Category: kyma-local-news

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – For months, News 11 has been tracked the high-stakes race for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, and now, voters will decide whether they want the current board to stay as is, or bring in new faces to the mix.

The candidates running to represent District 1 on the Imperial County Board of Supervisors are Enrique “Kiki” Alvarado (R) and Jesus Eduardo Escobar (D), who is running for reelection.

Alvarado said his priorities have not changed.

“Working on our infrastructure, bringing economic development, and also something that is public safety, not only that, our county employees,” Alvarado explained. “For far too long, our employees I feel that we haven’t been heard.”

The seat covers Calexico, which also shares a border with District 5.

As the largest territory on the county map, District 5 stretches across eight communities, including Holtville, Palo Verde, and Winterhaven.

John Hawk (R) is running for reelection to represent District 5 on the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, where he’s facing off against Patricia “Patty” Lizarraga, and he said he has his eyes set on continuing his work.

“We want to build our bridges, our roads, infrastructure. We want to have jobs and economic activity,” Hawk shared.

Meanwhile, Lizarraga shared a different focus.

“Public safety, economic development, healthcare access, and education,” she remarked.

While their visions for the county may differ, there is one thing all candidates can agree on: Go out and vote. 

Each of these candidates is wanting to make Imperial County a better place.

Visions and plans of each candidate may look very different, so go out and vote for the people you resonate with the most, and make your voices heard. 

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Connor Emery

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – The races for state representative and senator’s races for Districts 23 and 25 are approaching the finish line ahead of Tuesday’s election.

The candidates running to represent District 23 in the Arizona State House are Michele Peña (R), Gary Garcia Snyder (R), State Rep. Mariana Sandoval (D), who is running for reelection, and Emilia Cortez (D).

News 11 spoke with Cortez at the Democratic Get Out to Vote launch Sunday, where she shared that she’s reaching out to voters throughout the district prior to Tuesday.

“So what we’re doing is basically trying to talk to the community, spread the word, spread the voice. Make sure that everybody tells everybody to vote, make a plan, make sure that they have any questions regarding my campaign,” Cortez explained.

For State Rep. Sandoval, this is her third time running, but she said this campaign is different from any other.

“I would say that the attacks are really heightened this time around. And I think because there is a chance of us actually flipping this time around. It’s looking really good for Democrats to take over the House, which hasn’t happened since the Vietnam War in 60 years,” Sandoval remarked.

Like Cortez, Garcia Snyder is going around town to the voting centers Monday and on Tuesday.

“We’re excited our campaign is going to be calling, texting to make sure people get out and vote. That’s our job. We’ll also be touring the polls in Yuma County,” Garcia Snyder said. “I will be present at every poll throughout the whole day for my district to make sure people see me, say hi to me and have any questions before they go vote that I’m available there for them.”

For Cortez and Garcia Snyder, this race has been really important for them as they’ve never been in office, and they have a final message to voters.

“Please get out to vote right now. We need to represent our community. We need to be up in front with making sure that our community is heard. Make sure your voice is heard,” Cortez said.

“Vote with what you see and what you know. If you haven’t been happy the past two to four years because of the changes, change it. And it starts by making sure who you want to vote for and that they will actually make a difference,” Garcia Snyder added.

News 11 reached out to Peña for an interview, but we did not hear back from her.

Cortez and Sandoval, and their campaign, will be holding a watch party together, with Sandoval hosting one in Phoenix and Cortez hosting one in Yuma, while Garcia Snyder will be with his family on Election Night.

Meanwhile, the candidates running to represent District 25 in the Arizona State House are State Reps. Nick Kupper (R) and Michael Carbone (R), who are both running for reelection, and Tiffany Byrne (D).

Over in the State Senate race, State Sen. Brian Fernandez (D) is running for reelection to represent District 23, and he’s facing off against Michelle Altherr (R).

State Sen. Tim Dunn (R) is also running for reelection to represent District 25, and he’s facing off against Laura Huber (D).

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Adrik Vargas

EDITOR’S NOTE: In a previous version of this story, we identified someone as a voter, but later learned they are not registered to vote. That portion of the story has been removed from this article.

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – From San Luis to Somerton, South County voters are preparing to weigh in on this year’s general election.

In San Luis, ballots can be dropped off at the library or Medical Mall, while in Somerton, voters can use the drop box at the library.

Mailed ballots must be returned to an official drop box by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters we spoke to off camera shared with us that the cost of living is one issue on their minds as they make their decisions.

Matias Rosales and James Allen Jr. are running to be mayor of San Luis while Ruben Walshe Peralta, Octavio Ramirez, Luisa Arreola and Javier Vargas are running to be on the San Luis City Council.

Over in Somerton, the candidates running to be on the City Council are Brian Lopez, Victor Lozano, Lorena Delgadillo and Juan Castro.

Lozano, who previously served on the council for more than 20 years, said environmental and food access concerns motivated him to run again, and believes council members should be available to residents, and put the people first.

“Make sure that that council member has the time to be there for you, for the citizens. Make sure they have the knowledge to be there for our community and just have everything that you need as a council member,” Lozano explained.

Lozano said the election is a chance for the community to make the changes it wants to see.

“It’s very important that our citizens understand the need that we have in our community and that we need to do something. And the way that we can do it is by putting our vote in and letting everybody know that we are here and we are ready for a change,” Lozano spoke.

If you are waiting for Election Day to vote, voting centers in San Luis and Somerton will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, including the San Luis Medical Mall, San Luis Library, and Somerton Community Center.

