Selma’s New Thrift Store for Kids Gains Support
By Francisco Ramirez
March 31, 2025 | Selma, CA
SELMA — A wave of hope swept through the Selma City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, as local business owners Joseph Pena and Andrea Castellanos unveiled plans for a children’s thrift store set to open in downtown Selma. With a mission to provide affordable clothing and essentials for kids—especially for families hit hard by fires, financial struggles, or other challenges—this initiative is already winning hearts and support across the community.
Andrea Castellanos told the council, “Our goal is simple but powerful,” emphasizing plans to help families in need while creating a space where residents can donate or sell items for extra cash. The project has rallied over 500 signatures from Selma residents and endorsements from local business owners, a testament to its grassroots appeal.
The thrift store has secured a prime downtown Selma location, poised to draw foot traffic and breathe new life into the area’s economy. Castellanos said, “It’ll support not just our store, but other local businesses too.”
However, the road to opening hit a snag: a $4,000 conditional use permit (CUP) fee required for reselling used items—part of a city zoning policy dating back to the late 1980s or early 1990s. “If we don’t move forward now, we risk losing our location,” Castellanos said, as the landlord had pressed for lease renewal by April 1.
Community members rallied in support. Teresa Salas vouched for Castellanos, telling the council, “This is an emergency for her,” and noting how the store could assist families fleeing domestic violence or recovering from disasters. Erica Valdez added, “It’s hard to buy name-brand clothing. This will bring good traffic to Selma.”
The council voted unanimously to add the CUP fee waiver request as an emergency item for its April 1 meeting, bypassing the typical Planning Commission review timeline. City Manager Fernando Santillan acknowledged the urgency: “Once I was made aware of it, we got an answer to them in a matter of days,” he said, noting an initial delay in communication.
With momentum building and widespread support, Selma stands on the brink of launching a community-focused project that could uplift both families and local business.
Will this thrift store become the cornerstone of a revitalized downtown?
