Get ready for a weekend of festive fun at the Rose Festival! The excitement begins with the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant, where the community's most graceful and talented young women will compete for the coveted crown. On Friday, immerse yourself in joyful celebration and recognition at the Wasco Elk Ladies' Evening of Wine and Roses-an event that promises a delightful blend of fine wines and special moments. Saturday is packed with activities, starting with the Color Blast...
New artwork on display at Library and Learning Center
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 9, 2024
The Shafter Library and Learning Center is busy offering a variety of classes to the young and old, while also supplying a library full of books to entertain and teach Shafter residents. They also satisfy those residents who have a passion for art as well, displaying a different artist's work on their walls. The center just changed the artwork to feature a local artist who spent over 30 years teaching in the classroom, as well as entertaining people with her talent of...
Shafter man showing his love for tennis on the Coast
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 9, 2024
Ralph Goehring, whose family roots go back in Shafter for generations, has been enjoying a "love" affair with tennis for decades. Goehring is owner of the Templeton Tennis Ranch, a facility that is home to the only professional tennis tournament in Central California. The fifth edition of the Central Coast Tennis Classic is held annually in a small northern San Luis Obispo County town, Templeton, an unlikely spot for professional tennis. Concentrating in business, Goehring...
Shafter council adds $200K for core improvements
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 9, 2024
The Shafter City Council approved a $200,000 budget amendment to help fund the city's capital improvement project for the city's core. The council approved a contract between the city and Westrock LLC to complete the Street Improvement Project. The project includes pavement resurfacing, striping, repairs, sidewalks and curbs. Westrock was the lowest bid out of five that were submitted. Their bid came to $616,616.00. The council voted unanimously to approve the contract. Accord...
On Friday, a special City Council meeting was held to interview candidates for the District 5 vacancy left by the resignation of former Mayor Alex Garcia. This meeting was the next step in filling the seat, and there was only one applicant: Miguel A. Raya. On Aug. 6, the council decided to fill the vacancy by appointing an eligible elector. The council instructed staff to announce the vacancy and accept applications. The appointee will serve until the Nov. 5 General Municipal...
The 2nd to None and Orange Heart Foundation Men's Basketball Tournament, in partnership with the Wasco Rose Festival, will take place Friday, Sept. 6, and run through Sunday, Sept. 8. The entry fee is $5, and all funds raised will support the organization's youth basketball program. "It's going to be a very competitive and exciting tournament," said Eddie Velasquez, coach and owner of the 2nd to None basketball organization. "We have a total of 10 teams, including a couple of...
A Queen's farewell: Reflecting on her reign
Esmeralda Rodriguez, For the Wasco Tribune|Updated Sep 9, 2024
Being the 2023 Miss Wasco Rose Queen has been one of the biggest honors and titles I have ever held. It is still hard for me to find the words to describe how exactly I felt when I heard the MC say that contestant number 14, Esmeralda Rodriguez, was the winner of the pageant because of all the emotions that took over me. I was shocked, excited, happy and even fearful. That fear quickly left me as I let confidence take over my emotions. Getting ready for an event each day felt...
The Wasco Recreation and Parks District will host the Run for the Roses Color Blast Fun Run on Saturday, Sept.7, starting at 7:30 a.m. Participants can choose between a 5K run or a 3K walk, with the starting line at Barker Park Little League Shelter #5. The entry fee is $40, cash only at 7 a.m. Proceeds from the event will support the community's fireworks event planned for 2025. "The Color Blast Fun Run' is a lively, noncompetitive running event where participants are showere...
The Wasco AG Boosters hosted the 5th Annual Charles Craig Classic Invitational at the Wasco High School Farm over the weekend. The event brought together WHS FFA students, FFA and 4-H members from Shafter, Delano, Taft, North Kern and Delano.. Participants competed for the best of the best in breed, market and showmanship with their pygmy goats, poultry, rabbits, swine, lambs and cattle. For Victoria Carriño, it was a new experience. "Last year my friend had an animal. I...
On bye Friday, "Lego: Batman" comes to SHS stadium
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 9, 2024
Shafter High is holding a No Football Friday Movie Night on Friday, Sept. 6, at the Shafter High Football Stadium. The event is free to the community to attend. They will be showing the movie "Lego: Batman" on the giant scoreboard screen at the stadium.The event will start at 7 p.m. and end at 9:30. According to Principal Russell Shipley, the Generals have a bye this week and they wanted to make the most of the opportunity. "The community is so supportive of our football...
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...
Shafter police turn traffic stop into felony arrests
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 2, 2024
Officers from the Shafter Police Department arrested three felons on drugs and weapons charges that began as a simple traffic stop. According to Acting Chief Randy Mulligan, the officers were conducting a proactive patrol on the 300 block of East Lerdo Highway, officers observed an equipment violation and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle was occupied by three people, all of whom, later discovered, were all felons. The suspects were later identified as Cinthia Rizo, 40,...
