Category: kyma-local-news

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Planning Commission held a public hearing to discuss a proposed merger of land parcels for a new data center planned near the City of Imperial.

The project, developed by a Huntington Beach based company, would be built on unincorporated land outside city limits.

In addition, the hearing drew residents from across the Imperial Valley, many of whom voiced concerns about the project’s potential impacts.

One resident, Reyna Adame, who lives near the proposed site, questioned whether the community had been adequately informed and engaged in the process.

Adame told commissioners that residents were showing up to defend their community against what he described as the encroachment of large companies.

Others raised concerns about jobs and long term economic benefits. Adrian Gutierrez, a local welder, addressed union members who hope the project could provide employment. Gutierrez said he does not believe the data center would create lasting jobs for local workers.

Supporters of the project also spoke at the hearing. Sean Wilcock, Vice President of Business Development and Services for the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation, said the county’s current tax base cannot support needed infrastructure improvements.

He argued that responsible investment could help fund public services and create future opportunities for young people seeking high tech, well paying jobs.

After hearing public comment and discussion, the Planning Commission voted to table the lot merger. Commissioners cited the need for additional community workshops and further review before moving forward with the proposal.

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Abraham Retana

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s one of the most anticipated local events of the holiday season in Yuma County

The Somerton Tamale Festival takes place Saturday on Main Street starting at 11 a.m. Over 20 tamale booths are expected plus other food vendors.

You’ll also be treated to live music and entertainment for the entire family

“For the past 18 years, we haven’t had any major issues everyone comes to have a good time very friendly. The tamale makers they make a chunk change for the holidays and we also able to benefit the students giving them scholarship when they go to college,” said Gladys Anaya, ASU El Diablito alumni secretary.

All proceeds go towards Arizona State University Diablitos scholarship that helps local students continue with a higher education.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A proposed clean energy project could bring new jobs and investment to Imperial County.

Sugar Valley Energy plans to build a facility that would use locally grown sugarcane to produce low-carbon ethanol.

The project would also generate electricity and renewable natural gas by reusing plant material and wastewater, reducing emissions while supporting California’s clean energy goals.

Project leaders say the facility would create about 300 direct jobs, with hundreds more indirect positions tied to farming, trucking, harvesting, and maintenance.

According to the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation, the total employment impact could reach nearly 1,800 jobs across the region.

Developers say the project is fully permitted and in the final stages of financing. Construction could begin as early as 2026 if funding is finalized. The facility would operate nearly year-round and rely on Imperial County growers to supply sugarcane.

The project could provide new opportunities for workers impacted by the recent closure of the Spreckels sugar beet plant, with plans to recruit locally and partner with workforce and education programs.

If completed, Sugar Valley Energy would be the first facility of its kind in the United States, positioning Imperial County as a leader in low-carbon fuel production.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s finally here! Friday kicks off the first night of the Christmas at the Crossing event in Yuma.

The magical holiday event will take place here at the Colorado River State Historic Park. Families can enjoy everything from train rides, photos with Santa, local performances, and more.

“We’ve got local entertainers, dance groups, singing, we have lots of crafts and activities for the kids. We have food and retail vendors, so there’s just a little bit of everything for everybody including a bar,” said Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Cathy Douglas.

Onvida Health will also be giving out hundreds of free stuffed animals.

“We held our teddy bears last year. This year, we’re doing it again. There’s a little mix of animals not just bears, but we’ll be handing out while supplies last,” said Onvida Health community liaison manager Julie Engel.

The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is putting on this fundraiser event in partnership with Onvida Health and RL Insurance to raise money to preserve the Colorado River State Historic Park.

“So last year was our inaugural event. We had about 3,000 people that came out, so we’re really hoping we get you know maybe up to 5,000 people,” said Douglas.

The event is Friday and Saturday from 5 -10 p.m. You can buy tickets online here or at the gate.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The parade will run from Friday, December 19, to Sunday, December 21.

Friday’s route will be the neighborhood route, and participants are asked to line up next to the Dollar General on 46th Street and Foothills Boulevard.

You can find the full map on their Facebook page, and paper versions of the map routes can be found in various locations in the Foothills.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – If you’re looking to give back and win big this holiday season, we’ve got you covered

The 4th Ave Gym Foundation is hosting a truck raffle to benefit high school athletics in Yuma.

From now to midnight on Christmas, locals can purchase a ticket for $20 and be entered into a raffle for a brand-new Toyota Tacoma, donated to the gym by Alexander Toyota.

The man behind the charity, founder Justin Haile, says the support has been overwhelming and the impact is real

“The schools get a wish, a budget, and then the schools give me a wish list of what they would like and then we make sure that it’s purchased correctly, the money is well spent, and everything is installed correctly for our children. In the last eight years, we’ve given back $402,000 in new equipment to our local high schools here, and that’s all eight of them. This year, we are at $58,300 alone on just the truck raffle,” Haile shared.

To make it even bette, the high school that sells the most tickets will receive additional funding, and the student-athlete who sells the most tickets will earn a free year membership to the 4th Avenue Gym.

To purchase tickets click here, or just stop by the 4th Avenue Gym to learn more. .

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona leaders are calling out several republican leaders in the state for supporting Trump tariffs.

Arizona Democratic Party Chair Charlene Fernandez and Yuma leaders spoke out in the Foothills. They called out three Republican gubernatorial candidates saying their support for Trump’s tariffs are raising holiday costs.

“But right now, the tariff policies of Andy Biggs, Karen Taylor Robertson, and David Schweikert are leading to an affordability crisis that puts our community at risk,” said Arizona democratic party chair Charlene Fernandez.

