Category: kyma-local-news

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Both Arizona and California saw their minimum wage increase by forty cents or more on January 1, 2026.

California’s minimum wage increased from $16.50 to $16.90. Meanwhile, Arizona’s increased from $14.70 to $15.15.

Arizona’s is now nearly double the federal minimum wage which is $7.25.

Local business owner and employee CJ Alberts, says she likes the increase, but believes it should be even more.

“I think it’s great. I don’t think it’s nearly enough,” she says. “I don’t think that’s enough for people to live on by any means. We’re in a cost-of-living crisis and anything employers can do to reinvest in their workforce and their employees they should be doing.”

Alberts says as a business owner she likes to reward her employees for making the business work.

“Every time our business is profitable, I try to do everything in my power to again, reinvest it back into the people that make this place run,” she explains.

Meanwhile, Ashley Simms, the owner of the local coffee shop Cafecito provided this statement:

“We understand the cost of living is rising and we also knew this would be coming. We may have to raise prices a little bit because not only is the wage increase happening, but the cost of goods sold is higher now than ever! Even through COVID, when prices rose so drastically, it didn’t impact us like it is now. We will raise wages and encourage people to tip on services provided…Those few extra percentages on a check really help small businesses like us to help support our workers and their families.”

This new minimum wage equals over $31,000 dollars a year.

More information can be read through an informational poster below.

2026 THE FAIR WAGES AND HEALTHY FAMILIES ACT_1Download

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On New Year’s Eve and Day, the Yuma Police Department (YPD) received almost 60 calls regarding firework activity.

This is almost half the calls they received compared to last year, which was almost 100.

“It’s the end of the year…we had a rough year. Everybody wants to let off some steam and celebrate and that’s fine to do it in a manner that’s safe, and in a manner that doesn’t offend your neighbors,” says Yuma local and board member for the Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) Wendy McKay.

Meanwhile, over the last couple of days, the HSOY took in 41 pets.

Annette Lagunas, the Humane Society Executive Director, shares the best way to reconnect with your lost furry friends.

“Come down to the shelter. Don’t call us. We can’t tell you over the phone whether you’re dog is here or not, so just come on down to the shelter, look for your pet, that should be you’re first action is missing,” Lagunas says.

McKay shares how these fireworks can lead to more missing pets.

“They are not permissible by law in our county, in our community, in our state, so those are the problem, it’s cause and effect, if we didn’t have those fireworks we wouldn’t have all these missing animals,” she said.

Lagunas also explains why you should keep an eye out for your pets this weekend.

“I’m concerned that the partying is going to continue through the weekend, so I’m a little worried about that and the number of animals that are going to be entering the shelter,” Lagunas says.

HSOY also recommends posting you’re missing furry friend on Yuma Lost and Found Pets on Facebook.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – New state projections show Yuma County is expected to keep adding jobs over the next ten years, with healthcare and technology related work leading the growth.

According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, jobs in Yuma County are projected to grow by about 0.7% each year through 2034.

The largest source of new jobs is expected to be healthcare and social assistance.

Doug Walls with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity says an aging population is increasing the need for medical care and support services.

Yuma County is currently seeing faster job growth than other rural areas in the state.

As more people reach retirement age, demand is growing for healthcare workers beyond doctors and nurses. Jobs such as medical assistants, lab technicians, and positions that require certifications or short term training are also expected to increase.

The report also shows growth in the information sector, which includes media, technology, and digital services like web design and data management. While this sector is smaller overall, it is projected to grow faster than any other.

Some industries are not growing. Employment in agriculture and livestock continues to decline. Some jobs are disappearing as work becomes more automated, and others are going unfilled because employers can’t find enough workers.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Drivers in Imperial County appeared to prioritize safety over the New Year’s holiday, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Over the two-day enforcement period, CHP officers conducted 183 traffic stops and issued 110 citations, the majority for speeding. Despite the increased enforcement, no DUI arrests were made.

“Based on our holiday enforcement period, it shows us that people were driving a lot more responsibly out on the roadways,” said Jose Marquez of CHP.

One of the main issues officers observe during the holidays, Marquez said, was drivers rushing to reach their destinations. “One of the biggest issues that we see people traveling during the holidays is the need and feel to get to their destination as fast as possible, and that can affect your safety,” he said.

CHP is urging drivers to remain cautious as holiday travel continues, reminding motorists to slow down, maintain safe following distances, and drive defensively. “The roadways will be busy as people start making their way back home, and just be a defensive driver and make sure that you’re aware of your surroundings,” Marquez said.

He also warned about weather-related hazards. “Just know that inclement weather conditions can affect driving and people driving around you,” he said.

As drivers continue to prioritize safety, CHP will maintain patrols on local roadways to help ensure safe travel.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Flu season is in full swing, with cases continuing to rise following the holiday season.

Health officials say this period often brings increased spread, and symptoms from the flu can linger for weeks after infection, making prevention especially important during this time.

