Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
Being the 2023 Miss Wasco Rose Queen has been one of the biggest honors and titles I have ever held. It is still hard for me to find the words to describe how exactly I felt when I heard the MC say that contestant number 14, Esmeralda Rodriguez, was the winner of the pageant because of all the emotions that took over me. I was shocked, excited, happy and even fearful. That fear quickly left me as I let confidence take over my emotions. Getting ready for an event each day felt...
Get ready for a weekend of festive fun at the Rose Festival! The excitement begins with the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant, where the community's most graceful and talented young women will compete for the coveted crown. On Friday, immerse yourself in joyful celebration and recognition at the Wasco Elk Ladies' Evening of Wine and Roses-an event that promises a delightful blend of fine wines and special moments. Saturday is packed with activities, starting with the Color Blast...
The 2nd to None and Orange Heart Foundation Men's Basketball Tournament, in partnership with the Wasco Rose Festival, will take place Friday, Sept. 6, and run through Sunday, Sept. 8. The entry fee is $5, and all funds raised will support the organization's youth basketball program. "It's going to be a very competitive and exciting tournament," said Eddie Velasquez, coach and owner of the 2nd to None basketball organization. "We have a total of 10 teams, including a couple of...
The Wasco Recreation and Parks District will host the Run for the Roses Color Blast Fun Run on Saturday, Sept.7, starting at 7:30 a.m. Participants can choose between a 5K run or a 3K walk, with the starting line at Barker Park Little League Shelter #5. The entry fee is $40, cash only at 7 a.m. Proceeds from the event will support the community's fireworks event planned for 2025. "The Color Blast Fun Run' is a lively, noncompetitive running event where participants are...
Officers from the Shafter Police Department arrested three felons on drugs and weapons charges that began as a simple traffic stop. According to Acting Chief Randy Mulligan, the officers were conducting a proactive patrol on the 300 block of East Lerdo Highway, officers observed an equipment violation and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle was occupied by three people, all of whom, later discovered, were all felons. The suspects were later identified as Cinthia Rizo, 40,...
North Kern Christian School will kick off the Wasco Rose Festival with a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Sept.7, from 7 to 10 a.m. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a quick meal before the festivities begin. The breakfast will include three pancakes, eggs and sausage. For dine-in, there are complimentary orange juice and coffee. There is also a take-out option. "It's easy for a grab-and-go. We encourage you to come for a bite before you go to the parade, especially if...
David Dominguez, 29, died at Wasco State Prison around 4 p.m. on Saturday, with prison officials investigating his death as a homicide, the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Monday. Dominguez was discovered in a day room, being assisted by other inmates, the prison said. He reportedly informed staff that he had a seizure and fell. Investigators said a video has emerged showing two inmates, Jose Landeros, 27, and Michael S. Padilla, 37, fighting with...
Kern County Public Works is accepting bids for a new park in Shafter, according to a statement from Public Works Director Joshua Champlin. The park will be the first such project in the La Colonia area of Shafter, formerly known as the Mexican Colony. The area is steeped in tradition, with residents going back generations. For years, residents have been wanting improvements or revitalization done in the southern part of Shafter. Thanks to funds from the American Rescue Plan...
A Shafter woman who tried to intervene in an altercation in Bakersfield was hit by a vehicle and is in critical condition at a local hospital. Shelli Fuller was driving on Knudsen Drive at approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday morning when she observed an altercation taking place. She reportedly exited her vehicle and tried to intervene in the altercation. Fuller was then struck by a vehicle and critically injured. The driver of the vehicle initially fled, but later contacted...
In this second installment of our spotlight series on the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant candidates, we highlight the young women competing for the coveted title. These contestants reflect a range of talents, dreams and experiences. Last week's profiles of the other six contenders can be viewed on WascoTrib.com. Cedes Saldaña, is proudly sponsored by Saldaña Welding and Fabrication. The daughter of Mando and Gracie Saldaña, Cedes has been working hard to represent her...
