Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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In a rare packed house, the Wasco City Council has appointed former Mayor Pro Tem Valentin Medina as the next mayor, with Councilmember Eddie Saldaña taking over as mayor pro tem. This transition comes in the wake of the controversial resignation of Mayor Alex Garcia, who stepped down following allegations involving an alleged meeting with a minor. Medina said Tuesday night, "It's an honor to serve as mayor of Wasco. This is not how I saw myself becoming mayor, but it is...
On Sunday morning, Shafter Mayor Chad Givens, along with his wife, Vanessa, were installed as the new pastors of the Canyon Hills Shafter Church. Formerly the First Assembly of God Church of Shafter, the church was taken over by Canyon Hills a couple of years ago. Canyon Hills has campuses throughout Kern County. Givens said that he has been certified by both the Pentecostal Church of God and Assembly of God Church for a few years. Givens was part of the Jesus Saves Internatio...
With new information being revealed over the last few days surrounding an alleged meeting in Bakersfield with two men portraying one as a minor, Mayor Alex Garcia resigned as Wasco mayor and councilmember early Thursday morning. In a statement, he said he has "been healing following my recent assault; I am now finally able to speak with you to announce, with a heavy heart and profound regret, my resignation. "I want to assure you that the accusations made against me are mischaracterized and inaccurate and certainly do not...
With new information being revealed over the last few days surrounding an alleged meeting in Bakersfield with a man portraying himself as a minors, Mayor Alex Garcia resigned as Wasco mayor and councilmember Thursday morning. Here is the statement from Garcia released by the city: To the Citizens of Wasco, As I have been healing following my recent assault, I am now finally able to speak with you to announce, with a heavy heart and profound regret, my resignation as Mayor and Council Member of the City of Wasco. As many of...
The Shafter High Spring Sports programs continued to receive honors, with several of their athletes being named to the BVarsity All Area Spring Sports teams. On the track, sophomore Jocelyn Pierucci received a First Team award for the All Area Track team, recognizing her outstanding sophomore season in the throwing ring. Pierucci won the South Sequoia League titles in both the discus and the shot put this year, dominating her competition, winning some events by several feet....
To see this week's Classified Ads, click on the e-edition icon at the top of the page....
Meet Luke, a lovable 1-2-year-old male husky mix with piercing blue eyes and soft, shiny fur. He's friendly, great with staff and other dogs, and ready to find his forever family. At the time, it is unknown if Luke is house/crate trained, and his behavior towards children is also unknown. Luke will be available for adoption on Thursday, Aug. 1, and fees will be waived. Adopt Luke today and bring home a loyal, furry friend! Everyone is welcome to adopt from our facility, and...
Theodore Ayala, 60, of Shafter, passed away July 17. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Jesus Cristobal Aragon, 60, of Wasco, passed away June 26, in Wasco. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. uana Perez Mendoza, [ 85, of Wasco, passed away July 10, in Wasco. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Beverly Cavasos, 61, of Bakersfield/Buttonwillow, passed away July 11, in Bakersfield. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Geraldine Richert, 95, of Bakersfield, passed away July 13, in Bakersfield. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter....
In 2nd Timothy 4:7, Paul said, ”I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Paul had faced many troubles and trials, and now the time of his departure had come. It was time to lift anchor and set sail to be with the Lord. He had fought a good fight and he finished his course strong. He had given his all in the word of the Lord. Don’t quit, finish strong. The Bible says there will be a departure from the faith in the last days. We are on the...
As the school year approaches, House of Fadez is hosting its annual back-to-school event on Sunday, Aug. 4, providing free haircuts and backpacks to low-income students from kindergarten through 12th grade. House of Fadez opened its doors a few years ago and quickly became a local favorite. Owner Luis Contreras shared his connection to the event. "I remember how hard things were for my family when I was growing up, and I know how much small acts of support can mean. Now that I...
