Feedback wanted on city beautification

Residents are asked to fill out two surveys on the city website regarding beautification plans and what residents would like to see improved in Wasco.

Mayor Pro Tem Gilberto Reyna said the beautification survey is a multiple-choice survey and can easily be filled out through the city’s website.

Also at the April 20 Task Force Meeting, the group received updates on a variety of projects including the High Speed Rail and the demolishment of the former labor camp housing, the July 4th fireworks, recreation and parks programming and summer school.

Traci Mills Clendenen and Orquidea Ocampo reported on the High Speed Rail with respect to the demolishment of the former labor camp housing. The two said there is no update except they are waiting to hear from the HSR regarding its grant application, which includes the cost of demolishing the former camp. The city may not know anything until the beginning of May.

Reyna said the former camp is currently being used for several types of training for the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and the Wasco State Prison, such as bomb and SWAT training.

The Orange Heart Foundation plans to transition the July 4th fireworks show to the Recreation and Parks District for 2021. The foundation will be hosting a lemonade stand and all proceeds will go toward the fireworks.

Assistant Superintendent of WUHSD Kevin Tallon said students can make up credits by attending summer school, which begins June 1 for five weeks until July 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tallon also said that something would be offered in the afternoons for incoming freshmen, but they will not be attending regular classes because there are too many current high school students who are in need of credits.

Sharon Sharp spoke on behalf of the Wasco Recreation and Parks District and reported that the district is working closely with the Reserve Baseball team. She discussed items that have been included in the new contract for 2021, which are a lowered fee for game entrance of $5 per person per game and that the league is responsible for finding housing for the players.

Sharp also reported that summer camp at this time is not going to happen, but the district is continuing to review that option. She said kickball and T-Ball are both full. On Saturday, May 1, the district will host an event at Barker Park called Primavera, which will include vendors, games and drawings. She said that the pool will be opening at $2 a session as the district continues to discuss a date for reopening this summer and offering a family plan.

“We are also working on bringing back adult activities,” Sharp said.

Reverend Marcus Ballard of New Generation Church on Central Avenue said on Monday, June 7, the church will be feeding 1,000 plates and on Tuesday, June 8, members will be cleaning up the city. On June 19, the church will have a Black History celebration with vendors and booths as well as food.

The next task force meeting will be Wednesday, May 12, at 4:30 p.m. Host Sam Estes said by June, the meetings could be in-person instead of on Zoom.