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Articles from the September 3, 2020 edition


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  • Pastor's Corner: A daily dose of Proverbs is a good idea

    Pastor Jim Neal, First Southern Baptist Church, Shafter|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    “If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10 Don’t you just cringe when you read some of Solomon’s pithy yet profound nuggets of truth in the Wisdom book of Proverbs? Yet, this is exactly why it is so important for believers to read a bit of Proverbs every day. … They are written for the purpose of giving one wisdom and instructions for the everyday ups and downs of life. In light of Solomon’s “prickly” truth for today, allow me to ask a que...

  • Mystery History - Sept. 3, 2020

    The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    Shirley Bell identified the gas station as belonging to her dad Harvey (Dutch) Thomas. He also ran a butane business that was located where the Arco station is now. He owned it approximately 15 years before retiring. She remembers working in it during her high school years in the '40s....

  • OBITUARY: Francisco "Kiko" Verdugo

    Updated Sep 7, 2020

    It is with great sadness that the family of Francisco "Kiko" Verdugo announce his passing after a tough battle. He entered the floodgates of Heaven on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020, at the age of 33. Kiko will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Rosa Acosta and Simon Verdugo, and siblings Lore, Reyna, Julio, Francisca, Leobardo, Simon and Nelly. Kiko will be fondly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews, and the souls he touched throughout his life, including his best friend...

  • OBITUARY: Willie Abernathy

    Updated Sep 7, 2020

    Willie Eugene Abernathy went to be with the Lord on Aug. 29, 2020. Willie was born March 29, 1936, in White, Georgia, to "Son" Marvin Edward Abernathy and "Lee" Sally Leah Abernathy. He lived a very rewarding 84 years, and he did it his way. He is survived by his four children, Mitchell, Michael, Tracy and Amanda; 16 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents, his loving wife Mary Lou, his daughter...

  • OBITUARY: Patricia Ann Bryan

    Updated Sep 7, 2020

    Patricia Ann Bryan, 79, passed away on Aug. 26, 2020, at home with her family beside her in Bakersfield. She was born on Jan. 30, 1941, in Coldwater, Mich., to Lyle and Dorothy KenKnight. Pat grew up in Quincy, Mich., and graduated from Quincy High School in 1959. After high school Pat worked as a secretary until she married Delbert (Pete) Bryan in 1961 in Clear Lake, Ind. They were married for 41 years. Pat was a homemaker, office worker and did cake decorating, sewing and...

  • Couch's Corner: You bring the ideas, we'll try to implement them

    Supervisor David Couch|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    One of the great things about being your county supervisor is the chance it gives me to hear your ideas and help implement them, when feasible. Three current examples of this come to mind, which I will share with you here. We can’t always implement these ideas, and I won’t promise you something I can’t deliver, but the door to my office is always open, and your ideas are always important to me, even if sometimes for one reason or the other, we can’t make them happen. One recent idea we were able to make happen, which has bee...

  • Kern purple status means slow reopening

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    Businesses will reopen in a four-tiered framework under Gov. Gavin Newsom's new guidance. The reopening will be rolled out "simply and slowly," Newsom said. The four tiers will be determined by using case rates and test positivity rates. There are also four categories, such as widespread, substantial, moderate, and minimal. There are four color-coded levels. Purple, or Tier 1, indicates that the virus is widespread in the county, with more than seven cases per 100,000...

  • Developer's Next Gen homes adapt to the new normal

    Jamie Stewart|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    With the climate of the home, workplace, and cities changing because of the current pandemic, residents are rethinking their priorities. With schools incorporating distance learning into their plans and workers telecommuting, adapting homes to meet the new demands can be challenging. A local builder has taken the situation into consideration and is designing new homes with technology and floor plans that accommodate homeowners' changing needs. Lennar Homes at Gossamer Grove...

  • Public works repairs potholes in Wasco

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    Zachary Wakefield, the field representative for District 4 Supervisor David Couch, said Couch’s office received a request to patch potholes on Taussig Avenue between highway 43 and Palm Avenue. “Public Works patched these potholes,” Couch’s office said. Couch’s office also received a request to check on illegal dumping on Filburn Street between Magnolia Avenue and Western Avenue. “RAPID cleaned up the illegal dumping,” Wakefield reported. Wakefield also said the RAPID (Removi...

  • Auto, tire shops focus on customer service

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    As you enter F & R Auto Repair and GF Tire Center, you are surrounded by autos and parts, but still warmly greeted by whoever is working closest to the entrances. Both businesses are family-owned and their prime goal is to treat customers with fairness and honesty. The businesses are located next to each other on G Street one block off Poso. Felipe Garcia and Rafael Gonzales are the initials behind the F & R Auto Repair Shop. Garcia can be found working in the auto shop...

