El Centro joins “No Kings” protests

Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Residents from across Imperial Valley joined together in El Centro at the corner of Main Street and Imperial Avenue Saturday as part of a nationwide “No King’s Day” protest.

Groups from Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and Democrats United Imperial County were on site, handing out water, snacks, sunscreen, and signs.

Organizers say the demonstrations are focused on concerns about government overreach and federal policies.

“Congress needs to get to work. We don’t need executive orders. Congress, do your job,” Holtville resident Dolores Provencio told KYMA.

Bryan Vega, Chair of the Imperial Valley Democratic Party said he was satisfied with the turnout for the third “No Kings” protest in the area since President Donald Trump took office.

“It shows that, the community, we’re not happy with whats happening at Washington, but even locally, we feel, the community feels right now that we’re being left out of very important decisions happening right here in Imperial County,” Vega explained.

“When these federal changes and rollbacks are happening at the federal level, it affects us here locally. And instead of seeing our local government come forward and champion, it looks like they’re looking ways in which they can also profitize off of what’s happening,” he added.

Protesters say they hope their voices will be heard at the ballot box this year, as primaries are set for June 2.

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Brawley celebrates farmworkers amid Cesar Chavez allegations

Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial Valley residents celebrated the farmworker’s movement in Brawley over the weekend as part of a rebranded Cesar Chavez Day celebration.

The event featured live music, dancers, wrestling, youth boxing matches, and food.

Organizers said they wanted to recognize the hard work the men and women in the region’s agriculture community perform every day, especially the Filipino contributions tied to the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, led by Larry Itliong.

Eric Santillan from the Filipino American Historical Society said that he was grateful for the love the community has shown the farmworkers across America.

“What we have today is something great. And we still continue the movement. For all. For unity for the field workers here in America,” he said.

Leaders say they will continue the tradition of honoring the history and hard work that keep the movement alive.

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One dead after being stabbed, ECPD investigates

Madeline Murray

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The El Centro Police Department (ECPD) is investigating a stabbing which left one person dead.

According to a press release, the stabbing took place in the area of Orange Avenue, near the railroad tracks, before 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Upon arrival, ECPD says first responders found a 47-year-old man suffering from multiple stab wounds.

After paramedics performed first aid at the scene, ECPD says the victim was taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

While it appears to be an isolated incident, ECPD says the investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are available at this time.

If anyone has information regarding the case, call ECPD at (760) 352-2111.

Press Release – Homicide 3-28-2026Download

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Rural Metro responds to fire at Daybreakers Cafe in the Foothills

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro responded to a fire at local cafe in the Foothills over the weekend.

According to a post on Facebook, the fire happened before 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Daybreakers Cafe, located in the area of N. Frontage Road, near S. Fortuna Road.

Upon arrival, Rural Metro says, “Crews found smoke and flames coming from the roof,” prompting them to quickly deploy ladders and multiple hose lines, and “began extinguishing the fire from the roof.”

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Rural Metro says the fire was inside a bathroom, and says they extinguished the fire in less than ten minutes as well as containing it to the area of origin.

Rural Metro also says the cause of the fire was from an exhaust fan from inside the bathroom, and says crews remained on scene to check for any hotspots.

No injuries were reported.

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74th Annual Yuma County Fair returns, celebrates America’s 250th birthday

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Fair is set to return for its 74th year next week, bringing back a wide range of attractions that continue to make it one of the most anticipated events in the region.

From carnival rides and games to farm animals and classic fair food, attendees can once again expect a full slate of traditional entertainment.

Beyond the attractions, organizers say the fair is about creating meaningful experiences for the community.

“What I want the community to continue [is having people] come out here to create those memories,” said Yuma County Fair General Manager Eric Wofford. “Mine are unique and special to me, and it’s gonna be unique and special to everybody that comes out, but that’s what we do. We help foster a great time and great memories for generations.”

This year’s fair will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, adding a patriotic element to the event.

“That’s really our theme this year celebrating our 250 years…so a lot of decor, that kind of stuff, is very patriotic,” Wofford said.

The fair is scheduled to run from Tuesday, March 31, through Sunday, April 5.

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Hunter’s Army to Host Fifth Anniversary Fundraiser in Yuma

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local nonprofit is inviting the community to come together for a day of fun, all while supporting families facing childhood cancer.

Hunter’s Army announced it will host its Fifth Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Colorado River State Historic Park.

The event aims to raise money to help local families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Organizers say the celebration will feature live music, including performances from the Chavez Family Band and Jack Jackson.

Families can also enjoy free food, giveaways, an auction, and activities for kids such as jump houses and slides.

First responders are also expected to attend, with the sheriff’s department offering fingerprinting for children. Attendees will also be able to check out vehicles on display.

