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Articles from the August 3, 2023 edition


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  • City Council moves on pedestrian safety

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    The Shafter City Council approved extra striping and signage to protect pedestrians on a stretch of West Tulare Avenue from Poplar Avenue and Highway 43. Residents have voiced their concerns on the amount of speeders on West Tulare, especially at the intersection of West Tulare and Santa Maria avenues, near a church and an apartment complex. Councilmember Gilbert Alvarado said at Tuesday night's council meeting that he is very concerned about the safety of pedestrians at this intersection. "I...

  • Recreation Department's new sports seasons underway

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    The Shafter Recreation and Parks Department's summer sports program is underway, with the first week of volleyball action and the beginning of the Summer Tennis Camp beginning this week. After the first week of action, the league, with 19 teams competing in different divisions, saw the 11U team coached by Rosamaria Villagomez in first place with a 2-0 record. Luz Pelayo's team is 2-1 to end the first couple of weeks in second place. In the 14U division, Isabel Gonzalez' team is tied for first...

  • 'American Pickers' looking for unique treasures

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    The History Channel's "American Pickers" will be returning to the West Coast soon and are looking for local collectors who would be interested in having their collections on display for a national audience. Joshua Kerlin, producer of the popular show, said that they will be looking to meet with collectors who might have some unique and interesting items for their show to feature in an upcoming episode. "We are looking for different, unusual and unique items, something we have never seen before...

  • 'Willy Wonka' comes to life at Ford

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    The Shafter Children's Summer Theater presented the Roald Dahl classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," this past weekend. Headed up by Cris Starrh, the theater group has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years, showcasing the local children's passion for the arts. In this production, the title character was portrayed by Camryn Yasenchek, who brought a vulnerable edge to the character that touched audiences. In the story, Wonka decides to open the doors to his factory to five lucky...

  • Alex Garcia enters the race for Kern County supervisor

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Aug 3, 2023

    Mayor Pro Tem Alex Garcia announced his candidacy for the Kern County Supervisor District 4 position earlier this week. David Couch has held the seat since 2013, and is the only other announced candidate. "I am running because the Board of Supervisors can use a fresh perspective and a rural voice in leadership," Garcia said. "Kern County is at a pivotal point, and now more than ever, I think our rural communities can be a part of what the future looks like in Kern." He was born and raised in...

  • Sequoia Elementary welcomes new teachers

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023
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    The Richland School District is welcoming three new teachers at Sequoia Elementary School for the coming school year. Superintendent Rosa Romero said that the new teachers come with years of experience and a passion for helping students reach their full potential. "We are excited to welcome these wonderful teachers to our family," said Romero. Jill Morrison will be the new principal at Sequoia Elementary School, bringing with her 24 years of educational experience, in a number of positions. She...

  • Dial-A-Ride bus shelter project planned

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Aug 3, 2023

    The city plans to spend over $34,000 to build Dial-A-Ride shelters in town, using Kern County Low Carbon Transit Operations Project funds to pay for them. "The idea is that we have locations where we routinely pick up and drop off Dial-A-Ride riders," City Manager Scott Hurlbert commented on the Transit Bus Shelters project, "We are looking for the funding to establish bus stop-style shelters, a place for people to wait under the shade." "They are more expensive than you think. This is a good...

  • Westside pastor's message of salvation

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Aug 3, 2023

    Johnny Martinez has been a pastor with Westside Family Fellowship for 17 years. Over this time, he has touched many lives through the word of Christ. He said the church's mission is to proclaim Christ, which is salvation to the human soul. "We want to project love. That is why we do the programs that we do." The church provides a vital role in helping to feed the community. Every fourth Thursday, there is a farmers market for people that not only come from Wasco, but from as far as Delano and...

  • Community Calendar - Aug. 3, 2023

    The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    As activities restart and businesses reopen, we will try to update readers on the status of events and activities throughout the area. Please contact Erica Soriano with additions and changes at [email protected] or call 661-292-5100 by Monday at 4 p.m. for that week’s paper. ANNOUNCEMENTS Free farmer’s market – Westside Family Fellowship hosts every fourth Thursday of the month, 8-10 a.m. Also, free senior food bank every fourth Tuesday of the month, 9-10 a.m. 65 or older (ID required). 2150 Palm Ave., Wasco. Waste collection – Sha...

  • Mystery History - Aug. 3, 2023

    The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    Here's this week's challenge, courtesy of the Shafter Historical Society. If you know the location, circumstances, exact or rough date and/or people in the photo, send your educated (or semieducated) guess to The Press, 455 Kern St., Suite E, Shafter, CA 93263, or e-mail it to mysteryphoto@The ShafterPress.com. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: Em. H. Mettler workers in Edison in May 1950....

