Category: kyma-local-news

Marcos Icahuate

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A second Goodwill location is planned to be opened in San Luis, Arizona.

The International Council of Shopping Centers announced a Goodwill store opening at a redeveloped Del Sol Building (670 N Main Street).

“We are thrilled to welcome a second Goodwill location in our city,” stated Armando Esparza, Director of Economic Development and Government and Foreign Affairs. “This project is just another step forward for revitalizing our Main Street corridor.”

This second location is expected to bring 40 new jobs.

“We are excited to continue to see increased commercial activity on Main Street,” said Council member Luis Cabrera, who was at the ICSC meeting with Thrive Real Estate Group. “We thank Thrive Real Estate group for their continued presence and growth in San Luis.”

Construction is planned for summer of 2025 and expected to open in 2026.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Students of the Yuma Union High School District are prepared to graduate.

Over 2,600 students have met their graduation requirements to receive their diplomas.

Commencement ceremonies will be on Friday, May 23 at 8:00 p.m.

All ceremonies in the district will be live streamed on each individual school’s Facebook pages.

Here is a list of websites and official Facebook pages:

CHS                https://www.yumaunion.org/cibola | Cibola High School – Yuma, AZ

GRHS             https://www.yumaunion.org/gilaridge | Gila Ridge High School Official

KHS                https://www.yumaunion.org/kofa | Kofa High School Kings

SLHS              https://www.yumaunion.org/sanluisSan Luis High School Sidewinders

YHS                https://www.yumaunion.org/yumahsYuma High School – Proud Home of the Criminals

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Memorial Day is a time to honor the fallen, but for many Veterans, it’s also a reminder of those they lost and the battles they continue to fight within.

Mental health advocates say this holiday weekend can be especially difficult for Veterans facing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or survivor’s guilt.

“Maybe reach out if you know someone. Do what we call a buddy check…ask them how are they doing,” said Matthew Buckley, a Navy veteran and mental health advocate. “Because we do reflect, and it’s sad, especially for disabled Veterans. They have survivor’s guilt. ‘Why did I make it? Why am I here on Memorial Day when I left my buddy in Iraq or Afghanistan?'”

Veterans groups across the country encourage friends, family, and neighbors to connect and check in on those who served, reminding the community that even small gestures can have a powerful impact.

If you or a loved one is struggling, support is available through the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) or by texting 838255.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County seniors are in for a night to remember as “In the Glow” Grad Night returns Friday evening at the Yuma Civic Center.

Hosted by the Yuma County Anti-Drug and Mental Health Coalitions, the event offers a safe, drug- and alcohol-free celebration space for graduates, complete with music, raffles, games, and prizes.

“We’re excited. It’s the second year we’ve brought it back after a 10-year break,” said Joanne Fiser with the Yuma County Anti-Drug Coalition. “And now, it’s indoors, a safe place for seniors to celebrate.”

The event coincides with graduation night for Yuma Union High School District. More than 2,600 seniors will walk the stage during commencement ceremonies beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Each school will livestream its ceremony on its respective Facebook page so families can tune in from anywhere.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County seniors had the time of their lives as “In the Glow” Grad Night returned Friday evening.

After their commencement ceremonies respectively, graduates from all across the Yuma Union High School District headed out to the annual event, which took place at the Yuma Civic Center.

The celebration was created to give graduates a safe and drug-free, as well as alcohol-free, environment to celebrate the huge milestone in their academic careers.

According to Joanne Fiser, a member of the Yuma County Anti-Drug Coalition, this is the second year they brought it back “after a 10-year hiatus.”

The event featured food, games, prizes and more, which were all provided to the students for free.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – It’s that time of year as the 53rd Annual Dennis Donnelly Softball Tournament is taking place this weekend.

36 teams from across the country are in town to battle it out on the diamond. Teams from Chicago, California, Nevada and Arizona are all participating in this year’s tournament.

The historic event was inducted into the Chicago Softball Hall of Fame back in 2022.

Kyle Carbajal, a member of the 4th Avenue Gym team, says this is one of his favorite times of the year.

“Been playing it since I was 15 years old, so 20 years, great competition out here, Yuma born and raised, It means a lot, means everything to be out here with everybody. Shout out to everybody from Yuma, all the guys coming down from out of town, making their way down here, with everybody having tough times, it’s great to see everybody out here having a good time,” Carbajal expressed.