Shafter Learning Center offering varied activities
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 2, 2024
The Shafter Library and Learning Center had a busy summer program, including their Summer Reading Challenge and a variety of activities keeping children busy. Now that school is in session, the center is not slowing down, still offering programs for all ages. For the little ones, they are offering a KinderPrep program that is aimed to prepare Shafter's pre-K kids for their educational careers. KinderPrep helps prepare 4.5-6-year-old old for their first in-person school year. P...
On Saturday, Sep. 7, the Wasco Rose Festival will host a variety of activities, and one of the highlights will be an open house at the Wasco Historical Museum. This event offers an opportunity to explore the town's rich history and connect with the community. Marlene Swan, Wasco resident and museum director since the 1980s, is eager to welcome visitors. Swan invites everyone to immerse themselves in the museum's collections and share in the stories of Wasco's past. "I'd love...
David Dominguez, 29, died at Wasco State Prison around 4 p.m. on Saturday, with prison officials investigating his death as a homicide, the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Monday. Dominguez was discovered in a day room, being assisted by other inmates, the prison said. He reportedly informed staff that he had a seizure and fell. Investigators said a video has emerged showing two inmates, Jose Landeros, 27, and Michael S. Padilla, 37, fighting with...
N. Kern Christian School presents pancake breakfast
North Kern Christian School will kick off the Wasco Rose Festival with a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Sept.7, from 7 to 10 a.m. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a quick meal before the festivities begin. The breakfast will include three pancakes, eggs and sausage. For dine-in, there are complimentary orange juice and coffee. There is also a take-out option. "It's easy for a grab-and-go. We encourage you to come for a bite before you go to the parade, especially if...
In this second installment of our spotlight series on the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant candidates, we highlight the young women competing for the coveted title. These contestants reflect a range of talents, dreams and experiences. Last week's profiles of the other six contenders can be viewed on WascoTrib.com. Cedes Saldaña, is proudly sponsored by Saldaña Welding and Fabrication. The daughter of Mando and Gracie Saldaña, Cedes has been working hard to represent her co...
Sun World International held a highly anticipated fruit show at its Wasco Center for Innovation, marking the official launch of two new grape brands, "Applause" and "Epic Crisp." The event was open to potential licensees, industry partners, retailers and the media, drawing a significant crowd eager to celebrate this milestone. Attendees were treated to an exclusive tour of the Wasco facility, where they were introduced to the new grape varieties and other promising ones still...
'Good samaritan' hit by vehicle, in critical condition
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 2, 2024
A Shafter woman who tried to intervene in an altercation in Bakersfield was hit by a vehicle and is in critical condition at a local hospital. Shelli Fuller was driving on Knudsen Drive at approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday morning when she observed an altercation taking place. She reportedly exited her vehicle and tried to intervene in the altercation. Fuller was then struck by a vehicle and critically injured. The driver of the vehicle initially fled, but later contacted...
Strata and CRC sponsor Wasco students for Camp KEEP
Strata Credit Union and California Resources Corporation presented sponsorship checks totaling $250,000 at the Wasco Union Elementary School District's Back to School Night, held last week at Palm Avenue Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. The event was a celebration of community support, with parents, friends and media in attendance. The donation underscores Strata Credit Union and CRC's commitment to local education and environmental stewardship. Together, the...
The Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant contestants take a break, resting in their petticoats during the formal-gown practice session. See more profiles of the contestants on Page 4....
Museum holds Gossamer anniversary celebration
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 2, 2024
The Minter Field Air Museum held a celebration on Saturday night, commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Gossamer Condor historic flight in Shafter. Gossamer Condor was the first human-powered aircraft in the world, reaching speeds of 38 miles per hour in flight. The event started coming together late last year. Museum Board Chairman Ronald Pierce was contacted by Jean Peters, whose father had taken video of the historic test flight and wondered if Pierce and the museum...
County accepting bids for new park at La Colonia
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 2, 2024
Kern County Public Works is accepting bids for a new park in Shafter, according to a statement from Public Works Director Joshua Champlin. The park will be the first such project in the La Colonia area of Shafter, formerly known as the Mexican Colony. The area is steeped in tradition, with residents going back generations. For years, residents have been wanting improvements or revitalization done in the southern part of Shafter. Thanks to funds from the American Rescue Plan...
Fresno's economic director is Shafter's new city manager
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Aug 28, 2024
The Shafter City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to appoint a business growth leader as city manager. Fresno economic director Lance Lippincott was not present at the meeting, but it was reported that he was watching the meeting via Zoom. Current City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez announced that he would be retiring when his contract expires in March 2025. The council interviewed candidates and selected Lippincott. According to the council report, Lippincott was...
Shafter youth treated to a joyful Christmas Eve
Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Jan 1, 2024
Christmas came a day early for the youth of Shafter, presented with toys from the Toys for Tots organization, thanks to the support of the community. "The Shafter Lions Club used their nonprofit status to get the Toys for Tots organization here, and we secured the building," said Shafter Councilman Gilbert Alvarado, who is also a Lion. The giveaway event was held on Christmas Eve at the Shafter Veterans Hall. Every child who attended received at least two toys to take home,...
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