Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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A groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for The Wonderful Company Community Sports Complex in Shafter was attended by dignitaries and other prominent figures, generating excitement for the project that will feature four basketball courts, three soccer fields, four baseball fields, two softball fields, five baseball batting cages, three universal courts, three handball courts, two large youth/child playgrounds, two barbecue picnic areas, a baseball concession stand, three parking lots and two...
The Shafter Tiger Chase Color Fun Run last Saturday at the SHSl was the kickoff to Shafter/Wasco rivalry week. Yearbook teacher Larissa Davis, who co-organized the inaugural event with student advocacy teacher Sharya Durant, was inspired to start a new tradition that would bring the whole community together. "It was something we had talked about for a couple of years and thought this year was a good year for it." Around 60 students, teachers, families and friends joined the noncompetitive...
The Shafter Rotary Club held a spine-tingling Ghost Tour fundraiser on Sunday, captivating guests with local legends and eerie stories just in time for Halloween. The tour began at the historic Green Hotel, where guests boarded a glow-lit school bus that set the tone for the spooky journey ahead. The bus took attendees on a chilling tour through the Shafter Cemetery and then to the former Dewitt Paradise Labor Camp, the infamous location where Rose Marie Riddle was abducted in 1961. The night...
Registered voters can cast their ballots using those received by mail or at their polling places in Shafter and Wasco: LIVE VOTING Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shafter Veterans Building Wasco Veterans Hall,309 California Ave 1202 Poplar Ave DROP BOXES Now through Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. Kern County Fire Station #32, 325 Sunset Ave., Shafter Wasco Branch Library,1102 7th St. MAIL YOUR BALLOT Must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 5 If you are registered and did not receive a ballot, inquire...
The Gossamer Grove Trunk or Treat event was a delight, setting a new attendance record with over 300 people and 23 decorated cars. The family-friendly Halloween event, organized by Villagers Inc., has grown each year, drawing neighbors together for a night of festive fun, food and candy, according to the organizers. Villagers Inc. founder James Osborne appreciated the overwhelming support that helped make the event successful. "We at Villagers Inc. cannot thank our community enough for coming to...
Wasco Police Department Chief of Police Charles Fivecoat received the Administrator of the Year award from the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation for his 50 years of contributions to the law enforcement community and for serving as the key facilitator in the startup of the Wasco Police Department. "What made me proud was that my peers – the fellow chiefs in Kern County – were the ones who voted for me. It was humbling to know that your peers support you that way," he said in an interview. Th...
Get ready for a spooky good time at the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31. Residents are encouraged to bring your favorite costumes and enjoy collecting candy at Barker Park, where there will be music and costume contests. Hosted by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, District Manager Chris Serna promises a fun-filled experience for kids. "There'll be lots of candy. Kids get the thrill of trick-or-treating, but instead of walking through an entire neighborhood, they quickly...
The Wasco Union High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2024 with an intimate dinner and ceremony on Saturday night. The gathering in the school cafeteria honored those who have left a lasting impact on Wasco's sports legacy, bringing together family, friends and former teammates to celebrate their achievements. The 2024 inductees include Sherril Boyett, recognized for her achievements in football, basketball and track; Beth Holtermann, a standout in volleyball, basketball and...
The City of Wasco invites the community and all military families to a ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate and dedicate the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Park and 7th Street. The event will be a tribute to the courage, dedication and patriotism of those who have served and continue to serve our nation. "The new Veterans Memorial Park is the renovation of the old 7th Street Park. Our vision was to honor our veterans and their families for their sacrifices," Assistant City Manager Maria...
Karl F. Clemens Elementary School announced its Super Students for the week of Oct. 28. Criteria for selection were based on significant math improvement, showing kindness to all friends, respect and hard work, following class procedures, helping other students understand new concepts and improving learning English. Pictured from left are Principal Anabel Garrison, Alicia Gutierrez (5th grade), Destiny Barrios (4th grade), Kevin Martinez (3rd grade), Mateo Castro (2nd grade), Samarah Guzman...
Last in a series of articles on candidates in the Shafter Council Council election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Other profiles can be seen on TheShafterPress.com. Pete Espinoza has served on the Shafter City Council since 2020, demonstrating a commitment to the community by advocating for economic development, safety and youth support. He is seeking re-election for a second term, motivated by a straightforward goal. "I don't like complicated things. To me, when I first ran, it was all about that. It's...
SHS held its Principal Partners' Day on Wednesday, with Principal Russell Shipley proclaiming it a success. "Today's event showcased all of the special programs, course offerings and opportunities at Shafter High and highlights our Shafter community, local support and generations of Shafter pride," he said after the annual event. "The turnout was great, and we continue to be the best and largest Principal Partners' Day in all of Kern County." Guests included local feeder schools, SHS alums, coun...
Get ready for a spooky good time at the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31. Bring your favorite costumes and enjoy collecting candy at Barker Park, where there will be music and costume contests. Hosted by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, District Manager Chris Serna promises a fun-filled experience for kids. "There'll be lots of candy! Kids get the thrill of trick-or-treating, but instead of walking through an entire neighborhood, they quickly visit multiple decorated cars,...
