Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is hosting the Yuma 9/11 Heroes Run 5K Run/Ruck/Walk event later this year.

The annual event is taking place Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Colorado River State Historic Park at 6:30 a.m.

This year’s run will mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks while also honoring first responders who serve our community.

During the event, law enforcement agencies, first responders, and military personnel will be in attendance.

The event will go until 9 a.m. To learn more about the upcoming event, see attached files below.

Yuma 2026 911 Heroes Run Flyer – Schedule of EventsDownload

2026 TMF 9-11 Heroes 5K Yuma GENERAL PLAN & ROUTEDownload

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The search for City of Yuma’s next administrator is now underway, and city leaders want to hear from the community.

The search comes as Acting City Administrator Jay Simonton is planning to retire in March of 2027, the City says.

The City Administrator is said to serve as the “chief executive officer of the City of Yuma, overseeing the City’s day-to-day operations and implementing the policies and direction established by the City Council.”

As the search begins, the City says they are encouraging Yuma residents to take a brief survey, which is open now through Friday, July 24, 2026.

“We have 110,000 residents, and they all have a different perspective on life, the things they’re struggling with, and the things they like,” said Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls. “There’s no other way to gauge that except to elicit that information from the public.”

The survey, according to the City, is being facilitated by Mosaic Public Partners, their executive search consultant, and “responses will be collected anonymously and shared with” the Yuma City Council.

To participate in the survey, click here.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma City Council members approved an agreement Wednesday night that would keep school resource officers (SRO) at four Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) campuses through 2029.

The agreement assigns one Yuma police officer at Yuma, Kofa, Cibola and Gila Ridge High Schools. Their focus would be campus safety and building positive relationships with students.

“I think the approval tonight just really gives that assurance that we’ve got committed officers,” said Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls. “We got a contract, a contract is an obligation right. And so, we’re going to make sure that we have the officers where we need them into the future.”

Officers will stay with each school for a minimum of two years. The proposed agreement will run though June of 2029, with YUHSD providing funding from the program each school year.

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Andrea Turisk

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis Police Department (SLPD) received a federal grant to help fight human and drug trafficking.

Operation Stone Garden is a grant that will help enhance border security and assist local agencies. The money allows SLPD to partner with Border Patrol and help out with all border-related crimes.

“If there’s any human trafficking and narcotic trafficking…we’ll help out as well our stone guard units will respond,” said Lt. Alan Guevara with SLPD. “If Customs and Border Protection has drugs or warrants, we’ll help out.”

Through the grant, SLPD received more than $900,000 that goes towards overtime, mileage and equipment needed to assist in different border operations.

Lt. Guevara says through this fiscal year’s grant, the department received a new 2026 Chevy Duramax equiped with things they need.

“It’s very helpful because when we’re operating, we’re always by the border,” Guevara explained. “We need four-wheel Frive vehicles and vehicles like [the Chevy Duramax] that’s able to tolerate being there with Border Patrol upon request for our assistance while keeping a perimeter of the area.”

Armando Arzate, a San Luis, Arizona resident, says grants like Operation Stone Garden are necessary. This way, he can continue feeling safe at home like he does right now.

“There’s more efficiency and faster service than in other places,” Arzate expressed. “You can find problems anywhere, but they really do make the effort to maintain peace and security for citizens.”

As operations continue, SLPD wants to ensure the community Operation Stone Garden doesn’t impact regular police services, and they will continue to keep the city safe.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – When temperatures climb into the triple digits, staying inside starts to become a norm, but what happens when customers aren’t going outside to shop?

For some local businesses, summer means slower days and fewer customers, but for others, it’s one of the busiest times of the year.

Nicole Millis, who owns Kiwi’s Distinguished Pet Goods on Main Street in Downtown Yuma, says, “As temperatures rise, foot traffic slows down, especially compared to the busy winter visitor season.”

