Council approves PAL coordinator position

The Wasco City Council Tuesday night approved a new Police Activities League coordinator position to establish and manage the program, as well as oversee the development, execution and delivery of youth programming and initiatives.

"This person will assist with all police department grants, particularly those focused on youth, and manage the day-to-day operations of the PAL building, including the calendar, property maintenance and facility use," Assistant City Manager Maria Lara explained. "Parents and kids can stop by to learn about the programs and resources available through the PAL program."

She emphasized the importance of the role, saying, "For our youth and the future of this community. We want to invest in our youth and their future."

The PAL building is currently undergoing remodeling. City Manager Scott Hurlbert provided an update, "They'll be starting on the drywall soon, and the electrical is mostly done. There are still a couple of months' worth of work before it's finished."

With the position's approval, Hurlbert said, "We will open up the recruitment within the next week or two, accept applications and conduct interviews until we find the right candidate."

October was proclaimed National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the local North Kern Chapter, Líderes Campesinas Comite Norte, was recognized for the significant impact it has made in the community to help end domestic violence. The organization, made up of farmworkers, has spent the last thirty years supporting farmworker women.

Outreach Worker Yesenia Acosta said, "I am happy to be recognized by the city, and together we will stop domestic violence. Many of the women here tonight are survivors of domestic violence. If they could overcome it, you can too. We are here to be the bridge that guides you with programs and resources to help you regain the confidence and strength to live a life free of violence."

Mayor Valentin Medina added, "Tonight's proclamation is a recognition of the great work Líderes Campesinas do throughout our community. They are advocates for vulnerable groups. They made a strong and loud presence tonight by wearing aprons telling stories of local women who survived domestic violence. Each one telling their unique story with visual representation, which spoke louder than words. I commend them for the work they do in being a safe space for those that need it most."

Acosta said the group will have a march and vigil on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. in Shafter at St. Therese Catholic Church, 300 W. Lerdo Hwy. There will be hot chocolate, pan dulce and a play. "We invite you to join us in the fight against domestic violence," she said. More information is available by calling 661-438-6254.

Lieutenant Alecio Mora reported on the Wasco Police Department. "From October 1 to October 15, officers generated 81% of the department's activity, staying active in the streets. They are making positive contacts and trying to curb behavior through education and enforcement. Over the last two weeks, they conducted 139 traffic stops but issued only 29 citations."

He also shared a recent investigation update: "While investigating a commercial burglary, we recovered $25,000 in stolen goods from two previous burglaries. This shows that officers are following leads and ensuring thorough investigations."