Wasco honors veterans, celebrates downtown renewal

The City of Wasco unveiled the Veterans Memorial Park with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony, honoring the courage, dedication and patriotism of those who have served and continue to serve our nation. This event also marked downtown improvements, showcasing a revitalization of the city center.

Councilmember Gilberto Reyna thanked Caltrans for awarding the city a $5 million Clean California Local Grant, which funded the park's construction and the downtown beautification efforts. "This significant financial boost made the construction of this park and the beautification of our downtown possible. Our city staff, City Manager Scott Hurlbert, Maria Lara, Keri Cobb, and Luis Villa, have been instrumental in applying for the grant, managing the project and seeing it through to completion. And, of course, I want to acknowledge our community members, Sharon Nicol and others, who kept the goal of downtown renovation at the forefront, as well as the City Council, for sharing this vision," he said.

The park holds special meaning for veterans, including David Armendariz. "I'm glad they did this," he said. "It brings back memories of those that didn't come home, but it makes me proud to have contributed to our freedoms as Americans."

For younger generations visiting the park, he encourages them "to observe and understand what, as veterans, we went through to make this country what it is today."

James Medrano, another veteran, spoke of the park's patriotic atmosphere. "It has the flags, military emblems and an LED wall that will display the images of our local veterans. It will also be a nice place to gather our veterans during significant holidays like Veterans and Memorial Day. I think it's so beautiful and an amazing tribute."

Community Development Director Keri Cobb expressed satisfaction with the completed project. "I'm pleased with how it came out and hope it honors our local veterans."

Art Sherwyn was the lead contractor for the artists on the downtown beautification project. He created all the concepts and then found the artists to bring the works to life. Wanting art that would endure and not be affected by hot weather, he opted for nontraditional methods. He selected Wasco artist Axzay Villarreal for her striking 6-by-8-foot mosaic made of tile and glass, representing Latino culture.

"She is an incredible artist, one of the best I've ever seen," Sherwyn praised. "I tried to bring a lot of color into this town, and I see more color coming to the downtown. This is just the beginning."

The other artists whose captivating artwork is featured downtown are Alisyn Palla, Rene Gutierrez, Luis Alvidrez, and his daughter, Liz Sherwyn. "All the artists exceeded my expectations."

Following the ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed lunch at the new plaza on 7th Street, catered by Wasco High's High Class Catering Club.

Shafter resident Zach Smith came out to support artist Rene Gutierrez, who created a 19-foot archway and gate in one of the alleys. "It's beautiful, and so are the mosaics and butterflies by the other artists," Smith said. "You can tell they put a lot of work into it. They knocked it out of the park. It's a great thing for Wasco."