Category: kyma-local-news

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local high school celebrates the achievement of its class of 2026.

55 students from Vista High School graduated Wednesday night. The ceremony was held at the Yuma High School auditorium.

Vista High Principal David King says this means a lot for the students because they succeeded despite several challenges.

“It’s a school of choice in our district, so see kids finish tonight is especially meaningful, because they want to graduate early, because they face some barrier, or just because Vista was the best fit. It wonderful to see it,” said King.

This was the first of six high school graduations that will be happening this week in Yuma County.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial City Council has voted unanimously, 4-0, to move forward with a proposed moratorium on hyper-scale data centers within city limits.

The decision places Imperial among a growing number of cities in the region reconsidering large-scale data center development, following similar actions in Calipatria and Brawley in recent weeks.

During public comment, some residents expressed concern about how future projects could impact the community and local decision-making.

“We’re all about banning.. because one day.. probably soon because you’ll have the elections and then you guys are gone. I think…what do we have to do…come back and refight again?” said Jake Tison, an Imperial County resident.

City leaders said the moratorium is intended to give staff time to review zoning rules and evaluate how hyperscale data centers fit into long-term planning for the city.

Mayor Ida Obeso-Martinez said the council has already taken steps to respond to community concerns.

“I think our city has already shown its willingness to stand up for our residents, with the lawsuit initially, and we will continue…at least I want to continue fighting for the residents as well. So tonight, I’m asking for staff for moratorium,” said Martinez to an applauding crowd.

They emphasized the measure is not a final decision on data centers, but a temporary pause while additional review takes place.

City Attorney Katherine Turner said concerns have been raised about development pressure in areas surrounding Imperial.

“There’s gray areas right? that people found and they’re trying to come in and capitalize on that, and I really wanna make sure that doesn’t happen to our city.” said Turner.

She also referenced broader concerns in the region, saying: “I think Imperial County has shown that they’re not a responsible neighbor and I want to make sure our residents are protected and that you guys have leaders you can count on.”

The proposed moratorium is scheduled to come back before the council for formal approval on June 3.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As holiday travelers start hitting the road for the Memorial Day weekend, Arizona gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years.

Some local gas stations have gas prices at $4.43, as of Friday, May 22, 2026.

According to AAA, the average in Arizona is $4.81 per gallon, which is $1.40 more than last year.

Some locals are feeling the difference.

“I just moved to Arizona from California, so that’s a less of a shock to me to my bank, but nevertheless, this is getting out of the hand,” said Scott Newell, a Yuma local.

“My gasoline takes 22 miles to a gallon, therefore I have bout $60 to get my car filled. Before all the gas prices went up, it took $40 to fill my gas so it’s gouging my money for sure,” said Lauren Mackey, another local.

Locals said they have to make some adjustments on their budget to pump some gas and get out town this holiday weekend

“Got to think about a little bit more but you have to have gas you have to pay one way or the other,” expressed Newell.

“Just go with flow honestly, I have to pay t get to wherever I have to go,” said Mackey.

If you want to save on gas, AAA recommends avoid speeding, remove unnecessary weight from your car and check the tire pressure.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma mother is sharing her personal story to help raise awareness about water safety and drowning prevention.

Melissa Hull says her advocacy work began after the loss of her four-year-old son, Drew, who drowned in an irrigation canal near their Yuma County home in 2000.

Hull says many families immediately think about swimming pools when discussing water safety, but she believes irrigation canals are often overlooked dangers in Yuma County.

“We have over 220 miles of open irrigation systems in Yuma County alone. So that means that there is a great need to discuss and educate the public about the hidden dangers and potential risks of irrigation canals in our community,” Hull said.

Hull says her son was “just an adventurous little boy” and hopes sharing his story can help other families better understand how quickly drowning accidents can happen.

She encourages parents to create multiple layers of protection around water, including fences, alarms, self-latching gates, and close supervision.

Hull also speaks openly about grief and healing in her book, “Dear Drew: Creating a Life Bigger Than Grief.”

In the book, she shares her perspective on learning to move forward after loss while continuing to honor her son’s memory.

Hull will host a book signing and water safety event Saturday at Barnes & Noble in Yuma from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

She says the event will also include water safety education resources for families. It’s free to attend, but if you’d like to register you can visit this link.

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Carolina Garcia

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – Dozens of workers in Calexico are asking for a pay raise and a new contract.

