Category: kyma-local-news

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Water management in Yuma is getting a high-tech upgrade as local irrigation districts turn to automation to better control and conserve Colorado River water.

At the Yuma Agricultural Center, water officials recently gathered for a specialized training event focused on automated gate technology, tools designed to improve precision and efficiency across irrigation systems.

The new technology allows districts to monitor and adjust water flow in real time using advanced software.

By providing a constant stream of data, the system helps operators deliver water more accurately while reducing waste, an important step as water resources across the West face increasing pressure.

Local leaders say the benefits go beyond conservation. Automation is also changing day-to-day operations, allowing workers to track conditions and respond to issues without needing to be physically present in the field.

For districts like the Bard Water District, the shift represents a major evolution from traditional, manual systems to smarter infrastructure that can operate more independently.

As challenges tied to water supply continue to grow, officials say adopting technology like this will be key to improving efficiency and protecting resources for the future.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A man was arrested after the victim called about stalking, according to Yuma Police Department (YPD).

YPD says the stalking began about six years ago on an online app called Discord.

The victim ended contact with the man she was talking to, but the suspect’s behavior became disturbing, according to YPD.

The 19-year-old suspect was identified as Filip Lipinski, a U.S. citizen living in Denmark, and was recorded to have flown to Yuma on three different occasions starting from January 2022.

Reports say Lipinski was sighted following the victim and her sibling in Yuma.

According to YPD, Lipinski moved to the Yuma area in fall of 2025.

On Friday, March 27, 2026, police officers and FBI agents arrested Lipinski and searched his apartment with the use of a warrant.

Lipinski is facing seven counts, including three felonies.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

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Marcos Icahuate

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Three vehicles crashed on SR-98, west of I-8, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP).

On March 30, 2026, at about 9:35 p.m., three vehicles crashed on SR-98.

The driver of a Toyota Highlander was traveling westbound and drove onto the direct of lane of a BMW motorcycle traveling eastbound.

The vehicles crashed, causing the driver of the BMW to be thrown into the path of an Acura RSX traveling westbound on SR-98.

The rider of the BMW was pronounced dead on scene, while the drivers of the other vehicles had minor injuries.

CHP says the rider of the BMW was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and the other drivers wore their seatbelts.

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Abraham Retana

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the primary elections in Yuma County approaching, we introduce you to one of the candidates running for mayor of San Luis, Arizona.

James Allen has been a resident of San Luis since 2003. He is a military Veteran and says his goal is to be the voice of the voiceless.

“I come from a place where I don’t have a vote in the congress or in the senate, which is Washington D.C. I like to hear what other have to say,” said James Allen.

If elected mayor, one of his top priorities would be to enhance safety on certain roadways throughout the city.

“Los Alamos dangerous curve that it is corrected or another traffic pattern is created so the citizens won’t have in risk of life and limp by traveling on that route,” said Allen.

He also wants to work on a project to widen 10th Street.

Regarding employment, he favors boosting and supporting local business owners, as well as attracting multi-national companies to generate higher-paying jobs.

“Recently, the problem is not so much bringing a lot of businesses, the businesses are already in existence and maybe bring a major manufacturer type of company. That’s what we particularly need because those offer quality jobs,” explained Allen.

The Arizona Primary Election will take place on July 21 and we will provide full coverage from the voting centers in San Luis, Arizona, and throughout Yuma County.

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Adrik Vargas

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Cesar Chavez Day looked different this year in San Luis.

For years, the city has marked the day with celebrations throughout the month. But this time, public events were canceled, leaving a normally festive day quiet.

The change follows recent allegations against farmworker movement leader Cesar Chavez. A report by The New York Times alleged Chavez abused women and girls, along with similar claims raised by fellow labor leader Dolores Huerta.

The allegations have sparked questions about Chavez’s legacy, including whether statues, buildings and celebrations in his honor should remain.

Some residents said the moment calls for reflection.

“It was also a mistake to praise or idolize one person so much, right? At the end of the day, we’re all human and imperfect,” said Mirta Molina, a San Luis resident..

Molina also questioned the claims saying, “It could be some kind of plan to discredit the work he did, right? And also, he helped a lot of Latinos, people like me, to get benefits, and as a human being, you can understand that maybe he made mistakes.”

At the state level, Arizona lawmakers have moved to repeal Cesar Chavez Day just one day before the holiday, with Gov. Katie Hobbs expected to sign the bill into law.

In San Luis, the impact was visible. A sign outside the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center said the office was closed in observance of the day, even as public celebrations were canceled.

Still, some residents said Chavez’s work, especially for farmworkers, should continue to be recognized.

“I think for the workers in the fields, they should continue with them,” said Eladio Alvarez, another San Luis resident.

Alvarez also said they are left with questions.

“In my opinion, it feels a little unfair because so many years have already passed. Why didn’t they say something when he was still alive? That’s just how I see it,” Alvarez said.

