Remote Surveillance Trailer in Yakima, WA

YAKIMA, Wash. — Last week, the Department of Homeland Security revealed a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, and the city of Yakima was on the list.

“The city actually became first aware that Yakima was on the list on Friday morning, and we don’t know why Yakima was included on that list," said Randy Beehler, a spokesman for the City of Yakima. "We don’t know why the list has now been taken down off the DHS website, but we’re working to find out.”

Yakima was one of five cities in Washington on the list of sanctuary jurisdictions, alongside Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Everett.

“At one point in time, one of the councils did consider what was referred to as a welcoming city resolution, but ultimately that resolution was not adopted by our council. There’s never been a policy in place that is a welcoming city policy nor a sanctuary city policy.” 26

35 out of 39 counties in Washington state were on the list released by the department of homeland security. Yakima county was not on that list, along with Adams, Douglas, and Klikitat counties.

“I definitely accredit that to a couple of things," said Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney. "One, I’ve been very vocally supportive of the Trump administration and ICE’s efforts to really remove people who are here illegally, especially those who are committing crimes, and I think that a partnership is what the Trump administration is looking for.”

McKinney thinks that the city of Yakima’s inclusion by the DHS could have been a mistake.

“By our accounts, the city of Yakima is obviously separate, we know the difference, we live here, and I do know that there were lots of talks around the community here locally, but also nationally about inaccuracies on the list which is why they went ahead and pulled the list," McKinney said.

Washington state was known as a sanctuary jurisdiction because of the state law which prohibits state or local law enforcement to find the immigration status of community members.

“Yakima county, and other jurisdictions who believe similarly in law and order, are willing to work within the constraints of any state law that overrides, but we’re wanting to work with the federal government when it comes to this issue," McKinney said.

We wanted to know: Do you want Yakima to be a Sanctuary City?

Del Monte Foods is closing its Yakima fruit processing facility, as well as two warehouses in the area.

"Del Monte Foods has announced the closure of its Yakima, Washington, plant and two Yakima warehouses that currently produce and store fruit products," read a statement from Carissa Sauer, a corporate communications manager at the company.

The Yakima plant is on Walnut Avenue, next to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail tracks. It produces canned pears and other products.

Sauer said Del Monte is in discussions with workers and manufacturing partners about the next steps after the closure.

The company didn't share an exact timeline for the closure, but said there would be no packing at the plant this season.

"The company has notified and is in discussions with the union that represents bargaining unit employees at the sites, and other manufacturing parties regarding the effects of these plans," Sauer said. "The company will also be notifying relevant government officials at the appropriate time."

Del Monte closed a processing plant in Toppenish in March 2024, laying off 127 workers. Companies must notify the state 60 days in advance of large layoffs.

Sauer did not comment on how many workers the closure would affect, or how the closure would affect growers and producers in the Yakima Valley.

She did say that the change was not an easy one to make.

"This was an extremely difficult decision, but one the company needed to make to align the business with consumer demand," Sauer said. "No other facility in the Del Monte Foods network is impacted by this decision."

Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, said the facility was primarily for canning pears. DeVaney said demand for canned pears has decreased, particularly after the pandemic.

"There has been decreased consumption that has put pressure on canned pear operators," he said.

That could have effects across the industry, DeVaney said, as pear growers navigate an environment with fewer canners and consider moving their crops into the fresh fruit market.

If you aren't hitting the road for the three-day Fourth of July weekend, check out some of the local events this weekend below:

Fourth of July fireworks

The following events are Friday:

• In Yakima, the Fourth of July Community Celebration is planned from noon to 10:30 p.m. at State Fair Park, 1301 South Fair Ave. It's free and family-friendly, with free parking at gate 15 on Pacific Avenue. Bring your own food or purchase from more than 20 food vendors. Beer garden opens at 4 p.m. Kids zone opens at 2 p.m. Live entertainment from 4-9:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

• Toppenish will have fireworks following the conclusion of the rodeo, Toppenish Rodeo Grounds, 600 S. Division St., Toppenish. The rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Sunnyside Fourth of July celebration, 6 p.m., Clem Senn Stadium, 702 S. 16th Ave., Sunnyside. Free event with games for all ages, food and merchandise vendors, food eating contests and a local DJ. Firework display begins at dusk.

• Prosser Old fashioned Fourth of July, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., City Park on Seventh Street. Car show, games, barbecue, live entertainment starting at 11 a.m. and more. Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. at Prosser High Schools baseball field, 1500 Paterson Road.

• Cle Elum Pioneer Days Fourth of July display starts at 9:30 p.m. at Memorial Park, 321 S. Cle Elum Way. The park will be closed and limited space in the parking lot will be open. The best viewing spots for the firework display are Cle Elum, South Cle Elum, Wye Park (315 W. First St.), Flag Pole Park (318 W. First St.) and along Railroad Avenue.

Toppenish Rodeo and parade

The Toppenish Rodeo celebrates its 90th edition this Friday and Saturday at the Toppenish Rodeo Grounds, 600 S. Division St. Both nights will feature cowboy and cowgirl action from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Mutton bustin’ starts at 7 p.m. Friday and the Toppenish Rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. Following the rodeo, a firework show will take place and DJ Armando will perform in the beer garden.

In addition to the rodeo, Saturday will include several other events.

The Toppenish Lions Club will hold its pancake breakfast at Post Office Park, Jefferson Avenue. Breakfast will be served from 7-10:30 a.m.

The Wild West Toppenish parade starts at 11 a.m. in downtown Toppenish, with more than 100 entries.

Mutton bustin’ starts at 7 p.m. Saturday and the Toppenish Rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. Hunter Stiles will perform in the beer garden after the rodeo.

General admission tickets cost $18 for a one-day pass or $33 for two days for ages 13 and older; $15 for a one-day pass or $27 for two days for senior citizens and veterans; and $13 for a one-day pass or $23 for two days for ages 6-12. Ages 5 and younger are free.

For more information, visit ToppenishRodeo.com or call the rodeo ticket office at 509-952-9401.

Valley Theatre Company

Ellensburg’s Valley Theatre Company presents “The Sound of Music” at Morgan Performing Arts Center, 400 E. First Ave., Ellensburg.

The popular musical follows Maria’s departure from an Austrian convent to become the governess to widowed naval officer Captain von Trapp’s seven children. Through warmth and music, Maria brings joy and love to the family, all while navigating the looming threat of Nazi Germany.

Performances are at 7 p.m. July 3 and 5; July 10-12 and 2 p.m. July 4-5; July 12. Purchase tickets in advance at www.valleytheatreco.org for $20 general admission and $18 student and seniors. Tickets cost $5 more at the door.

The July 4 matinee performance is a pay-what-you-can with the lowest ticket price at $4 as part of Ellensburg's Ignite the Arts events for Independence Day.

Valley Mall’s Kids Club

Every Wednesday starting July 9 through Aug. 6, the Valley Mall, 2529 Main St., Union Gap, will host Kids Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free and for all ages, Kids Club will be held at the mall’s Center Court and feature live character appearances, craft stations, face painting plus special performances and activities based on the weekly theme.

• July 9: Cirque Du Fun- join the circus, popsicle craft bar and unicorn ponies.

• July 16: Island Adventures- Polynesian dance performance.

• July 23: Jedi Training Academy- build your own lightsaber and galactic princess meet and greet.

• July 30: Wizarding Wonders- decorate a magic wand, mix potions and cast spells.

• Aug. 6: Comic Con- kids costume contest, dress as favorite superhero or villain.

Each week participants can “enter to win” for a chance to take home a school backpack at the Aug. 6 Kids Club.