Shafter council taking bids on removing old jail fencing

The city will begin taking bids on the removal of the security fencing around the former Minimum Correctional Facility in Shafter after approval from the City Council Tuesday night.

Auctions were held previously, trying to get rid of the furniture, equipment and other items from the site. According to Public Works Director Michael James, the removal of the security fencing is the next step in deciding what the city will do with the property.

No plans are in place yet on what will happen to the former facility.

In a presentation before the council, Barbara Gladden and members of the Shafter Woman's Club explained their Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, in which they have been going throughout the community to help educate about the issue. Gladden spoke about the importance of making the entire community aware and what can be done to deal with the issue and prevent it.

"There are organizations that are equipped to assist those in the community dealing with this horrible issue, as well as how people can cope with surviving and breaking the cycle," she told the council.

She invited the council members to take a pledge against domestic violence, promising to do their best to speaking up when the issue is seen and a promise of fighting against the abuse and to help the abused.