There are steps people can take to protect both themselves and those around them, especially when symptoms appear. Limiting contact with others and practicing good hygiene are key to slowing the spread.

“If you have any symptoms, stay home, stay away from other people,” said Veerauo Konkankit, M.D., assistant director of the Family Medicine Residency Program. “A lot of people are getting sick just from close contacts alone from someone else that was sick…so, it’s just the necessary precautions…good hygiene, good handwashing. Those are great starts.”

Health officials also encourage people to seek medical care if symptoms begin to worsen. Local hospitals are available to help determine whether someone has the flu or another virus.

“If you’re starting to have symptoms and you feel like you’ll get worse, you can come in here. We can always swab you, and then test for the exact virus,” Konkankit said.

Flu season generally lasts through May, meaning precautions should continue well beyond the winter months.

Health experts urge residents to remain cautious, stay home when sick, and seek care when needed to help reduce the spread throughout the season.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the new year officially kicked off, some local shops celebrated by kicking off new sales, and clearance events.

So let’s take a look at how some shops did after the holiday.

Owner of Rebel & Rove, Selena Koogle, shared how they had lines right outside the doors around 6:30 in the morning, just trying to get to those sales.

She says this exceeded her expectations as it does every year.

Now is the perfect time to start supporting your local shops, as the start of the year can be tough for them.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the start of the new year, most people have already started their own New Year’s resolution.

For some, it’s a perfect reason to start working on their physical health. However, it’s not exactly easy to commit to a new lifestyle of exercise beyond the new year hype.

Most people tend to abandon or drop their resolutions early in the year, while some struggle to begin altogether.

This causes gyms around the country to have a sudden rise and drop in both memberships and traffic.

Personal Trainer at Crunch Fitness, Jennifer Herrera, says that if you’re struggling to get started at the gym, you can even start by just sitting casually in the gym to get yourself comfortable with being inside the gym.

“This is a lifelong journey. There is no hurry. There’s no rush. You know, this is an everyday thing. We all just want to be better. And so just give yourself some grace because sometimes that can be so much more, push you more into the negative as far as being too tough on yourself,” said Herrera.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Three Yuma City Council seats are up for re-election in 2026, and Henry Valenzuela has already thrown his hat in the ring.

He is a third-generation Yuman who retired from the Yuma Police Department.

City Council members Art Morales, Leslie Mcclendon, and Carol Smith are all up for re-election this year.

Morales has already said that he will not run again, while Valenzuela explains why he is running for the seat.

“I’ve had a lifetime of service, and I want to continue to serve the community. That’s why I’m running. I think we’ve come a long way as a community and I think we can continue to grow, and that’s what I’m looking forward to,” Valenzuela says.

He says he would like to focus on a few things as a council member such as youth sports, being a pro business community, and public safety.

“We need to have a safe community, if we don’t have a safe community, then really nothing else matters, if we don’t feel safe going to the park, going to the store, driving on the roads, then we don’t really have much,” he explains.

Valenzuela also says his military experience will help him for this role.

“I’ve been in military service, in leadership for almost 20 years now, I am a master sergeant and I am a combat engineer, I’ve deployed overseas a couple of times,” said Valenzuela.

Finally, he has one final message on why people should give him their vote.

“You should vote for me if you’re looking for someone that’s not afraid to speak out, someone that’s not afraid to have an independent voice, [and] someone that really wants to do the right thing for the working families in this community,” Valenzuela says.

The primary election will be held next August.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the holiday just hours away, locals are already planning where to be when they celebrate the evening with friends and families, but how are the local bars preparing?

Elissa Franklin, a bartender at Red’s Bird Cage in Downtown Yuma, says that while she is feeling nervous serving her first New Year’s celebration as a bartender, she is still very excited to spread liveliness to families coming to have a few drinks.

She also said that in the past year, the community is what made her experience so memorable and special, and that it would not have been a good year without them.

“They bring Red’s to a community, that’s what makes it a community. All the people. And without them, this wouldn’t have been a good year,” Franklin said.

Kitchen Manager at Prison Hill Brewing Co., Rodolfo Quiroz, says that New Year’s is about friends getting together to spend one last moment together before the year ends, showing them around to different places to eat and hang out.

Many bars will be open tonight, including Red’s Bird Cage. Be sure to follow state laws on drinking, and be sure to drink responsibly during your New Year’s celebrations.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma says they will be hosting their annual BBQ & Brew Festival in February.

The annual event is taking place along Main Street Saturday, February 28, 2026, from noon to 9:00 p.m.

There will be live music, competitions for local vendors to participate in, and other fun activities during the event.

“The BBQ and Brew Festival is a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy great food and entertainment in Downtown Yuma,” said Special Events Coordinator Brissa Garcia. “We’re excited to welcome competitors and residents back for another year of this event.”

To learn more about the event, click here.

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