Marcos Icahuate
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A California organization is accepting donations.
The California Highway Patrol is hosting CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive.
You can donate an unwrapped toy by mailing or dropping it off at El Centro CHP (2331 Highway 86, El Centro, CA 92243).
Donations must be received by December 18.
Dillon Fuhrman
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma says Kennedy Skate Park will be temporarily closed for renovations.
According to a press release, the closure is set to begin Monday, December 8, and “will undergo demolition and reconstruction to ensure long-term durability and quality for years to come.”
The City says surface cracking began to appear after the park reopened earlier this year, and says while the park remains safe to use, they, along with a project contractor, determined a full replacement was the best course of action in order to maintain a “high-quality, state-of-the-art facility” for skaters, BMX riders and scooter enthusiasts.
“While we know many will miss the park during reconstruction, we’re very pleased with the contractor’s commitment to make things right and provide Yuma with the very best skate park possible for our community,” said Eric Urfer, Director of Parks and Recreation.
Kenny Shepherd, Project Executive for Willmeng Construction, the company in charge of the renovation, issued the following statement:
“At Willmeng, we’re passionate about building spaces that bring people together and inspire active lifestyles. We know how much Kennedy Skate Park means to Yuma’s skaters, riders, and families, and we’re truly sorry for the inconvenience this closure may cause. We’re excited to work alongside the City and American Ramp Company to deliver a renewed, top-quality skate park that everyone can be proud of. Thank you for your patience and support as we make Kennedy Skate Park better than ever!”
The City says the park will reopen in late spring 2026. To learn more about the renovation, click here.
Dillon Fuhrman
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is hosting their annual Christmas at the Crossing next month.
The two-day event is taking place at the Colorado River State Historic Park, located at 201 N. Fourth Avenue, from Friday, December 19 to Saturday, December 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
During the event, there will be food and drink vendors, train rides, hourly light shows, face painting, a teddy bear giveaway sponsored by Onvida Health, and live entertainment.
Tickets are on sale from November 1 through November 30, and it’s $15 for adults and $12 for youth. Tickets can also be purchased online, from December 1 through December 20, and at the gate, and it’s $18 for adults and $15 for youth. Kids two and under can get in for free.
To learn more about the upcoming event, click here.
Dillon Fuhrman
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Farmers Market is hosting A Homemade Country Christmas Dinner and Dance next month.
The event is taking place at Elks Lodge, located at 1917 W. 32nd Street, Saturday, December 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
During the event, there will be food and live music from Big Boss Band, door prizes, jewelry giveaways, and attendees can take pictures with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Tickets are $65. To purchase tickets, call Mary Kay at (928) 503-2852 or Barbara Rochester at (928) 510-0738.
Dillon Fuhrman
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Catholic High School is hosting their annual Rachel Determan Memorial Rib Cook-Off next month.
The annual event is taking place at the school Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
During the event, there will be a variety of food vendors, live music, raffles, face-painting and free parking.
The event is in honor of Rachel Determan, who passed away in 2008 after a two-year battle with leukemia.
Food tickets are on sale at the door for $10. For more information about the annual event, call Hailey Curry at (928) 317-7910.
Dillon Fuhrman
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Crossroads Mission is hosting It’s a Christmas Ball 2025 next month.
The event is taking place at the Yuma Civic Center, located as 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive, Saturday, December 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
During the event, attendees will enjoy food, listen to live music from Bobby G. and the Time Machine, and see holiday decorations.
All proceeds from the event will go back to Crossroads Mission to help build the Center for Hope.
Tickets are $65 person and $520 for a table of eight people. The event is semi-formal and is for attendees 18 and above.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Paul Vozzella
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Fight League (YFL) 7 showcased some of the best local talent the Desert Southwest has to offer.
The stage was set, the fighters were ready, and there was a packed crowd for YFL 7.
In a city filled with hidden talent, YFL shined a light on fighters who otherwise have to go long distances to gain exposure.
“We have our time to show out, promote ourselves. A lot of these places like this, we have to go out of town, so with us to just be able to drive 15 minutes, it’s a blessing for all the fighters here,” said John Ortega, a fighter.
Even for those willing to make long trips for fights in Phoenix or California, the experience can be vastly different.
“We’re always looked at those small-town guys and these big gyms look at us like, ‘Eh, look at these little guys. Let’s just smash them and get them outta there.’ I was like, it’s nice to just have the spotlight for a little bit here in Yuma,” said Alexander Magana, the main event fighter.
For many fighters, the event offered a platform to launch careers.
“With the Commission and everything, I fought in the second and the third one, but with its new record now, so now I’m 0 and 0. It’s my debut,” said Edgar Lopez, another fighter.
But once the referee calls for the start, it was all up to the fighters to prove their worth in the octagon.
Fans may not see the work put in leading up to the event, but they always see the results of the rigorous training the athletes put themselves through.
At the end of the night, all that matters was what happens when the cage is closed.
“Ready to go. Got all the training in. Now it’s time to put it in the cage,” said Richard Molina, another main event fighter.
YFL 7 continues to prove that there is an abundance of local talent in the MMA world.
Dillon Fuhrman
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local artists across Yuma County got the chance to showcase their art to the public over the weekend.
The Yuma North End Art Walk took place in Downtown Yuma from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, with the walk starting at Cafecito and ending at Lute’s Casino.
During the walk, Yuma residents met with artists and learned about their work. They also purchased some of their artwork as well.
Morgan Laguna, one of the organizers, shared how the event benefits artists.
“This is a great event for artists in Yuma because the event is free…It’s just great exposure, especially if you’re a newer artist that has had a lot of opportunity to be in an event like this so that’s why we try to keep it free for everybody to participate,” Laguna explained.
If any artist wants to participate in next year’s Art Walk, contact northend.az@gmail.com.
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local business in Yuma joined in on Pink Friday over the weekend.
Pink Friday is a nationwide movement championing small and women-owned businesses before the start of Black Friday.
Dandy Home & Ranch, one of Yuma’s boutiques, joined in on the celebration with sales and discounts throughout the weekend.
They also shouted out other women-owned businesses like Miss Juliane Marie’s Bakery and Kofa Baking Co.
“We are so honored to be here and just to share with the Yuma community about Dandy and our Pink Friday, Pink Saturday weekend,” said Stephanie Harken with Dandy Home & Ranch.
The event kicked off Friday and lasted until Saturday evening.
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Walmart presented the Salvation Army with a check for the Yuma community to help provide food for families during the holiday season.
The check, presented at the Walmart located on S. Pacific Avenue Saturday, total was $2,500 to help support families in need.
Salvation Army is also taking donations for their Angel Tree Program, which is an opportunity for Yuma youth to receive Christmas presents.
Lt. Jonathan Herzog with the Salvation Army shared how people can donate.
“if you want to help a Yuma youth, you can do so by going into a Walmart store and picking up one of these tags. There’s instructions on here about what that kid is hoping for and there’s also all these drop-off locations, like Walmart stores or any of the fire stations across the entire county,” Lt. Herzog explained.
If you would like to donate or volunteer, click here.
