Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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Don Sushi, a unique fusion restaurant blending the flavors of Japanese and Mexican cuisine, opened its doors in Wasco in August. The restaurant is the collaborative creation of owners David Sauceda, Baudel Guerrero and chef Kevin Vizcarra. Vizcarra, who has been cooking since the age of 16, says his passion lies in the reactions of customers as they experience his dishes. "What excites me most is seeing the look on customers' faces when they try our plates. And also, the possibilities that...
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....
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...
A couple of years ago, a mother and daughter duo took a leap of faith and opened a business that has kept growing, giving both of them a steady stream of customers and faithful clientele. Adrianna Pompa, who works full time for the county Superintendent of Schools, was having trouble finding products for her sensitive skin. She researched online and thought that she had found a combination of products and ingredients that she could use that would do the job. Pompa began making the products at...
The Shafter 99 Cent store, right across the street from La Fonda restaurant, will be closing its doors for good in less than a month. According to owner Ali Mahamad, the move has been on their minds for some time. "It has been very hard, with so much competition and slow business that we knew that it was time to move on," he said last week. The store sells a large variety of items, from canned food and toiletries, to house décor and office supplies. The location was previously operated as a hard...
There has been plenty of news of the Tigers Taekwondo teaching and supporting the community for over a decade. Begun by Rigo Solorio, the first studio was opened in Wasco, teaching self-defense in the martial arts. The Tigers have a studio in Shafter, too. The award-winning Tigers, headed up by Rigo Solorio and his family, have been teaching students throughout the community for over a decade, and the fruits of their labor are seen on scorecards as well as in the success of their students off...
Dr. Francisco Padilla of Padilla Physical Therapy and Fitness is a doctor of physical therapy who runs his business with his wife, Diana. He established his practice last year, in 2023. He was inspired to enter his profession because he was a patient after an automobile accident that almost cost him his life. "I was in an accident driving home one day on Sept. 3, 2012. I hit a power pole, and the car caught fire. I burned 80% of my body, had 30 surgeries total and was at the hospital for ten and...
Strata Credit Union has launched Stock Rewards Checking, which allows members to earn fractional stocks as rewards on debit card transactions. This new checking account removes barriers that keep underserved people from investing, the credit union says. With Stock Rewards Checking, members earn 1% of each debit card transaction, up to $15 per month, which can be redeemed for fractional shares of popular stocks. Kelly Fargo, the vice president of community relations explained what was behind the...
Good Samaritan Hospital – Rural Health Clinic Wasco is a community health care organization whose mission is to provide safe, effective medical and neuropsychiatric services in a caring manner for all. "We are here to serve the community and their health care needs," Office Manager Praksha Patel said. GSH has four providers with their own specialty. They are Bertha Barraza, a nurse practitioner who provides primary care and wound care; Harjeet Cheema, a nurse practitioner psychiatrist; Mirna G...
Wasco Sno-Shack is a seasonal business open from late May through Labor Day. With its doors open now, customers have the popular shaved ice cones in time for the summer heat. The business has served the community for the last 34 years. It is family owned, founded by Elvia Garza in 1991 and passed down to her daughter, Stella Guerra, in 2010. As a proud owner, Guerra said she will continue to cherish the family tradition of making the best snow cones since 1991. "It has been an honor to work at...
It was a special day for Grocery Outlet owners Amor Regis and James Sauco as they celebrated the first anniversary of their store with a festive pop-up event on Saturday. The occasion was marked by a lively community gathering with music, food and raffles, reflecting the strong bond they've tried to build with their customers over the past year. "I am blessed because people have supported us since day one, and it was a good turnout. Some people even brought their folding chairs because they...
A new business opened in Shafter last weekend, a balloon and gift shop located on Central Avenue next door to Sno-Fun. Owned and operated by Judith and Noe Gonzalez, the store sells balloons, greeting cards, t-shirts and gifts for the family. A ribbon-cutting took place on Friday, with Mayor Chad Givens, Mayor Pro-Tem Cathy Prout and Councilmember Pete Espinoza on hand, as well as a good number of the community. Gonzalez said that he is so excited to be open, not only for the opportunity to...
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...
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...
