Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
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Rocy's Mexican Food Restaurant on 7th Street was robbed at gunpoint last week. Brothers Didhisio and Mario Duran were both working the evening of the robbery, Tuesday, Feb. 12. Mario was in the process of cooking and Didhisio was working the counter. Mario stated that while this wasn't the first time the restaurant has been robbed, but it was the first time he and his brother were working at the time of the robbery. "When we were robbed before, the restaurant was closed, and they broke a window...
Although Gov. Gavin Newsom is pulling the plug on the Sacramento-to-Los Angeles High Speed Rail project, he’s in favor of continuing construction and operation of the Merced-to-Bakersfield leg now under way. This means the train, when completed, still is expected to run through Wasco. Newsom addressed the issue in his first State of the State address on Tuesday. California voters approved the HSR in the 2008 election at an original cost of $40 billion; however, Newsom stated in his address that it could cost up from $77 billion to $100 billion,...
A basketball game played on the backs of donkeys clearly has a different pace than any other a fan is likely to see. But those in the stands are rewarded every year as the Wasco High Future Farmers of America take on its alumni in a game of donkey basketball. Last Friday the least stubborn team won when the current students defeated alumni, 24-22. There was a lot of laughter as the players tried to make their way across the court to score, and the donkeys contemplated whether they wanted to...
A student at Palm Avenue Elementary School was struck by a car on Feb. 6 while walking to school. The student went to the hospital with minor injuries, according to Superintendent Kelly Richers. The victim was released and was back in school this week. "By the time I got to the site, the student who was hit had been transported to the hospital and most witnesses were gone," The three students walking together were in a crosswalk on the west side of Palm Avenue crossing Sunset on their way to...
The competition level was high last Saturday at the Wasco Elks Lodge where nearly 30 players vied for the "Best Cornhole Team" title and a grand prize -- a custom cornhole game donated by Walter Coley. After hours of intense play, team Shocking Thunder, Ralph Ramirez and Peter Bustos, took home the top honors. The Orange Heart Foundation hosted the cornhole tournament to help raise funds for the annual 4th of July fireworks show in Wasco. While cornhole rules relatively straightforward. There...
The city council unanimously approved the 2018-2019 Mid-Term Budget. "The city is not in a deficit," said Interim Finance Director Satwant Takhar. The city projects $10,552,641 in revenue and $10,457,739 in expenditures this fiscal year. Takhar told the staff that worker's compensation and health care costs continue to rise. There has been one-time sources of revenue for property sold to the High Speed Rail Authority in prior years, he said. "Measure X [the enhanced city services measure] is...
Students from around Kern County gathered this past Saturday to test their knowledge and put their interview, essay-writing and problem-solving skills to work. The annual Academic Decathlon was held at Mira Monte High School on Feb. 2. This year's theme was the 1960s and students were tested on everything from music and art, to math, science and economics. In all, 158 students from 18 schools competed in the competition. Each team consisted of three "A" or honors-level students, three "B" or...
Sometimes, reading the Arrest Log (on Page 2) can be confusing and lead to questions, like when does a suspect have to go to jail, and when are they cited and let go? In a recent interview, Sgt. Augustin Moreno of the Wasco Sheriff's Department Wasco substation had some answers, but it isn't always black-and-white. "All felonies are booked into jail," Moreno said. "Even though a DUI is a misdemeanor, the suspect will generally be booked into jail." Moreno also stated that the majority of...
There will be a ribbon cutting Friday, Feb. 8 at 10 a. m. at Independence High School to celebrate the Wasco High School District’s newest collaboration with Bakersfield College. “Students will now be able to do a ‘one-stop shopping’ at Independence High when they register for college classes,” said Independence High Principal Martin Lonza. Students at Wasco High, Independence High and the community at large will be able to register for classes at BC for the fall semester. “No one from Wasco...
A Rotary member and polio survivor is on a crusade to help all Rotarians stamp out the polio virus for good around the world. James "Jim" Lewis of Simi Sunrise Rotary presented a slide show to the Wasco Rotary at its weekly meeting on Monday. Lewis defined polio as infantile paralysis – a highly infectious disease that can go to the brain, central nervous system and the arms and legs. "Polio has been around for thousands of years," said Lewis. "It causes muscle weakness. If it affects your l...
If you are craving tacos, burritos or sopes, it may be time you journeyed to El Burrito Loco in Wasco for one of the most-affordable meals in town. Owners Jesus and Theresa Hernandez have been in this location for 20 years. Their daughter, Angela Hernandez, and her boyfriend, Juan Aguirre, also help out at the restaurant. Before they owned the restaurant in Wasco, the Hernandez family owned Taqueria Los Altas in Bakersfield. "My dad wanted to move from Bakersfield to a smaller town, and he came...
Luis Fernandez, current manager at the Wasco True Value Hardware, has been with his employer for 30 years and looks forward to some changes in the near future. “The owner has a meeting with an architectural firm about expanding the business another 500 square feet,” Fernandez stated. “We want to be able to carry more merchandise.” When they make the renovations, he is looking forward to celebrating with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. According to Fernandez, True Value has been in Wasco since 1919 and was originally located on the lot tha...
