Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
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Last week Gov. Gavin Newsom issued another lockdown in the state, citing the numbers of hospital beds being utilized are increasing in numbers too large for facilities to keep up. Newsom said that by the end of December, hospitals will be filled with those who have tested positive at the beginning of the month. “We are implementing a stay-at-home order for three weeks,” Newsom said. “Regions where the ICU capacity is falling below 15%.” Newsome stated that once again churches, hair salons,...
Harvey Havins was a young soldier from North Shafter, one of three brothers who were serving in the United States Military. On that fateful day in 1941, Havins was serving aboard the U.S.S. Arizona when it was hit by eight armor-piercing bombs, which sunk the Arizona, trapping over 1,100 soldiers with it under the Pacific Ocean, which is still visible to this day at Pearl Harbor. It is believed that Havins was the first Kern County soldier killed in the World War II conflict. On Friday Dec. 4,...
Josie Rodriguez Martinez was born Feb. 2, 1939 in Hill, New Mexico, to parents Jesus and Telesfora Rodriguez. She married Santiago Martinez in Shafter on March 26, 1975. Josie was the type of person who would care for everyone; in addition to her own children, she would often cook and look after her children's friends, too. A giving and generous heart will define her memory. Josie was a Godly woman; she had a passion for learning about her Lord through reading her Bible or watching her...
In comparison to similar cities in Kern County and the state, the city is a little ahead of the curve when it comes to mid-year report cards financially, according to Business Development Director Bob Meadows. Meadows was featured on a local radio show recently, where he told the listeners how the city is fairing better than the majority of cities in Kern County. "We have done a good job in the past in saving funds and preparing for a rainy day, and we are storming right now," he said. The...
During this current pandemic, it is a challenging time for residents to make it feel like the holiday season. For the seniors here in Shafter, there is a group of volunteers that care enough to give them a holiday season to remember, no matter the circumstances. Headed up by the ladies at the Shafter Women's Club, a contingent of residents gathered at the Valley Bible Church recently and put together a bunch of gift baskets that is distributed to the Carrington House in Shafter, Shafter's Golden...
Santa Claus helped bring some cheer to children this past weekend as he touched down at the Minter Field Air Museum. Although the pandemic has been tough on children, with no in-person school memories or vacations planned, the event at Minter Field brought out smiles and laughter. Along with Mrs. Claus and elves, the children received stuffed animals courtesy of Petsmart in Bakersfield. The group gave out over 600 of the toys. Over 200 vehicles participated in the event. The annual event...
In the Year of the Pandemic, how is the Christmas season in Wasco different f r o m eve r y o t h e r year? Being a Shafter native, the writer was eager to dissect the town's decorations and/or lack thereof. In Wasco, I wondered why hardly any lights adorned businesses downtown, and why Highway 46 was so dark. Then reality set in, humbled by the "why" while cruising the City of Roses. We're In the middle of Covid- 19's wrath! Now is not the time to critique. All small businesses have had and...
Christopher Carey's life after graduating Wasco High School in 1964 took him across the world, living in multiple countries and having the adventure of a lifetime. However he remembers fondly his time in Wasco. Carey was busy in school by playing in the band and orchestra, competitively swimming and also ran for student body president; however, that wasn't a win for him. After high school he immediately enrolled at Bakersfield Junior College (as it was called then), later obtaining his...
Ongoing Holiday spirit — Wasco Parks and Recreation will be encouraging homes and businesses to decorate and #lightupWasco. They can sign up at the Rec. to be a part of the route. The community will vote for the best decorated homes and businesses. Warm clothing drive — District 4 Supervisor David Couch is collecting blankets, coats, gloves, hats, scarves and socks. Donations will benefit families in District 4. To schedule an in-person pickup, call 661- 868-3680. Utility bills — The City of Wasco reminds residents that the city’s officia...
Nov. 30 Jaren Douglas Page, 35, of Shafter, was arrested for inflicted corporal injury on to spouse. Lymbert Terrazas, 27, of Shafter, was arrested for DUI. Dec. 1 Rogelio Barajas, 32, of Shafter, was arrested for stalking. Dec. 2 Francisco Cervantez Garcia, 34, of Shafter, was arrested for possession of controlled substance, transporting narcotics and sales. Dec. 3 Arthur Joseph Martinez, 36, of Shafter, was arrested for controlled substance paraphernalia and disorderly conduct: under the influence. Dec. 4 Juan Carlos Rios, 22, of Shafter,...
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, 406 Central Ave., Shafter 93263, or e-mail it to mysteryphoto@TheShafterPress.com. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: 1998-99 Richland Primary Wendy Wilson's 3rd grade class....