“Everyone notice a downturn in business during peak summer hours and peak summer heat…the heat also always keeps people indoors, which i don’t blame them for,” Mills explained.

Meanwhile, Vernon Smith, who owns Chillzz Frozen Yogurt on Fourth Avenue, says aside from the evening rush, business can be a bit unpredictable during the summer months.

“The pattern has been when the sun goes down, and the people come out, we get ready for a rush in the evening around that seven, 730, 8:00 time,” Smith explained.

His approach is keeping things as cool and comfortable as possible for customers.

“They like the AC. We have a little outdoor seating area as well as Moo’s. They have a great outdoor seating area over there as well,” Smith said. “But you know, certain people, the young crowd likes to hang out outside. But most people, they like to come in here. I’ll keep it nice and chilly.”

Whether it’s a slowdown or a summer boost, business owners say adapting to the heat is just a part of life in Yuma.

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Jessamyn Dodd

EDITOR’S NOTE: For part one of The Valley’s Forgotten, click HERE. For part two of The Valley’s Forgotten, click HERE.

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Can advances in technology help solve a cold case murder?

“With the rise of AI, it may be even helpful to look into those kind of things that are helpful to reconstruct crime scenes. So those kind of things we’re looking into and that might be a possibility,” Imperial Police Deprtment Detective Daniel told KYMA.

We asked Imperial County’s District Attorney George Marquez about AI, and he said his office is currently in the process of purchasing new AI technology.

“So the advantage that’s going to have, for example, in cold cases, when we have maybe a mountain of evidence and maybe there’s something that we missed, it’s going to be able to analyze it for us, it’s going to be able to summarize it for us, and it’s going to be able to tell if a suspect, that a person’s lying,” he explained.

The family of Josue Arviso Lopez is still searching for answers. Lopez was murdered on September 20, 2020 in Brawley. He was shot near the cross streets of Leonard and South 11th Streets.

There have been no leads, no arrests, and no reward.

“No justice has been served for him,” Melanie Saiza, the mother of Lopez’s children told KYMA.

Lopez leaves behind a grieving family and two children.

“He was a good father. I mean, his, that’s all he ever talked about was his kids,” she reflected.

“Everybody loved him. He would help anybody out. And I just feel like justice should be served for him,” Saiza added.

Right now, there are still no answers, and the case remains unsolved. If you have any information about this case please contact the City of Brawley Police Department and the office of the District Attorney.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro says they are temporarily closing Bark Park next month.

The closure, taking place Monday, August 3, 2026 through Monday, August 24, 2026, is for annual maintenance.

This will include installing a water fountain in the small dog area, grass reseeding, allow turf time to grow and recover, insect-control spraying and other routine maintenance.

Courtesy: Google Maps

The closure will also allow “staff to complete the work safely while giving the grass sufficient time toestablish without foot or pet traffic,” the City said.

In addition, the maintenance efforts is to help “preserve the park’s landscaping and provide a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment for pets and their owners.”

Bark Park is set to reopen Tuesday, August 25, 2026. To learn more about the closure, read the press release, written in English and Spanish, below.

BarkParkMaintenancePREngDownload

BarkParkMaintenancePRSpaDownload

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Cleaning the air ducts in your home can be an important step in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. It helps remove dust, allergens, and potentially harmful particles from your air.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests cleaning every three to five years, but the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends only cleaning air ducts on an as-needed basis. 

There are no duct cleaning standards to certify, endorse, or approve air duct cleaning companies set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Look for these signs that it’s time for an air duct cleaning:

Visible dust and debris inside the ducts or around the vents

Mold growth inside hard surface ducts or on other parts of your heating and cooling system, or a mold smell

Ducts infested with vermin, like mice and other pests

Ducts clogged with large amounts of dust and debris

Dust particles entering your home from your supply registers

Allergy symptoms could indicate that allergens are circulating through the air

Aging HVAC systems accumulate dust and contaminants over time

Increased energy bills due to airflow blockages or obstructions in duct work

Some contractors may suggest chemical treatment for mold. Ensure you know the pros and cons before deciding if this is right for you.