“All the money we raise stays local,” said Andrea Priest, Hunter’s Army co-founder. “We support families going through a childhood cancer journey and help ease the financial burden during a very difficult time.”

Hunter’s Army was inspired by the Andrea’s own experience after her young son was diagnosed with cancer at just two-years-old.

He is now a survivor, and the organization continues to give back by helping other families in similar situations.

Admission to the event is $5 per person or $10 per family, with all proceeds going directly to the nonprofit. The event is presented by FTS Automotive Center.

Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon with family and friends while supporting a meaningful cause.

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Gov. Katie Hobbs visits Yuma County

Moses Femino

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) made two stops during her visit in Yuma County Friday.

Gov. Hobbs stopped in San Luis, Arizona, where she visited the Regional Center for Border Health (RCBH) to tour its newly constructed Medical Mall along with the nearly completed New Vida Birthing Center.

After that, Hobbs stopped at Yuma Agricultural Center to meet with the staff as well as to discuss the center’s “vital contributions to Arizona’s agriculture, food security, and economy.”

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, these visits to RCBH and the Yuma Agricultural Center highlighted the following:

The critical role community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers play in providing essential healthcare services to Arizonans in rural communities.

The Yuma Agricultural Center’s innovative research, education programs, and support for the state’s high-value vegetable and citrus industries.

In addition, the press release says the county produces over 90% of the country’s winter leafy greens, which makes it a key player in feeding the nation and driving Arizona’s economy.

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Locals in Yuma react to gas prices continuing to rise

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As gas prices continue to rise, more people in Yuma County are growing concerned.

Locals say they’re frustrated that the price of gas has gotten to where it is now, adding they’re losing faith that there could ever be a price drop in the future.

“It’s like there’s no running away from it. You’re gonna find expensive gas all throughout the country and it’s unfair,” said Patrick Rylee, a Yuma local.

According to AAA, the average price of gas in Yuma County is $4.20. They say just a month ago, the price for regular unleaded gas was $3, something some locals say feels unfair.

“Makes me feel bad…makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. The obvious reason why gas prices are getting so high is because what our president and our government are doing,” said Rod Eck, another Yuma local.

Rylee says he moved to Yuma from Temecula, California six months ago, looking for a cheaper place for him and his family to live.

He says with prices like the ones at the gas pump, he feels like he never left.

When asked if he is worried gas prices could climb even higher, Rylee says, “Oh yeah. 100%. This is a never-ending battle…never-ending. You can run from it…I ran from this six months ago, and it’s back.”

Some locals, like Eck, say they’ve had to change their way of living just to be able to afford filling their tank.

“We don’t travel around as much…We’re cutting back on groceries, so we can afford gas. It’s hurting,” Eck shared.

“I stay at home a lot. I live in a fifth wheel, and I minimize everything, and I just simplify my life because, to me, prices are not gonna go down…They gonna keep going up,” said Deb Purdy, another Yuma local.

Residents say they’d like to see gas prices closer to $3, but don’t know how soon that’ll happen.

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City of Yuma to host Yuma Salutes America’s 250: A Star-Spangled Celebration

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma is inviting the community to attend Yuma Salutes America’s 250: A Star-Spangled Celebration happening in April.

The event is taking place Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Desert Sun Stadium from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and it is to honor America’s 250th Birthday while taking advantage of the spring weather.

According to the City, there will be live music from Randy Houser, Parmalee and Bobby McClendon, as well as food and drink vendors, a kids zone and other activities during the event.

“Yuma Salutes America’s 250 is a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy live music, family activities, and a patriotic celebration,” said Special Events Assistant Kathy Urfer. “We’re excited to bring this event to Yuma as part of this historic national milestone.”

To purchase tickets for the upcoming event, click here. To learn more about the upcoming event, click here.

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ARC After school program in Brawley terminated

Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – The ARC After School Learning and Enrichment Program will cease to operate at the end of this year.

The third party state-funded program currently serves 904 students in Brawley, and will be replaced by an in-house program called GLOW next year.

Families will have the opportunity to enroll in the new program once it becomes available, and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

“From what they told us, we were doing amazing, we did great, we’re finishing off the school year, it’s just that next year they’re decided to run the program in-house,” Roger Rascon, ARC’s Director of Program told KYMA.

Rascon said he took several student to Sacramento, where Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, who represents Imperial County is pushing to keep state-funded after school programs running.

“We went to the state capitol to kind of talk about a new bill. It’s AB 2430, which is trying to help continue that funding for those schools, but also open it up to the high schools,” Rascon said.

The proposed bill focuses on increasing access to after school learning programs for grades seven through 12.

Rascon said the program will continue to run in the Imperial Unified School District for the 2026-27 school year.

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