Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Residents across Yuma County participated in the “No Kings” protest Saturday.

The protest happened early in the morning on the corners of Fourth Avenue and 16th Street, near Sprouts and Del Sol Market.

This is part of a nationwide protest where people across the county took to the streets to oppose President Donald Trump’s policies.

Two people KYMA spoke to shared their reasons for speaking out.

“I’m doing it for my children and grandchildren, you know, and I don’t see a future for them that looks good at all if things continue the way they are,” said Sharon Block, organizer of the protest.

“This is the biggest turnout. I’ve been here every single protest in Yuma, and this is by far the biggest turnout that I’ve seen, and that makes me so happy,” said Remi Smit-Weber, a protester.

The protests also coincided with President Trump’s military parade, taking place in Washington D.C., to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – José Malvido is running for the open congressional seat left after the passing of Congressman Raul Grijalva.

Malvido has worked for a variety of non-profits and medical organizations.

“I spent my life working for communities and accountability and transparency has been a part of my game,” he says.

Some of his key focuses are medicare for all, no college tuition, and raising the minimum wage.

Malvido says he’s campaigning for the seat because he doesn’t like how the country is currently being run.

“I don’t care if I serve several years, the main thing I want to do is disrupt what’s happening and prevent the erosion of the three branches of government,” he explained.

While Malvido may not have as much political experience he sees this as a positive thing.

“No I’m not a politician and I think that’s why that also makes me more qualified because I don’t care about being a politician, I care about serving the people,” Malvido says.

He says he is against what he describes as the genocide in Palestine, against the current ICE raids, and wants to be a voice for marginalized communities throughout Arizona.

“I will take Yuma County and especially the pueblitos into account and not ignore you, and just to make it further, I’ll find pathways of direct communication with folks in the communities,” Malvido said.

The Arizona Special Primary Election will be held on July 15. 

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – After 31-year-old Leticia Villareal died, people throughout the community came together to sell merchandise to raise funds for her family.

Multiple local businesses, like Crazy Earl’s and Brewers, are joining in on the support to raise more funds. In just the last week, Crazy Earl’s raised around $18,000 for Villareal’s child’s future.

“It’s horrible, and yet everyone’s first instinct to, ‘How can we help?’ So in that sadness, there’s a little glimpse of joy of how kind people still are today,” said Crazy Earl’s owner Natasha Heredia.

Tisha Lorona, a friend and manager of Villareal, shares how she reacted to hearing the news.

“Sometimes, I think you don’t really realize how much a person means to you until they’re not there for you anymore. She was a hard worker, and she’s going to be missed by everybody at work, and all of her friends,” Lorona says.

The group is selling merchandise with Villareal’s greeting, “Hey Babe.”

Lorona shares why it’s important to help out.

“Her son has a mom that was taken from him too soon, and he needs to know that there are a lot of people that love him and lost his mom and that they’re here for him even though she’s not here anymore. We’re going to do anything we can to help him,” Lorona said.

To help donate money for her son’s future, you can email crazyearlsyuma@gmail.com. There are also donation boxes at several businesses such as Brewers.

Nickkie’s Chicki Farm has a raffle going to June 21. There is also a GoFundMe which you can find HERE.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Opening statements happened Wednesday in the trial of the twin brothers charged with murdering a Yuma teen.

25-year-old David and Adrian Perez-Arzola are both charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, and attempted armed robbery.

Yuma police say the shooting happened on May 4, 2022, leading to the death of 15-year-old Cesar Aguilar, the day before his birthday.

Dallin Marcy, the State Prosecutor, said referring to the victim’s mother, “She had gone to bed and was planning to wake up the next morning to wish her son a happy birthday. It was to be Cesar’s 16th birthday.”

In opening statements, state prosecutors say the twin brothers, along with another person, were dressed in all black with ski masks at the time of the shooting, and that there are text messages that show the murder was orchestrated.

“He sees 3 individuals with dark clothes roughly 3 blocks away. They begin jumping fences and flee,” Marcy stated referring to an officer on the night of murder.

On the other hand, the defense attorney for David Perez-Alzona says the suspects acted in self defense, stating that evidence will show Perez-Arzola didn’t shoot first.

Defense Attorney Zach Dumyahn says, “This young man changed into a large coat before going outside on May 4th. Spoiler alert, it’s not because it was cold that night. The evidence will show Cesar had this weapon with him when he went outside.”

Several witnesses will be testifying during the trial including officers from the night of the murder.

The trial is set to run through July 17.

