Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched "Operation Return to Sender" last week in the Bakersfield area, including Wasco, sending a wave of fear among immigrants and farm workers. "They are terrorizing our communities, as among those targeted during random stops and raids have been essential workers who help sustain our food system," said Irene De Barraicua, director of policy and communications for Líderes Campesinas, a farm worker support organization. The operation took place over three...
A common thread runs through discussions of Wasco's housing stock: a need for more housing beyond low-income residences. And it seems like the core issue is much like others in the region: a lack of water. Resident Sukie Martinez emphasizes the community's struggle to retain families like hers. Real estate expert Tilo Cortez points out that builders primarily focus on entry-level homes, often overlooking the demand for larger, move-up houses. This stagnation in development is compounded by a...
Luke and Jasmin Malone met at the age of 15 at Wasco High School and have two daughters, Hailie, 12, and Andy, 7. This year, they will celebrate 12 years of marriage. Together, they own Malone's Photography and share a passion for the art form. Jasmin had always loved photography, and five years ago, Luke bought her her first camera. "I'm impatient and tried learning it but let it go. Two years ago, he picked it up, and that's where it all began. He's always had an eye for it," Jasmin said in...
Part of a continuing series highlighting local leaders, including members of the Wasco Recreation and Parks District board. Other stories can be found on WascoTrib.com. Oscar Luna is in his second year serving on the Parks and Recreation board, bringing to the role his experience as the assistant superintendent of the Wasco Union Elementary School District since July 2022. He also has nearly 15 years of experience in school administration. In addition, he has served as the president of the...
Here's this week's challenge, courtesy of the Wasco Historical Society. If you know the location, circumstances, exact or rough date and/or people in the photo, send your educated (or semieducated) guess to the Tribune, 455 Kern St., Suite E, Shafter 93263, or e-mail it to [email protected]. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: Al Turner, owner of Justesen's Market, in...
In March 2023, the City of Wasco received a $288,000 grant from UC Davis to partner with the SNIP Bus to expand the city's spay/neuter capacity. The partnership allows the SNIP Bus to hold free spay/neuter clinics monthly for three years, completing an estimated 1,800 surgeries. "Last year, we treated 210 dogs and 171 cats for a total of 381 animals, saving residents approximately $300 a piece per surgery," Public Works Director Luis Villa explained. The Spay Neuter Imperative Project is a...
Dr. Kelly Foster Blanton served as Kern County's 18th Superintendent of Schools. Born on January 12, 1937, he passed away at 87 on Dec. 17. A dedicated educator, his work had a lasting impact on education in Kern County and beyond. Raised in Buttonwillow and Wasco, Blanton's life and career were profoundly shaped by his early experiences in the area. Blanton lived in farm labor camps and picked cotton alongside his family. Despite the challenges his family faced, his love for learning set him...
Shafter's churches have long histories as cornerstones of the community. One of them is the Home Fellowship Church. One of its members wrote this chronicle of the church, the first in a series. What is now Home Fellowship Church began in a building on Highway 43 in Shafter in 1966. Pastor Ernie Byron Graeber and wife, Grace, pioneered and founded Full Gospel Tabernacle. Later Pastor Graeber bought the Boy Scout building in Shafter that would become the church, Shield of Faith. He pastored from...
Wasco Elks Lodge 2419 is gearing up for its Leading Knight and Secretary Challenge Dinner, benefiting the “Purple Pig,” on Friday, Jan. 24. This event is a major fundraiser for the California-Hawaii Elks Association, which supports a wide range of programs for disabled individuals, children, veterans and youth. "The Purple Pig is one of our club's most prominent charities because most of the funds raised go to support significant projects in our community,” said Erik Brown, the event chair and Wasco Elks Lodge Leading Knight. "A small...
40 years ago: Jan. 16, 1985 Former Mayor and City Council member Elmer Unruh received Shafter's Citizen of the Year award. --Compiled by Erica...
The Kiwanis Club of Shafter held a special luncheon on Dec. 11 to honor local students selected as Terrific Kids for demonstrating exceptional responsibility in the classroom. Teachers nominated the students whose achievements were celebrated alongside their families and community members. Guests enjoyed lunch, and each student received a certificate, pencil, bumper sticker and t-shirt in recognition of their efforts. "We love acknowledging people who are responsible at all ages, but...
