San Luis debuts first inclusive playground at Joe Orduño Park

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – San Luis is taking a big step toward inclusion with new playground equipment at Joe Orduño Park.

The playground features a special swing, a carousel, and a bilingual communication board, all aimed at making playtime fun and accessible for every child.

The project was funded through a partnership with the Cocopah Tribe and Campesinos Sin Fronteras. City leaders say it’s part of a larger goal to create more inclusive spaces across San Luis.

“This board lets kids point to whatever they need and show what they want…one side is in English and the other in Spanish,” said Park Supervisor Alvaro Escalante while demonstrating the new feature.

Parks and Recreation Director Angélica Roldán says this project is only the beginning. The city is already planning a sensory play area designed to stimulate and engage children with special needs.

Local teacher Marie Betancourt says families are already feeling the impact.

“It’s actually helping other families feel more a part of the community, in bringing their kids to an environment where they feel safe, accepted, and be able to explore,” she said.

Roldán added that the goal behind these projects is to make sure every child feels welcome.

“We’re just very excited to have this for the kids and just to remember our parks are for everyone,” she said.

With this new playground, San Luis is showing that inclusion starts with a place where every child can play together.

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YUHSD to host Transition Fair to prepare students for life after high school

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) is hosting a Transition Fair to help students and families prepare for life after high school.

The open house style event aims to help individuals with disabilities and their families learn about resources for different stages of transition for life after they graduate.

State and local agencies will share about community based services, college and post secondary options, military options, assistance technology, and several other services. The district invites all ages to attend and explains how it helps set students up for success.

“The purpose of this event is to really educate and inform our community members prior to when they reach 11th and 12th grade, and it’s open to the whole community,” said YUHSD transition specialist Kacie Baker. “There’s so many agencies in our community that cater to a wide range of ages, and they can support your child.”

The fair will be this Wednesday, October 22 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the District Office Board Room.

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Bubba’s 33 to help boost Yuma economy

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A new restaurant officially opens its doors in Yuma as tens of people waited in line early Monday for the grand opening of Bubba’s 33.

Besides enjoying a variety of food, locals are excited for more businesses coming in to town to boost our economy.

“It’s a good thing people needs jobs. They hired 200 people…that’s good,” said Mike Goodson, a Yuma local.

Bubba’s 33 is located at Centre Square of Yuma on 16th Street and Fourth Avenue

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Local junior high school honored for outstanding support for military families

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local junior high school is being honored for its outstanding support of military families.

Woodard Junior High School in Yuma has been officially designated a “Purple Star School,” a national recognition given to schools who go above and beyond in supporting military-connected students and their families.

Woodard becomes the 11th school in the district to earn this distinction.

The school district says it’s proud to ensure every student feels welcome, supported, and ready to succeed.

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Imperial County announces new County Counsel

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors has named Geoffrey P. Holbrook as the new County Counsel.

According to a press release, effective Monday, Holbrook will oversee all legal affairs for Imperial County and provide direct counsel to the board, elected officials and department heads.

In addition, the County says Holbrook’s appointment is to represent “a renewed focus on strengthening in-house legal capacity, ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates, and supporting efficient, transparent governance across all County operations.”

“Mr. Holbrook brings a strong combination of legal expertise, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership,” said Chairman John Hawk. “His familiarity with Imperial County and his proven ability to guide public agencies through complex legal matters make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

“It is an honor to return to the County of Imperial and to continue to serve the community that has shaped my life and career. I’m eager to work with the Board, County leadership, and dedicated employees to strengthen our organization and support the Board in advancing the County’s mission of serving its residents,” Holbrook expressed.

To learn more about Holbrook, read the press release below.

IC_PR_GeoffreyP.Holbrook_CC_10.20.25Download

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AWC to host Catrinas and Catrines Contest

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) is hosting the Catrinas and Catrines Contest next week.

According to a press release, the contest is taking place on Thursday, October 30 at the AWC Yuma Campus from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is in honor of Dia de los Muertos.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

“This competition is a joyful way for our community to honor tradition, showcase incredible talent, and bring to life the beauty of Catrinas and Catrines for all to enjoy,” shared Martha Cordova, Director of Transfer Services at AWC.

AWC says the winners will receive the following cash prizes:

First Place: $400

Second Place: $300

Third Place: $200

People’s Choice: $100

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

To learn more about the contest, read the press release below or click here.

AWC hosts Catrinas and Catrines contest Oct. 30Download

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Rural Metro responds to rollover crash on I-8 near the Foothills

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro responded to a rollover crash on the highway near the Foothills Monday morning.

According to a post on Facebook, the crash happened before 6:00 a.m. in the area of westbound Interstate 8 (I-8) and milepost 19.

Upon arrival, Rural Metro says crews found two vehicles involved in the crash. They then secured the vehicles and observed the drivers.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Rural Metro says the driver of the overturned truck got out prior to their arrival.

They also say one driver was taken to Onvida Foothills and the other was taken to Onvida Main after they both suffered minor injuries.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

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Rural Metro responds to vehicle fire in the Foothills

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro responded to a vehicle fire in the Foothills Sunday morning.

According to a post on Facebook, it happened at around 11:20 a.m. in the area of S. Frontage Road and Scottsdale Drive.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Upon arrival, Rural Metro said crews saw a fully-involved pickup truck and immediately deployed a hose line to put out the fire.

Rural Metro said the fire was then successfully extinguished, no injuries were reported and the driver safely exited the vehicle before the fire spread.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

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City of Somerton hosts annual UTV/Off-road Showdown & Chelada Fest

Madeline Murray

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Somerton hosted their annual UTV/Off-road Showdown & Chelada Fest Saturday.

The event, which took place on Main Street at 4:30 p.m., featured a lineup of UTVs, live music, food and michelada vendors, a kids area and more.

They had performances from Los Cadetes de Linares, Kamacho and Ravines.

Isabella Gonzales, the Recreation Specialist for the City of Somerton, talked about how the event brought the community together.

“Right now as we’re in this event, we’re seeing a lot of the community come together. We’re getting to see each other’s support and see all of our effort…For example, the UTV and how big the community is and this is such a little small town,” Gonzales shared.

The event lasted until midnight.

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Sheltra Insurance hosts 17th Annual Cut for the Cause

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local insurance company hosted the 17th Annual Cut for the Cause event Sunday morning.

The event took place at Diva’s Hair Studio/Spa, located at 2750 S. Pacific Avenue Suite C, at 11:00 a.m.

Patrons donated eight or more inches of hair to create wigs for cancer patients.

Jessie Sheltra, owner of Sheltra Insurance, shared how the event means to her.

“Every person I think deserves to have the resources that are available to them for their health, their well-being, mental health, and to feel nice…So that’s what this is all about,” Sheltra expressed.

Along with the donations, patrons received a $25 haircut with the proceeds going directly towards supporting wig-making for those battling cancer.

The event lasted until 2:00 p.m.

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