Category: kyma-local-news

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Business and community leaders from across Yuma County gathered for an evening of celebration, reflection and recognition at the annual dinner gala event held at the Pivot Point Conference Center.

Hosted by the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, the event marked a symbolic turning point, closing one chapter while welcoming the opportunities of the year ahead.

Nearly 200 attendees filled the venue to celebrate individual and group accomplishments from the past year, while also recognizing the incoming board of directors.

Executive Director Carrie Zaragoza said this year’s board represents a diverse cross-section of the local business community.

“This year’s board, we’re just super excited about it because they are from small business owners to big business, either owners or higher execs within their organizations, and it’s such a good, broad mix,” she said.

Throughout the evening, several awards were presented to honor standout contributions to Yuma County’s business landscape including Chamber Champion, Ambassador of the Year, Small Businessperson of the Year and Member of the Year.

The most anticipated recognition of the night was the Chamber’s Business of the Year award, given to a company that exemplifies the very best of the local community.

“Our big award is our business of the year, and that’s a business that exemplifies all the best of Yuma County,” Zaragoza said.

After competing among several nominees, Imaginary Friends Design Studios was named Business of the Year.

Owner Jon M. Perry said the recognition felt especially meaningful because it came from the community his company serves.

“It feels amazing. We’ve won design awards that are recognized nationally, and that’s amongst peers. This is completely different because this is the recognition of my community and having them kind of recognize the work we do,” Perry said. “Seeing the work that we put out there and seeing it come back for us is really, really rewarding.”

As the evening concluded, attendees left not only celebrating the achievements of the past year, but also turning their attention toward new goals and continued growth in 2026.

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Paul Vozzella

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) visited Yuma County Thursday to host a town hall meeting focused on understanding how immigration and workforce issues are affecting border communities in the San Luis-Yuma area.

It marked his first town hall in the region centered specifically on the real-world challenges residents face in a border community.

Sen. Gallego entered the meeting room to a round of applause as community members gathered to share concerns and ask questions.

Throughout the roughly hour-long event, the senator addressed a range of topics, including educational funding for an area with Title I schools and the energy and water demands of one of the state’s most agriculturally productive regions.

However, immigration policy and the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were at the forefront of the discussion.

Gallego spoke about the impact he believes current tensions are having on the region, particularly in communities that have long maintained close economic and cultural ties with Mexico.

“People that come here legally with Visas are even afraid to cross the border, and they don’t like is the kind of antagonistic relationship that we’re building with Mexico because this area, and Arizona, has had a great relationship with Mexico for many years that has really been driving the economy for quite awhile,” Gallego said.

Addressing concerns about illegal border crossings, Gallego emphasized what he described as the need to distinguish between individuals who pose a threat and those who contribute positively to their communities.

“Let’s have professional immigration enforcement. Let’s deport the criminals. Let’s deport the people that are causing problems in our neighborhood. Everyone else…let’s give them a background check. Make them pay a fine. Make them get in the back of the line. Give them, you know, a temporary Visa, and if after a couple of years prove themselves to be good residents, then we can decide where to go from there,” he said.

Gallego also expressed confidence that immigration reform does not have to be a strictly partisan effort. He suggested there is bipartisan recognition of the economic benefits tied to immigration, particularly in border states like Arizona.

“I don’t think this has to wait for Democrats to take over. I think there’s a lot of Republicans, Republican businessmen that realize like, you know, and women, that, you know, immigration, especially legal immigration is actually good for this country, right. And we all are stronger and more prosperous when we have people coming here and working,” Gallego said.

The town hall featured extensive back-and-forth between the senator and local residents, with community members raising questions and sharing personal experiences.

In addition to immigration, discussions touched on workforce challenges, school funding, and infrastructure needs unique to the San Luis-Yuma area, underscoring the complexity of issues facing Arizona’s border communities.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A man drowned in a canal after crashing into it, according to Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

On Tuesday, February 17, at about 3:49 p.m., YCSO was called about a crash in the area of E. County 8th Street and Avenue 44 E.

A Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling westbound on County 8th Street, and the driver veered off the roadway, traveling down into a canal.

The driver and passenger exited the vehicle, but the driver was swept away and drowned, according to YCSO.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as 32-year-old Missael Orozco Leon of Somerton, Arizona.

YCSO says impairment and speed are suspected to be factors in this case.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call YCSO at (928) 783-4427.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The 20th annual Southwest Agricultural Summit is back in the desert southwest.

One of the growers who attended the event shared why it’s important to come to the summit.

“The technology that’s on display here is unbelievable, we’ve got AI represented, we’ve got lasers, we’ve got all kinds of things and it’s all going towards making the things we do more efficient, and easier to deal with the problems that we have,” says Steve Alameda, Yuma Fresh Board Member and local farmer.

Jai Roa, founder Niqo Robotics, says that because of the heat in Yuma, its a great place to test out the machinery.

“The saying for us is if you can get through yuma, you can get through anywhere in the world, so that’s why we enjoy being here…it’s a good test for our product, and the people have been great so we’re excited to see everything grow here,” explains Roa.

The Southwest Ag Summit is the desert southwest’s premier agriculture industry show that provides content that growers can directly apply to their job.

Amy Karvoski, Yuma Fresh Vegatable Association Manager, explains, “We kind of take everything over for a couple days, and we get the biggest, best latest and greatest Ag technology, Ag implements here to show attendees.”

Day two of the summit focused on field demonstrations. There were 14 different machines and drones shown to attendees to display what they do and how they can be used in the field.

