Serving the community since 1970
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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),...
Final in a series of articles on candidates for the Shafter City 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...
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...
Shafter High quarterback Ezekiel Osborn made a triumphant return to the field on Friday night, leading the Generals to a 56-0 rout of the Chavez Titans, keeping the Generals perfect in SSL play, with one week remaining in the regular season. Mariyon Sloan, who stepped in to quarterback Shafter in Osborn's absence, still had a major impact in the game, moving from receiver, to a back, attacking the Titans in a variety of ways in which they had no answer for. Shafter had a 14-0 lead just three...
The Richland Junior High Lady Trojans varsity volleyball team is undefeated, while the junior varsity team boasts 12 wins and two losses. Both teams have had an exciting season on the court, under the guidance of their dedicated and passionate coach, Rosie Villagomez. "They are athletes, really hard workers, and when I tell them where they need the work, we go over it, they work on it, and we fix it. They listen, they get it, and that is what has made us successful," Villagomez explained. The...
The Wasco Tigers upped their SSL record to 2-1 with a rout of the Taft Wildcats, 53-14, on Friday night. Wasco was unstoppable on offense, racking up over 500 yards on the ground for the game. Hammie Lopez had 203 yards rushing on the night, leading the way. But, there were plenty of Tigers in support, with five other Wasco players gaining yardage on the night. The Tigers scored early and often, with Lopez scoring two first quarter touchdowns, one of them for 43 yards. Wasco ended the game...
The Shafter High Generals football team saw their record improve to 3-0 in the SSL with a 34-28 victory over the Kennedy Thunderbirds on Thursday night. Shafter and Kennedy both came into the game unbeaten in the SSL, with the winner of the contest getting a big boost toward the league title. Kennedy drew first blood in the game, taking up the majority of the first quarter on their opening drive, culminating with a short touchdown run by Jace Demacabalin, making the score 7-0. The Generals...
1 Samuel 7 tells an interesting story of what sometimes happens when we get serious about obeying God. Obedience to God always brings blessing – that is a truth proven throughout the scriptures and in so many lives throughout history. But sometimes we twist this idea to mean that submitting completely to God will mean we have no more problems, no more struggles and that a blessed life is an easy one. 1 Samuel 7:2 ends with an interesting declaration, “… then all the people of Israel turned back to the Lord.” They had decided to live...
To the editor: This letter is written in support of Measure D. As a retired industrial arts teacher, work experience coordinator and adjunct professor of drafting technology I appreciate the improvements Measure D would bring to the technical education program at Wasco High School. I played basketball in the Wasco High gym in the late 1950s, so the remodeling of the gym should bring new excitement to the game. Bud Engel Alumni, Shafter High School,...
Kristen Bozarth, 42, of Bakersfield, passed away Oct. 8, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Melvin Dean, 72, of Wasco, passed away Oct. 14, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Rafael Rios Fernandez, 53, of Wasco, passed away Oct. 15, in Delano. Peters Funeral Home, Wasco. Ignacio Hernandez Banderas, 29, of Wasco, passed away Oct. 13, in Bakersfield. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Ramiro Frausto Rodriguez, 61, of Shafter, passed away Oct. 13, in Bakersfield. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Margarito Esquivel, 72, of...
Oct. 14 Frank Matthew Gonzales, 37, was arrested at 7th Street and Highway 43 on a misdemeanor bench warrant. He was booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility. Oct. 16 Anda Magallanes, 32, was arrested at 7th Street and Broadway Avenue for obstructing or resisting a peace officer, possession of unlawful paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility. Kevin Deon Sharp, 60, was arrested at 1st Street and Griffith Avenue for possession of unlawful paraphernalia and driving without a valid...
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, CA 93263, or e-mail it to [email protected]. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: A spud crew on a loading dock in front of a Wasco potato shed in...
Mavis is a sweet and playful 4-5-year-old female German shepherd mix who came to the Wasco Animal Shelter as a stray and has quickly won over the hearts of the staff with her friendly nature. She gets along great with other dogs, both male and female, and is always ready to play. Mavis already knows how to sit and spin, making her a fun companion to train and bond with. While it's unknown if she's house/crate trained, her loving personality shines through. She'll be available for adoption on...
40 years ago: Oct. 24, 1984 Shafter High's 1984 Homecoming Queen candidates were Jennifer Anderson, Michele Delozier, Stephanie Dobbs Sheila Wells and Jennifer Dobbs. 50 years ago: Oct. 23, 1974 Ray Wiley was named Kern County's Teacher of the Year. Wiley taught Mexican history and earth science for eighth graders at Richland Junior High. Compiled by Erica...
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