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E-News: Stay Informed, Stay Connected | |
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Welcome to the City of Selma’s Newsletter, November 2024 Issue!
With the Fall season in full swing, as well as the Holiday season fast-approaching, I am excited to share with you the latest updates from the City of Selma.
The City of Selma’s Purpose Statement is: We Are Building Selma Into a Place of Prosperity, Unity, and Strength. Part of our efforts to foster Unity includes providing the community with regular updates through this newsletter and other means in order to encourage engagement and civic participation, as well as to continue to ensure transparency and effective communication.
We have some fantastic updates for you in this issue, including a ribbon cutting for our recently re-opened Senior Center, and the Police and Fire Departments' Badge Pinning & Promotional Ceremony - at which many of Selma's finest were recognized for their selfless dedication to the City. Also, our Community Development team received a well-earned and prestigious award for their hard work.
As many of us gather with our families to give thanks this month, we at the City of Selma celebrate the vibrancy that makes Selma so special. We are grateful for the dedicated citizens, local businesses, and committed city employees who contribute to our shared success and well-being.
May this Thanksgiving bring joy, warmth, and continued blessings to all of our citizens. Let’s continue to work together to build a brighter future in Selma.
Sincerely,
Fernando Santillan
Selma City Manager
P.S: We value your feedback! Please call (559) 891-2200 or REPLY to this email to provide your suggestions and comments.
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Congratulations to new and promoting City of Selma Police and Fire Department employees!
On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the City of Selma proudly celebrated a significant milestone in the careers of several dedicated police and fire employees during a heartfelt badge pinning ceremony. Surrounded by family and friends, these individuals were not only sworn in but also welcomed into the esteemed City of Selma Team, marking a moment of pride and accomplishment for all involved.
This event symbolizes our unwavering commitment to community safety and service, reinforcing the invaluable contributions these new team members will make to enhance the quality of life for our residents.
Let us come together as a community to congratulate our newly promoted individuals and those joining our ranks.
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Selma Events Spotlight - Selma Arts Center Spooky Season Success
The Selma Arts Center, under Community Services Department, started off it's spooktacular harvest season with a few fun and family friendly events. Kicking of the fall with a Spooky Cabaret fundraiser that benefited the widely successful production "Evil Dead the Musical" that was ran August 16th-September 7th. The production of "Evil Dead the Musical" hosted a lobby full of original art created by local and valley artist. Another successful creepy, kooky and all together Spooky event was our CKP production of "The Addams Family, Young at Part Edition", that ran September 26th-October 7th. The production was produced by our Youth Performing Arts Program featuring 65 local youth performers between the ages of 7 and 17. For many performers, this was a first time opportunity to performing on a real stage to a full audience.
The Selma Arts Center rounded up the haunting season partnering with valley band Stoneshiver for an all ages costume band concert, "Its Scary on the Surface, part 3", that featured 4 valley bands, hosted by Josh Tehee, music columnist for the Fresno Bee.
Looking to the future, the Selma Arts Center's SACTeen program will debut the valley primer "Beetlejuice Jr." this January 2025. Missed out? Check out some photos from the event and stay connected for future events! Follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest updates.
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Webinar Training
Improve Your Cash Flow
Join Central Valley Small Business Development Center FREE webinar on November 7 at 11:00 AM and discover how to unlock hidden cash opportunities within your finances. Learn to analyze your business’s finances to uncover overlooked areas of liquidity and make smarter, cash-boosting decisions.
The session is 90-minutes, and it will guide you through proven strategies to uncover hidden cash within your business and optimize your cash conversion cycle. By leveraging the principles from the Mining Your Business for Hidden Cash and The Fast Money Formula lessons, you’ll gain practical insights into improving your cash flow and maximizing your financial efficiency. This training is designed for entrepreneurs who want to enhance their liquidity and ensure their business operates at peak financial performance.
