Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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Countryside, a local family-owned business specializing in national food brands, gas, retail and car wash ventures throughout Kern and Tulare counties, has significantly contributed to Shafter's growth over the past decade, bringing the town its first Subway, Taco Bell and Starbucks. Last week, they opened their first Countryside Car Wash in the area, providing an efficient express wash experience. The team also announced that it will be bringing another Starbucks to town as early as next year....
The Shafter Harvest Festival was a night filled with trunk or treating, a haunted house, food trucks, music, and a variety of games and activities. Sponsored by the Shafter Lions Club in partnership with the city and supported by numerous local organizations, the event celebrated the spirit of community. Councilmember Gilbert Alvarado remarked, "As president of the Lions Club, it was our pleasure to be part of something as big as this event turned out to be. Seeing the turnout, with attendance...
During Shafter/Wasco High rivalry week, an annual breakfast brings together football players, cheerleaders and Associated Student Body members from both schools. This gathering kicks off the day leading up to the highly anticipated football game and takes place before the rallies at each other's campuses. It's a friendly, spirited exchange that fuels school pride and amps up excitement for the big night, where anything can happen. This year, the breakfast took place at Wasco High School, where...
Perhaps no other rivalry in the Central Valley is more powerful than the one between the Shafter Generals and the Wasco Tigers, a tradition that dates back nearly a hundred years. This annual football game is more than just a competition - it's a historic event celebrated by both schools and their communities, bringing out intense school pride. Leading up to the big game, each school held spirit week with activities, dress-up days and the burning of their respective mascots at night. A...
The City Council approved a homeless outreach coordinator position to provide outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness. This role will involve collaboration with Code Enforcement, Police Department staff and nonprofit organizations to link individuals with essential services and housing. The outreach coordinator will engage with those facing homelessness to help them identify programs offering housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment and/or rehabilitation...
Strata Credit Union celebrated its Día de los Muertos Member Appreciation Event on Friday, complete with traditional Mexican pan dulce, hot chocolate, custom Strata tumblers and lively entertainment from Radio Lobo. The festive gathering featured raffles, face painting and games for kids, while sharing resources and highlighting the support services available to members. The celebration also marked Strata Credit Union's upcoming one-year anniversary on the 30th, and CEO Brandon Ivie shared his...
The Wasco Recreation and Parks District hosted its 5th Annual Trunk or Treat event, transforming the evening into a delightful celebration of Halloween for families and children. There were creatively decorated trunks, a plethora of candy, a festive atmosphere, and hundreds of residents, all eager to enjoy a memorable night of trick-or-treating. WRPD District Manager Chris Serna said in an interview after the event, "Our annual Trunk or Treat was a great success. Our community came together for...
A groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for The Wonderful Company Community Sports Complex in Shafter was attended by dignitaries and other prominent figures, generating excitement for the project that will feature four basketball courts, three soccer fields, four baseball fields, two softball fields, five baseball batting cages, three universal courts, three handball courts, two large youth/child playgrounds, two barbecue picnic areas, a baseball concession stand, three parking lots and two...
The Shafter Tiger Chase Color Fun Run last Saturday at the SHSl was the kickoff to Shafter/Wasco rivalry week. Yearbook teacher Larissa Davis, who co-organized the inaugural event with student advocacy teacher Sharya Durant, was inspired to start a new tradition that would bring the whole community together. "It was something we had talked about for a couple of years and thought this year was a good year for it." Around 60 students, teachers, families and friends joined the noncompetitive...
The Shafter Rotary Club held a spine-tingling Ghost Tour fundraiser on Sunday, captivating guests with local legends and eerie stories just in time for Halloween. The tour began at the historic Green Hotel, where guests boarded a glow-lit school bus that set the tone for the spooky journey ahead. The bus took attendees on a chilling tour through the Shafter Cemetery and then to the former Dewitt Paradise Labor Camp, the infamous location where Rose Marie Riddle was abducted in 1961. The night...
The Gossamer Grove Trunk or Treat event was a delight, setting a new attendance record with over 300 people and 23 decorated cars. The family-friendly Halloween event, organized by Villagers Inc., has grown each year, drawing neighbors together for a night of festive fun, food and candy, according to the organizers. Villagers Inc. founder James Osborne appreciated the overwhelming support that helped make the event successful. "We at Villagers Inc. cannot thank our community enough for coming to...
Wasco Police Department Chief of Police Charles Fivecoat received the Administrator of the Year award from the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation for his 50 years of contributions to the law enforcement community and for serving as the key facilitator in the startup of the Wasco Police Department. "What made me proud was that my peers – the fellow chiefs in Kern County – were the ones who voted for me. It was humbling to know that your peers support you that way," he said in an interview. Th...
