Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
Sorted by date Results 551 - 575 of 676
Since 1946, the Wasco Rotary Club has provided service to the community through funding many city organizations and causes. The local club aims to improve the quality of life for residents. They sponsor the VFW, Wasco High School sports, the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, Toys for Tigers, the Salvation Army, the Orange Heart Foundation and neighborhood clean-up events, to name a few. Every year they give thousands of dollars to support community-wide efforts like...
Since 2009, Wasco Families Wrestling has empowered young people through the sport. Thousands of students have benefited from the program, instilling in them the importance of education and inspiring them to work hard at their goals. Vice President Juan Gallardo started his career as a wrestler at the early age of nine in elementary and later as a junior and senior in high school. In his first year of college, he became a coach. "I have been a coach going on 27 years, most of...
The Wasco City Council passed an ordinance that will make it illegal to possess any catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless the possessor has valid documentation or other proof to verify that they are in lawful possession of the converter. The ordinance addresses the dramatic increase in the theft of catalytic converters from last year. The Kern County Sheriff's Office reported 27 stolen catalytic converters in 2021, with another 27 reported just past the...
Cafe 101 is a beloved restaurant in Wasco. Before that, it was Perkos, and owner Fidel Alfaro worked there for 23 years. He started as a dishwasher, then cook and later transitioned to manager with a small ownership stake. In 2012, he became the sole owner. The family restaurant serves American and Mexican cuisine. Their specialty is breakfast. "We make pancakes, waffles, steak and eggs, French toast and all types of omelettes," said Alfaro. Their produce and ingredients are...
Your Valley Builder celebrated the grand opening of phase one of their Wasco housing development, Palmas del Sol. There was music, tacos, raffles and face painting for the families that came to see their newly built homes. "It was a great turnout, and we sold out all 54 homes in this phase one. Now we are promoting the sale of our homes in phases two and three," said Sales Manager Claudia Sandoval, a 23-year veteran of the company. All the homes in the development phases are...
For the Miss Wasco Rose Queen pageant trip this year, contestants participated in a three-day visit to Disneyland Park and Disneyland's California Adventure. On their first day, they enjoyed the hotel pool, swam and went on the waterslides. After, they attended a special dinner courtesy of a generous donation by Mike and Sunni Dobbs. The evening concluded with games where the girls got to know each other better. It was a night full of surprises and fun for them. They spent the...
The Wasco High School varsity softball team was recognized as part of The Bakersfield Californian's 2022 BVarsity All-Area Softball Team. Sonia Wedel was named coach of the year, while freshman Cedes Saldana was selected as the pitcher of the year. "For a small team to achieve these awards from among all of the teams in the county, it is a great achievement," said Coach Wedel. "Usually, they go to bigger schools." Wedel has played the sport her whole life. "I was raised...
Since 2002, Wasco Toys for Tigers has brought holiday cheer to children and their families. They give out almost 750 toys yearly and provide food baskets to those in need. But that's not all they do. "Our goal is to spread holiday cheer for as many kids as possible," said Treasurer Pat Ketcherside. "Every family deserves to have a special Christmas. It is a special time of the year, and we try to make that happen." Children up to 12 receive a toy appropriate for their age....
Wasco Elks Lodge #2419 will present its annual car show and cornhole tournament on Saturday, Oct. 1. Since 2017, the free event will be in memory of long-time Elks Lodge member Blaine Willard. "It will be a fun day for all ages to enjoy," said Leading Knight Jerry Bozarth, who has been a member since 1978. There will be food, arts and crafts vendors, raffle prizes, a silent auction, a beer garden, a bloody Mary bar and music by DJ Boom Dog to add energy to the festivities. Alm...
Learnin' the Ropes is a non-profit dedicated to teaching and inspiring others through the sport of jump rope. They recently performed at all Wasco junior high schools, including Thomas Jefferson Middle School. The organization is based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is run and founded by the husband and wife team Nick and Kaylee Woodard. Since launching in 2017, they have presented to schools, churches, conventions, camps, workshops and corporate events. They have also...
The City of Wasco will offer complimentary rides on their Dial-a-Ride bus for July and August. This special will apply to all those living within the Wasco city limits. "This is a great benefit for residents because people do make use of Dial-A-Ride and not having to pay anything for the months of July and August is a savings for them. They get the benefit without incurring any cost," said Mayor Gilberto Reyna. Dial-a-Ride service is back after a hiatus due to the pandemic, st...
Nati Crane is a 15-year-old Wasco High School musician. She has been playing the guitar and singing since age 5 and recently won first place recognition at the California FFA's Got Talent event. She beat out competitors from all over the state and performed before an audience of more than 5,000 inside the packed arena. "Being on that stage was awesome. I wasn't nervous. I was more excited, and having a crowd that large cheering you on made me feel appreciated and accomplished,...
