Category: kyma-local-news

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Salton City man who pled no contest to manslaughter in a teen’s killing was sentenced to 13 years to life in state prison Monday.

Abraham Feinbloom, 52, agreed to plead no contest to manslaughter and torture last month in connection to the death of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar.

As part of the plea agreement, Feinbloom was required to show investigators where the rest of Tovar‘s body was, and just a day later, Tovar’s remains were found.

During the sentencing hearing, Tovar‘s family made statements.

“Don’t mistake this plea agreement or this sentence for the end. To me, justice is not finished today. This is just the beginning of you having to face the consequences of what you did,” said Charo Tovar, Tovar’s mother. “When you become eligible to ask for your freedom as long as I’m alive, able, and legally permitted to be there. I intend to be there.”

Tovar’s older sister, Crystal Behn, also addressed Feinbloom.

“I think you are weak. I think you are pathetic. I think you are cruel. I think you are a coward who showed exactly what you were and are when my baby sister was at your mercy,” Behn expressed.

Tovar’s father, Joshua Carter, has been a constant fixture in the court in the courtroom hearings, and had some choice words for Feinbloom.

“I want to make this perfectly clear. You’re a racist. And it’s not acceptable for racist people to kill our kids,” Carter remarked.

Outside the courthouse, Feinbloom’s attorney, Melanie Roe, said she expects her client to be paroled in the future.

“The Penal code states that parole is the rule, not the exception. And if you look at the history in the last 20 years in California, I mean going back to Governor Schwarzenegger…[who] approved parole for over 550 lifers,” Roe explained.

Meanwhile, Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez said the plea deal guaranteed Feinbloom would serve time.

“We were looking at a maximum exposure time of 15 years probably. And we got 13 years to life. On top of that, he waives his right to appeal,” Marquez said.

In addition to the prison sentence, Feinbloom was ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.

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Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) held their Sixth Annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration Saturday.

The family friendly event was held at the Colorado River State Historic Park and brought together traditional and contemporary Dia de los Muertos festivities.

The celebration had live music, dancers, local art exhibits, and food vendors. There was also traditional Dia De Los Muertos alters honoring loved ones.

Organizers said the evening of remembrance, culture, and community is something they look forward to sharing annually with others in Yuma.

YCNHA said the event was a great success and they look forward to this spooky season event for many years to come. 

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Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes held a listening session Sunday morning at The Lemon Grove in Yuma.

During the session, Attorney General Mayes, alongside candidates for the Arizona Corporation Commission Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill, spoke with locals.

After a brief introduction by owner Tyler Woodman, the attorney general gave a short speech about her successes before taking time to hear from locals about the concerns of Yuma residents.

Those concerns focused on a water rate hike that is dramatically affecting local residents.

A small audience of Yumans gathered for the session, hoping to have their voices heard.

The attorney general and the two candidates who visited said they hope to do more on site sessions post-election in hopes that they can make the necessary changes that Yuma residents are calling for.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Mayors’ International Bike Ride returns Saturday, celebrating its 10th year of bringing communities together across the U.S.-Mexico border.

The free, family-friendly event has drawn more than 500 registered riders, bringing together cyclists, mayors and elected officials from across the 4FrontED region.

The ride begins at 8 a.m. at the Desert Hills Golf Course parking lot in Yuma, with check-in and on-site registration opening at 7 a.m.

In addition, the route includes stops at Cocopah Korner Store, Somerton, Gadsden and San Luis before riders have the option to cross into Mexico.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls said the event’s 10-year milestone reflects how it has become a tradition embraced by the community, while also providing an opportunity to showcase the region to visitors.

“Almost half the people coming that are currently registered are from out of town. So that’s a very big opportunity for us to show our community, not just in one part, but essentially in the whole county,” Mayor Nicholls said. “And being the 10th year, it just means that this is something the community now owns. The communities wrap their arms around it. And this is something that’s going to be happening, I think, for quite a while.”

The ride concludes with a finisher celebration in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico, featuring live music, local food and medals for participating cyclists.

The City of Yuma said first responders from throughout the region will help guide the group and support rider safety along the route.

Riders younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and those 16 and younger must wear a helmet.

The first 500 registrants will receive a complimentary official event T-shirt. Participants can register and find additional event details at YumaAz.gov/bikeride.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Republican Daniel Butierez said he wants to bring more jobs to Southern Arizona and work on changes to immigration policy as he runs for Congress.

Butierez said the region needs more industries that can offer better-paying jobs and help local businesses.

He also said one way to attract companies is to ask why they choose places like Phoenix over communities such as Yuma, Tucson and Douglas, then work to make Southern Arizona more appealing to employers.

Butierez also added immigration policy is a priority. If elected, he wants to work on the Dignity Act, a proposed bill that includes changes to border security and immigration policy.

“This is my community too, and I care about my community,” Butierez said. “So give me a chance.”