Three students at Wasco High School placed at the South Valley Speaking Competition. Taking home plaques were Jon Ballou, who placed third in Extemporaneous Public Speaking, which only sophomores, juniors and seniors can compete; Daisy Cendejas, who placed third in Impromptu, in which only sophomores could compete and Andrew Morales, who placed fifth in Prepared Public Speaking, which allows sophomores, juniors and seniors to compete. The five categories in the competition were Job Interview/Res...
Meeting the state's tighter standards for chemicals in drinking water and repairing an aging system is going to cost Wasco – initially about $750,000 and in the future $8 million to $10 million. Because the state set new drinking water standards in 2018, and in order for the city to meet those new standards, it is in the process of installing treatment facilities next to existing well sites. "There are five (I don't know how many there are will get Wed morn) wells located within the city," s...
Newly elected councilmember John Pallares shared parts of his first out-of-town training experience with his Facebook friends as he traveled to Sacramento for what he thought was going to be a weekend training with colleagues; however, he went alone as his colleagues were ill and unable to attend. Pallares was attending the New Mayors and Council Members Academy by the League of California Cities, of which Wasco is a member. Pallares said that he livestreamed his journey for those in Wasco who...
Entrepreneurs are usually courageous, independent, passionate and driven. However, when you are also a young mother, you are often looking for a way to pursue your passion while making it possible to spend more time with your family. That is what Lizbeth Garcia of The Black Comb said when asked why she started her own business. "I was working two jobs, six days out of the week," she said. "I didn't have enough time to spend with my kids, so I decided to do something where I can have my kids arou...
Webster's dictionary defines a Western U.S. cowboy as one who herds and tends cattle, performs his job on horseback, works on a ranch and exhibits skills such as roping and performing in rodeos. That's Benny McLeod. A true cowboy needs a good sidekick, and Benny found his in Betty Graves at Wasco High. "Even though some said it wouldn't last," said Betty. "We've been married for 69 years." Benny was born in 1930 at the long-gone Pixley Ranch north of Highway 46, on Palm Avenue. His cousin,...
A surprise visit from newly elected Congressman TJ Cox highlighted Wasco VFW Post's January pancake breakfast on Saturday. Congressman Cox sat with local residents and listened to their comments and answered their questions. Many just stopped by to congratulate him on his recent win. "I was honored to speak with the Wasco VFW this past weekend. Washington could learn more from our veterans' stories of sacrifice, citizenship and courage. I look forward to working with veterans across the Central...
Hundreds of Wasco residents will soon be moving to the new Rosaleda Village -- 226 units in sleek, energy-efficient buildings surrounded by low-water landscaping, a community center, day-care center and other amenities. The Housing Authority of the County of Kern and Wasco Affordable Housing held the grand opening of its newest project, located near North Poplar Avenue and Margalo Street. The official ribbon cutting took place on Jan. 10. Opening remarks were made by the executive director of...
A number of residents heard from Supervisor David Couch at his first town hall meeting in Wasco – and asked him a few questions of their own. His purpose for holding the town hall at the City Council chambers was to have the residents of District 4 be more aware of the various county resources and services that are available to them. "I hope through these Town Hall meetings different levels of government and organizations will be more inclined to communicate with each other," Couch said. The pan...
The Wasco Reserves baseball team is gearing up for their inaugural season. As of Friday, two new players have been added to the Reserves roster. "We are in the process of hiring players for the new Pecos League baseball team," said manager Bill Moore. Twenty-two-year-old right-handed pitcher Dmitry Shtykher from Moscow, Russia, played with the Pecos League Topeka Train Robbers in 2016. "I first saw him pitch in 2016 when I was coaching in Garden City. He pitched for us twice," Moore said. "He...
Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez has been at City Hall since Sept. 10, and he seems to have settled in nicely. "Now with the new council installed, it's time to get down to business," he said. "Since day one, Daniel has always had the best interest of our city at heart," said Mayor Alex Garcia. "He has worked tirelessly to identify areas which required immediate restructuring – up to and including necessary staff changes." Garcia added that the city manager has committed himself to the city for five y...
Former Wasco Finance Director Robert Ruiz is suing the city for breach of contract over his termination in October. And as of yet, the reasons for the dismissal are secret. Tuesday night, city officials were closed-mouthed about the reasons for Ruiz’ termination. “He’s no longer with us,” was how City Clerk Maria Martinez responded when asked for more information, citing that it was a “personnel matter.” “I can’t discuss it,” another official said. According to Ruiz’ attorney in letters to City Manager Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez, hi...
He's walked the streets, put up signs, addressed public forums, made political speeches and held impromptu gatherings in support of a political idea or candidate. He may be Wasco's youngest mayor, but Alex Garcia has already packed a wealth of political experience into his 29 years. "I love Alex's energy and his ability to come up with new ideas," said Councilmember Tilo Cortez. "He's passionate about Wasco and what he can do to keep making Wasco the best place to live." A 2007 graduate of Wasco...
In addition to skill and education, Dr. Wolfgang Renken's warmth, kindness and unassuming humor make his patients feel cared for and at ease, his top priority. Upon entering his optometry building, the first thing you notice is how the sunny, yellow exterior of the building is reflective of his staff. Maintaining the office with a warm, engaging smile is Diana Lopez who has been with Dr. Renken for 25 years. When asked why she has worked for him for so many years, her response came quickly. "He...