The City of Wasco and Wasco Code Compliance held their annual Bike Rodeo at Barker Park for their 10th time on Saturday. Kids came to enjoy a morning of bicycle awareness education to keep them safe and secure when riding their bikes. Almost 50 children attended, and each received a helmet. "I feel lucky to get my helmet. I never had one. I'm going to ride my bike to school," said 8-year-old Johnathan Sanchez. "Anytime we can get kids involved is a great day. Bike safety is...
Since 1991, Rosie's Cakes & Cookies has been serving up delicious treats. Prepared daily and using family recipes, owner Rosa Gonzalez brings her love and passion to the art of baking. A bakery specialty is its unique sugar cookies in all different shapes, such as happy faces and unicorns. A local jewel is her cakes, the most popular one being Pink Champagne, which has a strawberry filling. "We use whipped cream because it is lighter and has fewer calories," said Gonzalez....
The Houchin Community Blood Bank bus was once again back in Wasco. It was a great turnout, with many Wasco residents donating. Those that came understood they were helping to save lives. The event was in partnership with the Wasco Knights of Columbus; Pizza Factory and Iron Valley Fitness were sponsors. The bus comes from Bakersfield every eight weeks, and the attendance gets bigger each time. "We were happy with the large crowd that came to donate. Every time we partner with...
The California State Transportation Agency awarded the City of Wasco a $1 million grant for its Improving Air Quality and Economic Growth with Bus Electrification project. The grant money will be specifically used to purchase three electric buses and the infrastructure to charge them. "This way, we will be able to expand the capacity of our transit system, which is our Dial-A-Ride service. With this money, we hope to hire additional drivers and add more to our hours of...
The Wasco High School Tigers cheerleading team brings enthusiasm and fun to each game while inspiring the new generation of cheerleaders. Recently the Tigers hosted a camp for 131 Wasco Bengals cheerleaders. It was a day of teaching the younger girls dance, cheer and stunt routines, and was an example of Tiger spirit and leadership. Hailey Coyle is the WHS cheer advisor. She has previously served as a judge for the Bengals at their tryouts. "I like to judge because those girls...
The Wasco Union High School varsity football team took top prizes at the Hanford High School Passing Tournament and Lineman Competition. "This tournament and competition is among the largest and most popular in the area. We played against six high schools from the Valley," said head varsity football coach Chad Martinez. They won second place overall in the passing tournament. "We are not traditionally a passing team, so it is a good sign for the season." Passing is a...
Peterson Auto Supply has operated in Wasco since 1948. Over the years, it has gone through multiple owners. Mathew Wankum purchased the company in January 2022 from his father, who worked there from 1978 until he bought it in 2000. Wankum grew up around the shop and has spent the last 17 years learning the business. "I've been here ever since I was born. It is all I know. My plan was always to be the owner, and I have never had any other desire for any other job. As a kid, I...
At this week's City Council meeting, Mayor Gilberto Reyna announced that he had formed a steering-advisory committee to look into implementing an independent Wasco police department. "I have heard from many citizens who are dissatisfied with our current sheriff's policing services and want to see an immediate change," Reyna said in his remarks. "Worse yet, some are so frustrated with long-delayed or no responses that they have expressed a willingness to take matters into their...
The Wasco Recreation and Parks District hosted their One Nation Celebratio, incorporating many new elements. A special component this year was a bicycle parade around Barker Park in partnership with Toys for Tigers. Riders decorated their bikes and trikes with a 4th of July theme. "It is wonderful to see all of these kids and adults participating in the first independence celebration bike ride. I had a lot of fun," said Mayor Gilberto Reyna. "I hope this is the beginning of a...
The city's consulting firm presented scenarios for the proposed water and sewer rate increases. All proposed options raise the price of those services 56% over five years to meet the state-mandated water usage target of 52.5 gallons per capita per day by 2025. There is a target of 50 gallons per capita per day by 2030. Civil enforcement actions against noncompliant urban water providers will take effect in 2027. This water usage target is for efficient indoor water use such...
The city will give up to 500 residents $50 gift cards to get vaccinated, the City Council determined Tuesday night. The $25,000 investment (plus any additional surcharge fees incurred from the gift card company) is intended to increase the city's relatively low vaccination rate.. There was a lengthy discussion to consider adopting a resolution authorizing the city manager to use the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds to promote covid-19 vaccination event(s) to incentivize...
Redemption – or Redencion – is a Wasco band formed in 2021. They play for all occasions, including weddings, baptisms, birthdays, anniversaries, quinceaneras, night clubs and grand openings. There are four members, all with a long musical trajectory. The band is composed of Nicolas Mendez, who plays the drums; Gavino Martinez, who plays the accordion; Noe Martinez, who plays guitar; and Luis Cayetano, who plays bass and is the lead singer. "Since 2015, we have played tog...
A kitten was rescued from a storm drain thanks to the collaboration of the Public Works Department, Mayor Gilberto Reyna and several good samaritans. The tiny kitten was trapped in a storm drain located at the corner of Poplar Avenue and Margalo Street. Wasco resident Iris Paredes Ruiz said she heard crying from inside the sewer. "My son, Antonio Chayanne, ran to the house to get something to lift the drain cover. However, once we removed the cover, we realized we would need...
