Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
Sorted by date Results 801 - 825 of 834
City officials and residents gathered on March 8 to discuss the recent increase in crime during a public safety forum. Various local officials, representatives and law enforcement were in attendance to talk about how the community could get involved in helping to reduce criminal activity in Wasco. "The meeting was organized because there is a rise in crime here in our city; some of it is violent crime. Residents are concerned that not enough is being done about it," Mayor Gilberto Reyna said....
Wasco Affordable Housing, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit created to provide the community with "decent, safe, and sanitary" housing for persons and families of low and moderate incomes. The organization has developed 493 affordable housing units in Wasco and Lost Hills. "The rental rates in Kern County have skyrocketed, making it more difficult for lower-income households to pay rents," Executive Director Antonio Hernandez said. Hernandez has been with Wasco Affordable Housing since 2006. Before...
This year, the Wasco Bengals Cheer season kicks off with two clinics on March 15 and 17 at Barker Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Tryouts for girls ages 6-14 will be held on March 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Grace Community Church. Those selected will go on to join the Wasco Bengals Cheer team. "Wasco Bengals is a nonprofit organization with a mission to keep our kids off the streets and participating in activities that not only teach them a sport, but also help them develop life skills they can...
Wasco Union Elementary School District Superintendent Kelly M. Richers recently reviewed the status of the budget, the covid -19 pandemic and an item from their monthly board meeting. According to Richers, there is just below $50 million in their regular budget for all of their staff and to cover operating expenses this year. These include salaries, insurance, retirement, facility maintenance, vehicles and other costs. Food services are not considered because it is a separate department...
Iron Valley Fitness believes that, without a doubt, regular exercise can benefit your health, mind and body. Not only does it boost energy, increase lean muscle mass, decrease risk for certain health conditions and help manage your weight, but it also improves mood and enables you to live longer. Owners Aaron De Santiago, Arturo Perez and Gerardo Cano made Wasco their home in October of 2020. Since then, none of them have received a salary, and instead, they have been reinvesting their profits...
A Delano man has been arrested in connection with two separate shootings in Wasco including an attempted murder case, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office reported. Deputies identified Brayan Morales, 20, on March 3 as a suspect involved in a shooting on Dec. 27, 2021 near the intersection of Broadway and 15th Street, deputies said in a press release. In addition to the offenses committed on Dec. 27, 2021, Morales was also identified as a suspect involved in the attempted murder and attempted r...
In February, Wasco Future Farmer's of America and the AG Boosters hosted the 28 Days of Winning fundraiser. There were prizes, and every day there was a live stream video on Facebook and Instagram announcing the daily winners. The Ag Boosters is a nonprofit organization designed to support the Wasco High School FFA program, including providing scholarships to members. Fourteen students received their 2022 California FFA State degree. This degree is the highest in the California FFA Association....
You know that moment in the movies... someone who's terrified of heights must climb out on a ledge or jump between two high buildings. And they look down and the fear that overwhelms them almost makes them lose their grip and fall. We live in uncertain, scary times and the last thing we need to do is look down. If you look down... at your problems and your worries for too long, you'll soon be depressed and afraid to go on. If you look down... at your cell phone or tablet and read all the contradictory opinions, hatred and arguing, gloom and...
The City Council held its first public hearing about the upcoming redistricting process. All cities and counties in California that elect members of the governing bodies for local jurisdictions must review district boundaries when the decennial U.S. Census is released. The 2020 U. S Census was released in August 2021. The consulting group FLO Analytics presented an analysis regarding the steps needed for redistricting and outlined an outreach and engagement strategy to get the community involved in the planning and creation process. “They a...
If you are looking for homemade and delicious traditional Mexican pastries and food, then Nortena Bakery is the place to go. Owners Paz and Alfredo Alvarez have operated the business since January 2021, after taking over Paz Alvarez's father's bakery, which he owned for more than 20 years. Nortena Bakery is family-owned, with Alfredo, Paz, her mother, cousin, and three children running the bakery. Paz Alvarez arrives every day at 2:30 a.m. to start baking and cooking. "We are modeled after a...
Westside Family Fellowship, in partnership with CAPK (Community Action Partnership of Kern) and The Wonderful Company, hosted a free food drive for over 250 families on Feb. 24. Although each family had their own unique story as to why they needed the extra help, they all had one thing in common; that it is getting harder and harder to survive in these difficult times. "We are here because we need food," said Dolores Pineda. "Prices have gone up so much it has been hard to keep up. Rent, gas...
Assemblymember Rudy Salas recently introduced AB 2489, which will provide $50 million in grant funds to teachers who work at and live near underserved and understaffed schools. The grant intends to supplement teachers' salaries who agree to live within the boundaries of the priority school they teach at for five years. Eligible priority schools are K-12 schools with 50 percent or more of their student population eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. According to a news release by Salas,...
