Category: kyma-local-news

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man convicted of murder is back in court. Now, a judge has to decide how much time he will spend behind bars as the victim’s family shares emotional impact statements.

Emotions were high in the courtroom as family members of 57-year-old Anthony Jordinelli shared what he meant to them and how his murder has changed their lives forever.

“Mr. Harder’s deliberate choice in taking Anthony’s life has caused a ripple effect that will haunt us forever,” said a daughter-in-law of the victim.

40-year-old Nicholas Harder was back in court as attorneys argued over his sentencing, including whether his prison terms should run concurrently or consecutively.

Deputy County Attorney Rachel Allocca Guerrero said, “Each of the four aggravated assaults are its own separate acts that can also run consecutively to one another for a total of five consecutive sentences.”

The victim’s family is urging for the defendant to serve his sentencing consecutively.

“We respectfully ask the court to consider the lasting pain suffered by Tony’s family and the loved ones as the proceedings come to a conclusion. This family is requesting no concurrent sentences,” said a brother of the victim.

In Arizona, a second-degree murder conviction comes with a sentence of 10 to 25 years in prison. Harder will be sentenced next month.

We will be back in the courtroom for the sentencing and will provide you with updates once the court has made their decision.

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Jessamyn Dodd

WESTMORLAND, Calif. (KYMA) – Community in Westmorland came together on Thursday evening for a food distribution following a fire Sunday.

The fire broke out at an abandoned home adjacent to the Westmorland Presbyterian Church, destroying several rooms, including where food was stored for the community food pantry.

The church members, the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), and the Westmorland Elementary School worked together to make sure residents do not go hungry.

IID Division 1 Director Alex Cardenas said the support from the community has been overwhelming. He pointed to the resiliency of the people in the district, as recovery efforts continue.

“We are nonstop when it comes to delivering food boxes and it comes to addressing some of the food insecurity,” Cardenas said.

“You know the Westmorland Food Pantry had a devastating fire here less than four or five days ago, and to see hundreds of people here this afternoon in about a hundred-degree weather, getting a box of food thanks to the volunteers is something that’s special in the City of Westmorland,” he exclaimed.

Cardenas was on the scene as the fire spread, explaining that the IID was there to turn the power off until it was safe.

“Number one, when you deal with a fire of this magnitude and the devastation, you know we have to shut the power off,” he explained. “I want to make sure we get the power back on as quickly and as safely as possible.”

The evening brought out volunteers of all ages, including 12-year-old Hunter Morgan, who came out with his grandmother to help.

“I just like to help out these people. I go to church here, and I just feel like I like to help out,” Morgan said.

As the church begins to rebuild, community support continues pouring in.

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Lynette Niebla

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – A local environmental group is expanding its footprint to help educate neighbors about pollution and climate change.

The Valley Action Committee officially celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new office Friday, marking a major milestone for regional environmental advocacy.

The organization is focusing heavily on the future of the community.

By establishing a permanent physical space, the committee aims to provide residents with direct, reliable data on regional pollution, empowering families to better understand the environmental changes affecting their neighborhoods.

The grand opening brings more than just a new building. Along with the expanded workspace, the group launched several new community programs and computer classes designed to spark personal and professional growth for local residents.

They are inviting the entire public to utilize the new facility, explore these fresh educational resources, and get actively involved in protecting the local environment.

The grand opening event will take place Friday from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the group’s new location, situated at 138 Main Street in Brawley.

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Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Amidst an atmosphere of solidarity and hope, Housing America Corporation (HAC), in collaboration with USDA Rural Development, celebrated the groundbreaking of a new home for Ms. Lidia Magaña.

It was a project intended to honor the dream of her daughter, who passed away nearly three years ago.

According to HAC representatives, the home symbolizes not only a new beginning for the Magaña family, but also the fulfillment of a cherished wish that Ms. Magaña’s daughter longed to see realized: Providing a safe and stable home for her loved ones.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place Thursday on San Diego Street in San Luis, Arizona, with the participation of community members, public officials, contractors, and volunteers who came together to support the project.

One of the most notable aspects of this initiative was the involvement of 19 local contractors, businesses, and collaborators, who donated materials, supplies, and labor valued at over $30,000.

Family members and attendees highlighted that the project has become a shining example of community support and empathy, demonstrating how the collaboration between organizations and citizens can transform difficult times into opportunities for hope.

HAC representatives reiterated their commitment to continue working on building quality housing for families facing difficult circumstances, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local high school celebrates the achievement of its class of 2026.

55 students from Vista High School graduated Wednesday night. The ceremony was held at the Yuma High School auditorium.

Vista High Principal David King says this means a lot for the students because they succeeded despite several challenges.

“It’s a school of choice in our district, so see kids finish tonight is especially meaningful, because they want to graduate early, because they face some barrier, or just because Vista was the best fit. It wonderful to see it,” said King.

This was the first of six high school graduations that will be happening this week in Yuma County.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial City Council has voted unanimously, 4-0, to move forward with a proposed moratorium on hyper-scale data centers within city limits.

The decision places Imperial among a growing number of cities in the region reconsidering large-scale data center development, following similar actions in Calipatria and Brawley in recent weeks.

During public comment, some residents expressed concern about how future projects could impact the community and local decision-making.

“We’re all about banning.. because one day.. probably soon because you’ll have the elections and then you guys are gone. I think…what do we have to do…come back and refight again?” said Jake Tison, an Imperial County resident.

