Category: kyma-local-news

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Cinco de Mayo celebrations are underway across Yuma, with residents marking the holiday in different ways, from gatherings out in the community to celebrations at home.

The holiday traces back to the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces defeated the French on May 5, 1862. As one local described it, it is the victory that is traditionally remembered each year.

As festivities continue, the Yuma Police Department (YPD) is reminding people to celebrate safely and plan ahead before heading out.

“If you’re going to go out and drink, make sure you have a designated driver, or if you have to, use Uber or Lyft,” said YPD Officer Hayato Johnson. “$20 to get home is a lot better than thousands of dollars in DUI fees and court costs…or even taking a life or damaging somebody’s property.”

Police say taking a few minutes to plan a safe ride home can help prevent serious and lasting consequences.

They also encourage drivers who are not drinking to stay alert on the road and watch for impaired drivers.

“If you’re not drinking and driving, just drive defensively,” Johnson added. “Look out for other vehicles driving erratically or that appear to be under the influence.”

YPD say extra patrols will be out Tuesday night watching for impaired drivers and encouraging everyone to stay safe on the road.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The trial of a Yuma man accused of a 2024 shooting ended in a mistrial.

25-year-old Gabriel Taddei was on trial for two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Taddei is accused of shooting another man during a neighborhood fight in 2024, but after six days, jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Court records show they were unable to agree on a final verdict for both counts, and the case could be retried.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) has promoted Richard Root as their new Deputy Fire Chief.

According to a press release, Root served more than 27 years with YFD in a variety of roles, such as Battalion Chief and Division Chief, which YFD says he consistently demonstrated “strong leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.”

In addition, YFD says Root served a key role in “supporting department operations, mentoring personnel, and helping guide strategic initiatives that benefit both the organization and the community.”

“After 27 years with the department, it’s a privilege to step into this role,” said Deputy Chief Root. “My focus will remain on supporting our firefighters and delivering reliable, high-quality service to the citizens of Yuma, while continuing to strengthen staffing, enhance professional development, and plan for the department’s future growth.”

Prior to his promotion, YFD says Root served as the Interim Deputy Fire Chief.

013 New Deputy Fire ChiefDownload

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A teacher from Yuma County was awarded the National Teacher of the Year.

Arilene Gaxiola was recognized by the Teachers of Tomorrow to receive the honor at the state-level. Gaxiola is an eighth-grade math teacher at San Luis Middle School.

“Our Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators whose commitment, skill, and heart are changing lives,” said Dr. Heath Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Teachers of Tomorrow and former superintendent. “This year’s honoree, Arilene Gaxiola, stands out for her exceptional dedication to her students and her innovative approach to education. Arilene exemplifies the profound impact teachers can have, and we’re proud to recognize her as our 2026 National Teacher of the Year.”

Gaxiola will receive up to $5,000 to support her classroom, which she plans to use to expand hands-on learning in math.

“Being a teacher has changed my life in ways I didn’t expect, making me more patient, empathetic, and aware of the challenges students face at a young age,” said Gaxiola.

For more information on Teachers of Tomorrow and the award, you can click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro is hosting the grand opening of an immersive art exhibition.

According to a press release, the exhibition, which is in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Calexico, is called Chiapas Through the Lens: Celebrating Culture and Supporting Education, and will open Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Old Post Office Pavilion, located at 230 S. Fifth Street.

The City says the exhibit will highlight the “vibrant culture of Los Altos de Chiapas” while also supporting educational initiatives for Indigenous communities through Fundacion Escalera.

Courtesy: City of El Centro

In addition, the City says the exhibit aims to raise awareness of educational challenges in the region, encourage community engagement and support programs that will expand opportunities for students in underserved communities

The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is located in the lobby area of the Old Post Office Pavilion, and will go until the end of June.

To learn more about the upcoming exhibit, read the press release, written in English and Spanish below.

ChiapasArtPREngDownload

ChiapasArtPRSpaDownload

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County is celebrating National Mental Health Awareness Month by embracing a collective mission, fostering community connection under this year’s theme: ‘More Good Days, Together.’

The campaign focuses on fostering community support, reducing long-standing stigmas, and connecting residents with vital wellness resources.

Experts define mental health as our emotional and social well-being, a critical factor in how we navigate daily life.

From anxiety and depression to more complex conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS) Deputy Director Gabriela Jimenez emphasizes that every struggle is valid.

She notes that no form of mental health challenge is “greater” than another; all deserve attention and care.

To bring this mission to the streets, ICBHS is hosting a Mental Health Awareness Walk this Thursday, May 7. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the MLK Pavilion (770 Park Ave).

Organizers invite the public to join the walk to inspire hope and raise awareness.

The event also serves as an open house for those struggling to see firsthand the plethora of support services available locally.

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Dillon Fuhrman

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Somerton is inviting residents to attend the Evening with Mayor & Council event later this week.

The event is taking place at Somerton City Hall, located at 143 N. State Avenue, Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

During the event, the City says those who attend will meet and talk directly with elected city officials, including Somerton Mayor Gerardo Anaya.

To learn more about the upcoming event, read the press release below.

MEDIA ADVISORY-Evening with Mayor & CouncilDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Gila Ridge High School teacher Greg Brown has been named Yuma County’s 2026 High School Teacher of the Year.

Brown, according to YUHSD, teaches science and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and coaches tennis and swim.

“Winning this award was a great recognition of the hard work that goes on our campus,” Brown said. “Though it may be an individual award, it reflects on the staff at Gila Ridge and all they do to help educators like myself be the best I can be every day. I am one of many on the campus and throughout the district that could have received this award, and I hope I can continue to motivate colleagues and students as we push education forward in the coming years.”

Courtesy: Yuma Union High School District

YUHSD says Brown has been working for the district for 14 years, and says he is the first teacher at the school to win the award since 2018.

“Greg builds capacity in students, colleagues, and our school systems that support learning and postsecondary readiness,” Gila Ridge Principal Kathy Hoover said. “His influence is consistent and generous. He insists that every Hawk gets the opportunity and support to chase their dream. That combination of service and vision is why he was chosen for this award. It is an honor for me to collaborate with him at Gila Ridge High School.”

The Yuma County Teacher of the Year awards are annually hosted by the Education Foundation of Yuma County, which YUHSD says is “a private, non-profit organization established to support and recognize the profession of teaching and raise public awareness of the importance and value of education.”

PR – GRHS teacher named TOTY 2026Download

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz.(KYMA)- Three 18-year-old men have been arrested in connection to the murder of a local man.

The Yuma Police Department (YPD) says the suspects were arrested in the Phoenix area over the weekend.

Sgt. Christina Fernandez with YPD said, “On May 2nd, three 18-year-olds were placed under arrest in Avondale with the help of Tempe and Glendale police departments on multiple felony charges including first-degree murder. All were booked in the Maricopa jail.”

YPD say the suspects shot and killed Valentin Morales on April 26 at an intersection in Yuma. The suspects left the scene and were later arrested in Avondale, Arizona.

“The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation,” Sgt. Fernandez said.

The suspects will be extradited back to Yuma as soon as the Tempe and Glendale Police Departments conclude their investigations.

If you have any information about this crime, you can call YPD or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

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