Council fills WRPD board vacancy

Miguel Raya was appointed by a City Council committee to serve on the Wasco Recreation and Parks District board, filling the unexpired term expiring Nov. 30, 2025.

The city was looking to fill a vacancy on the WRPD board due to the resignation of the appointed member, Sharon Sharp, to fill the remainder of the term expiring at the same time.

The city received applications from Carlos Barraza, Rosalio Armendariz and Miguel Raya. All three candidates were found to be qualified. Carlos Barraza requested to withdraw his application, leaving the two applicants for consideration.

A committee consisting of Mayor Alex Garcia, Councilmember Eddie Saldaña and City Manager Scott Hurlbert interviewed both applicants. The committee recommended the appointment of Raya.

"I feel excited and happy to be able to help with the board and hopefully with the sports I have played and coached to help improve the youth programs and the parks," the new appointee said.

He looks forward to "collaborating with the staff that is already there and the board members and adding to what they have and contributing to what they have been doing already."

He was raised in Wasco, is an elementary school teacher for the Wasco school district and has played and coached sports for over twenty years.

"I have coached basketball, little league and soccer for the parks and recreation district. In middle school, I coached basketball and soccer. Currently, at Wasco High, I coach track and soccer. In the past, I also coached boys' basketball at the high school."

City Manager Scott Hurlburt said, "Both candidates were qualified. Ultimately, the council committee selected Mr. Raya. At this time, we are confident he will do a fantastic job on the board and bring a new perspective to the district."

In a presentation at the council meeting, the Wasco High School Wrestling team was recognized with a certificate and keys to the city for their triumph as the 2024 Valley Champions.

Councilmember Vincent Martinez commented, "I am very proud of these kids. Not only are they stellar athletes, but they are great young men and women. They continue to carry on the tradition of Wasco wrestling. And it all starts with the coaching. There is a reason why, year after year, Wasco so consistently dominates their league, and it is because of our outstanding coaching staff."

"Not only are they teaching these kids the techniques they need to win on the mat, but they are developing them as young men and women to be better people. They are giving these kids not the mindset to win a wrestling match but the mindset to win at life. And to me, that is far more important than any title, but winning a Valley Championship is really special, and I'm proud of everyone involved in our wrestling programs in the city of Wasco."

Head coach Juan Gallardo said, "I think it's amazing to be recognized by our own town. It's a true blessing to be a part of this program, of these kids and of the coaching staff. I want to thank all the supporters, sponsors, and especially the parents for trusting me with their kids. I love the fact that they allow me to be a part of their lives."

A proclamation for Public Works Week recognized the substantial contributions public works professionals, engineers, managers and employees make to protecting the nation's health, safety and quality of life.

Sharon Sharp was celebrated for her six years of Wasco Recreation and Parks District board service and was presented with a glass crystal award and a key to the city.

"I am very humbled and appreciative of the council and their individual support over the years. During my time on the board, I was fortunate to sit beside and learn from Gilbert Garland, Warren McDaniel, Rick Snow, among others. It is a blessing to serve one's community, and I hope to do so one day in some capacity."

Wasco Police Lieutenant Alecio Mora provided a brief update on officer activity over the last two weeks, through May 21. "Officers responded to approximately 390 calls for service and generated 390 self-initiated activity, which is when an officer decides to take enforcement action or general contact with the public."

"In addition to that, they conducted 191 traffic stops for which 77 citations were issued," he said.

"It shows our officers are being proactive and visible."