Miguel Raya sworn in to serve District 5

The City Council appointed Miguel A. Raya to fill the District 5 council vacancy Tuesday night. After the city clerk administered an oath of office, Raya took his seat alongside the other council members.

Raya expressed his feelings after being sworn in: "I was happy that I finally realized one of my goals to serve Wasco. Being a resident of Wasco and loving my community, I want to be a part of the council and contribute to helping grow Wasco with the board."

He shared that he felt a deep responsibility while reciting the oath. "It's a position I will pour all my passion and heart into."

His wife, Alma, his two sons, Angel and Cristian, and his niece, Arabell, were in attendance. "I felt the family support that is going to be needed in this role, and it meant a lot that they were here to celebrate this unforgettable moment with me."

Raya's message to the community: "I will do my best to represent the city respectfully and advocate for the citizens of this great town."

Mayor Valentin Medina said, "His dedication and commitment to our community are vital to the work of our city and residents. I have no doubt Miguel will bring positive change and represent our interests with integrity and passion."

Councilmember Gilberto Reyna added, "Miguel A. Raya is deeply committed to supporting Wasco's youth and older adults while serving on the City Council. I welcome his new ideas, congratulate him on his appointment and wish him great success."

In other news, the City Council appointed Cortney Coleman as a member to fill an unexpired seat on the Planning Commission, which expires on Dec.31. They also recognized former Planning Commissioner Petra Rueda.

Coleman, a lifelong Wasco resident who works for the City of Bakersfield in the Development Services Department, shared his thoughts on the role: "To give back to the community. It's something new. It's seeing the ins and outs of how things are going in the community and being able to say that I was part of the new things coming into the community."

Petra Rueda served as a planning commissioner for over four years. "It was my first time serving on a community board for my town. It was very rewarding to learn and grow with my community. During this journey, I learned a lot about Wasco. I was happy to attend local ribbon cuttings and loved participating in community events and meetings. I wanted people to know that being involved in the community is a positive experience, and that's what my involvement was all about."

She was presented with a crystal glass award for her service. "I was shocked, excited, and so grateful for the recognition." She left the councilmembers with parting words: "I'm always here whenever you need me. I will continue to work for the betterment of Wasco."