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E-News: Stay Informed, Stay Connected | |
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City of Selma Newsletter | March 2025
Spring is around the corner, and with it comes important updates on city projects and community events. This month’s newsletter covers key updates on housing, infrastructure, and community programs.
We’re making progress on Selma’s Housing Element to plan for future growth and wrapping up the Valley View Storm Drain project to improve drainage. Our firefighters also stepped up to assist with the Eaton Fire in Southern California.
We’re working hard toward a stronger Selma. Thank you for being part of this community and helping move Selma forward.
As always, we welcome your feedback. Call (559) 891-2200 or REPLY to this email to let us know what information would be most helpful to you.
Sincererly,
Fernando Santillan
City Manager
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RVs, Boats & Trailers: Stay Street Smart | |
Do you own an RV, boat, or trailer? The city has specific regulations on where and how long RVs, boats, and trailers can be parked, as well as requirements for proper storage. Whether you're parking at home or on the street, knowing the do’s and don’ts will help you stay in compliance. Avoid unnecessary fines by reviewing the latest policies and making sure your vehicle is parked legally. Stay informed and help keep our community safe and organized!
Click Here for a more in-depth guide on parking RVs, Boats, and Trailers
City Ordinances for RVs, Boats & Trailers
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Dr. Seuss, Stories & Smiles: Selma Police Officers Celebrate Reading! | |
This Month, members of the Selma Police Department will participate in Read Across America at local schools, honoring the beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss on his birthday.
Officers will visit classrooms to read timeless Dr. Seuss classics, sparking students' imaginations and highlighting the joy of reading. This nationwide initiative, organized by the National Education Association, promotes literacy and strengthens the bond between schools and the community.
Join the celebration by reading a favorite book with your child today!
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2025 Annual CSMFO Conference | Our finance team recently attended the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) Annual Conference in San Jose. They participated in expert-led sessions, interactive panels, and plenty of networking opportunities, all aimed at exploring the latest trends and innovative solutions in public finance. It was a great chance to learn new skills, connect with peers, and share best practices in a friendly, collaborative environment. | | |
Fiscal Year '24-'25 Mid-Year Budget Adjustments Approved | |
Our team worked hard to create a clear mid-year budget presentation for the last city council meeting, and we're excited to share that the proposed adjustments were approved on February 18, 2025.
Be sure to be on the lookout for our new Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget workshops!
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Selma Firefighters Answer the Call to LA Fires | |
On the morning of January 8th, Selma Fire Department Engine 111 joined a strike team, to respond to the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. The crew included Captain Gomez, Engineer Reeser, and Firefighter Kirchner. Four other engines from the Fresno area were also part of the team.
Upon arrival, the team immediately began structure protection efforts, working tirelessly for 30 hours to defend homes and battle multiple structure fires. As the situation evolved, Engine 111 continued its mission by securing the remaining structures and mitigating hazards to ensure the community's safe return. Their dedication and bravery reflect the commitment of Selma’s firefighters to protecting lives and property, no matter where duty calls.
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Welcoming our New Employees | |
The City of Selma warmly welcomes six new employees who have joined our team!
Heather Bonilla – Finance Manager
Jonathan Kutka – Battalion Chief
Ashley Greco – Battalion Chief
Joston Frost – Maintenance Worker II
Steven Santacruz – Non-Safety Paramedic
Jonathan Plum – Police Officer
Join Our Team and Help Build a Stronger Selma!
We are building Selma into a place of Prosperity, Unity, and Strength, and we need passionate individuals to make it happen! Explore exciting career opportunities with The City of Selma and be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in our community!
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Ensuring Housing for Selma’s Future | |
The Housing Element is a state-mandated policy that guides Selma’s housing strategy. It ensures the city plans for current and future housing needs. Updated every eight years, it is part of the General Plan and outlines how to meet housing demand at all income levels.
Selma’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requires the City to plan for 1,492 housing units across different affordability categories. While the City is not responsible for constructing these units, it must demonstrate that sufficient land is available to support development. After evaluating approved projects and existing land capacity, Selma has identified a shortfall of 813 units, necessitating zoning updates to comply with state requirements.
