow the right steps…We want to make sure that transparency plays a prominent role throughout these discussions and making sure that these discussions are happening in the public area.”

Moving forward, all future tech infrastructure proposals and upcoming zoning adjustments are legally bound to an open, public hearing process, granting community members ongoing opportunities to voice their concerns at future city council meetings.

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