Karvoski adds, “We work really hard at again finding the latest information and the most up to date farming equipment to bring here so that they know it’s available.”

Growers also had the opportunity to sit in different classes focusing on the Colorado river, vegetables, and laws and regulations.

“It helps the get the credits that keep their license legal so that they can continue with their profession, but the other thing it does as well is give them the newest information on their particular topics and particular subjects so they know what is going on now,” says Karvoski.

The Yuma Fresh Vegatable Association would like to thank their sponsors who help them put on a huge event like this every year.

The Southwest Ag Summit will last through Thursday, February 19.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – February is officially Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide.

To discuss the importance of heart health, we spoke with Dr. Evren Kaynak, Cardiovascular Medical Director at Onvida Health.

Why Heart Health Month matters

While many people associate February with Valentine’s Day and heart symbols, Dr. Kaynak says the month serves a much more serious purpose.

“Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death in the United States and around the world,” Kaynak said. “Heart Health Month is about bringing attention to prevention and early detection.”

The “Silent Killer”: High Blood Pressure

One of the biggest concerns in cardiovascular health is hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.

Dr. Kaynak calls it a “silent killer” because it often has no noticeable symptoms until serious complications occur.

“High blood pressure may not give you any warning signs,” he explained. “For some patients, the first sign could be a stroke, heart attack, or even kidney failure.”

Hypertension remains one of the leading contributors to death, particularly among older adults. The good news, Dr. Kaynak says, is that treatment is highly effective, if the condition is caught early.

Simple Steps to Protect Your Heart

While lifestyle advice can sometimes sound repetitive, Dr. Kaynak emphasizes that small, consistent changes can significantly improve both quality and length of life.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

As people age, weight gain can become more common, especially with increased consumption of processed foods. Losing excess weight can significantly lower blood pressure.

2. Reduce Processed Foods

Dr. Kaynak advises limiting processed salt, sugar, and refined flour.

“These foods can make arteries harder and increase blood pressure,” he said.

3. Exercise Regularly

Aim for 30 to 45 minutes of brisk walking daily — enough to break a light sweat.

“It doesn’t have to be extreme,” Dr. Kaynak noted. “But consistent physical activity can lower blood pressure and improve heart health.”

Monitor Your Health

Dr. Kaynak encourages people to keep track of their blood pressure and stay aware of any unusual symptoms.

“Prevention and early action are key,” he said. “We are here to help.”

For more details on an upcoming event Heart Health awareness event, click here.

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Morgan Feller

The 13th annual fuel of dreams was a success for Special Olympics Arizona

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department hosted its 13th Annual Fuel of Dreams event Thursday, raising money to benefit Special Olympics Arizona.

Officers volunteered their time to pump gas and clean windshields for customers while encouraging donations to support local athletes.

The effort raised $1,190, according to organizers.

In other Special Olympics news, local high school teams are set to compete in a basketball and cheer tournament this weekend. Top performers will advance to state competition.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – 51-year-old Abraham Feinbloom was in an El Centro criminal courtroom Wednesday wearing a red jailhouse uniform and shackles.

He pleaded not guilty in the disappearance and murder of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar.

The judge stated that Tovar and Feinbloom began communicating in November of last year, up until she was reported missing.

Tovar was allegedly dropped off at Feinbloom‘s home.

During the second search warrant executed at his home, Feinbloom tried to run away.

Feinbloom was detained by law enforcement. He had his passport and Thai currency on him.

It is further alleged that Feinbloom used a firearm during the crime, and a leg that matched Tovar’s DNA had bullet fragments in it.

Overseeing the case is Judge William Lehmar, who ordered Feinbloom to remain in custody with no bail until his next appearance which is Monday, February 23.

The court was under the impression that Feinbloom had retained private counsel, however, he stated that his lawyer was not present.

The case was handed to the public defenders office for the time being.

The Imperial County District Attorney’s office argued that Feinbloom is a flight risk.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Locals were holding onto their hats in Imperial County today. Strong winds swept dust and debris into the air.

It also blew tree branches and cause reduced visibility and poor air quality. Officials warned of potential hazards which could become dangerous.

Brawley Fire Chief Juan Rodelo said residents should beware of debris.

“We’ve been experiencing some high winds and some rain and stuff like that. I guess a word of caution would be to be mindful of wind events like the ones that we are experiencing right now. We have a lot of debris coming down, you know from trees, palm trees and stuff like that. There might be some trash that might be loose. So just watch road conditions and just pay attention to whatever message might be coming out if weather conditions worsen,” said Chief Rodelo.

The Imperial County Air Pollution Board also warned of  severe air pollution cased by the wind… and advises residents to limit their time outdoors.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – Workers and vendors are preparing for the annual California Mid-Winter Fair, setting up rides, booths, and preparing the parking lot for large crowds, and adding the finishing touches.

Organizers say months of planning go into making this one of the most anticipated events of the year.

“Currently we have the carnival that’s in the process of getting their rides and everything set up. We have food vendors that are coming in, starting to get their concessions stands ready to go. We have grounds preparation that’s taking place, getting ready to take on all these people,” Imperial Valley Fairgrounds CEO Alan Phillips told KYMA.

Along with classic fair favorities like funnel cakes and corndogs, visitors can expect live performances, entertainment, and games. Main staples of the fair are the livestock show and the motorsports events.

Phillips explained, “We have six days of racing that will be taking place on the first weekend. We have go karts. And then on the second weekend we have lightning sprints and dwarf cars.”

The fair opens next Friday night, and this year, its offering family value nights with discounts. For more information, click here.

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