The Seamless Summer Option program at James A. Forrest Elementary School served an average of 500 to 540 children each Wednesday in July. Using a "grab and go" system, parents could drive through to pick up four bags containing seven days of breakfasts and lunches for their child. The program ensures that any child between the ages of 2 and 18 receives nutritious meals even when school is out. The Wasco Union Elementary School District food service director, Randy Jenkins,...
Mayor Alex Garcia may have been lured into a meeting with individuals at a location in Bakersfield, perhaps with the intent to attack him based on his sexual orientation, his lawyer said in a statement Monday.. Meanwhile, a fellow councilmember called for him to explain himself, "or resign." "I advised him [Alex Garcia] not to make any statements because there are a few investigations that appear to be ongoing. Based on the information we have available right now, it appears...
For Jan Hummel, the newly hired principal of Teresa Burke Elementary School, the most rewarding part of her career in education has always been the deep connection she shares with her students. "I tell people it's not important if you don't remember all your students' names throughout all those past years. What is impressive is when the students from all those years remember you; then you know you've really made a difference," she said. "When they come back and see you, it's t...
The Shafter Animal Control will be holding a Low Cost Vaccine Clinic for Shafter dogs and cats on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 7 to 10 a.m. Shafter residents are eligible to participate in the clinic, but an appointment is recommended for the event. The cost is $15 and includes FVRCP vaccine for cats, rabies vaccines for dogs and cats, and DHPP vaccine for dogs. Free licensing also will be available for pets for one year with the special. There are dogs and cats in town who need to...
Edwin Sanchez, who was involved in a fiery crash in Shafter in August 2023, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter in connection with a deadly crash last year in Shafter and has been sentenced to probation and community service. On the afternoon of Aug. 14, Sanchez drove a Ford Excursion west on West Lerdo Highway approaching Driver Road, according to a court filing. The Ford collided with an Infiniti Q50 in the intersection. Both vehicles caught...
Due to a production error, pictures and captions for two stories on last week’s print page 1 and continuations of the stories inside the paper were swapped. A corrected version is posted on TheShafterPress.com and WascoTrib.com. The Press and Tribune regret the error....
Here's this week's challenge, courtesy of the Shafter Historical Society. If you know the location, circumstances, exact or rough date and/or people in the photo, send your educated (or semieducated) guess to The Press, 455 Kern St., Suite E, Shafter, CA 93263, or e-mail it to mysteryphoto@The ShafterPress. com. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: Handel's potato shed off Lerdo Highway in 1965....
July 22 Juan Antonio Penarojas, 43, of Shafter, was arrested at Stone Avenue and South Shafter for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and a controlled substance, and on a bench warrant/failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. July 25 Daniel Morales, 30, of Shafter, was arrested at West Lerdo Highway and South Reiker Street for showing a false ID and proof of financial responsibility. Emanuel Garcia, 29, of Shafter, was arrested in the 700 block of South Shafter Avenue on an outside agency warrant. July 26 Miguel Angel Zam...
The Shafter Press and Wasco Tribune encourage local organizations to let the public know about coming events and activities through this column. Drop off or mail items at the office, 455 Kern St., Suite E, in Shafter, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, call 661-292-5100 or email [email protected]. Deadline is 4 p.m. Thursday prior to publication. Updates will be on TheShafterPress.com and WascoTrib.com. ONGOING Wasco cooling center – A cooling center is now open at the Old Court House, 810 8th St., 1-7 p.m. when t...
Belton Banks, who has spent over 30 years serving the community of Shafter, has announced that he will be retiring from the District 1 Cemetery Board at the end of his current term. Banks has served on the board for the last eight years. In addition to the cemetery board, Banks has served on numerous boards and committees, as well as being involved in several clubs and organizations. Belton Banks was raised in Shafter. He had a 32-year career in elementary and secondary...
The Shafter Summer Children's Theater cast a spell on audiences this past weekend, performing "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella" at Shafter's Ford Theater. The group spent two months preparing for the challenging production, filled with songs, dancing and acting. The production featured the character of Cinderella, played by Rori Acres. Acres was at times shy and reserved, as well as always kind and gracious. For comic relief, look no further than the hilarious Evil Stepmo...
