High Speed Rail is on track

Construction continues on the state’s High Speed Rail project that will run through Wasco, City Manager Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez told the City Council Tuesday night.

The project is still on track, despite speculation that the project was dead once Gov. Gavin Newsom cut funding, Ortiz-Hernandez indicated that the city was seeing moves forward on the project.

“Pillars will start being built soon,” Ortiz-Hernandez said. “One concern is the thoroughfare once Wasco Avenue is permanently closed.” He mentioned that even though Wasco Avenue is still open, when it closes, the alternate route will be Jackson Avenue to Poplar Avenue all the way to Kimberlina Road.

“The trucks using Jackson and Poplar to Kimberlina will cause heavy wear and tear on those streets,” he added.

In addition to discussion on the high speed rail, the council also brought up the vaccination program offered to Wasco residents with unvaccinated pets.

“The last vaccination clinic we held was very successful,” Mayor Alex Garcia said.

The council approved a budget increase of $5,000 to $6,000 for a spay/neuter clinic with Measure X funds.

“[It] is something that is needed in Wasco,” Garcia said.

The spay/neuter clinic is for dogs only, Ortiz-Hernandez added.

Public Works Director Biridiana Bishop mentioned that residents could apply for a grant toward the spay/neuter clinic.

Among other items, the council:

--Received a report from Ortiz-Herandez about the city’s participation in the recent earthquakes.

--Was told by Planning Director Roger Mobley that the Asian fast-food chain Panda Express intends on beginning construction within the next month and hopes to be finished by the end of the year.