“Families are suffering right now. The cost of living has gone too high,” said Healing Journey CEO and mental health professional Estrella Fitch.

Yuma leaders called out Republican gubernatorial candidates Andy Biggs, Karrin Taylor Robson, and David Schweikert.

“Schweikert bragged that he was doing the calculations with the White House, which called tariffs a brilliant economic strategy. Taylor Robson encouraged Trump to keep fighting for tariffs, to keep fighting for higher costs,” said Fernandez.

Both Robson and Biggs took to Twitter commenting in support of Trump tariffs. And in an interview with 12News in Phoenix, Schweikert said he worked on the tariffs saying “I’m probably on the phone with the White House every other day.”

“Tariff hurts Arizona more than they hurt other states. We export much more agriculture product than we import. If we lose those markets, those farms fail. It’s that simple,” said Fernandez.

They say tariffs are also hurting local small businesses.

“Rent is higher than ever. Groceries are more expensive every single week. Coffee prices are up more than 20% compared to last year. It’s the biggest increase since the 1990’s on coffee,” said Yuma County democratic party chair Xanthe Bullard.

I stopped by a local coffee shop to hear if they are impacted by the tariffs. The owner says she gets her coffee beans exported from Mexico and will now have to raise prices and wages as a result of the higher cost.

“We used to have a flat rate from our vendor. Now that flat rate has increased by 25%, and that’s a huge impact when I don’t have prices that much into my cost already, so prices are going up. Tariffs [are] now affecting some of that cost,” said Nichim Cafe owner Karime Hayer.

We reached out to the three Republican leaders that the Democrats called out, and we are still waiting to hear back from them.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Students at Vista High School walked down the stage to accept their diplomas during the 2025 winter graduation ceremony.

The ceremony took place Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m. at the school’s Taylor Dean McBride Auditorium.

At least 50 students are slated to graduate during the ceremony, and the school’s principal, David King, shared what an honor it is for these students.

“December ceremonies are special because they include a number of students that are graduating at an accelerated pace and ahead of their peers,” King said. “Whether they are early, on time, or at their own pace, these students are the epitome of our vision for student success at Vista; we are committed to connected, personalized, and growth-focused learning that will prepare every student to be college, career and community ready.”

“This isn’t just a conclusion to your high school journey; it’s a springboard into the next chapter of your story,” King said in his speech. “Graduates, the world is calling—and I have no doubt you are ready to answer. Whatever path you take next, carry with you the confidence, resilience, and fire that every Lobo in this auditorium possesses. Know that your Vista High School family stands behind you—today, tomorrow, and always. Thank you for the mark you’ve left on our halls, our hearts, and our community.”

Principal David King during his speech.

VHS graduates Isabel Alexis Raygoza, Ziara Turner, and Jessie Arvizu Lazo spoke to their classmates. 

“Vista makes you feel seen and that’s what makes this place special,” Raygoza said in her speech. “To my classmates, we’ve all had our own battles in school and in life but we made it. Every single one of us has proven that we’re stronger than our circumstances and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for all of us.”

This is the complete list of graduates for the winter ceremony:

Hector Aguirre Mireles; Richard Alejandre; Deanna Alvarez; Jessie Arvizu Lazo; Destiny Ayala; Jonathan Banuelos; Arturo Bedoy Galvan; Cameron Billings; Sonny Brown; Eduardo Camacho Vega; Giselle Campos; Joseph Carrasquillo; Luis Contreras; Frank John Cortez Jr.; Lexie Estrada; Valeria Estrada-Bedoya; Fernando Felix; Mariah Felix; Amy Futrell; Eliel Garcia; Alan Garcia; Russell Gardner Urbalejo; Mason Gurney; Andrea Gutierrez; Aliya Lara; Josiah Hernandez; Brianna Jarrett; Yurem Leyva Ocampo; Veronica Daniella Magana; Xavier Lamont Manigault; Jade Lysette Meza; Serenity Miller; Sofia Isabella Miranda; Renee Amelia Moncada; Eric Nunez; Xavier Orozco; Socorro Pacheco-Pimentel; Jazmyn Jade Phillips; Alexandria Porter; Raul Efrain Prieto Garcia; Vanessa Pureco; Isabel Alexis Raygoza; Alyah Renteria Lopez; Ismael Reyes; Nathaniel Jacob Robles; Gabrielle Santos; Chris Segovia; Keiona Lai Ann Skinner; Cora Stanley; Sterling Max Tashner; Ziara Turner; Jareth Urbalejo; Mia Guadalupe Villafana; Jocelin Wood; Destiny Zacarias; Mayrin Zaizar Egurrola; Isaac John Zamorano.

The commencement ceremony can be viewed in its entirety on Vista’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DTSFbjaQN/. 

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The hospital partnered with Catholic Community Services to host a toy drive, and those who donated any unwrapped gift were entered into a raffle to win one of two kids’ bikes.

There was a girl bike, and a boy bike, and the winners of both bikes were drawn today at the hospital.

Girls bike.

Boys bike.

The winner of the boy’s bike was Darcy Hamel, and the winner of the girls’ bike was Marisol Magallon.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Veterans were in the holiday spirit Thursday as the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 hosted their Third Annual Christmas party at the Arizona State Veterans home in Yuma.

The auxiliary has been raising funds all year and donated nearly 70 gifts for veterans off their wish lists. Veterans also enjoyed desserts and a visit from Santa.

Volunteers say it’s so special to see the smiles on the resident’s faces.

“It really touches your heart. It makes you even cry. Some people don’t have families, and this is their home,” said Auxiliary Unit 19 Treasurer Sandie Deutsh.

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