Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) has selected former State Sen. Sine Kerr (R-District 25) as the GOP nominee for Lt. Governor.

In a post to X, Rep. Biggs, who is the Republican candidate for the Arizona governor’s race, said in part, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to name her as Arizona’s first nominee for Lieutenant Governor.”

Former State Sen. Kerr responded to her nomination, in a post on X, saying, “I couldn’t be more honored to stand with Andy Biggs and fight to Restore the American Dream in our great state! I’m all in to be Arizona’s first Lieutenant Governor!”

Kerr was elected into the Arizona Senate back in 2017, where she served District 13 from 2018 to 2023 before serving District 25, which represents Yuma County, from 2023 to 2025.

Prior to Kerr being chosen as Biggs’ running mate, there were also other names that were mentioned, with Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines and State Rep. Michele Peña (R-District 23) being one of them.

The 2026 general election will be the first time voters can choose a Lt. Governor for Arizona after Prop 131 was passed, with 55% of Arizona voters supporting the measure back in 2022, according to AZ Clean Elections.

AZ Clean Elections also said the Lt. Governor will replace the Secretary of State as the successor to the governor if the governor “dies, resigns, is removed from office or is permanently unable to carry out the duties of the Governor and serves until a successor is elected.”

Kerr shared that she anticipates Yuma will have her bac given that she represented the area for so long.

“Yuma has always been so supportive of me, and we’re looking forward to being there. Seeing friends and my supporters and I’ve always represented Yuma very well. Very strong voice for the agriculture community, the military. Just looking forward to getting to serve them and represent them in this capacity,” Kerr said.

While Kerr has the opportunity to be the first ever Lieutenant Governor, she says that she is solely focused on the people of Arizona.

“You know certainly it means a lot. Anytime, you know you’re in a position to make history, that’s really awesome. But my focus is to be in a position to serve the people of Arizona,” Kerr said.

For the local Republican leaders, Kerr’s nomination has been well received.

Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn has known Kerr for a long time and says she understands the people of Arizona.

“She brings to the table just balance of running. Knowing what’s going on in rural Arizona to understand the water standards. All of Arizona. She’s been at the table. We’ve been working on issues for a decade. And so she really brings some moral compass to the table,” Dunn said.

For Lines, it came as no surprise that Kerr was selected.

“Seneca is the right decision to be the running name for Andy Biggs. And to be selected as the first potential Lieutenant Governor for Arizona.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) has yet to choose her running mate, but there are some rumored names being mentioned, including two people with ties to Yuma County.

To see who’s being mentioned, click HERE.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – There are two people with ties to Yuma County that are rumored to be on Gov. Katie Hobbs’ short list of running mates.

According to a post on X from Goodyear City Councilman Trey Terry earlier this week, the two names mentioned are Arizona Democratic Party chair Charlene Fernandez and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who was born in Somerton.

Other names mentioned were Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo, Mesa Mayor John Giles, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods and State Rep. Oscar De Los Santos (D-District 11).

Gov. Hobbs’ opponent, Rep. Andy Biggs, has named former State Sen. Sine Kerr (R-District 25) as his running mate.

To learn more about that story, click HERE.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Thursday night was Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen in Yuma, where the local store partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

For every blizzard purchased, Dairy Queen donates one dollar to the local children hospitals.

In addition, the local car group, Unfazed, provided cars to show off to customers during the event as a special treat.

“We’re all about making positive memories for all coming to Dairy Queen. Who doesn’t love soft serving ice cream? Making smiles on little ones. I see so many birthday parties, so many smiles when they come and just get their first bite off first lick of their ice cream. And it’s just making a lot of impacts for that,” said Salvador Cortazar, Head of Training Department at Dairy Queen.

“My experience in some of the club members as well, we weren’t too fortunate growing up. In the community really helped us a lot. There’s a lot of programs out there. There was toy drives, can drives and that’s why we started doing those offs too. we just wanted to give back,” said Jonathan Bustos, founder of Unfazed.

The event ran for two hours with lots of ice cream to enjoy and cars to look at. 

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A commercial truck driver was arrested in Imperial County on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).

The arrest happened this past Tuesday on Highway 111 and Schartz Road.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in El Centro, they responded after receiving reports of a reckless tractor-trailer driver.

After an investigation, CHP found the vehicle and determined the driver to be showing signs of impairment, and they arrested him on suspicion of DUI.

CHP encourages everyone to report impaired driving by call 911 and providing as many details as possible.

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Connor Emery

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the governor’s race now underway, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) have to make a decision on who to nominate for Lt. Governor, and there are some local names swirling around.