1 years ago: Dec. 22, 2010 A ribbon-cutting was held for Dr. Michael Komin at his new Family Practice office. The office is located at 1150 E. Lerdo Hwy.. 20 years ago: Dec. 27, 2000 Shafter Police Officer Chad Evertt became partners with "Canine 4" named Elf. The partners patrolled Shafter streets. 30 years ago: Dec. 12, 1990 Central Avenue was draped with Christmas garlands, lights and painted store windows. It was a wonderful sight to see. --Compiled by Erica Soriano...
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On Dec. 1, 2020, Robert "Bob" Alfred Smith, loving husband, father, grandfather, coach, and community mentor passed away at the age of 87 in Bakersfield. Bob was born on July 20, 1933, in Caile, Mississippi to Henry Alfred and Anna "Elizabeth" (Sumerall) Smith. He grew up on his family's farm in the Mississippi Delta and was raised by his maternal grandparents. Bob graduated from Inverness High School before attending the University of Mississippi on a football scholarship. He left Ole Miss in...
Patricia Ann Knight, 83, of Bakersfield passed away Dec. 2. Peters Funeral Home Shafter. Patrick Fenney, 52, of Bakersfield passed away Dec. 1 in Bakersfield. Basham-Lara Funeral Care Shafter. Ricardo Lopez, Jr., 22, of Shafter passed away Dec. 1 in Buttonwillow. Basham-Lara Funeral Care Shafter. Joyce Pressley, 77, of Bakersfield passed away Dec. 6. Peters Funeral Home Shafter. David Lucero, 64, of Shafter passed away Dec. 4 in Bakersfield. Basham-Lara Funeral Care Shafter. Armando Chacon, 70, of Shafter passed away Dec. 5 in Bakersfield....
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 How does a person live a sacrificial life? It is rather simple to live a minimum life. We give the minimum to God and to our families. When you analyze your spiritual life you might at admit that you are only surviving spiritually. You can look at your position as a spouse or parent and admit that you are doing the absolute minimum for your loved ones — no s...
Leonidas came in as a stray. He is a 3-year-old medium coat, bicolor male German Shephard. He is great with staff and other dogs. He has only been tested with large breeds. At the time it is unknown if Leonidas is house/crate trained. Dogs are not tested with children and cats. He is available for adoption/rescue. If you are interested in him, give the shelter a call at 661-758-7240 or ask about Leonidas on Petfinder for more information and staff will get a hold of you during hours of...
State officials sent out an alert via text message through the Wireless Emergency Alerts system to all cell phone users across Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley on Dec. 2. The virus is spreading at a dangerous rate in multiple regions of the state and the state is now under a mandatory stay-at-home order. Officials are asking that residents stay home except for essential business activities. The data on intensive care unit capacity shows that the San Joaquin Valley and Southern...
Planet Dance may be closed due to the pandemic, but some students are taking virtual classes. Located at 641 F St., owner Corine Matera also owns Planet Dance boutique in Bakersfield at 4909 Stockdale Highway. Her son, Jacob Hernandez, is managing the Wasco studio as well as teaching classes, which he has been doing since 2018. Hernandez said when the first lockdown occurred last March he panicked and was concerned about the studio. In addition, he is a hair stylist, so both of his means of...
The Christmas spirit arrived early in Wasco on Saturday, Dec.5. Westside Family Fellowship held a Christmas boutique, bringing together a variety of vendors to sell holiday gifts. Many attendees commented they were happy to be able to get some shopping done. They also said how thrilled they were to be open before the county closed down again. The boutique was filled with several booths offering a pre-holiday outdoor shopping experience for those who needed to get out of the house. A food booth...
A Wasco High School girl's voice will be heard around the world Dec. 20 when her original music is released. Natalia Crane, 14, is a freshman and has been a force in whatever she attempts. Her latest endeavor includes writing and recording her first five songs to be released digitally via Spotify, iTunes and Pandora. "Nati took singing lessons from Christopher Pucket, lead singer from the band Stereo Citizen, from Bakersfield," her mother Dora said. Nati's dad, Ed Crane, sixth-grade teacher at...
On Dec.1, 2020, Robert "Bob" Alfred Smith, loving husband, father, grandfather, coach and community mentor passed away at the age of 87 in Bakersfield. Bob was born on July 20, 1933, in Caile, Mississippi, to Henry Alfred and Anna "Elizabeth" (Sumerall) Smith. He grew up on his family's farm in the Mississippi Delta and was raised by his maternal grandparents. Bob graduated from Inverness High School before attending the University of Mississippi on a football cholarship. He left Ole Miss in...