Ask the company to show you proof of mold or other contamination. For about $50, some labs can tell you if a sample on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or not.

If you use the chemical treatment, you and your pets may want to leave the house while your ducts are treated.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) says dusty registers are not automatically a problem as this is a normal result of dusty air going through them.  You can vacuum or clean your registers with a damp cloth.

Pet owners: If some pets shed large amounts of hair and dander in the home, cleaning may be advised more often.

Allergies and asthma sufferers: Reducing indoor air pollutants may help people with allergies or asthma.

Damage: If there has been water damage or renovations to the home or system, cleaning may be needed, especially to remove mold.

BBB suggests asking the company if they have worked on systems like yours before you sign a contract with them. Be sure that a qualified contractor will do the cleaning.  Be sure to read the business profile on BBB.org when evaluating a company.

Homeowners should expect to pay $450 – $1000 depending on the size of their system, how hard it is to get to it, the climate and the level of contamination.

For more information

Some states, like California, require licenses for air duct cleaners. Check California licenses HERE.

More scam warnings at joeknowsbetter.com.

Check out any air duct cleaner at BBB.org before signing a contract.

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Jessamyn Dodd

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – The Calipatria City Council has voted to move forward with bringing back a vote to ban new data centers in city limits.

The vote was 3-2, with Mayor Michael Luellen, Council Member Jesse Rivas, and Mayor Pro-Tem Fred Beltran voting in favor of the ban.

Local activist Jake Tison spoke during public comments.

“It’s noise, noise, noise. I don’t know one community across this country that is going ‘wow.That data center I’m so glad they came in here. Wow, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to our school. I’m so glad those power lines, those fiber cables, I’m so glad those things are flying over our high school,” Tison said.

Other residents cited the high use of electricity and water usage that AI data centers reportedly consume.

A recent study by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy states that medium-sized AI data centers can use as much as “five million gallons of water every day—as much as a city of 50,000 people.”

Meantime, others pointed to health issues like asthma and cancer.

Those who opposed a total ban included Council Member Javier Amezcua.

“It’s scare tactics. We’re scaring everybody into something,” Amezcua said. “Is it the truth? I want to know is what they’re saying the truth? Is it as bad as they say”?

Local Union Number 230 Organizer Sean-Keoni Ellis said there are already 300 data centers in the state of California.

“Long story short, we built them across this state. We built them, they provided jobs,” he said.

The proposal will return for a final vote at an upcoming meeting.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Republican State Treasurer candidate Elijah Norton stopped in Yuma this week to make his case to voters ahead of Arizona’s primary election.

Norton says his background in investing sets him apart from the rest of the candidates and would help him manage Arizona’s finances if elected.

“We have $32 billion in assets under management. I own a global insurance company. I invest over $100 million of claims reserves. And in my opinion, we need someone who’s managing our state’s assets that has investment experience,” Norton said.

When asked what concerns he’s hearing most from voters on the campaign trail, Norton pointed to government spending and oversight.

“The number one thing I’m seeing is waste, fraud and abuse,” he said.

Norton says his approach to addressing those concerns would be through what he describes as a “DOGE-style audit” of the state’s finances.

He says that would include reviewing Arizona’s investment portfolio and where taxpayer dollars are being invested.

“I want to go look at our entire investment portfolio and make sure we’re not invested in companies that have DEI or ESG policies…And I want to make sure we’re investing in the safest companies for our state taxpayers today,” Norton said.

He says making safe investments is his top priority as state treasurer.

“If we make bad investment decisions, we could lose principal, which means we have to raise taxes. And so if we make good investment decisions, on the other hand, we can cut taxes or we can reinvest money back,” he said.

Norton will face Katherine Haley in Arizona’s primary election Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The winner of that race will advance to the general election in November.

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