🌱 How one Sunnyside staffer shaped migrant education over 42 years
Sunnyside, Washington Patch AM: a 3 min readGood day Sunnyside! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How one Sunnyside staffer shaped migrant education over 42 years
- What Sunnyside’s falling tax revenues could mean for city services
- Why Sunnyside approved Pride Month but refused to raise the flag
Today's riddle: What did the carpenter ant say when he walked into the bar? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Sunnyside Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T-Mobile and UScellular have joined forces to connect people from big cities to small towns and everywhere in between. UScellular is now a part of T-Mobile. Find out more at T-Mobile.com/Better-Together.
Find a T-Mobile store near Sunnyside.
- Wednesday: Cloudy with a shower or two, with a high of 78 and low of 49 degrees.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 81, low: 47.
- Friday: Pleasant with sunshine, with a high of 79 and low of 48 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. After 42 years of service, Nora Cruz retires from Sunnyside School District (sunnysidesun.com) — A familiar face in Sunnyside schools is stepping down after more than four decades of service. Administrative assistant Nora Cruz, who has supported migrant and bilingual students since 1982, was honored at the May 27 school board meeting as she retires from Sunnyside School District, reflecting on the community relationships and support that defined her career. 
2. Sunnyside reviews finances amid staffing changes, budget concerns and revenue shortfalls (kimatv.com) — Sunnyside officials are warning that tax revenues, including public safety funds, are running lower than expected as they prepare mid-year budget amendments and consider staffing changes. City leaders will review possible wage adjustments and new positions, like firefighters and HR support, once updated financials are ready for July budget workshops.
3. Sunnyside votes to recognize Pride Month, says no to flag (applevalleynewsnow.com) — Sunnyside’s city council has narrowly voted to recognize June as Pride Month again, but declined to fly the Pride flag at city hall. The 4–3 decision followed emotional public comments from residents on both sides and a tie‑breaking vote from the mayor, marking the city’s first official Pride recognition since 2022.
4. Roza irrigation water to come back online Wednesday (yakimaherald.com) — Irrigation water running past the Sunnyside Diversion Dam is being carefully managed as Roza Irrigation District brings water back online after a 10-day shutdown to conserve supplies. Roza and Terrace Heights users should see flows restored by Wednesday, but drought-driven prorationing means many Yakima Basin growers, including those serving Sunnyside markets, will receive only about half their usual allotment.
5. Meet Lisa Garcia, the city of Yakima's new HR director (yakimaherald.com) — A Sunnyside-raised human resources leader, Lisa Garcia, has just stepped into the city of Yakima’s HR director role after years working at Sunnyside Community Hospital and other Yakima Valley employers. She reflects on growing up in Sunnyside, her passion for helping local workers, and her ongoing commitment to youth mentorship and regional community service.
📸 Around Sunnyside
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
📣 Sunnyside Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- It’s Medicare Fraud Prevention Month!
The month everyone can learn about protecting yourself, your friends, and your loved ones from scammers. There are a lot of ways to participate so… (Nextdoor )
- Phenom People posted a job opening for Part-time Nabisco Retail Merchandiser/Stocker in Sunnyside. Apply here.
- Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Sunnyside. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sunnyside here.
Ok Sunnyside! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Is the bar tender here? (Thank you W. M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.