Get ready for a spooky good time at the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31. Residents are encouraged to bring your favorite costumes and enjoy collecting candy at Barker Park, where there will be music and costume contests. Hosted by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, District Manager Chris Serna promises a fun-filled experience for kids. "There'll be lots of candy. Kids get the thrill of trick-or-treating, but instead of walking through an entire neighborhood, they quickly...
The Wasco Union High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2024 with an intimate dinner and ceremony on Saturday night. The gathering in the school cafeteria honored those who have left a lasting impact on Wasco's sports legacy, bringing together family, friends and former teammates to celebrate their achievements. The 2024 inductees include Sherril Boyett, recognized for her achievements in football, basketball and track; Beth Holtermann, a standout in volleyball, basketball and...
The City of Wasco invites the community and all military families to a ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate and dedicate the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Park and 7th Street. The event will be a tribute to the courage, dedication and patriotism of those who have served and continue to serve our nation. "The new Veterans Memorial Park is the renovation of the old 7th Street Park. Our vision was to honor our veterans and their families for their sacrifices," Assistant City Manager Maria...
Last in a series of articles on candidates in the Shafter Council Council election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Other profiles can be seen on TheShafterPress.com. Pete Espinoza has served on the Shafter City Council since 2020, demonstrating a commitment to the community by advocating for economic development, safety and youth support. He is seeking re-election for a second term, motivated by a straightforward goal. "I don't like complicated things. To me, when I first ran, it was all about that. It's...
SHS held its Principal Partners' Day on Wednesday, with Principal Russell Shipley proclaiming it a success. "Today's event showcased all of the special programs, course offerings and opportunities at Shafter High and highlights our Shafter community, local support and generations of Shafter pride," he said after the annual event. "The turnout was great, and we continue to be the best and largest Principal Partners' Day in all of Kern County." Guests included local feeder schools, SHS alums, coun...
Get ready for a spooky good time at the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31. Bring your favorite costumes and enjoy collecting candy at Barker Park, where there will be music and costume contests. Hosted by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, District Manager Chris Serna promises a fun-filled experience for kids. "There'll be lots of candy! Kids get the thrill of trick-or-treating, but instead of walking through an entire neighborhood, they quickly visit multiple decorated cars,...
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Shafter Harvest Festival will feature a Trunk or Treat, a Haunted House, food trucks, music, games and activities. A collaborative effort from many, this event celebrates community. Mayor Chad Givens explained how it came together: "There are a lot of organizations in Shafter that put together Harvest Festivals. I spoke with Shafter High's ASB students, and they expressed it would be nice if service clubs worked on one big event." Givens reached out to Councilmember...
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Rep. David Valadao' re-election at an event Tuesday at Almond Girl Orchard in Wasco. Nikkie Nguyen, western region manager of the chamber, said, "The U.S. Chamber is proud to stand with Congressman Valadao." Nguyen added that Congressman Valadao supports pro-growth policies that lower costs and expand job opportunities for Central Valley families and noted Valadao's bipartisan efforts in enhancing water infrastructure and tackling...
The aroma of fragrant flavors filled the air at the annual St. John the Evangelist Parish Harvest Festival on Sunday. With over a dozen food vendors, it was a foodie's delight. Coupled with live music, it made for an afternoon of family fun and community unity. Event chair and Councilmember Gilberto Reyna enthusiastically expressed his gratitude to all the contributors. "It is through the very important contributions of the various church groups that we can bring this festival celebration to fru...
Villagers Inc. will sponsor its annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 26. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever, with an array of community organizations ready to distribute Halloween treats for both the young and old at heart. The Community Park in Gossamer Grove is the site of the event, and it’s free to the public. Music, games, food and a bouncy house will be featured. And, of course, there will be plenty of candy. Costumes are encouraged. Villagers is run by James Osborne, the Shafter City Council, wit...
The Richland Junior High Lady Trojans varsity volleyball team is undefeated, while the junior varsity team boasts 12 wins and two losses. Both teams have had an exciting season on the court, under the guidance of their dedicated and passionate coach, Rosie Villagomez. "They are athletes, really hard workers, and when I tell them where they need the work, we go over it, they work on it, and we fix it. They listen, they get it, and that is what has made us successful," Villagomez explained. The...
Second in a series of profiles of Shafter City Council candidates running for three open seats on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Other articles can be found on The ShafterPress.com. Gilbert Alvarado has served Shafter for almost two decades as a city councilman, including one term as mayor. He hopes to be re-elected to the council to see the city continue to thrive and to play a role in that process. As a committed public servant, he has demonstrated a passion for public service and wishes to continue the...
The Shafter Rotary Club will host a Ghost Tour on Sunday, Oct. 27, offering a fresh take on local legends and stories never before shared. This unique event, designed for a 21-and-over crowd, promises to blend spooky tales with a touch of humor, ensuring an entertaining experience. Blake Goehring, a Rotarian of 18 years and one of the event's tour guides, brings a special flair to the role. Having previously worked at Disneyland's Jungle Cruise in Anaheim, he developed a love for leading...