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Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The American Legion Post 19 held a kids Halloween party Saturday morning.

The event had all kinds of spooktacular fun for kids and their families who were in attendance. There was a costume contest, games, a cake walk, face painting and even a train ride for the kids.

Scary, spooky and silly costumes could be seen worn by those who attended.

The event was held in the early afternoon to allow kids of all ages a safe place to enjoy the Halloween holiday.

Organizers said the free event was a big success and they hope to have the communities support and attendance for their parade and Christmas event.

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Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Malicious Monster Truck Tour took over Cocopah Speedway Halloween weekend.

The spooky action packed event invited local residents for an early trick or treat event for all ages, followed by a thrilling monster truck show and experience.

Fans got an up-close look at these monstrous machines during the pit party and even a chance to ride in one of these scary machines.

Event organizer Travis Peery said the multi-day event was a safe way for families to experience the Halloween weekend and some actual “Monster” trucks.

Next weekend, the Cocopah Speedway is set to host the three-day Diamond In The Desert Auto Race with participants racing for a chance to grab the checkered flag and cash prizes.

Practice Wednesday, November 4 (6pm-9pm)

+ BBQ Pit Party (9:30pm for pit pass purchasers only)

Qualifying starts at 5pm and racing starts at 6pm.

Thursday, November 5 – Saturday, November 7

Foodie Fest – Saturday (8am-12pm) in main parking lot

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Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) and local partners held their Scary and Safe Trick or Treat event over the weekend at the Yuma County Fairgrounds. 

The annual event held by YPD, the City of Yuma and local partners invited all to come enjoy a scary and safe Halloween evening.

Guests were welcomed with live music by members of the Harvest Prep Academy Music Club and a live DJ. 

Over 40 local vendors were setup in the decorated theater building handing out candy to all those who dared to enter.

People lined up as early as 3 p.m. in anticipation for the popular event providing people a safe alternative to the traditional door to door trick or treating.

YPD said all proceeds from the annual Scary and Safe event go directly to benefit the Special Olympics.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigation a shooting over the weekend which left one person injured.

YPD said the shooting happened after midnight Saturday, October 31, in the area of W. 17th Lane and S. 46th Drive.

Upon arrival, YPD said officers found a 19-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds.

During the investigation, YPD said there was a house party at a home in the area, and said a fight happened, which led to shots being fired, leading to the victim’s injury.

YPD said the victim was taken to Onvida Health, but was later flown to a Phoenix area hospital in serious condition.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at 928-373-4700, or 78-CRIME at 928-782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Attempted Homicide 26-81612Download

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) paid a visit to Yuma for get out the vote launch and meet and greet ahead of the election Tuesday.

With less than 48 hours until polls close, Sen. Gallego urged those in attendance to get out and encourage others to vote blue across the state and in Yuma County.

Some of the important topics Gallego mentioned were: affordability, medicaid cuts and agriculture.

Gallego was also there to support Legislative District 23 candidate Emilia Cortez as she is one of four candidates running for representative. Gallego says this election is important when it comes to having yuma represented throughout Arizona.

“Yuma County is important. We have to win or do our best to kind of work for us as a fighting chance. And Yuma County has good representation in good state [representatives] and state senators. They understand the needs of this area when it comes to education, when it comes to agriculture and water. We’re going to need someone to make sure at the state level and don’t forget Yuma when it comes to a lot of the same things too,” Gallego said.

The event was hosted by the Democratic Party Local Chapter’s Office, with Yuma County Board of Supervisors Chairman Martin Porchas in attendance as well.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Students at Palmcroft Elementary School got a special visit from McGruff the Crime Dog and Tracker as local organizations came together to promote drug prevention during Red Ribbon Week.

The Yuma County Anti Drug Coalition (YCADC) partnered with Palmcroft Elementary for a special assembly featuring McGruff, military police, Tracker, U.S. Border Patrol agents and a K-9 unit.

The assembly was part of a larger countywide effort, with local organizations visiting schools throughout the week to raise awareness and encourage students to make healthy, drug-free choices.

“Across the nation, we campaign in bringing awareness to students to make good choices and say no to drugs,” said Joanne Fiser, YCADC’s Executive Director. “It starts ground up so that they can share with their families and make good and healthy choices.”

This marked the fourth year YCADC has organized and promoted Red Ribbon Week activities in Yuma County.

While the national Red Ribbon Week campaign runs October 23-31, YCADC expanded its efforts throughout the entire month of October, providing participating schools with planning guides, pledge banners, posters, educational materials, guest speakers and interactive activities.

The Drug Enforcement Administration recognizes Red Ribbon Week as an opportunity for parents, educators and communities to reinforce drug prevention messages and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Jennette Arviso, Principal of Palmcroft Elementary, said the assembly served as a culminating event that brought community partners together to reinforce the importance of staying drug-free.

Organizers said they hope to continue bringing prevention education and awareness to schools throughout Yuma County, helping students understand how healthy choices can positively impact their futures.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As early voting gets underway in Yuma County, local organizations brought voters together for a Halloween-themed community event in San Luis.

Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) and Instituto said the event was meant to help residents learn about their voting options and prepare for the November 3 General Election.

Voter education resources, activities like trick-or-treating, a haunted house, a costume contest and carnival games were all available for community members.

Organizers said the goal was to make voting information more accessible while giving neighbors a chance to connect and celebrate the start of early voting.

The free event was open to the public and ran from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Eddie’s Food & Drink on October 30.

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