To address this, the City has identified 22 parcels for rezoning. This will allow for 842 additional housing units, slightly exceeding the required RHNA allocation. These changes are part of Program 5: Sites Inventory Rezoning and Underutilized Sites, supporting Selma’s long-term housing strategy.
Recent zoning updates have already been implemented to facilitate housing development, including:
- Objective Design Standards to streamline project approvals (Program 23)
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) incentives to encourage smaller-scale housing options (Program 13)
- Zoning code updates to simplify the permitting process (Program 17)
- A detailed list of the proposed rezoning sites and additional 6th Cycle Housing Element programs can be found in Appendix 10 of the Housing Element
By proactively planning for housing growth, Selma is ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to future development while meeting state housing requirements. Additional updates will be shared as the process continues.
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Last Call: T-Ball Sign-Ups Close March 7 | |
Don't miss your chance to get your little one in the game! Registration for T-ball season is closing soon.
Open to players ages 4-6
$50 fee includes a team shirt, mat, and medal
Register online by creating an account and adding your player
Prefer to register in person? Stop by the Nick Medina Senior Center (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM).
Sign up now before it's too late!
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Valley View Storm Drain Project Nears Completion | |
The Valley View Storm Drain Phase 2 Project is almost done! This project extends a 60-inch storm drain pipeline from the Valley View Basin to the CID Selma Ditch Canal, improving drainage and eliminating the need for a pump station.
All underground piping is now complete, and the storm drain pipe has been successfully installed under State Route 99. Asphalt pavement restoration on McCall Avenue is complete. The road is scheduled to be re-opened around mid March.
Once finished, residents will see smoother roads and better drainage, reducing the risk of localized flooding. This is the second phase of a three-phase plan to modernize Selma’s stormwater system.
Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our city's infrastructure!
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From Parks to Pavement: Public Works Keeps Selma Moving | |
The Public Works team has been actively working on several projects to enhance safety and infrastructure throughout the city. One major improvement includes the installation of additional lighting on the north side of Brentlinger Park, creating a safer and more inviting environment for families. Extensive tree trimming has also been completed to ensure the health of city trees and prevent interference with power lines.
Additionally, members of the Streets Department recently attended the World of Concrete Convention in Las Vegas, where they participated in advanced training sessions and explored the latest innovations in concrete technology. This professional development opportunity allows the team to bring back new techniques and industry best practices to enhance Selma’s infrastructure.
Update on Shafer Park Softball Fields
The Shafer Park softball fields were recently closed due to structural hazards posed by deteriorating light poles. To address this safety concern, the Public Works Department will begin removing the compromised poles as early as the first week of March. This removal will eliminate the immediate hazard, allowing the fields to reopen once all unsafe structures have been dismantled. While the long-term plan includes full replacement of the lighting system, this interim step ensures the fields can be safely used in the meantime.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue making improvements to our community’s public spaces.
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Building a Stronger Workforce in the Central Valley | |
The Good Jobs Challenge is creating new opportunities for job seekers across the Central Valley, including right here in Selma! Led by Fresno County EDC and over 30 regional partners, this initiative connects local residents with high-quality careers in Business Services, Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation/Logistics.
With free training programs and support services like transportation assistance and childcare, the Good Jobs Challenge helps participants gain in-demand skills that local employers need. The program aims to place 2,500 people into jobs by September 2027, strengthening the workforce and boosting our regional economy.
If you're looking to gain new skills, connect with employers, or advance your career, visit www.goodjobscentralvalley.com to explore available training programs and resources.
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The City of Selma is looking for individuals to serve on the Recreation and Community Services Commission or the Pioneer Village Commission.
The Recreation Commission helps shape recreation policies and programs and meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Applicants must live in the Selma Unified School District.
The Pioneer Village Commission works to preserve and promote Selma’s history and meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live or own a business in Selma.
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Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Downtown Selma Business | The City of Selma proudly joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Curry Cantina, a new Indian-Mexican fusion spot! Now open 11 AM – 10 PM, bringing bold flavors and nightlife to Selma. Visit them at 2432 McCall Ave. | | | | | |
