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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, the initiative is already gaining support across the community.
Andrea Castellanos told the council, “Our goal is simple but powerful,” highlighting plans to assist families in need while creating a space where residents can donate or sell items for extra cash. The project has gathered more than 500 signatures from Selma residents and endorsements from local business owners, signaling strong grassroots appeal.
The thrift store has secured a prime downtown location, expected to draw foot traffic and help boost the area’s economy. It will support not just our store, but other local businesses too,” Castellanos added.
However, the path to opening has encountered a challenge. A $4,000 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) fee is required to resell used items, a policy stemming from zoning regulations dating back to the late 1980s or early 1990s. “If we do not move forward now, we risk losing our location,” Castellanos told the council, noting that their landlord had set a lease renewal deadline of April 1.
Community members rallied behind the project. Teresa Salas vouched for Castellanos, calling it “an emergency for her” and emphasizing how the store could serve families recovering from domestic violence or natural disasters. Erica Valdez added, “It is hard to buy name-brand clothing. This will bring good traffic to Selma.”
In response, the council voted unanimously to add the CUP fee waiver request as an emergency item for its April 1 meeting, allowing it to bypass the typical Planning Commission review. 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, referencing an initial delay in communication.
With growing momentum and community-wide backing, Selma may soon welcome a new thrift store dedicated to serving children and families, while supporting the downtown business district.
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