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Selma Senior Citizen's Thanksgiving Luncheon | |
We are delighted to invite you to our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Selma Senior Center, a joyous occasion to celebrate the spirit of togetherness on November 27th at the charming Selma Portuguese Hall!
This heartwarming event is exclusively for our cherished residents aged 55 and better, and we kindly ask you to pre-register by November 22nd to secure your spot.
You can easily register by visiting us in person or giving us a call at 891-2239. Whether you prefer to enjoy your delicious meal onsite or take it to-go, we have you covered, with lunch being served promptly at 11 a.m.
For those who need a little extra convenience, we’re thrilled to offer delivery upon request!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you, so please reach out with any questions or to register—let’s make this Thanksgiving a memorable one together!
This wonderful feast is made possible thanks to the incredible collaborative efforts of local organizations, including the Central Valley Lions Lioness Club and generous contributions from the Selma Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Club of Selma, Selma Cares, Selma Rotary, Selma Women's Club, Kiwanis of Greater Selma, American Legion Post 12, Selma Charter Lions, and the Portuguese Hall.
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Empowering the Community: Life-Saving CPR Training by the Selma Fire Department | |
The Selma Fire Department has been actively working to equip residents with life-saving skills through a series of CPR classes. Over the past year, five classes were offered in both English and Spanish, resulting in 39 people becoming certified. In addition to the classes, the department hosted hands-only CPR demonstrations at three major community events: the 3rd of July Celebration, National Night Out, and the Selma Raisin Festival.
This vital program is made possible by a generous $4,983.40 grant from the Selma Health Care District, whose ongoing support ensures that these classes remain free to Selma residents. Their funding not only supports eight CPR classes but also makes it possible to conduct community events that promote hands-only CPR. We are incredibly grateful to the Selma Health Care District for their commitment to the health and safety of our community.
We look forward to offering more classes in the future—stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to learn these essential skills! If you have any follow-up questions, please reach out. Thank you for helping us spread the word and increase participation!
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Selma’s Own Chief Alcaraz Joins Elite Graduates of the FBI National Academy | |
We proudly recognize Selma Police Chief Rudolfo Alcaraz for completing the prestigious FBI National Academy, a program that has trained over 55,000 law enforcement leaders since 1935.
Chief Alcaraz joined five other distinguished graduates from the 34-county region served by the FBI Sacramento Field Office.
The academy strengthens leadership, knowledge, and collaboration in law enforcement. Graduates also join the FBI National Academy Associates, a global network of 14,000 professionals committed to advancing public safety.
Chief Alcaraz’s participation not only reflects personal achievement but also reinforces Selma’s dedication to building a safer and more connected community. His leadership and expertise will contribute to ongoing improvements in public safety and strengthen collaboration with law enforcement partners across the region.
Selma congratulates Chief Alcaraz on this remarkable achievement!
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Sergeant Alejandro Alvarez Graduates from Sherman Block Leadership Institute | |
Congratulations to Sergeant Alexandro Alvarez on completing the prestigious Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI), an intensive eight-month program that focuses on personal growth, ethical decision-making, and leadership development.
This achievement is a notable milestone for Sergeant Alvarez and the Selma Police Department’s efforts to foster leadership. As only the second member of Selma PD to graduate from SLI, following Chief Alcaraz, Alvarez highlights the city’s commitment to developing effective leaders within the department.
Selma is making great strides in fostering police development, ensuring the community is served by well-trained, dedicated leaders. Sergeant Alvarez’s accomplishment reflects that commitment and makes Selma proud.
Congratulations, Sergeant Alvarez—well done!
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Celebrating One Year of Downtown Selma’s Social Media – Thanks for 1,000 Followers! |  | |
We can’t believe it’s already been a year since we launched our Downtown Selma social media pages, and what a year it’s been!
Why did we launch the page?
The Downtown BID set out with a goal to bring more visibility to our downtown and give local businesses a platform to showcase their unique goods and services. We’re proud to see how much it’s grown with your support!