In Shafter, there is a new barber in town, and he offers more than just your everyday haircut. Bert's Barber Studio and Salon has a variety of services, making it a one-stop shop for grooming needs. Albert Camargo and his wife, Evelyn, opened the shop, at 321 Central Ave., in December. Camargo had a barber shop around the corner, which he had opened in 2021. When the new property became available, he decided to take the chance and upgraded to a bigger space. "The space is big enough that we...
Coin-O-Matic is a self-service laundromat that recently launched a wash, dry and fold service, as well as pick-up and delivery options. It is a family-owned business that Jorge Pimentel, Armando and Vanessa Ramirez took over in 2022. Armando said in an interview, "Launching these new services will be convenient for customers on the go. We can pick up their dirty laundry and deliver it clean. We'll serve Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Bakersfield, McFarland and Lost Hills." "For example, If you go on...
Express Collision Centers is a thriving business with a focus on quality work. Owner and operator Johnny Saffouri shows he has a passion for auto body repair and a commitment to customer satisfaction, going above and beyond to deliver top-notch service. Originally from Washington D.C.,Saffouri has been a Californian for over 30 years. His journey into the auto body repair industry began seven years ago, inspired by a lifelong dream. He pursued his education at the Universal Technical Institute...
Last week, Chevrolet executives from Detroit, including Zone Manager Michael Stinner, arrived at Richland Chevrolet in Shafter to present dealer Jeff Millwee with a plaque commemorating 25 years of service as a Chevrolet dealer here. This milestone was celebrated with great pride and recognition of the dealership's unwavering dedication to its customers and the Chevrolet brand. The event culminated in a special photo session, capturing a feature on Millwee in the trade publication AutoNews,...
The Shear Design salon has a long history of serving the Wasco community. With 38 years in business, it is the oldest salon in Wasco. At the helm is owner Maria Martinez, who oversees a dedicated staff of hair stylists, nail technicians and an esthetician. "We are a full-service salon. Whatever you need, it can be done. We try to give one hundred percent. We bend over backward for our customers." Her team comprises Maria Rivera, Indira Rodriguez, Katie Romero, Terry Nguyen, Rosa Lucero, Vicky Pe...
Diana and Tomas Lopez are the proud owners of Wasco Glass. They bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their commercial and residential glass shop and agricultural equipment glass replacement business. "We offer complete windows on homes and specialize in shower door installations, custom build screens, retrofit windows, mirrors, tabletops, tempered glass, new patio sliding doors, pet mesh screens and windshield chip repair only," Tomas said. Wasco Glass launched on Nov. 1, of last...
Glad Raggs has been a mainstay in the Shafter community for almost 40 years, giving the residents of Shafter and the surrounding communities a variety of treasures, be they furniture, antiques or other items that bring a sense of nostalgia. Owner Ronnie Carroll has been at the helm of the business, leading the store in its mission of bringing Shafter a rich history that will remain with families for generations. The store has a wide variety of furniture, with an array of bedroom sets, dressers...
Esmeralda Díaz is the proud owner of Esmeralda’s Flower Shop & More, a quaint flower shop and secondhand store that offers a variety of new and gently used items. She bought the establishment from a previous owner who had the business for over 40 years, and she wants to continue with the legacy. “I opened two years ago and have been blessed so far. The community has supported me, and for that, I am grateful. After being around for so long, the business has great potential, and I’m lookin...
Barber Bros launched in 2023 and has since developed a reputation for its commitment to quality service and its vibrant, friendly atmosphere. Owner Luis Magallanes said he started the business because of all the luxuries afforded by being an entrepreneur: "I wanted the freedom to make my schedule and have the flexibility to spend time with my growing family." Magallanes is a Wasco native and thought the city was the perfect place to open the barbershop. He's familiar with the town and thinks...
Cricket Wireless helps to keep Shafter, Wasco and other Valley communities talking. Manager Tania Cebellos says that they love Shafter and are excited to be a part of the community. "I love this store, and the people of Shafter are just so nice," she said. "It is great to be a part of a small town. Everyone is so friendly." The store carries phones, cases, protectors, speakers and more. A big advantage, according to Cebellos, is the fact that there are no contracts with Cricket. "We are...