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Jailene Aguilera

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Here’s a way to impress dad for Fathers Day this year! Preparing a delicious side dish that would go very well a main course.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes

• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

For the Yogurt Aïoli:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

•  Salt to taste

For the Herb Salad:

• 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, and chives), roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

1. Boil the Potatoes:

   – Place the Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.

   – Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.

2. Smash the Potatoes:

   – Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

   – On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the boiled potatoes. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato to about ½ inch thick.

   – Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper.

3. Crisp the Potatoes:

 Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through to ensure even crisping.

4. Prepare the Yogurt Aïoli:

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Make the Herb Salad:

 In a separate bowl, combine the chopped herbs with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine.

6. Assemble the Dish:

Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven. Serve warm, topped with a generous dollop of yogurt aïoli and a handful of the herb salad. Finish with extra lemon zest for a fresh touch.

This dish is great as a side or a main vegetarian option. The crispy potatoes paired with the creamy aïoli and fresh herb salad create a delightful combination of flavors and textures!

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A terrifying bee attack in Yuma has left a family shaken, two dogs dead, and multiple people recovering from serious stings.

On what began as a typical Tuesday morning, the Lujan family was feeding their dogs in their backyard when a swarm of bees suddenly descended on them. The aggressive attack sent several family members to the hospital and tragically killed two of their beloved pets.

“It was just so devastating, and we’re so shaken up from it,” Mario Lujan told 13 On Your Side. “It’s probably the worst feeling you could have—to be so helpless.”

Mario and his wife were stung repeatedly as they tried to rescue their dogs. They believe the swarm came from a hidden hive inside a trailer near their property.

By the time first responders from Rural Metro Fire Department arrived, the damage had already been done.

“When Rural Metro came, she was almost unconscious—soaking wet,” Mario said, referring to his wife. “They just put her on the gurney, and off to the hospital we went.”

Local beekeeping expert Nicole Burns says the extreme heat could be a key factor in the bees’ sudden aggression.

“Anytime it’s above 100 degrees, bees like to be at 95 degrees, so anything past that can make them very agitated,” Burns explained. “That’s when we see people calling us—whether they’re mowing their lawn or they don’t know they have a beehive in a tree.”

Burns also emphasized that bees typically don’t seek out trouble unless they feel provoked.

“They’re kinda just like a wild animal, like bears,” she said. “People can see them doing their own thing—leave them ‘bee,’ literally, is what I always tell people.”

The Lujan family says they are grateful their loved ones survived but are still processing the trauma and heartbreak from the attack.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Regional Center for Border Health San Luis Walk-In Clinic is hosting a two-day Back to School event next month at two different locations.

The first day of the event is taking place Friday, July 11, at the clinic in Somerton, located at 950 E. Main Street Building B, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Courtesy: Regional Center for Border Health

The second day of the event is taking place Saturday, July 12, at the clinic in San Luis, located at 1896 E. Babbitt Lane, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

During the two events, students will receive backpacks, school supplies, physicals, immunizations, sports physicals and eye exams.

Courtesy: Regional Center for Border Health

For more information about the Somerton event, call (928) 236-8001. For information about the San Luis event, call (928) 722-6112.

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Karina Bazarte

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The El Centro Public Library held a registration event for their annual Summer Reading Program Wednesday morning.

The event took place at the library, located at 1198 N. Imperial Avenue, at 11:00 a.m.

“The El Centro Public Library continues to be a place of learning, imagination, and connection for our community,” said El Centro Mayor Sonia Carter.

Courtesy: City of El Centro

Those who participate in the program can expect “themed storytimes, crafts, reading challenges, live performances, and more,” according to the City of El Centro.

Durning the event, Wild Wonders made an appearance, where many children, teenagers and adults got to see and touch different animals, such as a snake and possum.

“It’s a great way to encourage children and families to explore the world through books, discovery, and hands-on experiences. We invite everyone to take part in the activities planned all summer long,” Mayor Carter expressed.

Courtesy: City of El Centro

Carter says the program will also have free meals to give to the participants.

The Summer Reading Program starts next week. To learn more about the program, read the press release, written in English and Spanish, below.

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Karina Bazarte

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A house in Brawley went up in flames Tuesday afternoon, destroying two vehicles

The Brawley Fire Department (BFD) says the fire started on Walnut Street and Willow Court, with BFD believing the fire started in the garage.

Maria del Lurdes Gullen, a next-door neighbor, says her neighbors knocked on her door asking for help and everyone sprang into action.

“For it to happen in a matter of seconds, that’s all it took a matter of seconds, you know, that everything went, but I just feel lucky and blessed that nobody for hurt not even the animals nobody got hurt,” Gullen shared.

BFD says everyone in the home, including a pet dog, got out safely, and says it took them at least 20 minutes to put out the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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