Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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Assemblymember Rudy Salas recently introduced AB 2489, which will provide $50 million in grant funds to teachers who work at and live near underserved and understaffed schools. The grant intends to supplement teachers' salaries who agree to live within the boundaries of the priority school they teach at for five years. Eligible priority schools are K-12 schools with 50 percent or more of their student population eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. According to a news...
Planet Dance Studios's Team Galaxy recently participated in a dance competition in Redondo Beach, taking home top prizes. Representing Wasco, they made studio history, with all 10 of their dance routines receiving the highest scoring of the competition. They were also recognized with special awards for their exceptional and entertaining performances. The competition was fierce as they went against teams from throughout the Los Angeles and Southern California region. "There...
On March 17, Wasco High School will host its annual Spring College and Career Fair for all of its students grades 9-12. Colleges and employers will attend to allow youth to explore potential possibilities post-graduation. "With this special event, students will be presented with a wide range of different schools, careers, and jobs," said Career Guidance Technician for Wasco High School Samantha Wymer. "We are very excited for them because this gives students the ability to...
Westside Family Fellowship, in partnership with CAPK (Community Action Partnership of Kern) and The Wonderful Company, hosted a free food drive for over 250 families on Feb. 24. Although each family had their own unique story as to why they needed the extra help, they all had one thing in common; that it is getting harder and harder to survive in these difficult times. "We are here because we need food," said Dolores Pineda. "Prices have gone up so much it has been hard to...
The City Council held its first public hearing about the upcoming redistricting process. All cities and counties in California that elect members of the governing bodies for local jurisdictions must review district boundaries when the decennial U.S. Census is released. The 2020 U. S Census was released in August 2021. The consulting group FLO Analytics presented an analysis regarding the steps needed for redistricting and outlined an outreach and engagement strategy to get the community involved in the planning and creation...
If you are looking for homemade and delicious traditional Mexican pastries and food, then Nortena Bakery is the place to go. Owners Paz and Alfredo Alvarez have operated the business since January 2021, after taking over Paz Alvarez's father's bakery, which he owned for more than 20 years. Nortena Bakery is family-owned, with Alfredo, Paz, her mother, cousin, and three children running the bakery. Paz Alvarez arrives every day at 2:30 a.m. to start baking and cooking. "We are...
On Feb. 18, the Houchin Community Blood Bank, in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, brought their donor bus to Wasco. "When I first donated, I found out I was O positive, which I learned was the most needed blood type. I am young and healthy, and there is no reason I can't do my part to help," donor Jose Castro said. "The process is simple," he said. "It doesn't hurt, and afterward, you get a snack. I feel terrific knowing that I am making a big difference for...
A 23-year-old Wasco man was killed during a shooting on Feb. 20. The shooting occurred in the 500 block of D Street at around 9:30 p.m. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene for multiple reports of shots fired in the area. Guillermo Leon was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead by emergency responders. A postmortem examination will be conducted to confirm the cause and manner of death, deputies said. There are no details r...
The City Council has set guidelines for residents to provide input on the proposed trash rate increase. A public hearing regarding the city's proposed trash rate adjustments will occur on April 19. The council held a special meeting and approved a resolution to provide guidelines for submitting and tabulating protests in anticipation of this. "The resolution was created specifically to avoid confusion with the council or the public as we navigate the protest process. The...
The Pizza Factory has been remodeled and is under new ownership. "I am grateful for the opportunity to take over, and I am excited to see how I can work with the city of Wasco to bring the community together during these times. I hope to create a special place where one can enjoy great food and a great atmosphere," said new owner Chai Lee. "The city is growing. The generation is changing, and I want to adapt to this while supporting Wasco in any way I can," added Lee. Lee...
The Wasco Woman's Club held an orientation event for new members last week, sharing how the organization is making an impact and contributing to the well-being of those living in the city. The new members were introduced to the group's mission and goals, including hearing about the club's rich history of service. The club, founded in 1923, has flourished as one of Wasco's most active and vital civic organizations. The club is also proud to own the oldest adobe building in...
Wasco Independence High School beat out over 400 alternative schools in California to win the 2022 Model School Award. Founded in the mid-1970s, WIHS has since played an essential role in the community for those students needing extra help. "I feel ecstatic, and especially for the staff, students, and parents as they all worked so hard for the award. It was a team effort," said Principal Rusvel Prado, a former teacher at the school with over 18 years of experience in...
As of Feb. 16, the state's masking mandate reverted back to pre-surge requirements and fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks indoors. Unvaccinated people are required to mask in all indoor settings. The state also recommended that fully vaccinated people continue masking indoors if the risk may be high. Masks are required for all individuals in the following indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status: on public transit, indoors in K-12 schools, emerge...
