City Council appoints new commissioners

The City Council made several new appointments this year for the Planning Commission and Sales Tax Commission.

The council announced the appointment of Traci Clendenen on Jan. 19 for the Planning Commission for a 4-year term.

"Ms. Clendenen has been a long-time resident of Wasco with three children and a wonderful family," City Clerk Maria Martinez said. "She is an active member of the community and is currently president and co-founder of the Orange Heart Foundation. Clendenen has a passion for this community and will be an active representative for the city's residents."

The council also announced the reappointment of Petra Rueda on Jan. 19, for the Planning Commission for a 4-year term.

"Mrs. Rueda has been a lifelong resident of the City of Wasco, happily married, and a proud mother of one daughter," Martinez said. "She has actively volunteered her time and efforts for causes that she is passionate about, such as the Wasco VFW and the Ronald McDonald House. She is currently an active member of the Wasco Woman's Club. Mrs. Rueda is excited to use her experience and community engagement to serve the City of Wasco residents."

The council also announced the appointment of Orquidea Ocampo on March 2 for the Sales Tax Committee filling an unexpired term ending on Dec. 31.

"While raising her three sons, she worked in a customer service-related field and completed her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from California State University, Bakersfield," Martinez said of Ocampo.

Ocampo is currently a founding member of the Orange Heart Foundation and a board member for the Wasco Tiger Sharks. She previously served as a board member for the Palm Avenue School Parent Council and Thomas Jefferson Middle School Parent Council.

"Ms. Ocampo is looking forward to doing her best for the city she loves, with transparency and accountability," Martinez said.

Florirene Olvera was appointed on March 2 for the Sales Tax Committee filling an unexpired term ending on Dec. 31.

"She previously served on the Wasco Housing Authority Board and has worked on community outreach for the Covid-19 relief efforts and community unification projects," Martinez said. "She is committed to serving the City of Wasco residents in the capacity to be equal, fair, transparent, and to contribute to creating a fiscally strong and sustainable future for our city."