Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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The Wasco High School Drama Club presented the musical Annie to hundreds over a three-day run of performances at the school's historic auditorium. A cast of 27 thespians graced the stage to put on a show that dazzled and entertained, complete with singing, dancing, original costumes and elaborate set designs. Annie is the classic tale of the red-headed orphan who eventually gets adopted by the millionaire Daddy Warbucks. Sophia Perezchica played the lead role of Annie. In a...
In collaboration with the city of Wasco, the Wasco Rotary Club placed 4-Way Test signs along Highway 43 near Filburn Street. The effort symbolized the Rotary mission and was a way to remind the community to be the best citizens possible. "Our club members came together to support and provide service to our community while embodying the Rotary 4-Way Test, which is: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? and 4) Will...
The City Council approved taking current donations of $3,350 from local vendors, donors and Wonderful Company grants and future donations for the Wasco Police Department, and other city departments and projects. "From time to time, companies and residents generously donate to city operations, and as such, staff will provide a report of donors and request authorization to accept the funds and increase appropriations," City Manager Scott Hurlbert said in a report to the...
A kidnapping scam is targeting local people, Sergeant Herbert Stout from the Kern County Sheriff's Office told the City Council Tuesday night. "It involves telephone calls to residents in which the caller states that they have kidnapped a family member and demands money," Stout said. "They would then tell the person they are talking to to wire them money through a green dot card or a wire transfer through a local store. After transferring the money, they would hang up on...
It was more than just fun at the Wasco High School Tiger Parent Club Spring Paint Night – it was an evening of information to guide parents on better connecting with their children. Led by trained social workers, parents took home tools to inspire and motivate them to build stronger ties and closer relationships with their young ones. "The event aimed to provide a creative outlet for parents and students while offering practical strategies to help better serve their child a...
Since the 1950s, Marlene Swan has tirelessly volunteered her time and energy to various Wasco organizations. Through her acts of kindness and service, her commitment and dedication have made an impact on the community. Marlene was born in 1932 in Wasco and attended all local schools, including Wasco High School. "It was there that I first became involved with different things. There were the parades the FFA put on then, and the adults got that started, but I also helped out....
The Orange Heart Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to enhance the community of Wasco. The organization aims to instill optimism through educational and recreational initiatives, uniting through events, and focusing on the betterment of the local area. The goal is to elevate the quality of life in the community by establishing constructive and inspiring customs that represent the entirety of residents. The OHF was founded in 2015 following the organization...
The Shear Design salon has a long history of serving the Wasco community. With 38 years in business, it is the oldest salon in Wasco. At the helm is owner Maria Martinez, who oversees a dedicated staff of hair stylists, nail technicians and an esthetician. "We are a full-service salon. Whatever you need, it can be done. We try to give one hundred percent. We bend over backward for our customers." Her team comprises Maria Rivera, Indira Rodriguez, Katie Romero, Terry Nguyen, Ro...
Joshua Huddleston is the director of athletics and activities at Wasco High School. His story is one of turning his life around and using it to inspire the young people he works with. "I dropped out of high school at the beginning of my sophomore year. I went back in my junior year because my grandfather, on his deathbed, made me promise I would. One of the reasons I do this job is to try to build connections between students and the school, so they will be more likely to...
Wasco Union High School had the honor of being one of only 293 middle schools and high schools in California to be selected for the 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program. This recognition, announced on Feb. 29 by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, highlights schools such as WHS that demonstrate excellence, growth, outstanding academic achievements and a commitment to fostering a positive school environment. WHS is one of only two high schools in...
In the dynamic realm of football, where strategies evolve and victories are crafted through innovation, Wasco High School varsity football Head Coach Chad Martinez shines. Known for connecting with his players extremely well and for his attention to detail, under his leadership, those skills propelled his team forward into greatness – including playing in the State Championship game last year. He is originally from Inglewood, in the center of Los Angeles. "I grew up there. I...
Marcus Ballard is an inspiring leader who is both an educator and assistant pastor. He is a shining example of someone committed to building a brighter future for the community of Wasco. Ballard has been a teacher for 10 years, now teaching 6th grade at Palm Avenue Middle School. As a teacher, he said, "I hope to inspire, motivate and be a role model to my students. Not just in education, but in life." He was born and raised here, and he graduated from Wasco High School in...
North Kern Christian School, founded in 1978 by the Wasco Mennonite Brethren Church, is dedicated to delivering high-quality education within a Christian setting, employing a curriculum rooted in Christian principles. Sandy Armstrong has been the advisor for the Home Study Program since 1990. She started as a junior high teacher in 1980. "People here are like-minded and focused on providing the best Christian education," she explained. "It's a pleasure to go to work every...