Butierez is challenging Democratic incumbent Adelita Grijalva for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District seat.

Election Day is November 3.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local former Marine was honored Friday and had a plaque revealed for him and his father for their service at the Armed Forces Park.

Families, friends and other retired veterans came together for 80-year-old Sgt. Kenneth Metoyer and his late father, Pfc. Victor Jones.

Metoyer served in the Vietnam War for four years in which he was stationed to Yuma afterwards. Jones served in World War II for two years. Metoyer called the event a surprise and something he’ll never forget.

“The fact that everybody came, all the people that actually came here. It was amazing to me even, you know like I said before, I don’t feel that I deserved it, but I am at the same time glad that they came and I appreciate everybody,” Metoyer said.

While not from Yuma originally, Metoyer is proud to call Yuma home.

“I joined the Marine Corps and then I got stationed here. This is where I met my wife. So this is kind of a special place for me because after I got married, we went back to L.A for a couple of years. Then I came back here to work,” Metoyer said.

Metoyer added he would like to thank his wife for putting it all together and for the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma coming as well.

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Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro is preparing to honor local heroes this weekend at the Fourth Annual First Responders Wall Engraving Ceremony.

The ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m. at First Responders Park, located at 1910 N. Waterman Ave.

Seven first responders representing fire service, law enforcement, and public safety dispatch will have their names permanently engraved on the First Responders Wall this year.

Since the program’s inception in 2023, the monument has grown to recognize a total of 44 individuals who have dedicated their careers to protecting communities throughout the Imperial Valley.

El Centro Fire Chief Joseph Bernal highlighted the deep meaning behind the monument, noting the lifetime of dedication it represents.

“Some gave the ultimate sacrifice, and others gave many, many years of their lives,” Chief Bernal said. “It’s an opportunity for those of us who have worked with them to say a few personal words and a few personal things. Many of the people on this wall, speaking from my own personal experience, they’ve had an impact on my career.”

The 2026 honorees are:

John A. Jordan – El Centro Police Department Damian Valdez – El Centro Police Department Heather Johnson – El Centro Police and Fire Departments Gary P. Cox – Imperial Police Department Roy L. Byrd – El Centro Fire Department Domingo M. Enriquez – El Centro Fire Department Norman Heil – El Centro Fire Department

Chief Bernal emphasized that while the physical wall stands in El Centro, the contributions of these first responders stretch far beyond a single city limit.

“The first responders don’t just service their community, they service the Imperial Valley as a whole,” Bernal explained. “Many of us partner in different events, different emergencies, just different endeavors. And so all these names, while the wall stands here in El Centro and they may have served with a different organization, they’ve all provided service in some form or fashion to the City of El Centro, and it’s just an opportunity to thank them for that.”

The selection process relies heavily on community involvement to ensure impactful individuals are remembered.

“We put out an application process for those interested in having their family members or friends be honored on the wall, and so they submit an application,” Bernal said. “It goes through the approval process, and that’s how they get placed up on the wall.”

The ceremony serves as a lasting tribute to the men and women who protect the region. Community members, families, colleagues, and friends are all encouraged to attend and join the city in recognizing this year’s honorees.

The event is entirely free and open to the public. For more information regarding the ceremony, community members can contact the El Centro Economic Development Division at 760-337-4543 or via email at economic@cityofelcentro.org.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A new local nonprofit is bringing the Yuma community together this weekend to honor victims of domestic and support survivors through a community fundraiser.

The Rising With Red Foundation, founded by Bailey Ray, will host the event Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at West Wetlands Park.

The fundraiser aims to raise awareness of domestic violence while standing in support of women, children and men affected by abuse.

In addition, the event will include a donation drive collecting hygiene products, food and candy to help support the community.

Ray said the goal is to raise awareness and remind survivors that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.

“I just want to share this awareness and cause because, my life motto is no one deserves to do life alone. So come as you are. Dress up, just be happy and come say hello,” Ray said.

Community members are encouraged to attend, show their support and contribute to the donation drive.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – For Halloween fans in Yuma, Yuma Nightmares Haunted House offers the promise of eerie scenes, sudden scares, and creepy characters lurking around every corner.

It’s the kind of attraction where shadows and unsettling sounds help turn an ordinary night into a chilling adventure.

Whether you’re visiting with friends or testing your nerves on your own, Yuma Nightmares Haunted House can make for a memorable seasonal outing.

Visit Yuma Nightmares Haunted House’s website for more information.

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Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – Pink was the color of the day at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley.

The hospital held a Breast Cancer Awareness event with healthcare workers and community members.

Stations were set up for setting mammogram appointments and teaching locals how to do self-check breast exams.

“This is a chance for people to get together and share resources, share stories, take some of these resources home and help for early detection, help for future resources that they could need,” Director of Imaging Derek tapia told News 11. “Any questions that they would need answering, they can come here and get help with that.”

The event served as a reminder that breast cancer awareness extends beyond October with early detection and regular screenings.

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