Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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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...
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 h...
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 p...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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, Ro...
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...
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...
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 pote...
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...
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...
There is a new barbershop in town, located at the site that once housed Elro's Barbershop, on Central Avenue. Ayala'a Barbershop has been open almost a month, and is excited about this new opportunity to cut its way into the community's hearts. Owner Alfredo Ayala, along with barber Brent Martinez, opened the shop to give the residents of Shafter a new option when it comes to hair styles. They are ready to give you any type of cut you want, being well-versed in all of the new...
Wasco Veterinary Clinic is a symbol of compassion, dedication and love for animals and people alike. A family and locally owned business by Dr. Thomas Edick and his nephew, Dr. Brian Edick, they bring warmth and passion to the community they serve. Since 1981, they have built a legacy of exceptional care and community engagement that has earned the clinic a reputation for bringing the highest quality of service, complete with a friendly and dynamic team of ten, including...
Candelaria's Bakery has only been open for a few months, but the business is growing and building a reputation for great pastries and cakes. Owned and operated by Enrique Gonzalez and his wife, Candelaria, Candelaria's is open seven days a week and serves a variety of pastries, cakes and breads. Gonzalez said that they also make tamales. When we visited, they had pork, beef, and jalapeno and corn varieties. Gonzalez said that this is their first venture into their own...
Raciel Mendez of Tint Cartel has served the Wasco community for the last year. He comes from Madera, where he owned Sin Cal Glass and Tint for eight years. He prides himself in offering high-quality work at reasonable prices. His is a mobile business, and comes to residential, commercial or automotive clients. Mendez is from a Hispanic family, with his parents originating from Oaxaca and Durango in Mexico. He said they taught him Spanish and instilled in him the value of hard...
Dutch Bros Coffee opened its doors to the public on Monday with a ribbon cutting commemorating the occasion. Members of the community and Wasco leadership attended the celebration. Morgan Rapp is the regional operator. "We are so honored to serve the community that is just as excited to be here and part of what we do." He said they decided to come to Wasco because the community is so loving. "We are thrilled to bring Dutch love to this city and thought we'd be a perfect fit."...
If you are looking for affordable and gently used items for your family and home, Wasco 2nd Hand Store may help meet your tight budget and save money. The owner, Maria Teresa Valdez, comes from Jalisco, Mexico, where she owned a clothing store and a fruit and vegetable market. "Ever since living in Mexico before getting married, we always had small businesses. When I came to Wasco in 1995, I wanted to continue that." In March of 2003, she realized her goal. She said she has a...
