Community Breakfast updates residents on schools, services

This month's Community Breakfast helped update Wasco residents about the schools, city business and services in town.

Community Development Director Keri Cobb opened the Feb. 2 virtual meeting with hopes that future meetings can be held in person. She expected the February meeting to be able to do so; however, with the Omicron threat, city staff has taken a hard hit on illnesses.

Cobb reported the city has closed its doors again to the public; however, the city is able to continue working at full capacity while conducting business.

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Tallon reported that the high schools were continuing with in-person classes and Wasco High School just had a successful winter formal last Saturday evening.

"About 300 students attended and all met COVID-19 requirements as necessary," Tallon said.

Tallon also reminded everyone the high school district would be offering summer school again this coming year. If a student is behind in credits, needs classroom catchup or enrichment, summer school is an option.

Tallon said that on Feb.18, Wasco High School, 1900 7th St., will be holding a free covid-19 vaccination as well as free Rapid Antigen and PCR testing. It will be walk ups, no appointments.

"We are heading toward normalcy," he said.

Cobb said the Community Action Partnership of Kern was unable to attend the meeting on Wednesday, but they are offering free income tax services again through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), which began Jan. 29 through March 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The assistance will be located at Grace Community Church, 1544 7th St. Walk-ins only.

Daisy Torres, from Kern Family Healthcare, stated they have started accepting grant applications.

Susana Carranza, from Dignity Health, said the Community Health Initiative provides mental health support groups in Spanish. Call 661-632-5003.

Jaime Lopez, from Bakersfield College, said they are still enrolling for English classes at the Wasco Adult Education Center. Classes are free of charge and the center is providing materials. They are working on summer and fall schedules.

President of the Wasco Woman's Club Cheryl Woody reported that membership has increased to 42 members. Plans are in the works for a new member orientation. The club is looking forward to its crafts fair, which will be a local popup event. The club is continuing to work on the high school art project and looks forward to giving out prizes.

Woody added that the club is campaigning for the clubhouse upgrades such as the air conditioning and other improvements. The club will be celebrating 100 years in 2022 and Jill Drescher will be president of the Wasco Woman's Club during that time. The club is trying to get the building on the historic registry.

Marisol Ibarra, of Cal Farmers Foundation, stated there will be virtual workshop appointments that will take one hour each.

Frank Cervantes, of the Wasco Library, said the library has several February projects for young children and will offer a bilingual story time once a month. The schedule for the library can be found on the website.

The Community Breakfast is held on Wednesday after the first City Council meeting of each month and begins at 8 a.m. if by Zoom. If the meetings begin in person, they start at 7 a.m. at the old courthouse at 800 8th St. with food and beverages available.