Lots of info at coalition

One of the earliest meetings in the morning in Wasco is the Wasco Community Coalition meeting held at 7 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the old courthouse.

This month, Wasco Volunteer Coalition member Camilo Vasquez shared the Cook Book Project with the members of the coalition, and he demonstrated how to make almond milk. The Cook Book Project provides information on nutrition guidelines and healthy foods that can be consumed for all ages. Vasquez will also be doing food demonstrations the first Wednesday of each month at the Wasco Library beginning April 10 from 11 a. m. until 1 p. m.

Following the presentation by Vasquez, each organization was given the opportunity to present a short report outlining current dates of upcoming events.

City of Wasco. Planning Director Roger Mobley reported that the city will be implementing new software and continues to work with High Speed Rail officials s on the project as it impacts Wasco. Code Compliance Mathew Maldonado reminded everyone the spring community cleanup will be Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Wasco Union High School District. Adult Education Coordinator Marleni Flores reported that the high school will host their fourth annual college and community resource fair on Tuesday, April 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Additionally, on Monday., April 29; a resume writing workshop will be available from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Wasco Adult Education Center. Director of Categorical Programs and Special Projects Robert Cobb reported that the high school will be graduating the first group of students from the Ag Academy at the end of the school year. "These students will not only graduate with a high school diploma but will also have their associates degree," Cobb said.

Wasco Elementary Schools. Title I Support Teacher Jennifer Fendrick announced there will be a health fair at Thomas Jefferson Middle School on Thursday, May 2 from 6 to 7:30 p. m. Dinner will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend. Additionally, Board President Danny Rueda presented an update on the District's major construction projects.

Bakersfield College. Adult Education Coordinator Jaime Lopez reported that April 8-12 is Adult Education Week. The college is partnering with the Wasco Adult Education Center to host an express enrollment event on Thursday, April 11 from 4 to 7 p. m. Bakersfield College's summer and fall schedules are now available online.

Freewill Baptist Church. Pastor's Assistant Paul Hernandez reported that the church has been working closely with homeless individuals in town. Pastor Danny Scott provided his contact information in case anyone needed to get a hold of him at any time needing assistance with a homeless person. He can be reached at 661-758-5906.

Wasco State Prison. Employee Claudia Saldana reported that the upcoming golf tournament will be held Friday, May 3 at Rio Bravo Golf Course. All proceeds from the tournament will go directly to local organizations In addition; the recent Pizza Hut fundraiser provided $9,000 to Pizza Hut.

VFW. Commander Danny Rueda stated that the VFW will hold a Coffee with a Cop and car exhibit at 603 E. Street on Saturday, April 20 from 8 to 10 a. m.

Wasco Woman's Club. President Marlene Swan announced that the annual Rummage Sale will be Saturday, April 27 beginning at 7 a. m.

Houchin Blood Bank. There will be a blood drive at the sponsored by Houchin Blood Bank on Thursday, April 18 from 1:30 to 5:30 p. m. at the old courthouse at 810 8th St.

Wasco Downtown Business Association. Camilo Vasquez stated that he is still working on a reorganization of the association. He also indicated the summer Farmers Markets begin the second week in June.

Supervisor David Couch. Sal Moretti from David Couch's office reported that the Board of Supervisors recently approved funding to Flood Ministries to provide services to Kern County's homeless population. He also reported that Couch is working on the Keep Kern Beautiful project.

Kern County Library. The library received a $20,000 grant that will be used to buy STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) kits -- age-appropriate crafting kits – and new books, and to create a new space designated for teens.