Wasco's memorable moments of 2024

This was another year of activity in Wasco, and was full of highlights. Here are some of the top stories for the first half of 2024. The second half will be covered next week.

January

The year kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wasco Downtown Rehabilitation Project, funded by a $5 million grant. The initiative aimed to revitalize the downtown area with green spaces and public art installations.

Alex Garcia assumed the role of mayor for the third time after previously serving in 2019 and 2021. Having joined the City Council in 2016, he brought a background as a small business owner of a real estate company and a director of the Kern Economic Development Corporation, where he represented Wasco.

The Wasco High School varsity cheer team competed in the California Interscholastic Federation Valley Championship and won, being the first in the school ever to earn this title. Out of 18 teams, they placed number one.

The council approved a contractor for the $1.1 million demolition and clean up of the Wasco Farm Labor Camp. The city reached an agreement with the High-Speed Rail Authority in June 2023 to secure reimbursement for the project.

February

The Wasco High School varsity boys team made history by winning the first Valley Championship wrestling title. In the wake of the win, Coach Juan Gallardo received over 3,700 congratulatory messages of support from the wrestling and Wasco community.

The City of Wasco received the prestigious Annual Comprehensive Financial Report award for 2022, marking a significant milestone for the city, as the last recognition was in 2012. Factors contributing to this achievement included the accuracy and completeness of financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and a strong demonstration of fiscal responsibility and accountability.

The council formally recognized the newly formed Wasco Police Officers Association. Employees of the department formed the WPOA to represent officers and other staff when negotiating a memorandum of understanding with the city.

Wasco High School was one of only two high schools in Kern County to receive the 2024 Distinguished Schools Award.

March

The Wasco Rotary Club, in partnership with the city, installed 4-Way Test signs along Highway 43. This initiative, symbolizing the Rotary mission, encourages exemplary citizenship within the community.

The Wasco Woman's Club hosted its 2024 Wasco High School Fine Arts Awards, honoring eight students for their exceptional work across various artistic mediums.

At a school event for families, Wasco Union Elementary School District Assistant Superintendent Oscar Luna presented the Local Control Accountability Plan, the district's three-year guide for how it will use state Local Control Funding Formula funding to service all students. The district has $14 million this year to be used for concentrated and supplemental funding.

April

In a historic moment for the city, the new Wasco Police Department officially launched on April 18, with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and the symbolic handover of the police services building key. The event marked the transition of public safety responsibilities from the Kern County Sheriff's Office to Wasco.

St. John the Evangelist Parish performed a moving reenactment of the Passion of Christ, featuring elaborate costumes, music and sets that depicted Jesus' final hours before his resurrection.

The 15th Street Park reopened with several upgrades, including a new play structure, seating area, picnic tables, trash receptacles and artwork throughout the park, featuring murals created by artist Leo Alvarez.

May

The Orange Heart Foundation hosted its annual Father-Daughter Dance, a celebration that brought together over 150 daughters and their dads. DJ Nonsense provided the music, and the 2023 Miss Wasco Rose Queen, Esmeralda Rodriguez, accompanied by her father, crowned the Little Queen of the Night.

Councilmembers Valentin Medina and Eddie Saldaña of the Wasco Task Force led a team of almost 30 volunteers in a cleanup effort focused on the newly renovated South Gate Park and surrounding neighborhood. The cleanups are coordinated monthly to engage with the community to beautify and create a more vibrant environment.

College Community Services organized an event during Mental Health Awareness Month to combat stigma and promote resources for children and families in the community.

June

The council approved a balanced budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, with general fund revenues of $15.4 million and operating costs of $15.2 million.

The Wasco Recreation and Parks District hosted a Red, White and Boom Fireworks Festival to celebrate the Fourth of July, offering a vibrant lineup of activities and a grand finale that illuminated the sky. The event featured a flag ceremony, a bike parade, a car show, a watermelon eating contest, vendors, swimming and an impressive fireworks display.

With nearly two decades of experience as an educator at Wasco High School, Jennifer Aufforth was honored as Wasco Union High School District Teacher of the Year. In addition to her teaching role, she serves as a club advisor for the Tiger Tales Book Club, co-advisor for the California Scholarship Federation, one of five academic coaches for the English Department and a mentor to two teachers.