City leaders said the moratorium is intended to give staff time to review zoning rules and evaluate how hyperscale data centers fit into long-term planning for the city.

Mayor Ida Obeso-Martinez said the council has already taken steps to respond to community concerns.

“I think our city has already shown its willingness to stand up for our residents, with the lawsuit initially, and we will continue…at least I want to continue fighting for the residents as well. So tonight, I’m asking for staff for moratorium,” said Martinez to an applauding crowd.

They emphasized the measure is not a final decision on data centers, but a temporary pause while additional review takes place.

City Attorney Katherine Turner said concerns have been raised about development pressure in areas surrounding Imperial.

“There’s gray areas right? that people found and they’re trying to come in and capitalize on that, and I really wanna make sure that doesn’t happen to our city.” said Turner.

She also referenced broader concerns in the region, saying: “I think Imperial County has shown that they’re not a responsible neighbor and I want to make sure our residents are protected and that you guys have leaders you can count on.”

The proposed moratorium is scheduled to come back before the council for formal approval on June 3.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As holiday travelers start hitting the road for the Memorial Day weekend, Arizona gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years.

Some local gas stations have gas prices at $4.43, as of Friday, May 22, 2026.

According to AAA, the average in Arizona is $4.81 per gallon, which is $1.40 more than last year.

Some locals are feeling the difference.

“I just moved to Arizona from California, so that’s a less of a shock to me to my bank, but nevertheless, this is getting out of the hand,” said Scott Newell, a Yuma local.

“My gasoline takes 22 miles to a gallon, therefore I have bout $60 to get my car filled. Before all the gas prices went up, it took $40 to fill my gas so it’s gouging my money for sure,” said Lauren Mackey, another local.

Locals said they have to make some adjustments on their budget to pump some gas and get out town this holiday weekend

“Got to think about a little bit more but you have to have gas you have to pay one way or the other,” expressed Newell.

“Just go with flow honestly, I have to pay t get to wherever I have to go,” said Mackey.

If you want to save on gas, AAA recommends avoid speeding, remove unnecessary weight from your car and check the tire pressure.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma mother is sharing her personal story to help raise awareness about water safety and drowning prevention.

Melissa Hull says her advocacy work began after the loss of her four-year-old son, Drew, who drowned in an irrigation canal near their Yuma County home in 2000.

Hull says many families immediately think about swimming pools when discussing water safety, but she believes irrigation canals are often overlooked dangers in Yuma County.

“We have over 220 miles of open irrigation systems in Yuma County alone. So that means that there is a great need to discuss and educate the public about the hidden dangers and potential risks of irrigation canals in our community,” Hull said.

Hull says her son was “just an adventurous little boy” and hopes sharing his story can help other families better understand how quickly drowning accidents can happen.

She encourages parents to create multiple layers of protection around water, including fences, alarms, self-latching gates, and close supervision.

Hull also speaks openly about grief and healing in her book, “Dear Drew: Creating a Life Bigger Than Grief.”

In the book, she shares her perspective on learning to move forward after loss while continuing to honor her son’s memory.

Hull will host a book signing and water safety event Saturday at Barnes & Noble in Yuma from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

She says the event will also include water safety education resources for families. It’s free to attend, but if you’d like to register you can visit this link.

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Carolina Garcia

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – Dozens of workers in Calexico are asking for a pay raise and a new contract.

The workers belong to two different groups, including City of Calexico Administrative staff and Calexico Water Department employees.

They say their contract has not been renewed for a year.

They’re calling for negotiations that reflect current economic conditions and the City of Calexico’s cost of living.

“They want to give us a two-year contract with a one-time check for every year only. They don’t want to give us increases in our wages…and that’s why we weren’t. We weren’t like they said the the price of gas is going up,” said Jesus Navarro, Operators President for SEIU. “The grocery prices are going up and then, they’re going to go up even higher.”

They said they will protest at all City Council meetings until a labor agreement is reached.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Associate Superintendent Lilian Campa was selected for the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership’s 2026 Flinn-Brown Fellowship.

According to a press release, the fellowship “brings together civic leaders from throughout Arizona to help expand their knowledge, skills, and networks to address Arizona’s long-term issues,” and Campa is one of 24 people across the state to earn the fellowship.

“Being selected is both an honor and a responsibility,” Campa said. “I see it as recognition that the work I have been doing in education and leadership has value beyond my immediate role. I wanted to be part of the fellowship because meaningful change happens when people understand systems, build relationships, and engage in thoughtful dialogue — especially with people who may see issues differently. In education, many of the challenges we face are deeply connected to public policy, and I wanted to grow my ability to advocate effectively for students, educators, and communities.”

As a Flinn-Brown Fellow, YUHSD says Campa will participate in policy discussion that are focused on the following issues affecting Arizona:

Education

Water

Economic development

Healthcare

Infrastructure

State government

In addition, YUHSD says the fellowship provides opportunities to speak with policymakers, subject matter experts and leaders throughout the state.

“I plan to use what I learn to strengthen my leadership and deepen my understanding of how policy decisions impact schools and communities,” Campa added.

To learn more about Campa being selected as a Flinn-Brown Fellow, read the press release below.

PR – Yuma Union High School District Associate Superintendent selected for Flinn-Brown FellowshipDownload

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