Assemblymember Rudy Salas introduced a bill to give California beneficiaries of the State Supplementary Program for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled an increase of $600 in benefit payments in years that the state has a budget surplus. "I want the senior, blind and disabled to know we are out there fighting for them. We hear their pleas, and that they need help. When California is doing so well, there is no reason that we can't do more. AB 1941 is a measure that will help all of...
A Wasco man was shot during a failed robbery last week, police said. The shooting occurred Wednesday about 5:51 p.m. near 8th and E streets, when a white vehicle approached a male victim with an unknown number of suspects. Then a suspect attempted to rob the victim and shot him in the face, police said. The victim was airlifted by helicopter to Kern Medical, but has since been discharged from the hospital. His name has not been released. The Kern County Sheriff's Office said n...
The City Council recognized the Wasco Finance Director, Isarel Perez-Hernandez, and his department for receipt of the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. "The award will positively impact the Finance Department as it is a clear indication of collaborating on a common goal of providing high-quality customer service and transparent financial reporting to our residents and City Council members. My department and I received...
McCafferty's Cleaners & Laundry, after more than 23 years as a staple in the Wasco community, will shut its doors on Feb. 28. "If covid had not hit, we would still be in business," said owner Martin Tapia. As the only dry cleaner in Wasco, they filled a void by providing a quality and affordable service. Tapia explained many people work from home now and no longer need to bring in their work clothes. Also, financial restraints and the economic downturn because of covid...
The nonprofit Houchin Community Blood Bank has served the people of Wasco for more than 30 years, and is celebrating its 71st anniversary this year. On Friday, Feb. 18, they will bring their mobile bus to host a blood drive event in Wasco from 2 6 p.m. at 929 Broadway Street. "Wasco is a community of givers, and when we come to Wasco, residents show up to support the mission because they know how important it is," said Martin Alonzo, Houchin's chief operating officer. Each...
Visit the Wasco Animal shelter to meet Bailey, who is available for adoption or rescue on Feb. 16. She came in as a stray and is a loving, approximately 6-month-old female Chihuahua mix. While Bailey is excellent with staff and other small and large dogs, it is not known if Bailey is house/crate trained. Dogs are not tested with children and cats. If you are interested in adopting Bailey, call the shelter on Feb. 16 at 661-758-7240 to schedule a time to meet her and possibly...
A Wasco man was shot to death on Feb. 16, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Wasco Substation reported. Deputies were dispatched to the 2400 block of Sharon Court around 2:12 a.m. to investigate a person down outside of the residence. When law enforcement arrived, they found an adult man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was later identified as Christopher Aaron Regalado, 31, of Wasco. Medical personnel pronounced Regalado deceased at the scene, deputies s...
Since 1977, the Wasco Museum has played an integral role in preserving the history of the community. Its exhibits tell stories about how Wasco came to be and celebrates its rich past. "I am in awe to see what Wasco looked like in the beginning and what has changed to make life better here. It is hard to believe how much we have progressed," said museum Vice-President Marlene Swan. "However, more than ever, we need the support of regular visitors and volunteers to ensure we...
The Wasco Reserve, a local professional baseball team, will start their season on May 26 when they play the Bakersfield Train Robbers. The season will run until July 31 and will include 50 games with 14 home games and 36 away games. "We are proud to call Wasco home," said Andrew Dunn, owner of the Pecos League overseeing all 16 teams in the club. "It is by far the smallest city in the division, but there are diehard fans that love the Wasco Reserve, and we are glad to be here....
The City Council reviewed a proposed increase in the city sanitation rate during a special meeting Feb. 8 which would bring the fee for residents from $28 per month in 2022 to $50 per month by 2026. For businesses, it would increase from $225 per month in 2022 to $630 per month in 2026. Although the city is committed to providing solid waste service at the lowest possible rates for its citizens, rates have not been increased in the past five years, Mayor Gilberto Reyna explain...
On Feb. 8, the Wasco Woman's Club honored current and past presidents at its monthly meeting. "It is a tradition that takes place every year in February and which I look forward to," said Jill Drescher, president from 2014 to 2016 and incoming president for 2022 to 2024. "We need to recognize their hard work, commitment, passion, and dedication to our mission. The world is a better place because of them. Even in these tough times, membership is growing strong because we have...
The City Council appointed Michael Lynch to replace Council Member Teofilo (Tilo) Cortez for the unfilled term of office through Nov. 8 "I appreciate the chance to fill this spot and will do my very best to make the position honorable as I set out to serve the city," Lynch said during the meeting Tuesday night. Lynch, a private investigator, retired police officer and fire chaplain, is a longtime Wasco resident. He fills the position left open with the retirement of Cortez in...
