Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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Semitropic School students wear uniforms to school. This can be a financial hardship for some families. Recognizing this pressing need, teacher Melody Gebhardt started the "Wardrobe for Wildcats" project. "We are seeking donations from local community members with the ultimate goal of providing two full uniforms, a school t-shirt and a school sweatshirt to each Semitropic School student for the 2024-25 school year," Gebhardt said. There are over 160 students. Each uniform costs about $80....
College Community Services, Wasco Child, will celebrate May Mental Health Awareness Month with an event on Friday, May 17. The organization is an outpatient community-based mental health clinic that provides services to children, adolescents and families struggling with mental illness, substance use challenges and other life struggles. Patty Ortega is the lead clinician. "The purpose of the event is to allow the community to gain free access to education about mental health, to start...
The St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish Cinco de Mayo Festival was a joyous occasion. With live entertainment, an array of mouth-watering authentic Mexican dishes, refreshing drinks and children's games, there was something for everyone. Councilmember Gilberto Reyna is president of the church council and spearheaded the event. "The festival was a success, and it was a good turnout. We had a large crowd. They enjoyed spending a festive afternoon with their friends and loved ones, and many...
The Wasco Woman's Club treated students with special needs from Wasco High School to a Cinco de Mayo-themed prom, where they enjoyed an afternoon of dancing, laughter and memories. Leo Chavez is a special education teacher at Wasco High School. "Our kids get super excited about the prom. It's a good way to end the school year. It's fun for the kids and staff because they get to enjoy listening to music, dancing and socializing. It's almost like all the hard work they put in during the school...
Wasco moved forward with the construction rehabilitation phase of the Police Activity League building, accepting a bid from Crosswhite Construction Inc. for $498,684 and up to an additional $150,000 for changes, with hopes to get outside funding to help pay for the project. On Dec. 28, 2022, the city received an executed agreement from the Housing and Community Development Department approving an amendment of funds totaling $511,964. Out of these funds, $184,869.44 was used to assist local resid...
Councilmembers Valentin Medina and Eddie Saldaña of the Wasco Task Force led a team of almost 30 excited volunteers on Saturday morning in a cleanup effort focused on the newly renovated South Gate Park and surrounding neighborhood. "It was a great turnout. We had councilmembers, city staff, members of the Orange Heart Foundation, students, residents and Walmart representatives that came who cared about making a difference," Medina said. "We collected about 20 large bags of trash. We had 26...
With higher city expenses expected primarily due to the new Police Department, Measure X revenues are looking strong, a city panel reported last week. A presentation to the Sales Tax Oversight Committee April 23 shed light on Measure X, a local sales tax initiative crucial for the city's finances and safety. Led by Finance Director Isarel Perez-Hernandez, the session provided a comprehensive update on the Measure X sales tax, laying out a roadmap for the city's fiscal health and public welfare....
The Bakersfield Californian and BVarsity has named Juan Gallardo, Wasco High School varsity wrestling head coach, as Coach of the Year, voted for by all head high school wrestling coaches in Kern County. "I am honored to be recognized as 'Coach of the Year.' " Gallardo said, "I don't do it to get awards. I don't like to get awards. It's not who I am as a person. I don't think any coach should get awards. I get it. It's an honor. I don't do it to get recognized at all. I do it to develop kids."...
Wasco High School held its highly anticipated "Last Blast" prom, which was a great way to end the school year with a special event and a tradition that the students were proud to continue. The theme was "Mamma Mia!" after the famous musical and the Associated Student Body was responsible for organizing the event. Mariana Gonzalez is part of ASB. "We worked hard to plan it as a whole, so I feel like everyone deserves this night." "We chose the theme because 'Mamma Mia!' is trending right now. I r...
The Wasco Task Force will hold its monthly community clean-up at South Gate Park on Saturday, May 4. This event will allow residents to come together to beautify Wasco and inspire civic pride. Councilmembers Valentin Medina and Eddie Saldaña of theTask Force are leading the effort. "Our first clean-up last month was at Cormack Park, where we focused on cleaning the park. We also went to nearby alleys and cleaned those up as well. This time around, we will meet at South Gate Park, and our focus...
Sherry Knapp of California Home Loans is a mortgage lender who has been in business since 1998. Specializing in serving first-time home buyers and financing single-family housing, she has garnered a reputation for outstanding customer service and her personal touch. Born and raised in Wasco, she is proud to have started her own business in her hometown. "I love working in the community that raised me and helping them realize their American dream of owning a home." Knapp has been doing loans...
A vehicle collided with a freight train on Sunday night, resulting in three fatalities. Mckinley Jordan Toliver, 19, was the driver, according to a CHP report.. According to a report from the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 3:03 a.m. Bakersfield CHP area units responded to Kimberlina Road east of State Route 43 for a crash involving a vehicle versus train. The report stated that Toliver was traveling in a Honda westbound on Kimberlina Road, east of...
