Wasco expands veterans banner program

The Wasco City Council will fund an expanded Veteran's Banner Program for family and friends to honor their veterans through a personalized banner flown on downtown light posts during portions of the year.

The $5,000 approved at Tuesday night's meeting will be used to create, repair and replace damaged banners, covering the cost of new banners for friends and family facing a financial barrier.

The city has recently installed a video screen at the new Veteran's Memorial at 7th Street & F Street. This screen can display the image, name and other information contained on the physical banners electronically. People who have a banner will have the option to use only the digital video display, only the physical banner, or both. The digital-only option would have no cost.

City of Wasco employees will be eligible for the banners, and a Wasco residency requirement will be waived for those employees. The actual cost of the banner for employees will be covered by the fund program budget.

The $5,000 used for the city-funded account will be appropriated from General Funds. Future funding levels will be approved and included in future adopted operating budgets.

Vanessa Salinas was appointed to serve on the Wasco Recreation and Parks District Board to fill the unexpired term expiring next November, a seat left vacant when Miguel A. Raya resigned to join the council in September.

Salinas said of her motivation to join the board, "I've always liked being involved in the community and finding ways to help. I work for the Wasco Union Elementary School District with their after-school program and see first-hand just how important these programs are for kids. With my experience, I feel I can bring fresh ideas to the board and new ways to serve our youth."

Georgianna Armstrong, Kern County Office of Emergency Services manager, and Jake Myers, General Services communications supervisor, received certificates of recognition for their contributions to the communication needs of the Wasco Police Department. Chief Charles Fivecoat said that their support was instrumental in launching the department.

Councilmember Gilberto Reyna expressed his appreciation: "I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Georgianna and Jake for their crucial assistance in establishing the communication tools and channels for our Wasco PD. We could not have achieved this milestone without you. Thank you."