Third in a series profiling candidates for 4th District county supervisor, representing the Shafter and Wasco areas. Other stories can be found at TheShafterPress.com or WascoTrib.com. Veronica Vasquez has a bachelor's in human development from Cal State East Bay, with a minor in political science and women's studies and a master's in social work with an emphasis on mental health. She has interned with Sen. Barbara Boxer in San Francisco with a role to help veterans and mental...
Planet Dance Studio opened its doors in 2002, providing the art of dance to thousands of students in tap, jazz, ballet and hip-hop. Regionally and nationally, it has garnered multiple championships and accolades and received scholarships at the highest level of competition. Jacob Hernandez is the director and founded the school with his mother, Corine Matera. "Our studio has been within Wasco and Shafter for the last two decades, and we absolutely love being in these communiti...
The Orange Heart Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to enhance the community of Wasco. The organization aims to instill optimism through educational and recreational initiatives, uniting through events, and focusing on the betterment of the local area. The goal is to elevate the quality of life in the community by establishing constructive and inspiring customs that represent the entirety of residents. The OHF was founded in 2015 following the organization...
Diana and Tomas Lopez are the proud owners of Wasco Glass. They bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their commercial and residential glass shop and agricultural equipment glass replacement business. "We offer complete windows on homes and specialize in shower door installations, custom build screens, retrofit windows, mirrors, tabletops, tempered glass, new patio sliding doors, pet mesh screens and windshield chip repair only," Tomas said. Wasco Glass launched on...
The Wasco Animal Shelter plays a crucial role in the community by providing a safe haven for stray and abandoned animals, working to find them loving homes. The shelter houses typically anywhere from 15 to 25 dogs at a time. The most common breeds found are pit bulls, huskies and chihuahuas. On average, a dog will stay at the shelter for two months before being adopted or rescued. Animals will often come in as strays, and others surrendered by their owners. Marco Silva has...
Passion runs deep for Wasco sports, and Juan Gallardo is one Wasconian who exemplifies the love that comes with someone who truly cares about the youth he serves through athletics. Gallardo has been the Wasco High School varsity co-ed wrestling coach since 2010. What he enjoys most about is being invested in the kids. "Helping them through homework and in-life issues at home and in school. Try to hold them accountable as adults. And try to have them make sure they get done...
The Wasco High School swim team is set for its first meet on March 1 at the Wasco pool. It is a South Sequoia League meet and Shafter, Taft and Delano will compete. It promises to be an opportunity for the team to showcase the talents they have been working hard to cultivate under the leadership of Head Coach Chris Gebhardt. "Chris has almost a decade of coaching experience. His coaching philosophy is unique. "I look at coaching swimming more than just the swimming. My goal is...
In another historic accomplishment for Wasco High School athletics, the varsity boys wrestling team made history by winning the Valley Championship. The girls team had standout performances, with Areli Solis securing the Valley Champion title in Division 1 and seven girls qualifying for the masters. Juan Gallardo, the head coach, described winning the prestigious championship as exciting. "It was something I never felt before that the kids did it. The kids were committed to...
The Wasco Elks Lodge #2419 will host its 2nd Annual Clay Shoot Tournament on Saturday, April 6, at the Kern County Gun Club. Jeff Tackett, past exalted ruler, is spearheading the event. "It's a shotgun start like golf. There are teams of five with 18 stations. Each team will take turns shooting at each station. The highest score among the teams, male, female, youth shooter, will win a trophy." He invites the community to attend. "Come out. You'll have fun. It's interesting."...
There is full lineup of activities for the youth of Wasco offered by the Wasco Recreation and Parks District, with registration now open. "Wasco Little League Baseball is open to boys ages 7-12 who reside or attend any schools within our boundaries," WRPD Manager Chris Serna said. It is a live-pitch baseball program. "This is a competitive division with rules and guidelines associated with Little League International. There is a Majors and Minors Division offered." The Majors...
The City of Wasco has been awarded the prestigious Annual Comprehensive Financial Report award for 2022. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the city, since it was last recognized in 2012. "This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of our team. Over the years, we've faced challenges such as frequent staffing shortages and frequent leadership turnover within the Finance Department, making this achievement even more remarkable,"...
First in a series of interviews with candidates for Kern County supervisor in the 4th District, including the Shafter and Wasco areas. VERONICA JACUINDE The Shafter Press and Wasco Tribune Alex Garcia was born and raised in Wasco. He attended Fresno State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Garcia moved back to Kern County in 2015 to work for Assemblyman Rudy Salas as a field representative for Arvin, Lamont, Wasco and Shafter. “I built goo...
