The Shafter Press - Serving the community since 1922

I was so sad recently to hear of the passing of Pastor Jim Neal, of the First Southern Baptist Church, who passed away in late February. Pastor Neal was one of the first pastors I... — Updated 3/20/2022

It is that time of year again. The weather is warming, trees and plants are needing to drink more water to keep that green hue, and there are the sounds of bombs bursting in air. No... — Updated 7/4/2020

With this pandemic still in the headlines, and the Governor’s stay at home order still in place, people are getting antsy to get back outside, living their lives fully, without... — Updated 5/16/2020

The coronavirus pandemic has affected not only the city's different businesses, the schools, and city office buildings, but it is also touching other phases of everyday life. For... — Updated 5/9/2020

Well, 2019 is in the rear view mirror, and the next decade is underway. This past year has been such a busy one for me. It has been full of some great times, like having a job that... — Updated 1/16/2020

Veterans Day was this week. It was recognized with a parade in Bakersfield and a large crowd came out to honor the men and women who have served or currently serve in our branches... — Updated 11/14/2019

You can smell it in the air. The green grass is being tended, the fields being prepared for another season of gridiron battles. This is my favorite time of the year, as the football... — Updated 8/8/2019

It has been a rough couple of months. It seems that there hasn’t been a week that I haven’t felt sick. I have been sick off and on for over two months. My wife was sick for... — Updated 5/2/2019

I wrote an editorial last month that was really tough for me. We had lost our dog TJ, leaving a big hole in my heart that I didn't think would ever get filled again. When we first... — Updated 2/28/2019

Well, the Colours Festival is almost upon us, and I am getting excited about going to the events. Every year, it seems it keeps getting better. I never realized how many talented... — Updated 1/24/2019

I have had a really bad holiday season this year, one of the worst in a very long time. We had to put our dog down the day after Christmas. TJ was more than just a pet, but was a... — Updated 1/10/2019