The 2026 general election will be the first time voters can choose a Lt. Governor for Arizona after Prop 131 was passed, with 55% of Arizona voters supporting the measure back in 2022, according to AZ Clean Elections.

AZ Clean Elections also said the Lt. Governor will replace the Secretary of State as the successor to the governor if the governor “dies, resigns, is removed from office or is permanently unable to carry out the duties of the Governor and serves until a successor is elected.”

Two local people included in the conversation are Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines and State Rep. Michele Peña (R-District 23).

News 11 reached out to Lines for comment, and he provided a statement saying, “I have tremendous respect for Andy Biggs. Today, however, my priority is the work before me…strengthening Yuma County, protecting taxpayers and serving the people who elected me.”

News 11 also reached out to State Rep. Peña for comment, and we’re waiting to hear back.

The Lt. Governor will take office in January of 2027.

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Abigahil Padilla

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Bubba’s 33 brought the Yuma community together for its “Raise from the Roof” fundraiser, an event designed to support injured Veterans.

The goal was to raise $5,000 while raising awareness for those who have sacrificed in service to our country.

As part of the event, David Lopez, the restaurant’s manager, climbed onto the roof and remained there until the goal was reached.

Despite the extreme summer temperatures, he stayed on the roof for several hours.

“The purpose is to make awareness and raise money, to cover as much as possible the bills of injured Veterans,” Lopez shared.

Throughout the day, several members of the community even climbed onto the roof to stand alongside Lopez.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Association of Realtors’ Community Outreach Committee said they raised $6,440.

In a press release, the money was raised to benefit School House Outfitters, which is a program “dedicated to providing economically disadvantaged students with the clothing, shoes, school supplies, books, and hygiene essentials they need to begin the school year with confidence.”

The funds were raised during the Association’s Nomination Luncheon this month, where it featured a Brokerage Challenge, which encourages brokerages to sponsor a child, a Heads & Tails fundraising game, and additional member donations.

“This incredible generosity is a reflection of what makes Yuma such a special community,” said Maria Ramirez, President of School House Outfitters. “Every dollar raised helps provide a child with the essentials they need to walk into school feeling prepared, valued, and confident. We are deeply grateful to the Yuma Association of REALTORS® and every member who chose to invest in the future of our local students.”

“Our members understand that being a REALTOR® means more than helping families find a home, it means helping build a stronger community,” said Heather Heiligenthal, President of the Yuma Association of REALTORS®. “The response from our members was inspiring, and we’re honored to partner with School House Outfitters to help ensure local students have the resources they need to thrive.”

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

YAR Community Outreach Press ReleaseDownload

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Jessamyn Dodd

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – Voters in Calipatria could soon decide the political futures of three city council members.

It began when a vote to fire Calipatria City Manager Laura Gutierrez took place.

It has now escalated into an effort to recall Mayor Michael Luellen and Council members Jesse Rivas and Fred Beltran.

The woman leading the charge, Beneranda Cooper, spoke to News 11 about the recall.

“When we found out that happened, a bunch of us from the community got together and said, you know what, they need to be recalled,” Cooper said. “Michael Luellen has yet to show anything accomplished in this time that he’s been our city council member, our mayor. He voted himself in twice as mayor already. So what has he shown for our community besides photo ops and Facebooks?”

Cooper has been hitting the pavement, trying to get signatures.

“I am going every day, door to door, talking to people. I have my proof of the recall, why I have the recall. I have the minutes.I have the paperwork,” she explained.

If the recall effort were to move forward, three spots in the city council would become available. So far, two people, Gracie Castaneda and Hector Cervantes, have picked up election packets.

“I encourage anyone who is interested in sitting, sitting in the city council board to please go get a packet from City Hall. And be a part of the community, be a part of the change,” Cooper stated.

Cooper said there are only weeks left to gather the necessary amount of signatures needed for this petition to go forward.

Calipatria Mayor Michael Luellen sent a message to our newsroom addressing the claims.

Read his statement here:

“I have remained silent long enough. Let’s be honest about what is happening. This recall effort is over. California Elections Code section 11007 prohibits the commencement of a recall within six months of the end of an elected official’s term. We have been within that window for months, meaning this recall cannot legally proceed.

Despite that, recall events have continued to be held and donations have continued to be solicited. The public deserves to know exactly how those donations have been collected, managed, and spent. If transparency is the standard being demanded of elected officials, it should also apply to those leading political campaigns.

After contacting the California Fair Political Practices Commission and the California Secretary of State’s Office, I was informed that I could not locate an FPPC committee ID associated with this recall effort. If that information is accurate, the public deserves an explanation of how donations were solicited and handled and whether all applicable campaign finance requirements were followed.

