Category: kyma-local-news

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Halloween costume prices this year are expected to rise due to tariff taxes placed on imported goods by President Donald Trump.

Approximately 90% of materials for Halloween costumes and decorations are imported from China, one of the countries affected by the new tariff tax charges.

Locals at Yuma’s Spirit Halloween location shared how they are preparing for higher costume prices.

“It kind of affects in a way that we just kind of have to look at several options, like maybe shop around at several outlets and see what has the best price, as well as, you know, if we’re finding something that’s too expensive, and then having to switch over to maybe different options,” says Yuma local Jonathan Limon.

Erika Gutierrez, an employee at the location, shares how difficult it is for workers.

“We do try to help our guests, you know, try to get everything that they want in the store, you know, to fulfill their needs. Unfortunately, I know some people cannot afford everything we do have in store, and that does make us feel pretty bad,” Gutierrez expressed.

Limon added that it is cheaper to build a costume from scratch than it is to buy one at a store.

“When you’re looking at a complete set, they tend to be really high-end in price, like, more than a hundred bucks. And sometimes it’s even cheaper to build it and just get like different accessories for it,” he explained.

Gutierrez later explained that Spirit Halloween is always trying to have sales and opportunities for people to buy the things they cannot normally afford.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Agriculture specialists from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made a significant discovery at the Port of San Luis, intercepting a pest that has never been detected in the United States.

The pest, identified as osbornellus salsus, is an insect that feeds on plants by sucking sap from grasses, trees, and shrubs.

They are known to transmit various plant diseases and pathogens, posing a potential threat to U.S. agriculture.

The discovery was made by CBP agriculture specialists during a routine shipment inspection shipment arriving from Mexico.

The shipment was later safeguarded and returned to Mexico.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jalen Fong

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro will host its third annual First Responders Wall Engraving ceremony.

This year’s ceremony marks the largest group of honorees in observance of National First Responders Day.

El Centro’s Mayor Sonia Carter says the city is proud to honor these remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting others and that their courage and sacrifice represent the very best of our community, and their names will forever be a symbol of service and strength.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 25 at 9 a.m. at First Responders Park in El Centro.

Click here to follow the original article.

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Following nearly a decade of service to Arizona Western College (AWC), AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr announced his intent to retire.

Corr made the announcement during Thursday’s district governing board meeting. His retirement marks 34 years of service in community college education.

The college says Doctor Corr will be remembered for his celebration and promotion of AWC’s first-generation students. 

He helped expand partnerships that have led to an increase in external funding through grants, fundraising, and a first-ever state appropriation of $15 million in 2024.

Another accomplishment is the development of a model for career and technical education, that has been recognized across the nation and globally.

Corr’s retirement will be effective in July of 2026.

Click here to follow the original article.

Skylar Heisey

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Saddle up, Imperial Valley! The Barbara Worth Brigadettes are gearing up for their annual Ranch Riding Event, a family-friendly day of fun, horsemanship, and community giving.

The Barbara Worth Brigadettes, one of the oldest equestrian clubs in the region, have been riding together since the 1940s.

For more than 80 years, the group has not only celebrated the Western lifestyle but also given back to the community through fundraising events like this one.

“This event highlights all of the activities a person would encounter on a trail ride or while working on a ranch,” explained member Marsha. “We use bridges, pivot boxes, walkovers, and back-throughs…all the kinds of things horses might face in a real ranch setting.”

The event features both ranch rail and ranch riding competitions, where participants will be judged on skills like walking, trotting, cantering, stopping, and backing.

Riders will also perform memorized patterns designed to build confidence for both horse and rider.

“These aren’t show horses — they’re real ranch horses,” said Marie Deyesso. “They’re obedient, hardworking, and beautiful. This is a great chance for riders of all levels to participate and have fun.”

The one-day event includes five age divisions, starting from riders 8 and under, all the way up to adult classes. Contestants can compete in multiple events, earning points toward high-point buckles for each age group.

Spectators are welcome and it’s free to attend. The Sheriff’s Posse will be serving breakfast, and lunch will be available for purchase. Attendees can also enter a raffle with about 15 prizes, so multiple people will go home winners.

Organizers remind everyone to follow the map on the flyer, as a nearby bridge is currently out. The correct route will be posted online.

“It’s fun to watch, fun to compete, and it’s all for a good cause,” said Marsha Boutwell. “If you’ve got a horse, come on out…we’re going to have a ball.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The man accused of illegally confining an elderly person was back in court Thursday, where several complaints were filed against him.

41-year-old Vincent Maldonado had complaints filed for his charges involving drugs.

Deputies say they found over 270 grams of meth, more than 10 grams of cocaine and multiple items that indicate selling drugs.

He’s also facing multiple elder abuse-related charges.

Maldonado is scheduled to be back in court Friday to see if charges have been filed for elder abuse.

Click here to follow the original article.

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Each fall and winter, many children come down with RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus. It usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases it can become serious. 

Laela Martinez, nurse practitioner at Exceptional Community Hospital Yuma, explains why RSV is seen so much in children.

“RSV is a common respiratory virus. For most children, it looks like a runny nose, cough, and mild fever, but infants and toddlers and children with health issues can develop wheezing, difficulty breathing, or dehydration, which may require emergency care,” said Martinez.

Martinez adds the most common symptoms parents should be most concerned about.

“Watch for rapid breathing, pulling in at the ribs, flaring nostrils, blue lips or fingertips, refusal to eat or drink, and extreme fatigue. These are signs your child may not be getting enough oxygen and needs to be seen right away,” said Martinez.

Click here to follow the original article.

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA)- The second annual all women’s hike is back this year!

The event will take place October 19 at 5:00 a.m. at Telegraph Pass.

Attendees are asks to bring three or more canned food items so they can collect and donate to the Yuma Food Bank. You’re are also encouraged to wear pink!

To sign up click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals across Yuma County participated in a “No Kings” Protest Saturday morning.

The protest took place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the corners of S. Fourth Avenue and W. 16th Street.

This was a peaceful movement that united people across the country to fight against dictatorship.

Two protesters shared why they participated in Saturday’s protests.

“I had to come because with my silence, that makes it okay…and it’s not okay. I don’t like the term that has happened to my government,” said Sandra Stubbs, a protester.

“For the first time in my life, I’m worried about my country,” said Jimmie Robinson, another protester.

According to Yuma County Indivisible, about 500 people participated in Saturday’s protest.

Click here to follow the original article.

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill (SB) 243 into law, introducing new safeguards for users of AI chatbots.

The legislation mandates that chatbots direct individuals expressing suicidal thoughts to crisis hotlines like 988 and implement age verification measures.

The law requires chatbots to remind minors every three hours that they are interacting with artificial intelligence and prohibits sharing explicit content with users under 18.

Sage Herrera, an AI user, believes these safeguards can assist individuals in crisis.

“Because there’s a lot of people that don’t know exactly how to reach out for help. So, I feel like that can give that person that little extra push in the right direction to seeking help,” Herrera said.

However, some users remain cautious about sharing personal information with AI.

Vicente Montenegro said, “I usually use it more kind of like technical stuff. I think, it’s better off like that.”

He expressed concerns about the potential misuse of personal data, saying, “I mean, they can manipulate a lot of information or I don’t know, I just it’s kind of dark just to put your mental health situation out there.”

SB 243 is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marking a new chapter in AI user safety. For more information, visit the official announcement here.

Click here to follow the original article.