  • Council opposes wider use of force disclosure

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    The City Council has approved a letter opposing widening the scope of what peace officer personnel records can be disclosed. The letter, which will be sent to the state Sen. Nancy Skinner, argues against Senate Bill 776. In it, the council states the measure is excessive in the types of personnel records it makes subject to disclosure and is overly punitive when it comes to the fines imposed for violations. Currently, records of incidents involving any use of force by a peace...

  • Local man's uphill battle with covid-19

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    After experiencing a week of continual coughing and lying delusional on the floor, on Aug. 3, Fernando Alaniz was taken by ambulance to Mercy Southwest for breathing problems. Alaniz had been experiencing a week of feeling sick and progressively worsening with a cough that wouldn't quit. He was tested for covid-19 and the doctors discovered his blood sugar was very high. He was told he had diabetes and was close to being in a diabetic coma, which could have happened at any...

  • Death Notices - Sept. 3, 2020

    The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    Patricia Ann Bryan, 79, of Bakersfield, passed away Aug 26, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Tony Gutierrez, 30, of Bakersfield, passed away Aug. 25, in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Bobby W McVay, 85, of Shafter, passed away Aug. 30. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Willie Eugene Abernathy, 84, of Shafter, passed away Aug. 29, in Shafter. Basham-Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Adelina Varela Ramirez, 85, of Shafter, passed away Aug. 29, in Bakersfield. Basham-Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Francisco...

  • Community Calendar - Sept. 3, 2020

    The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    NEW: VFW Raffle drawing will be Monday, Sept 7, at 9:30 a.m. at the VFW Hall, 603 E. St. in Wasco. For more information, contact Danny Rueda at 333-2133. NEW: The Knights of Columbus are holding another blood drive: Friday Sept 11 between 1:45-6 p.m. at 810 8th St. (the old courthouse). To make a donation, go to HCBB.com/schedule. Free Virtual Citizenship Services will be provided by the United Farm Workers. Beginning Oct. 2 fee wavier forgiveness will be eliminated. Call 661-324-2500 for information. Clases de ciudadanía vir...

  • Headlines in History - Sept. 3, 2020

    The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    3 Years Ago: 1990 Here were some of SHS players of the week: The Bucs' tight-end player Victor Ruiz was named a player of the week. Also, Jill Loveless was recognized for her participation in cross country. 40 Years Ago: 1980 Richland Junior High announced they were having their first cheerleaders. Among them were Jennifer Dobbs, Stephanie Dobbs, Janet Bernardi, Sheila Wells, Jennifer Anderson and Gaby Jimenez. 50 Years Ago: 1970 Wasco High student Patti Camp was crowned...

  • Arrest Report - Sept. 3, 2020

    The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    Aug. 24 Manuel Bolanos Jimenez, 34, of Shafter, was arrested on a misdemeanor bench warrant. Aug. 26 Rigo Virgo Hernandez Ensaldo, 26, of Shafter, was arrested for receiving known stolen property, unregistered vehicle and driving without a license. Aug. 27 Kenneth Van Bishop, 44, of Shafter, was arrested for burglary in the second degree during in a state of emergency, conspiracy to commit a crime, driving without a license and unregistered vehicle. Mathew Ray Castaneda, 34, of Shafter, was arrested for Burglary in the...

  • Council rescinds part of deal with High Speed Rail

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    The city has been negotiating with the High Speed Rail for almost 10 years and while the city has made several concessions, the HSR hasn’t been as forthcoming with the city, City Manager Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez said at a meeting before the Sept. 1, 2020 City Council meeting. Ortiz-Hernandez presented a staff report that stated on April 18, 2017, the HSR asked the city to modify the HSR’s plans that were presented on Dec. 6, 2016 and the discussion was about the closure of 6th...

  • Shafter High graduate to be a Marine MP

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    Lance Corporal Nathan Gonzalez graduated from the Marine Corps Military Police Academy at Marcordet Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on August 18, 2020. Gonzalez received the Distinguished Honor Graduate by finishing at the top of his class with an average of 97.86 throughout his training. He received letters of commendation and was meritoriously promoted to lance corporal. Gonzalez is a 2019 Shafter High School graduate and is the son of Mike Gonzalez of Shafter and Tiffany...

  • Romero named Richland superintendent

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Sep 7, 2020

    The Richland School District has named interim Superintendent Rosa Romero as the district's permanent superintendent, signing a three-year contract. Romero had been the interim superintendent since late 2019, after the resignation of Dago Garcia. She is facing a school year that has begun with distance learning, which has been a requirement for districts in counties on the state's watch list. Recently Governor Newsom announced that schools will be allowed to open the school...