Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) has promoted Richard Root as their new Deputy Fire Chief.

According to a press release, Root served more than 27 years with YFD in a variety of roles, such as Battalion Chief and Division Chief, which YFD says he consistently demonstrated “strong leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.”

In addition, YFD says Root served a key role in “supporting department operations, mentoring personnel, and helping guide strategic initiatives that benefit both the organization and the community.”

“After 27 years with the department, it’s a privilege to step into this role,” said Deputy Chief Root. “My focus will remain on supporting our firefighters and delivering reliable, high-quality service to the citizens of Yuma, while continuing to strengthen staffing, enhance professional development, and plan for the department’s future growth.”

Prior to his promotion, YFD says Root served as the Interim Deputy Fire Chief.

013 New Deputy Fire ChiefDownload

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A teacher from Yuma County was awarded the National Teacher of the Year.

Arilene Gaxiola was recognized by the Teachers of Tomorrow to receive the honor at the state-level. Gaxiola is an eighth-grade math teacher at San Luis Middle School.

“Our Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators whose commitment, skill, and heart are changing lives,” said Dr. Heath Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Teachers of Tomorrow and former superintendent. “This year’s honoree, Arilene Gaxiola, stands out for her exceptional dedication to her students and her innovative approach to education. Arilene exemplifies the profound impact teachers can have, and we’re proud to recognize her as our 2026 National Teacher of the Year.”

Gaxiola will receive up to $5,000 to support her classroom, which she plans to use to expand hands-on learning in math.

“Being a teacher has changed my life in ways I didn’t expect, making me more patient, empathetic, and aware of the challenges students face at a young age,” said Gaxiola.

For more information on Teachers of Tomorrow and the award, you can click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro is hosting the grand opening of an immersive art exhibition.

According to a press release, the exhibition, which is in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Calexico, is called Chiapas Through the Lens: Celebrating Culture and Supporting Education, and will open Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Old Post Office Pavilion, located at 230 S. Fifth Street.

The City says the exhibit will highlight the “vibrant culture of Los Altos de Chiapas” while also supporting educational initiatives for Indigenous communities through Fundacion Escalera.

Courtesy: City of El Centro

In addition, the City says the exhibit aims to raise awareness of educational challenges in the region, encourage community engagement and support programs that will expand opportunities for students in underserved communities

The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is located in the lobby area of the Old Post Office Pavilion, and will go until the end of June.

To learn more about the upcoming exhibit, read the press release, written in English and Spanish below.

ChiapasArtPREngDownload

ChiapasArtPRSpaDownload

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County is celebrating National Mental Health Awareness Month by embracing a collective mission, fostering community connection under this year’s theme: ‘More Good Days, Together.’

The campaign focuses on fostering community support, reducing long-standing stigmas, and connecting residents with vital wellness resources.

Experts define mental health as our emotional and social well-being, a critical factor in how we navigate daily life.

From anxiety and depression to more complex conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS) Deputy Director Gabriela Jimenez emphasizes that every struggle is valid.

She notes that no form of mental health challenge is “greater” than another; all deserve attention and care.

To bring this mission to the streets, ICBHS is hosting a Mental Health Awareness Walk this Thursday, May 7. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the MLK Pavilion (770 Park Ave).

Organizers invite the public to join the walk to inspire hope and raise awareness.

The event also serves as an open house for those struggling to see firsthand the plethora of support services available locally.

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Dillon Fuhrman

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Somerton is inviting residents to attend the Evening with Mayor & Council event later this week.

The event is taking place at Somerton City Hall, located at 143 N. State Avenue, Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

During the event, the City says those who attend will meet and talk directly with elected city officials, including Somerton Mayor Gerardo Anaya.

To learn more about the upcoming event, read the press release below.

MEDIA ADVISORY-Evening with Mayor & CouncilDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Gila Ridge High School teacher Greg Brown has been named Yuma County’s 2026 High School Teacher of the Year.

Brown, according to YUHSD, teaches science and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and coaches tennis and swim.

“Winning this award was a great recognition of the hard work that goes on our campus,” Brown said. “Though it may be an individual award, it reflects on the staff at Gila Ridge and all they do to help educators like myself be the best I can be every day. I am one of many on the campus and throughout the district that could have received this award, and I hope I can continue to motivate colleagues and students as we push education forward in the coming years.”

Courtesy: Yuma Union High School District

YUHSD says Brown has been working for the district for 14 years, and says he is the first teacher at the school to win the award since 2018.

“Greg builds capacity in students, colleagues, and our school systems that support learning and postsecondary readiness,” Gila Ridge Principal Kathy Hoover said. “His influence is consistent and generous. He insists that every Hawk gets the opportunity and support to chase their dream. That combination of service and vision is why he was chosen for this award. It is an honor for me to collaborate with him at Gila Ridge High School.”

