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Victor Calderón from our sister station KAWC talks about local journalism, storytelling in Yuma, and the role of public media in connecting our community.

First, we’re talking with Angela and Brian from Arizona Western College about National Transfer Student Week 2025 — what it means for students, the events happening on campus, and how AWC helps make the transfer process smoother and more successful.

First up, we welcome Tyler Woodman, owner of The Lemon Grove and the brand new Grove 95. Tyler comes from a multi-generation Yuma farming family whose roots run deep in local agriculture. We’ll talk about the story behind The Lemon Grove, how it grew into a community favorite, and what inspired him to open Grove 95 — his new spot blending local produce, family legacy, and good food. Tyler also shares the special connection to La Fonda, his family’s long-time Mexican restaurant that helped shape Yuma’s food culture, and how he’s bringing that legacy back through the new Grove 95 menu.

Then, we sit down with Heather Acosta — an educator, behavior specialist, and founder of Positive Expressionz Microschool. With over 22 years in education, dual Master’s degrees, and a deep passion for helping every child succeed, Heather’s created a nurturing, Montessori-inspired environment focused on educating the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. We’ll discuss her journey in education, her work through Positive Expressionz Behavioral Consulting, and what parents should know about ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts) — a program giving Arizona families more options and control over their child’s education. Plus, we’ll talk about how parents can find the right support and resources when navigating today’s education system.

On the day for the special election, Arizona Western College’s president Dr. Daniel Corr hosted a town hall with Yuma county’s elected officials from district 23 and district 25.The KAWC student newsroom partnered with Siendo Primero hosts and producers, Saghey Barcenas and Evelyn Garcia for the event to interview our state representatives.

In latest episode of Arizona Edition, KAWC Student Newsroom journalists interview state senators and representatives who serve Yuma County. Desert View Middle School is getting a new campus. And a small school is rebuilding after recent storms.

First up, we sit down with David Sanchez, representing Friends of the Lower Colorado River. David shares the story of how this local nonprofit got started, the community cleanups they’ve already hosted, and their upcoming October 17th cleanup at West Wetlands Park. We’ll also talk about his personal connection to Yuma and the vision for protecting our riverbanks long term. Then, we welcome Dr. Stacy Jantzi and Maria Lopez from Menta Academy Yuma. They’ll walk us through how Menta was founded eight years ago in Yuma, their “behavior speaks” philosophy, and the impact of creating a therapeutic school where every child is truly seen, heard, and understood. We’ll also dive into their personal journeys, the services they provide to students and families, and their vision for the future.

First up, we welcome Dr. Zach Matteson, also known as Sugar le Fae — an activist, educator, musician, and prize-winning poet. Zach has taught English and writing for two decades, served as Poetry Editor for leading literary journals, and published across North America, including his verse memoir The Mustard Seed and his latest poetry collection Broken Lines. We’ll talk about his personal connection to Yuma, his journey in teaching, and how activism, art, and identity shape his work. Plus, we’ll dive into the inspiration behind his writing, his philosophy as a teacher, and the power of poetry to spark community change. Then, we sit down with Stevie Dub — rapper, performer, and the marketing force behind Helm & Sons Amusements. While leading their social media and event marketing, Stevie continues to perform across the country, recently even sharing the stage with Jamie Foxx. We’ll talk about his start in entertainment, how he balances life as both an artist and a marketer, and what it’s like traveling from fair to fair putting on shows. Stevie will also give us the inside scoop on Petie’s Pumpkin Patch, running now through October 30th, and the upcoming Yuma Fall Festival. And of course, we’ll find out where you can stream his music and follow his journey.

José de la Vara, a first-generation student who thought college wasn't for him, would go on to become San Luis City Prosecutor and a Yuma County legal defender.

We’re talking with Steven Navarro — Yuma native, Army veteran, and children’s author behind The Life of a Faithful — about his journey from military life to writing, building the Yuma Faithfuls 49er Chapter, and turning his passion into purpose.