It is also a matter of public record that the leader of this recall effort, Beneranda Cooper, is the sister of Councilmember Javier Amezcua. Councilmember Amezcua is running for reelection against Mayor Pro Tem Fred Beltran and me. Voters are entitled to consider those facts for themselves when evaluating this recall effort and the political dynamics surrounding it.

I have also observed Ms. Cooper’s nonprofit providing water and support alongside recall petition events. Residents can draw their own conclusions, but I believe the public deserves complete transparency whenever nonprofit activity and political advocacy occur side by side.

Mayor Pro Tem Fred Beltran and I are both seeking reelection. I believe voters deserve a campaign focused on our records, our accomplishments, and our vision for Calipatria, not continuous political attacks.

I was elected to serve this community, and that is exactly what I will continue doing. I trust the people of Calipatria to make their decision at the ballot box based on the facts and my record of service. I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Calipatria with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to moving our city forward.”

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Dillon Fuhrman

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of San Luis announced free spay and neuter services for San Luis, Arizona residents.

This is in collaboration with the Humane Society of Yuma.

However, the appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, space is limited and each eligible household may register up to two pets.

For schedule an appointment, and for more eligibility requirements, click here.

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Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC) is moving forward with plans to build a new, modern transit hub in El Centro.

County officials hosted a public forum at the El Centro Library to gather community feedback on the proposed Imperial Valley Transit (IVT) Administration, Operations & Maintenance Facility.

The project, coordinated alongside the City of El Centro and the Federal Transit Administration, marks a critical step in the environmental review and planning process.

Since its inception in 1989, IVT has experienced massive regional growth. The network began with just five routes serving roughly 3,000 monthly riders. As of now, it operates 13 routes carrying more than 55,000 passengers every month.

To sustain that growth, the proposed central hub will be located at 2204-2208 La Brucherie Road in El Centro.

The modern complex is designed to replace the current, outdated facility and will serve as the central heart for administrative functions, fleet maintenance, and future green transit initiatives.

“We want to make our services effective and meaningful for the public,” said David Aguirre, Executive Director of the ICTC. “That is our goal at the end of the day, so we’re gonna work very, very hard to try to accomplish that. Hopefully, in the near future, you’re gonna see a lot of improvements to all of our public transit infrastructure.”

The project aligns with the City of El Centro’s Vision 2050 Strategic Plan, the ICTC’s Regional Long-Range Transportation Plan, and California’s mandate to transition to a 100 percent zero-emission transit fleet by 2040.

Key features planned for the La Brucherie Road site include:

A brand-new administration and operations building

An upgraded vehicle maintenance facility with expanded bays

Dedicated fleet parking, fueling, and bus wash facilities

On-site solar energy generation

Clean infrastructure to charge and support future zero-emission vehicles

Roadway and utility improvements to the surrounding neighborhood

Regional planners emphasize that these upgrades will directly benefit the local population.

“There’s definitely a lot of community support and it’s definitely clear that the transit-dependent population here in Imperial County is greatly going to benefit from a project like this,” said Virginia Mendoza, Transportation Planner for Caltrans District 11.

However, local senior advocacy groups who attended the forum brought up immediate safety hurdles. While representatives from the Imperial County Area Agency on Aging are highly supportive of the new, eco-friendly central facility, they stressed that ordinary roadside bus stops remain hazardous for elderly commuters.

“We care for the health and safety needs of our elderly population, and we just don’t want them to be forgotten, especially in a situation like this, a project like this,” said AJ Gaddis, Transportation Commission Chair for the Imperial County Area Agency on Aging.

John Hernandez, a local senior citizen and council member for the Agency on Aging, urged decision-makers to prioritize temperature-controlled infrastructure out on the streets.

“If you want to improve ridership and access for older people, then we have to really think about making it user-friendly,” Hernandez said. “I have noticed throughout Imperial County bus stops that perhaps need shaded areas…perhaps need to be built with materials that aren’t as hot.”

Public feedback remains a major driving force for the project. ICTC officials confirmed that they have successfully narrowed down the construction blueprints to two distinct design options, and they are actively using community commentary to select the best path forward.

“Right now is really where we’re focusing on trying to engage the public about the project,” Aguirre added. “If there’s any comments you have or you want to share any insights that you may have seen somewhere else, you’re more than welcome, we’ll take that in.”

The project is currently lingering in its Environmental and Conceptual Design phase. Funding is expected to be pulled from a combination of local, state, and federal sources, with construction officially slated to begin in 2029.

Community members looking to review the current design options or submit planning feedback can find comprehensive resources here.

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