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Shafter Harvest Festival will feature a Trunk or Treat, a Haunted House, food trucks, music, games and activities. A collaborative effort from many, this event celebrates community. Mayor Chad Givens explained how it came together: "There are a lot of organizations in Shafter that put together Harvest Festivals. I spoke with Shafter High's ASB students, and they expressed it would be nice if service clubs worked on one big event." Givens reached out to Councilmember...
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Rep. David Valadao' re-election at an event Tuesday at Almond Girl Orchard in Wasco. Nikkie Nguyen, western region manager of the chamber, said, "The U.S. Chamber is proud to stand with Congressman Valadao." Nguyen added that Congressman Valadao supports pro-growth policies that lower costs and expand job opportunities for Central Valley families and noted Valadao's bipartisan efforts in enhancing water infrastructure and tackling...
The aroma of fragrant flavors filled the air at the annual St. John the Evangelist Parish Harvest Festival on Sunday. With over a dozen food vendors, it was a foodie's delight. Coupled with live music, it made for an afternoon of family fun and community unity. Event chair and Councilmember Gilberto Reyna enthusiastically expressed his gratitude to all the contributors. "It is through the very important contributions of the various church groups that we can bring this festival celebration to fru...
Karl F. Clemens Elementary School announced its Super Students for the week of Oct. 21. Criteria for selection were based on significant math improvement, showing kindness to all friends, respect and hard work, following class procedures, helping other students understand new concepts and improving learning English. From left are Principal Anabel Garrison, Jackie Angel (kindergarten), Alex Pelayo (1st grade), Leonardo Rios (2nd grade), Yeslynn Ayala (3rd grade), Edgar Osorio (5th grade),...
Villagers Inc. will sponsor its annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 26. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever, with an array of community organizations ready to distribute Halloween treats for both the young and old at heart. The Community Park in Gossamer Grove is the site of the event, and it’s free to the public. Music, games, food and a bouncy house will be featured. And, of course, there will be plenty of candy. Costumes are encouraged. Villagers is run by James Osborne, the Shafter City Council, wit...
Second in a series of profiles of Shafter City Council candidates running for three open seats on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Other articles can be found on The ShafterPress.com. Gilbert Alvarado has served Shafter for almost two decades as a city councilman, including one term as mayor. He hopes to be re-elected to the council to see the city continue to thrive and to play a role in that process. As a committed public servant, he has demonstrated a passion for public service and wishes to continue the...
Shafter will be expanding the Police Department's drone capabilities in the near future after a vote by the City Council Tuesday night. The council approved the department's Drone Program after a presentation from Sergeant Storm Kincade, the certified drone pilot for the Shafter police, to do the presentation for the council on the program. Kincade said that the department has purchased a DJ Mavik 3T drone, which is a multiuse drone that will benefit the safety of police and the public....
The Shafter Rotary Club will host a Ghost Tour on Sunday, Oct. 27, offering a fresh take on local legends and stories never before shared. This unique event, designed for a 21-and-over crowd, promises to blend spooky tales with a touch of humor, ensuring an entertaining experience. Blake Goehring, a Rotarian of 18 years and one of the event's tour guides, brings a special flair to the role. Having previously worked at Disneyland's Jungle Cruise in Anaheim, he developed a love for leading...
October is Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month, and the Shafter Woman's Club is raising awareness through its "White Ribbon" campaign. These ribbons, displayed around Shafter, symbolize the city's support for eliminating domestic violence against all individuals. The club is dedicated to shedding light on domestic abuse, promoting advocacy, and fostering support for survivors. Barbara Gladden, the club's recording secretary, has led this project for five years. "We put white ribbons...
Grace Community Church offers an engaging weekly program, "Kid Zone," on Wednesday nights from 6 to 7 p.m. The program features a meal, games, singing and a Bible story, all free for kids in transitional kindergarten through 5th grade. Judy Bocker, who helps run the program, said, "We love being active with the kids and keeping them busy playing hockey, spending time on the playground, and enjoying the hula hoop, basketball and relays." The church has organized Kid Zone for the past six years....
St. John the Evangelist Parish is gearing up to host its 2024 Harvest Festival on Sunday, Oct. 20. The annual event has become a staple in the community, offering a festive gathering for families and friends to enjoy. Organized by Councilmember Gilberto Reyna, who has served as event chairman since 2015, the festival has been a significant fundraiser for the church for more than two decades. "It is an opportunity to come together, and it's a fun afternoon for everyone," Reyna said. The festival...
This Nov. 5, the Wasco community will have the opportunity to vote on Measure D, a bond that would bring significant changes to the Wasco Union High School District. The measure has garnered support from many educators and residents. "School safety is one of the primary focuses of this bond measure," Wasco Union High School District Superintendent Kevin Tallon explained. "There are various areas that are unsafe when it comes to temperature and ventilation due to a lack of air conditioning. The...
