Good morning, Yakima.

Garfield Elementary in Toppenish held a festive kickoff on Friday for its Cinco de Mayo celebration as students enjoyed tacos, churros and dancing ahead of next week’s events.

Betty Zuniga of ESD 105 said the event (supported by community donations for over 300 students) is planned to expand to other district schools.

A fire broke out at local store 1up Games on May 2 at 24th and Nob Hill, leaving the community heartbroken as officials have yet to explain the cause—residents hope the store, a longstanding favorite, will reopen soon.

One year after a federal lawsuit was dismissed, the Yakima Sonic Drive-In remains boarded and fenced at 1327 S.

First St while nine other Pacific Northwest locations are still closed; property owner Gary Carnevali said efforts to secure a tenant are underway—future plans are uncertain.

On April 29, the U.S. Department of Education cut funding for two Yakima programs that train school social workers and behavioral health providers.

The Yakima Valley Grow Your Own Consortium + Masters in Mental Health Counseling program supported students with 17 set to graduate from social work and 18 beginning their first year, a move that may worsen local service shortages.

The state Department of Social and Health Services office in Sunnyside will move from Yakima Valley Highway to 3302 Picard Place, located (1.6 miles from its previous spot near Interstate 82 exit 69) effective May 14.

A mobile outreach truck will remain at the old site to support customers during the transition.

On Thursday, about 75 Yakima attorneys renewed their oaths at the county courthouse to support the rule of law, affirming their commitment without discussing political views—an event that formed part of the nationwide Law Day celebrations.

Fishing season starts on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and residents can buy licenses at many local locations across Central Washington.

The Washington Department of Fish *Wildlife has posted a full list of sites, including addresses in Yakima, Sunnyside, Naches, Ellensburg and Cle Elum, for purchasing fishing licenses.

Federal grant funding for AmeriCorps nationwide was cut by nearly $400 million on April 25—this ended over 1,000 programs and affected almost 700 local middle school students.

United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties is working with school principals and volunteers to help ease the impact on these at-risk kids.

Triumph Treatment Services received a $15,000 grant from MultiCare’s Community Partnership Fund to double its team of peer support specialists—helping about 2,000 clients each year access vital recovery services.

Local food experts have compiled a list of 11 salads to try this spring in Yakima featuring dishes from restaurants such as Yakima Steak Company.

The guide highlights unique recipes—from a fruity Apple Cranberry Salad to shrimp and grilled options—to help residents choose a meal they will enjoy.

Alpine Bloom Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Mickey's Pub — Ticket required — Unleash your creativity while enjoying food and drinks at this guided painting session.

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Yakima

3 PM – 12 AM — Uptown Yakima — Ticket purchase required — Explore historic landmarks and engage in fun challenges with friends during a thrilling scavenger hunt.

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Yakima

3 PM – 12 AM — 27 N Front St, Yakima, WA — Ticket purchase required — Explore Yakima's historic sites in a fun-filled self-guided scavenger hunt.