  • Arrest Report - Aug. 23, 2023

    The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    Jan. 25 Ampelio Pelayo Gutierrez, 67, of Shafter, was arrested at Smith Corners and Orange for driving with a suspended license and on a bench warrant/failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Jesus Antonio Ibarra Medina, 23, of Shafter, was arrested in the 100 block of West Tulare Avenue for driving with a suspended license from a DUI, carrying a concealed weapon and on an outside agency warrant. July 26 Mariah Nicole Gonzalez, 24, of Shafter, was arrested on Mayer Lane for possession of unlawful paraphernalia, driving without a license or...

  • A Wasconian through and through

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Aug 3, 2023

    Iola Moore-Smiley was born in 1935 and moved to California with her family in 1938, first making their way to Pond and later moving to Wasco in 1941, where she lived for almost 20 years. She wrote a book, "The Moore Kids," about her experience growing up in Wasco. Originally from Oklahoma, the family moved west because her father couldn't find work. Iola attended elementary, junior high and high school in Wasco. Some of her most cherished memories are of these times, she said. "I loved school....

  • Charles Craig Classic returns to WHS

    Veronica Jacuinde, Wasco Tribune|Aug 3, 2023

    The Wasco FFA chapter and Wasco AG Boosters will host its 4th annual Charles Craig Classic for Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Taft and McFarland students. The competition will be held at the WHS farm laboratory on Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10. The event honors the late Dr. Charles Craig, who served as an ag instructor for many years in the Wasco Union High School District. While serving the district, he overcame many obstacles that would have otherwise prevented students from experiencing...

  • Pastor's Corner: Wisely handling criticism

    Pastor Spencer Carpenter, Congregational Bible Church, Shafter|Aug 3, 2023

    The old saying goes, “Everyone’s a critic!” How true this is in a world where all of us are sinners with keen eyes to find faults in others. Critics quickly pounce on other’s flaws and point out failures. A lesson more valuable than gold is how to handle criticism. “He that refuses instruction hates himself: but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32). There is a difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. Destructive criticism notices the faults and failures of others and seeks to tear the...

  • Classified Ads - Aug. 3, 2023

    The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    To see this week's Classified Ads, click on the e-edition icon at the top of the page....

  • Harold Eddie Westbrook

    Aug 3, 2023

    Harold Eddie Westbrook, 87, passed from this life into eternal life July 15, 2023, in his Lavaca, Ark., home with his wife by his side. Ed was born July 6, 1936, in Bakersfield as the youngest of three sons of Joseph Hardy and Esther Loraine Westbrook. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Walter Winfred Westbrook and Joe Hiram Westbrook. Ed was raised in Shafter and graduated from Shafter High School in 1954. He was inducted into the US Army in 1959, and served in Munich,...

  • Dianne Marie Stewart

    Aug 3, 2023

    Dianne Marie Stewart was born July 2, 1947, in Brookings, S.D. She passed away July 14, 2023, in Bakersfield, after a long 4-year battle with dementia. Dianne is survived by her husband of 59 years, Robert; her son, Bobby and his wife Krystal; sister, Jeanne Cathaway; grandkids, Philip Wolfe and his wife Sarah, Taylor Stewart and Brody Stewart. She is preceded in death by both parents, John And Doris Miller; brother, Michael Miller; and daughter, Teresa Wolfe. Dianne enjoyed family vacations to...

  • Doris Cathryn Unruh

    Aug 3, 2023

    Doris Cathryn Unruh was born in Bakersfield on July 19, 1928, and died peacefully on July 16, 2023, with several family members by her side. Her parents, Cornelius Peter (C.P.) Eitzen and Mary (Harder) Eitzen, were married after losing previous spouses. The family, including two brothers and a sister, lived in rural eastern Bakersfield, where her father built a home and several poultry barns. During the Depression years, she enjoyed a secure family life with large gardens, chickens, eggs. and a...

  • Death Notices - Aug. 3, 2023

    The Shafter Press|Aug 3, 2023

    Ramona Gerdon, 85, of Shafter, passed away July 16, in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Arlene Rachelle Alberico, 71, of Bakersfield, passed away July 6, in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Jose Trinidad A. Medina, 79, of Wasco, passed away July 21, in Wasco. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Jerry Akman, 81, of Shafter, passed away July 27, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Bobby “Bob” J. Williams, 87, of Tehachapi, passed away July 30, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter....