Valentin Medina appointed new Wasco mayor

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 crucial to continue pushing forward with the city council and leave this city in a better place. I hope to accomplish unity within our council and community."

"We need to continue engaging with the community, and I invite them to be active participants in matters that are important to them by attending City Council meetings, which take place on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. at the City Council chambers."

"I am really excited for the future of the City of Wasco with the appointment of our new mayor and mayor pro tem. Mayor Medina and Mayor Pro Tem Saldaña are both great people who care about the City of Wasco," Councilmember Vincent Martinez said. "I look forward to them bringing new ideas and perspectives to our council."

Sandra Castañón of the Young Democrat Leaders of Kern County voiced her criticism about the Garcia debacle. "First and foremost, the accusations against Mayor Garcia are despicable acts and deem him a public threat. I thank members Gilbert Reyna and Vincent Martinez for their promptness in addressing and denouncing his actions."

"However, unbeknownst to me, members Eddie Saldaña and Valentin Medina have yet to make a public statement. Likewise, I have yet to see the city itself release a statement. As a community member, I would like to know what is going on in my community. And I'd like to remind the gentlemen of the council that your position of power does not absolve you from accountability and responsibility to protect the youth and community of Wasco."

Lucia Lara has lived in Wasco for over 50 years. About the former Mayor Garcia, she said, "For me, it was a shame that he resigned because he was the only person who supported and listened to me. When one of the water meter covers was broken, I called the city to inform them about the broken cover, but no one came. Weeks passed until Mr. Garcia responded. He came, took a photo, and the very next day, early in the morning, a new cover was installed."

"I don't agree with what is being said about what happened with him. I can't be sure because I don't have any proof of anything, but it makes me very sad because he was always the one who helped and listened to me."

Garcia resigned effective Aug. 1, making the District 5 council position vacant. Council members were tasked with deciding whether to fill the vacancy through an appointment or a special election.

With an appointment, there would be minimal financial impact, primarily for advertising costs. However, should the council choose to hold a special election, it would have a significant, unbudgeted cost and require substantial staff resources to accomplish with short notice.

The council decided to proceed with filling the vacancy through an appointment and approved guidelines on how to do so. City Manager Scott Hurlbert said, "There will be an application and interview process, and ultimately, the council members will appoint an individual to that vacant seat."

Frank Almanza expressed interest in filling the position. "I'm a business owner and concerned citizen. I also work at the prison. I want to make sure every single citizen is represented correctly."

The council also reorganized City Council committee assignments due to the vacancy caused by Garcia's resignation. The new committee assignments were as follows:

–Interviewers for the recruitment of the boards and commissions: Martinez

–Committee to review and advise in relation to real estate transactions: Medina

–Kern Council of Governments Alternate: Saldaña

–City Selection Committee alternate: Medina

–San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Special City Selection Committee member: Martinez

–Kern Economic Development Corporation: Valentin Medina

The council chamber was standing-room only, and several media outlets were in attendance. During the meeting's public comments portion, Lara shared her frustrations, "I do not come to judge because everyone is their own person. The only thing I can say is that this council ignores all of us and does nothing for the town. Besides, in such a small town, we have division.

"The gentlemen on the council will never leave. We will always have the same people here. We are ignored in the town. They do what they want and are uninterested in the town, including Mr. Gilberto Reyna.

"Others and I have spoken with him about the alley on Sharon Court because it has serious problems. We have asked to close the alley. Many people have been killed in the alley – one right in front of my house. I have had a gun pulled on me. That man came through the alley. Students from a nearby school hold fights there.

"It's been years since Mr. Reyna said the problem would be fixed, but it has yet to be resolved. Councilmembers have come and gone, but Mr. Reyna is the one who has remained. I am not attacking him at all, as he said at the meeting.

"I am asking what is happening, why we haven't received a response, and why nothing has ever been done. If he tells us that it will be fixed and it isn't, he should instead tell us no, and that's it. Simply put, neither he nor anyone else can take away my freedom of speech."

Councilmember Gilberto Reyna remarked, "In response to Mrs. Lucia Lara's concerns, I have actively addressed her request to close a walkthrough alley near her home. After careful consideration, our city staff determined that closing the walkthrough was not feasible.

"However, we have collaborated with the elementary school officials and Wasco PD to ensure that the area remains free of loiterers. While I understand that this may not be the solution Mrs. Lara had hoped for, I want to assure her and all Wasco residents that I am committed to addressing their concerns. I empathize with Mrs. Lara's frustration and wish my and the staff's efforts yielded a different result."