What’s on our page?
From showcasing hidden gems to highlighting local favorites, our Instagram and Facebook pages are all about the best of Downtown Selma! We’d love to hear from you—what are your favorite spots in Downtown Selma? Who do you want to see featured next? Give us a follow, and let us know what you’d like to see more of!
We couldn’t have done this without you! Your support has been the key to our success in highlighting our downtown small businesses and encouraging everyone to shop local. You’ve helped us tell the story of Downtown Selma, and this is only the beginning! Keep sharing your favorite spots and tagging us when you’re downtown!
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Brentlinger Park Fence Project Complete: Another Improvement for Our Community! | |
We are pleased to announce the completion of the Brentlinger Park Fence Project! This new addition not only enhances security and safety for visitors and nearby residents but also brings an attractive touch to the park’s landscape.
What Was Done?
Brentlinger Park, located at the intersection of Rose Avenue and Olive Street, featured two aging and deteriorating fences that required urgent attention.
- West Side: The existing 6-foot-tall chain-link fence along the Consolidated Irrigation District (CID) canal was in poor condition. Public Works has replaced 1,400 linear feet of this fence with a new, robust chain-link fence designed to meet current city standards for improved durability.
- South Side: The ornamental wrought iron fence along Rose Avenue, which had become unsafe, has been replaced. We installed approximately 400 feet of new black wrought iron fencing, enhancing both safety and aesthetics. Additionally, pedestrian gates and a double-gate for maintenance access were also replaced.
Why Was This Important?
These upgrades not only improve safety but also enhance the visual appeal of Brentlinger Park, making it a more secure and enjoyable space for everyone. By replacing the old fencing, we have strengthened security along the canal and the park's southern border, ensuring the well-being of all visitors and residents.
Thank you for your continued support of our city’s improvement projects. We invite you to visit Brentlinger Park and see the enhancements for yourself!
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Selma Honored for Streamlining Permitting and
Enhancing Transparency
The City of Selma was recently recognized at the Transform 2024 Conference in Arlington, Texas, receiving the High Performing Government Award for our successful implementation of new online permitting software. This initiative was driven by our commitment to streamline the permitting process for the community, making it easier and faster for residents and businesses to navigate. The system, powered by the OpenGov portal, provides live updates, improving transparency and keeping applicants informed at every stage.
This recognition highlights our ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability, a priority for the City of Selma. The procurement of this software is a vital step in our goal to provide efficient, user-friendly services to our community. We're proud to offer tools that make our processes clearer and more accessible.
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Nick Medina Senior Center Re-Opens with Exciting Upgrades!
We’re thrilled to welcome seniors back to the Nick Medina Senior Center, now better than ever! Public Works played a key role in the renovation process, working closely with contractors and ensuring everything stayed on track.
In addition to overseeing the core repairs, our Public Works team went above and beyond to make extra improvements throughout the center. These upgrades include installing energy-efficient LED lighting, refreshing office spaces with new paint, replacing bathroom valves, adding new appliances, sealing the floors, and giving the entire facility a deep clean.
While a few minor finishing touches are still underway, the center is now open and ready to serve the community. We look forward to seeing you back at the Nick Medina Senior Center to enjoy the refreshed space!
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Doggy Day Adventures Bring Joy to Shelter Dogs in Selma
Selma Animal Services is excited to invite the community to participate in its delightful Doggy Day Adventures program! This wonderful opportunity allows residents to take shelter dogs out for a fun-filled day away from their daily routines. It’s a chance to give these lovable pups a much-needed break while also brightening their spirits and increasing their chances of finding forever homes.
Imagine taking a leisurely stroll in the park, enjoying a special treat together, visiting dog-friendly stores, or simply lounging on the couch with your new furry friend. These adventures not only provide shelter dogs with a taste of life outside the kennel, but they also create heartwarming connections that could lead to a permanent adoption.