Colours: A Celebration of the Arts has been a tradition in the city for over 10 years, bringing creativity and inspiration to Shafter. This festival has become a cornerstone for showcasing artistic expression that uplifts and inspires. At the heart of the event lies its guiding mission statement: "It is our desire to help other people discover, create and enjoy transformed art. Transformed art is art that reflects what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute and worthy of...
The Shafter Press and Wasco Tribune encourage local organizations to let the public know about coming events and activities through this column. Drop off or mail items at the office, 455 Kern St., Suite E, in Shafter, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, call 661-292-5100 or email [email protected]. Deadline is noon Thursday prior to publication. Updates will be on TheShafterPress.com and WascoTrib.com. ANNOUNCEMENTS “Purple Pig” fundraiser – Wasco Elks Lodge hosts its Leading Knight and Secretary Challenge Dinner, benefiting the...
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (New Living Testament) That is what we are walking into for 2025 – believing that God is smiling down on every one of us, and that his favor and peace is with us. As a family, we talked about what went good and what can go better for the new year. We look back on 2024 and think of all the wonderful opportunities that we had, as well as the moments that we can improve upon. It...
Bob Joseph McClain, 79, of Wasco, passed away on Dec. 16, 2024. He was born on June 26, 1945, in California, son of the late Travis and Virginia McClain. He is survived by his wife, Barbara McClain, and their five children including four sons, Bobby, Dean, Denny, and David McClain, and a daughter, Melody., as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known by those who loved him as "Bad Bob of Bakersfield." He was a long haul trucker most of his life and loved to tell...
Jeffery Shawn Tiger was born on Nov. 29, 1971, to Jack Tiger and Charlotte Osborn Tiger McPhetridge in Wasco. Shawn grew up in Wasco and graduated from Wasco High in 1990. Shawn began his work journey at Larry Cross Tire Shop until he went to work for Advance Beverage, where he dedicated 19 years of his life. Shawn's work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile made him shine and stand out wherever he was. Later on in his life, Shawn worked for Custom Tile Works and KSI. Shawn Tiger was one...
Ricardo Acosta Lopez, 39, of Bakersfield, passed away Dec. 28, in Bakersfield. Basham Funeral Care, Shafter. Ignacio Rios Ochoa, 91, of Bakersfield, passed away Dec. 28, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Marina Reynoso Gonzalez, 83, of Bakersfield, passed away Dec. 28, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Johnnie R. Bevins, 83, of Bakersfield, passed away Dec. 29, in Bakersfield. Basham Funeral Care, Shafter. Carolyn Sue Carender, 80, of Wasco, passed away Jan. 1, in Wasco. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Kathleen Wright, 94,...
Zelma Lucille Allen went to be with the Lord on Dec. 31, 2024, at her home in Shafter. She was 95 years old. Born in Cleveland, Oklahoma on June 19, 1929, to Fred and Zettie Peeks, Lucille's family moved to California during the Great Depression, when a friend offered her father a job at King's Garage in Wasco. Lucille met her future husband, Cecil Allen, at age 17 while working at G&L Market on 7th Street in Wasco to help support her family. Lucille and Cecil married on Oct.11, 1946, and...
Our Dad, Kenneth Earl Duncan, passed peacefully the morning of Christmas Eve at his home in Wasco. His final day was one filled with family, and fittingly the last voice he heard was our Mom's, his bride of 68 years – high school sweethearts. Dad was born in Woodland on Dec. 29, 1935, but grew up and lived most of his life in his hometown of Wasco. He was in the graduating class of 1954 and figured prominently in the Tiger's Valley Football Championship season of 1953. He was also active in...
WASCO As reported by the Wasco Police Department: Dec. 23 Carlos Gonzales, 48, was arrested in the 1600 block of Highway 43 on felony and misdemeanor bench warrants. He was booked into the Lerdo Justice facility. Juan Daniel De Jesus Chino, 22, was arrested at Highway 46 and Maple Avnuee for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility. Eduardo Gonzales Correa, 25, was arrested in the 900 block of 16th Street for resisting arrest. He was booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility. Sergio Antonio Mercado...
Cindy is a 2–3-year-old female terrier mix who came to us as a surrender. With her beautiful, soft brown fur and adorable floppy ears, Cindy has a gentle and friendly demeanor that makes her a wonderful companion. She's great with staff and other dogs and is sure to bring joy to anyone who gets to know her. At this time, we are unsure if Cindy is house/crate trained, and her behavior around children is unknown, as she has not been tested. She is ready to fill your home with happiness and...
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