Top moments from Wasco's 2024

Here are second-half highlights of Wasco's year. Last week's first-half review can be seen on WascoTrib.com.

July

The second half of the year began with the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Central Avenue Park. The new park, designed to be a vibrant hub for families and visitors, offers a variety of recreational activities and green spaces.

Semitropic Elementary School welcomed a new addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Dr. Wendy Castañeda-Leal as superintendent. Her appointment promised a focus on student-centered policies and community engagement.

Wasconian Shirley Huffman turned 100 and held a large reunion at the Wasco Woman's Club attended by about 80 friends and family. She graduated from Wasco High School in 1943, was a secretary for 20 years and continued her career at the Wasco School District office.

August

Mayor Alex Garcia resigned following allegations stemming from a social media post claiming he had arranged to meet with a 15-year-old boy "to do horrific things to the kid." A video, viewed by thousands, appeared to capture the meeting between Garcia and the "boy." During the encounter, Garcia was assaulted by two brothers posing as the child. The allegations garnered international attention and prompted an investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department. However, the probe was ultimately closed after no witnesses came forward.

The Wasco Police Department hosted its inaugural "Chill with a Cop" event, inviting the community to engage in friendly conversations with its officers. Attendees were encouraged to discuss issues or concerns, fostering open dialogue and strengthening community bonds.

The City Council appointed incumbents Vincent R. Martinez and Eddie Saldaña, along with Miguel A. Raya, as council members for Districts 2, 4 and 5, respectively. This action resulted in the cancellation of the Nov. 5 election when Martinez and Saldaña faced no challengers, and Raya was the only nominee for his district.

September

Rihanna Sanchez was crowned the 2024 Miss Wasco Rose Queen. Thirteen young women competed in categories such as physical fitness, talent, interview, and poise and appearance. The Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant, which dates back to 1969, featured a Christmas theme this year. Cedes Saldaña was named first runner-up and Klarissa Gomez took the title of second runner-up.

The Rose Festival over Labor Day weekend, themed "Small Town, Big Ideas," included the Wasco Elk Ladies "An Evening of Wine and Roses," the Color Blast Fun Run, a pancake breakfast, a parade with over 60 entries, the Wasco Historical Museum Open House, a vendor fair and DJ Nonsense at Barker Park. Other attractions featured a car show, casino night and the 2nd to None and Orange Heart Foundation Men's Basketball Tournament.

The council agreed to proceed with UnWired Broadband to build a citywide fiber network starting next year, bringing high-speed cabled communications to every Wasco home and business. UnWired will fully fund the estimated $12 million project. The plan includes constructing 74 miles of infrastructure, installing one fiber optic cable to each home and two to each business, ultimately serving over 6,000 homes and businesses in Wasco.

October

Wasco Police Department Chief of Police Charles Fivecoat received the Administrator of the Year award from the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation for his 50 years of contributions to the law enforcement community and for serving as the key facilitator in the startup of the Wasco Police Department.

The Wasco Union High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2024 with an intimate dinner and ceremony. The gathering in the school cafeteria honored those who have left a lasting impact on Wasco's sports legacy.

St. John the Evangelist Parish hosted its 2024 Harvest Festival. Organized by Councilmember and parish member Gilberto Reyna, the fund-raising event drew large crowds.

November

It was a celebration of local law enforcement at Wasco's National Night Out, as agencies from Wasco, Shafter, Avenal, McFarland, Arvin, the Kern County Probation Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation joined together in a show of unity with residents. The newly renovated downtown along 7th Street and the plaza in Wasco provided the setting for the block party.

Wasco hosted the official ribbon-cutting for its new Wendy's restaurant on Highway 46, introducing the latest addition to the growing business landscape.

Strata Credit Union held its Día de los Muertos Member Appreciation event. The gathering featured raffles, face painting, and games for kids while sharing resources and highlighting the support services available to members. It was also an opportunity to commemorate the bank's one-year anniversary.

December

The three appointed City Council members, Vincent Martinez, Miguel A. Raya and Eddie Saldaña, were sworn in. Valentin Medina was reappointed mayor, while Eddie Saldaña also was reappointed as mayor pro tem.

In partnership with the City of Wasco, the Rose Festival Group and Orange Heart Foundation hosted the Wasco Christmas Festival with this year's theme, "Kindness Shines." The event featured a parade, a vendor fair, a kids' corner with games, crafts, and a train ride, and a lighting ceremony, where Miss Wasco Rose Queen Rihanna Sanchez lit the 20-foot tree. This year, the 2024 Wasco High School Valley Champion cheer and Tiger wrestling teams and the JV and sophomore Bengals football teams were honored.

The Wasco Toys for Tigers Christmas Tree Spectacular brought holiday cheer with activities such as face painting by the Orange Heart Foundation, cookie decorating, marshmallow snowmen, crafts, games, a candy walk by the Elks Ladies and letters to Santa. The event, attended by many children, benefited the Wasco Bengals.