The Doggy Day Adventures program runs from Monday to Saturday, with pick-up at 10 AM and drop-off by 3 PM. If you find yourself falling in love during your outing, you can even explore the option to foster or adopt!
Join us in bringing joy to these dogs’ lives and perhaps find your new best friend along the way!
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Important Property Tax Deadlines Approaching in Selma | |
As the year draws to a close, Selma residents are reminded of important upcoming deadlines for property tax payments. The first installment of secured property taxes is due on November 1, with a payment deadline of December 10. Payments received after this date will be considered delinquent and incur a 10% penalty if not paid by 5:00 PM.
The second installment of secured taxes will follow, due on February 1, with a payment deadline of April 10. Similar to the first installment, payments made after April 10 will be deemed delinquent, attracting both a 10% penalty and an additional $10.00 fee if not received by 5:00 PM. It is important to note that if December 10 or April 10 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the hour of delinquency will be extended to 5:00 PM on the following business day.
For further details on property taxes, residents can visit the Fresno County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector's website at Fresno County Tax Collector.
In addition, Selma residents may be curious about how garbage services are billed. Residential customers will find their trash service fees included on their property tax bill, while commercial customers will receive bills directly from Mid Valley Disposal. For more information on garbage services, please visit Selma Garbage Services.
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A Cleaner Selma with Mid Valley Disposal: Fall Clean-Up,
Free Bulky Pickups, and Walk-Out Service
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The City of Selma and Mid Valley Disposal are partnering to bring you a range of services designed to keep our community clean, beautiful, and accessible. With an upcoming Community Clean-Up Day, convenient free bulky item pickups, and a walk-out service for residents in need, there are plenty of ways to help keep Selma looking its best!
Community Clean-Up Day
Join us on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Selma Public Works Maintenance Yard, 1325 Nebraska Ave for Selma’s Community Clean-Up Day. This event provides residents with a safe and easy way to dispose of large items and waste.
Event Guidelines:
- Bring proof of residency (ID or utility bill) for entry.
- Limit of 1 vehicle per address. Passenger trucks with trailers up to 12 feet are welcome, but dump trucks and dump trailers are not allowed.
Accepted Items:
Dispose of metals, appliances, mattresses, electronics, green waste, general trash, and tires (dismounted from wheels). Tire disposal fees apply: $15 per passenger tire and $30 per truck tire.
Free Bulky Item Pickup
If you’re unable to attend the clean-up event, Mid Valley Disposal’s free bulky item pickup service is here for you! Each household can schedule **two free pickups per year** for items too large for regular trash disposal. This includes furniture, large appliances, e-waste, and tires. Scheduling is easy and can be done online, making it simple to keep your home clutter-free throughout the year.
Walk-Out Service for Residents in Need
Mid Valley Disposal also offers a free Walk-Out Service for eligible residents who may have difficulty moving their containers to the curb. This service is available to residents who are permanently disabled or have qualifying certifications from the Social Security Administration, DMV, Workers' Compensation, Veterans Administration, or a licensed physician.
To apply, contact Mid Valley Disposal at 559-567-0649 and submit the required documentation.
Together, we can ensure that Selma remains a clean, welcoming place for everyone. Join us for the Community Clean-Up Day or take advantage of these convenient services to help keep our city looking great year-round!
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Community Event - Selma Arts Center Holiday Craft Workshop | |
Get ready to spark your creativity and embrace the holiday spirit at the Selma Arts Center's free holiday craft workshop, happening on December 17th and 18th from 11 AM to 2 PM!
This event invites families to join in a fun-filled atmosphere where you can craft your very own holiday ornaments and gifts, all while soaking up the festive vibes of our vibrant downtown.
It's the perfect opportunity to create cherished memories together, so don’t miss out! Plus, you can combine your crafting adventure with some holiday shopping in the heart of Selma.
To ensure your spot, please RSVP between November 11th and December 9th, 2024.We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!
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