The Yuma County Teacher of the Year awards are annually hosted by the Education Foundation of Yuma County, which YUHSD says is “a private, non-profit organization established to support and recognize the profession of teaching and raise public awareness of the importance and value of education.”

PR – GRHS teacher named TOTY 2026Download

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz.(KYMA)- Three 18-year-old men have been arrested in connection to the murder of a local man.

The Yuma Police Department (YPD) says the suspects were arrested in the Phoenix area over the weekend.

Sgt. Christina Fernandez with YPD said, “On May 2nd, three 18-year-olds were placed under arrest in Avondale with the help of Tempe and Glendale police departments on multiple felony charges including first-degree murder. All were booked in the Maricopa jail.”

YPD say the suspects shot and killed Valentin Morales on April 26 at an intersection in Yuma. The suspects left the scene and were later arrested in Avondale, Arizona.

“The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation,” Sgt. Fernandez said.

The suspects will be extradited back to Yuma as soon as the Tempe and Glendale Police Departments conclude their investigations.

If you have any information about this crime, you can call YPD or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision could have long-term effects on how voting districts are drawn, including in Arizona.

The ruling focuses on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a key part of the law that has helped protect minority voters for decades.

It required mapmakers to consider whether communities of color had a fair opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.

Now, that protection has been narrowed, making it more difficult to challenge voting maps in court over claims of racial discrimination.

In Arizona, district lines aren’t drawn by lawmakers. Instead, an independent redistricting commission handles the process and only meets once every 10 years.

The next time that commission is scheduled to reconvene is at the start of the next redistricting cycle, around 2030, after new census data is released.

Because of that, experts say any immediate changes are unlikely. Still, the decision could open the door to legal challenges.

“There could be lawsuits,” said Sasha Hupka, a reporter with VoteBeat Arizona. “There are opportunities here for both Democrats and Republicans to pick up seats.”

Hupka says the impact could be especially important in areas like Congressional District 7, which stretches along Arizona’s southern border and includes parts of Yuma.

The district was designed to group together Latino communities that share similar concerns and priorities, giving those voters a stronger voice in elections.

With fewer legal protections in place, future maps could be drawn differently, potentially splitting up those communities and making some districts more competitive.

At the state level, that could also affect legislative districts like LD 23, which covers much of Yuma.

Hupka says changes there could shift the balance in closely contested races. Even so, she says the biggest changes are likely still years away.

“The more likely scenario is that this will impact Arizona later in the decade,” Hupka said, when the commission meets again to redraw district lines.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Onvida Health is continuing to invest millions of dollars into Yuma County, with new projects aimed at expanding healthcare access while also strengthening the local economy.

At their Economic Impact Community Luncheon Monday, a study from a leading Arizona economist highlighted how healthcare investments can serve as a major driver for long-term economic growth in the region.

“This is quite an amenity for this community,” Jim Rounds, President and CEO of Rounds Consulting Group, said. “And if I was an economic development person here, I’d love the fact that one of the most challenging ones was already checked off and I could go on to the others.”

According to the study, Onvida Health already plays a significant role in Yuma’s economy. The organization makes up more than 14% of Yuma’s workforce and has generated $693.3 million in total labor income in 2025.

Onvida Health President and CEO, Dr. Robert Trenschel, says the organization understands the impact it has on the community and is focused on continuing that growth.

“We’re excited to be able to be such a cornerstone for the community. And we also know that it’s a great responsibility,” Trenschel said. “We’ll continue to execute on that responsibility and make sure that we’re always meeting our community’s needs.”

Several major projects are already underway or set to launch in the coming years. A new medical school in partnership with the University of Arizona – Phoenix is expected to welcome its first students this July.

While additional facilities are scheduled to open in 2027, those include a new health campus in San Luis, a health careers center aimed at building a local workforce pipeline and a Veterans Administration medical clinic.

Rounds says investments like these can create a ripple effect throughout the community. Supporting local businesses, attracting new industries and generating tax revenue that helps fund future infrastructure and development.

“They’re generating the tax revenue, which allows people to have lower tax rates. But still get the amenities and the things that they need, like infrastructure,” Rounds said. “Which brings in the next business that pays for the infrastructure for the next business. It’s compound interest, but it’s compound economic development instead. It’s the same concept.”

Onvida Health leaders say the goal is to create long-term opportunities for Yuma County. Not just in healthcare, but across the broader local economy.

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Jessamyn Dodd

WESTMORLAND, Calif. (KYMA) – Classic chrome, clean engines and community pride were on display in Westmorland over the weekend for the Cinco de Mayo Lowrider Car Show.

From lowriders to vintage trucks and classic cruisers, car enthusiasts lined up to show off their custom builds, candy paint and restorations.

However, it was more than just horsepower as vendors were selling art, clothing and merchandise celebrating Mexican pride while food and music kept the party going.

For many, it was more than the cars. It was about showing up and showing out, and keeping the culture alive.

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