On March 17, Wasco High School will host its annual Spring College and Career Fair for all of its students grades 9-12. Colleges and employers will attend to allow youth to explore potential possibilities post-graduation. "With this special event, students will be presented with a wide range of different schools, careers, and jobs," said Career Guidance Technician for Wasco High School Samantha Wymer. "We are very excited for them because this gives students the ability to meet with key...
Planet Dance Studios's Team Galaxy recently participated in a dance competition in Redondo Beach, taking home top prizes. Representing Wasco, they made studio history, with all 10 of their dance routines receiving the highest scoring of the competition. They were also recognized with special awards for their exceptional and entertaining performances. The competition was fierce as they went against teams from throughout the Los Angeles and Southern California region. "There were many other great...
A 23-year-old Wasco man was killed during a shooting on Feb. 20. The shooting occurred in the 500 block of D Street at around 9:30 p.m. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene for multiple reports of shots fired in the area. Guillermo Leon was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead by emergency responders. A postmortem examination will be conducted to confirm the cause and manner of death, deputies said. There are no details regarding what led up to the shooting, and no suspect information was i...
Wasco Independence High School beat out over 400 alternative schools in California to win the 2022 Model School Award. Founded in the mid-1970s, WIHS has since played an essential role in the community for those students needing extra help. "I feel ecstatic, and especially for the staff, students, and parents as they all worked so hard for the award. It was a team effort," said Principal Rusvel Prado, a former teacher at the school with over 18 years of experience in alternative education....
As of Feb. 16, the state's masking mandate reverted back to pre-surge requirements and fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks indoors. Unvaccinated people are required to mask in all indoor settings. The state also recommended that fully vaccinated people continue masking indoors if the risk may be high. Masks are required for all individuals in the following indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status: on public transit, indoors in K-12 schools, emergency shelters, healt...
The Wasco Woman's Club held an orientation event for new members last week, sharing how the organization is making an impact and contributing to the well-being of those living in the city. The new members were introduced to the group's mission and goals, including hearing about the club's rich history of service. The club, founded in 1923, has flourished as one of Wasco's most active and vital civic organizations. The club is also proud to own the oldest adobe building in Wasco., which it rents...
The Pizza Factory has been remodeled and is under new ownership. "I am grateful for the opportunity to take over, and I am excited to see how I can work with the city of Wasco to bring the community together during these times. I hope to create a special place where one can enjoy great food and a great atmosphere," said new owner Chai Lee. "The city is growing. The generation is changing, and I want to adapt to this while supporting Wasco in any way I can," added Lee. Lee chose Wasco because...
On Feb. 18, the Houchin Community Blood Bank, in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, brought their donor bus to Wasco. "When I first donated, I found out I was O positive, which I learned was the most needed blood type. I am young and healthy, and there is no reason I can't do my part to help," donor Jose Castro said. "The process is simple," he said. "It doesn't hurt, and afterward, you get a snack. I feel terrific knowing that I am making a big difference for something that takes less...
Since 1977, the Wasco Museum has played an integral role in preserving the history of the community. Its exhibits tell stories about how Wasco came to be and celebrates its rich past. "I am in awe to see what Wasco looked like in the beginning and what has changed to make life better here. It is hard to believe how much we have progressed," said museum Vice-President Marlene Swan. "However, more than ever, we need the support of regular visitors and volunteers to ensure we keep our doors open."...
Assemblymember Rudy Salas introduced a bill to give California beneficiaries of the State Supplementary Program for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled an increase of $600 in benefit payments in years that the state has a budget surplus. "I want the senior, blind and disabled to know we are out there fighting for them. We hear their pleas, and that they need help. When California is doing so well, there is no reason that we can't do more. AB 1941 is a measure that will help all of them in a real way...
The City Council recognized the Wasco Finance Director, Isarel Perez-Hernandez, and his department for receipt of the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. "The award will positively impact the Finance Department as it is a clear indication of collaborating on a common goal of providing high-quality customer service and transparent financial reporting to our residents and City Council members. My department and I received this recognition...
McCafferty's Cleaners & Laundry, after more than 23 years as a staple in the Wasco community, will shut its doors on Feb. 28. "If covid had not hit, we would still be in business," said owner Martin Tapia. As the only dry cleaner in Wasco, they filled a void by providing a quality and affordable service. Tapia explained many people work from home now and no longer need to bring in their work clothes. Also, financial restraints and the economic downturn because of covid prevented residents from...
The nonprofit Houchin Community Blood Bank has served the people of Wasco for more than 30 years, and is celebrating its 71st anniversary this year. On Friday, Feb. 18, they will bring their mobile bus to host a blood drive event in Wasco from 2 6 p.m. at 929 Broadway Street. "Wasco is a community of givers, and when we come to Wasco, residents show up to support the mission because they know how important it is," said Martin Alonzo, Houchin's chief operating officer. Each blood donation can...