St. John de Evangelist Catholic Parish will host a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration on Sunday, May 5. There will be authentic Mexican cuisine, traditional live music and singers, an Azteca danza group and games for the kids. It will be an opportunity for family and friends to gather and enjoy an afternoon of cultural unity and celebration. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Mexican people fought the French under the...
In a landmark event for the city, the new Wasco Police Department launched on Thursday, April 18, with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and handing off of the police services building key, marking the end of the Kern County Sheriff's public safety responsibilities to Wasco. It was a monumental event long anticipated by the community, bringing much excitement and hope for the future. It milestone was at 11 a.m. "That was when we started transferring the 911 responsibilities from the sheriff's...
It was an afternoon made for animal lovers at the "Don't Shop, Adopt" Free Adoption Friday event hosted by the City of Wasco Animal Control department last week. Lucky four-legged friends found a new home, while new owners found a new member of the family. Osvaldo Alfaro came early. "I wanted to get a little one. His name is Rocky. Mariana [Montes] from the shelter said he loves kisses and is affectionate. My kids are going to love him. I'm excited for them to see him. They don't even know I...
The 15th Street Park re-opened on Saturday with a celebratory ceremony. With the new upgrades and the partnership with the news Police Department and community partners, it has become a welcoming and inviting magnet for neighborhood families. "The park has a new play structure, sitting area, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and, of course, new art throughout the entire park," said Wasco Recreation and Parks District Manager Chris Serna. She said residents can now engage in fun activities in the...
Jovita Valentina Sanchez was a remarkable woman who graced this world for 101 years. She had a profound impact on the lives of those who loved her and was a pillar of strength for her family and friends. She was born on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1923, in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, and peacefully passed on March 29, 2024. She came to the United States at age 5, first to Famoso and then to McFarland, where she was raised. At 14, she married Ray R. Sanchez and moved to Wasco. She was married to Ray...
The city plans to make the Veteran Salute Banner Program more accessible after Councilmember Vincent Martinez brought to the City Council's attention that the current cost of the banners might be prohibitive to some veterans in the community. "The city supports our veterans, and we want to honor them in the best way possible," Councilmember Martinez told his colleagues Tuesday night at their regular meeting. The banner program celebrates honorably discharged veterans and presently serving...
Last week, Director of Programs Sunni Dobbs briefed the Wasco Union High School District board on the Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act. California voters approved Proposition 28 in 2022, The measure required the state to establish a new ongoing program supporting arts instruction in schools beginning in 2023-24, with three years to spend the first annual apportionment (2025-2026 school year). Public schools (K-12) receive funding every July, equal to...
J. Perez Transport, Inc. has operated since 1998 and, in 2018, experienced a big boost in business after winning a contract with California High-Speed Rail . Now in business doing a little bit of everything, according to owner Juan Perez, Jr., the company continues to thrive with hopes of garnering even more opportunities for growth. Perez was awarded 17 miles from Wasco to the Garces Highway to construct the HSR. He accomplished this feat through confidence and a determined mindset. "I walked...
Wasco High School hosted a Community Fair and Pop-Up on Friday. Representatives from various universities, junior colleges, law enforcement, military branches, small businesses, trade schools and other industries were on hand to provide information and inspire individuals to explore career and educational possibilities or just shop, eat and enjoy the live music of the WHS High Groove Steelers. Valerie Sheldon is an outreach admissions coordinator for California Aeronautical University, based in...
Wasco Animal Control will host its "Don't Shop, Adopt" Free Adoption Friday event on April 19. It will be an opportunity to take home a furry friend that will make a special addition to your family. Animal Control Officer Rigoberto Figueroa said the criteria for potential adopters is simple. "As of now, we only require identification, such as a driver's license." He added that it will be first-come-first-serve. "Once the decision to adopt is made, we will make a copy of the adopter's ID and...
As the Wasco High School Spring sports season comes to an end, the teams have shown successful performances in baseball, softball, swim, track, boys golf and boys tennis. With a blend of determination, skill and unwavering team spirit, several stand a chance to take home the coveted South Sequoia League Championship title. In an interview, Ddirector of Athletics and Activities Joshua Huddleston shared an update on the spring sports program. He said baseball is in first place in the South...
After much anticipation and excitement, the Wasco Police Department will launch on April 18 and assume law enforcement responsibilities for the City of Wasco. At about 11 a.m., 911 circuits will begin to roll over from Bakersfield to Wasco. "We'll start to transition service calls from the Kern County Sheriff's Office to the WPD," Chief of Police Charles Fivecoat said Tuesday. "We'll be handling all police responses for the city. We will start operating on the morning of the 18." Some overlap...
Joe Appleton has 26 years of experience with the Kern County Fire Department, having been promoted through the ranks from firefighter to engineer to captain to battalion chief and finally as fire division chief, where he has served for 2 1/2 years. He enjoys being in the community, helping people and loving the challenge of emergency services. "As fire division chief, I oversee operations for C shift for the entire Kern County Fire Department, including responding to incidents, fires and...