The workers belong to two different groups, including City of Calexico Administrative staff and Calexico Water Department employees.

They say their contract has not been renewed for a year.

They’re calling for negotiations that reflect current economic conditions and the City of Calexico’s cost of living.

“They want to give us a two-year contract with a one-time check for every year only. They don’t want to give us increases in our wages…and that’s why we weren’t. We weren’t like they said the the price of gas is going up,” said Jesus Navarro, Operators President for SEIU. “The grocery prices are going up and then, they’re going to go up even higher.”

They said they will protest at all City Council meetings until a labor agreement is reached.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Associate Superintendent Lilian Campa was selected for the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership’s 2026 Flinn-Brown Fellowship.

According to a press release, the fellowship “brings together civic leaders from throughout Arizona to help expand their knowledge, skills, and networks to address Arizona’s long-term issues,” and Campa is one of 24 people across the state to earn the fellowship.

“Being selected is both an honor and a responsibility,” Campa said. “I see it as recognition that the work I have been doing in education and leadership has value beyond my immediate role. I wanted to be part of the fellowship because meaningful change happens when people understand systems, build relationships, and engage in thoughtful dialogue — especially with people who may see issues differently. In education, many of the challenges we face are deeply connected to public policy, and I wanted to grow my ability to advocate effectively for students, educators, and communities.”

As a Flinn-Brown Fellow, YUHSD says Campa will participate in policy discussion that are focused on the following issues affecting Arizona:

Education

Water

Economic development

Healthcare

Infrastructure

State government

In addition, YUHSD says the fellowship provides opportunities to speak with policymakers, subject matter experts and leaders throughout the state.

“I plan to use what I learn to strengthen my leadership and deepen my understanding of how policy decisions impact schools and communities,” Campa added.

To learn more about Campa being selected as a Flinn-Brown Fellow, read the press release below.

PR – Yuma Union High School District Associate Superintendent selected for Flinn-Brown FellowshipDownload

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The man who was arrested for robbery, posted bail and was then arrested again as he was leaving jail appeared in court Wednesday in Imperial County.

24-year-old Emmanuel Javier Contreras faced a judge, alongside his co-defendants, in a violent robbery case, which left the victim hospitalized.

According to the complaint, Contreras, Elijah Roberts and Ernest Martinez used a handgun while allegedly committing the crime, which is a felony in the state of California.

Contreras was also arrested with resisting arrest.

The cases were combined and the preliminary hearing has continued for later this month.

“In the interest of judicial economy, the three of us who represent the three co-defendants, who came in earlier to the case, agreed to continue the preliminary hearing,” said Veronica Henderson, defense attorney.

The suspects are due back in court next Wednesday. To read the complaint in full, see attached file.

05062026_Complaint_Download

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Fort Yuma Quechan Fashion Show is happening next month, and the Yuma community is invited to attend.

The fashion show, happening Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Paradise Event Center, located at 450 Quechan Drive in Yuma, at noon.

Courtesy: Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe

During the event, there will be food and drink vendors, raffles, designer showcases, live music and entertainment and more.

The fashion show will go until 5 p.m. For a complete schedule of events, see attached image below.

Courtesy: Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe

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Marcos Icahuate

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) – A walk to bring awareness is planned to be held locally.

The 1st Annual Mental Health is Real Awareness Walk will be on May 27 at Quechan Diabetes Walking Park (401-483 Quechan Road).

Hosted by grief coach Kelley Hammond and clinical counselor Sarah Chavez, the event is meant to bring awareness about mental health.

The free event will also include free food and raffles.

The walk is planned to last one mile.

Sign ups start at 5:30 p.m.

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Dillon Fuhrman

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) has conducted an investigation after finding a body in Salton City.

According to a press release, ICSO was called to the area of Plaza and Panorama Avenue Sunday before 8 a.m.

Upon arrival, ICSO says deputies found the body and “noted the scene to be suspicious in nature,” prompting them to call their Investigations, Scientific Investigations and Coroner’s Units, who then took over the investigation.

ICSO says the victim was identified as 34-year-old Pedro Montes Jr. of Salton City, and says next of kin was notified.

The investigation is ongoing, and ICSO says no further information will be shared at this time “to ensure the integrity of the case.”

If anyone has information regarding the case, call 442-265-2046.

ICSO_Press Release_Homicide InvestigationDownload

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