The tournament will continue through Sunday at Kennedy Park and the Sanguinetti Athletic Complex.

All the teams are clawing for bragging rights of Dennis Donnelly Softball Tournament Champions.

To learn more about the tournament, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – City leaders in Calipatria are speaking out after Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to close another California state prison, though he didn’t say which one.

Concern quickly spread in Imperial Valley. Congressman Raul Ruiz released a statement saying Calipatria State Prison should not be shut down, and local leaders agree.

“I know there are a lot of rumors, concerns, and worries floating around the Imperial Valley and our surrounding areas regarding Calipatria State Prison,” said Calipatria Mayor Michael Luellen. “I just wanted everyone to know we are taking deliberate action to meet with the Governor’s office and truly understand the full situation.”

The prison has long been a cornerstone of the local economy. Leaders say it’s not just jobs on the line, it’s the community’s future.

“We down here in Imperial Valley always fight for our residents on a daily basis, no matter the season, political or not,” the mayor said. “And I urge the Governor to have the same consistency as well, especially because he touts that he’s long supported equity and inclusion. And if the state prison were to be dismantled and taken away from the local economy, that is the opposite of what he claims to support and inspire throughout the state of California.”

Congressman Ruiz added that rural communities like Calipatria can’t take another economic hit.

“We know that there’s a high rate of poverty and shutting down the state prison would add to the unemployment and increase poverty levels,” said Ruiz. “But we’re getting ahead of things and making it very difficult for him to even consider Calipatria State Prison.”

For now, the future of the facility is uncertain. But local leaders say they’re not backing down from a fight.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 45-year-old Alfredo Enriquez Flores pled guilty to manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

He could face a maximum punishment of up to 21 years.

Flores is accused of running over 21-year-old Esteyan Madel on New Year’s Day.

Steve Madel, Esteyan’s father, shares how they’ve been dealing with the loss.

“They said it gets better, it doesn’t get better. I’m going to have to carry this for the rest of my life, but you know what I mean, I have to be strong for the rest of my family,” Steve says.

Meanwhile, Esteyan’s grandmother, Theresa Madel, who helped raise Esteyan, shares what sentence the family would like to see.

“To me, 20 years is good enough, because you know why? He took my grandson’s life. Every day I miss him, he was, just there all the time and I see he’s there all the time I pretend he’s there all the time,” Theresa said.

Flores will learn his sentence in court next month.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – National Emergency Medical Services week, or EMS Week, is celebrated every third week of May.

We spoke with several EMS professionals who shared more about their experience and what it takes to succeed in the field.

Our region is home to hundreds of EMS professionals, many of them who say they don’t do it for the attention or recognition.

Edgar Castro, a paramedic & fire engineer at the San Luis Fire Department (SLFD), says, “We just do it because we like to help others, especially when they’re having one of their worst days.”

The purpose of the week is to recognize and show appreciation for the emergency medical professionals who tirelessly serve our communities.

These professionals includes EMT’s, paramedics, and dispatch centers.

Division Chief for EMS at the Yuma Fire Department, Dan Espino, says it feels good to be acknowledged.

“There’s people’s stories and commitments that are a part of their career, those stories go untold, probably because we’re not great at celebrating, and we don’t look for that attention. So I think it’s just a great time of the year to remember all the people that serve in your community,” Espino shared.

Fire Captain Eduardo Ramirez at the SLFD says 24/7 emergency services pulls the most out of his men.

“The nights. We’re running calls all day and it’s taxing on the body, trying to stay awake. It’s a challenge to be able to perform, make the right decisions, and treat people the best that we can,” says Ramirez.

The EMS professionals shared what they love most about their careers.

Castro says “Getting to help people, especially taking care of the kids because they don’t really know what’s going on. They see us, they get scared, but we really want to make a difference in their life.”

With 20 years under belt, Ramirez shares a life lesson he’s received from the job.

“You learn gratitude. You learn to be grateful for your day, it’s a great job, it’s the best job in my opinion. If they decided to call 911, that means something bad happened, and we’re there to care for them,” Ramirez explains.

A good way to honor EMS week is a simple “thank you” to a local ambulance or medical professional.

No matter the time or place, you can always count on our EMS professionals to be there for you when it counts.

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