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Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District is teaming up with Citizens Energy Corporation to expand community investment programs across Imperial County.

This latest funding will go towards housing programs with Reps For Vets, a book vending machine for Westmorland Elementary School District, and the spay and neuter program at the Humane Society of Imperial County.

“Because of your kindness, many dogs and cats will live healthy lives. This donation will go directly to our spay and neuter program, which provides accessible and affordable preventative care in our community,” Dalia Rodriguez with the Humane Society said.

Citizens Energy Corporation, led by Joseph Kennedy III, has a long history of investing in the Imperial Valley, from green energy initiatives to education grants.

“We help support and finance major infrastructure projects in the imperial Valley and then take a portion of those profits and invest it back in the communities here,” Kennedy told KYMA.

One of those investments is supplying schools in underserved communities with engagement opportunities to promote reading.

The latest donation will go towards installing a book vending machine in the elementary school in Westmorland.

Elementary school teacher Anna Perez explained, “It’s an ongoing collaboration between IId and the district of Westmoreland for a book vending machine.”

Leaders hope this partnership will continue to strengthen programs in Imperial Valley.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A longtime Yuma County resident and retired Marine Veteran is urging neighbors to act after noticing a recent uptick in improperly discarded trash across the county, a trend he says threatens the community’s environment for generations to come.

George Vogel, who has lived in Yuma for decades, is working to inform residents about proper recycling and waste disposal.

“Please, please, please recycle. It might be inconvenient, but it’s so important for the environment” Vogel said.

Every year, millions of tons of perfectly recyclable material end up in landfills. Vogel says that as a community, everyone must do their part to keep recyclable materials out of the trash and reduce contamination that can render whole batches of recycling unusable.

He pointed out that many people don’t realize what belongs in the city’s blue recycling bins and that bin lids and local guidlines often note items that are not accepted.

“Aluminum cans people aren’t aware of what goes in here and what doesn’t,” Vogel said. “On the top of the lid it tells you what you don’t put in here: Tires and things like that, food particles, kitchen trash. I want Yuma County to be informed.”

Vogel stresses the importance of rinsing and otherwise cleaning recyclables to prevent contamination.

“On the bottom of your containers they tell you what’s recyclable. The more we recycle, the better off our environment will be,” he said.

When recyclables are tossed in the trash or contaminated, they often end up in landfills and can create environmental hazards.

According to the World Health Organization, improper waste disposal can lead to adverse health outcomes, with vulnerable community members at increased risk.

Residents who do not receive a city recycling bin still have options. Several services in Yuma County accept recyclables, including the Republic Services transfer station and Yuma Recyclers.

Vogel encourages residents to check the City of Yuma’s website or contact local waste services for details about accepted items, pickup schedules and drop-off locations.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma has been awarded a $1.4 million federal housing grant aimed at reducing lead hazards and improving living conditions in older homes across the community.

The Community Development Department say the funding will help homeowners address potential health risks tied to lead-based paint, which is most commonly found in homes built before 1978.

Removing lead is a complex process that goes beyond typical home repairs.

“It’s not as simple as a typical home repair,” said Cynthia Blot, the Assistant Director of Community Development. “Many of the homes that qualify were built in 1978, but this program focuses on homes that were built before 1978 where lead based paint was commonly used.”

The program is designed to target those older homes, helping reduce exposure risks. Especially, for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

For many homeowners, the cost of these repairs can be overwhelming. Residents say the grant could make a significant difference.

Blot emphasized the impact of the program. Explaining it goes beyond the present-day and how it will offer long-term benefits for families and neighborhoods.

“It does have a direct and long term effect on the community and the households in our community. It allows families to remain in their homes for a longer time and with safety,” she said.

Applications for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant are set to open July 1.

Officials say the program is a step toward creating safer, healthier housing conditions throughout Yuma.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – There are new developments in the case of a Yuma mother accused of killing her two-year-old son.

21-year-old Angelina Vasquez returned to court Tuesday for a trial setting and change of plea hearing, which has now been continued to April 15, where a judge is expected to set official trial dates.

Vasquez and her boyfriend, 24-year-old Miguel Garcia, are both facing charges, including first-degree murder, child abuse and concealment of a body.

Last year, two-year-old Kano Aguerro was first reported missing before his remains were later found at a home in Yuma.

Garcia’s trial is set to begin June 9, with Vasquez’s trial expected to follow in July or August.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – People showing up to the Social Security office in Yuma were met with closed doors instead of their scheduled appointments.

Several locals say they arrived expecting service only to find a notice saying the office is temporarily closed for in-person visits.

The sign included a number, but people who called say they got mixed answers.

Some were told to go to the El Centro office while others were told the Yuma location will reopen as soon as next week.

The notice also states anyone with an appointment will be contacted.

We’ve reached out for more information, and are still waiting to hear back.

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