Sun World International held a highly anticipated fruit show at its Wasco Center for Innovation, marking the official launch of two new grape brands, "Applause" and "Epic Crisp." The event was open to potential licensees, industry partners, retailers and the media, drawing a significant crowd eager to celebrate this milestone. Attendees were treated to an exclusive tour of the Wasco facility, where they were introduced to the new grape varieties and other promising ones still...
The Minter Field Air Museum held a celebration on Saturday night, commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Gossamer Condor historic flight in Shafter. Gossamer Condor was the first human-powered aircraft in the world, reaching speeds of 38 miles per hour in flight. The event started coming together late last year. Museum Board Chairman Ronald Pierce was contacted by Jean Peters, whose father had taken video of the historic test flight and wondered if Pierce and the museum...
On Saturday, Sep. 7, the Wasco Rose Festival will host a variety of activities, and one of the highlights will be an open house at the Wasco Historical Museum. This event offers an opportunity to explore the town's rich history and connect with the community. Marlene Swan, Wasco resident and museum director since the 1980s, is eager to welcome visitors. Swan invites everyone to immerse themselves in the museum's collections and share in the stories of Wasco's past. "I'd love...
The Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant contestants take a break, resting in their petticoats during the formal-gown practice session. See more profiles of the contestants on Page...
Strata Credit Union and California Resources Corporation presented sponsorship checks totaling $250,000 at the Wasco Union Elementary School District's Back to School Night, held last week at Palm Avenue Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. The event was a celebration of community support, with parents, friends and media in attendance. The donation underscores Strata Credit Union and CRC's commitment to local education and environmental stewardship. Together, the...
The Shafter Library and Learning Center had a busy summer program, including their Summer Reading Challenge and a variety of activities keeping children busy. Now that school is in session, the center is not slowing down, still offering programs for all ages. For the little ones, they are offering a KinderPrep program that is aimed to prepare Shafter's pre-K kids for their educational careers. KinderPrep helps prepare 4.5-6-year-old old for their first in-person school year....
The Shafter High Generals football team began their 2025 journey with a win against the Exeter Monarchs on Friday night. Shafter showed that they can win when they are not at their best, beating Exeter 22-14. Led by Head Coach Jerald Pierucci, the Generals, who came into the game as the top-ranked team in the Central Section Division IV, did just enough to top the Monarchs, who came into the game as the fourth-ranked team in the division. The Generals offense didn't get going...
After a surprising 2023 season that took them all the way to the State Championship game, Wasco' s Tigers started their latest campaign by showing how challenging a new season can be. The Tigers took a 40-12 bashing from the Porterville Panthers in a game that was only close into the early second quarter, when the locals were tied 7-7 after a long touchdown pass. Porterville's Ethan Enriquez threw for 132 yards and four touchdowns on only 11 passes. Jonathan Ruiz caught for...
The Shafter High Generals opened their home schedule with a rout of the Arvin Bears, 56-13, last Thursday night.The victory was a costly one, though, as the team lost the services of their starting quarterback for the majority of the season. Ezekiel Osborn, the junior signal-caller for the Generals, was injured during the game. Osborn didn't miss a single play and finished the game apparently okay. But, after the game, an examination determined that Osborn had broken his...
I don't need to tell you that we live in a pretty fast-paced culture. Whether it's getting from one place to another, receiving or sending information over the internet or simply trying to keep up with the latest news, it's fast! Sometimes the pressure of trying to "keep up" in some way can really wear us down. The culture that Jesus was born and raised in was much different from the U.S. in many ways. It tended to be much more rural, transportation was either on foot or on an animal, and communication was either...
Novella Allen passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the age of 85 at Carrington in Shafter. Novella was born on Jan. 25, 1939, in Viola, Ark., to Trudy Novella Dillinger and Charles Opal Reynolds. Her mother would later marry Ival Hanes Henson (Jack) in 1940, and on that day he became her daddy. She attended Wasco schools from kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1956. She met the love of her life, James Dale Allen, and they were married May 4, 1957. They...
Felipe Reyes Garcia, 63, of Shafter, passed away Aug. 12, in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Ramon Lopez Tapia, 59, of McFarland, passed away July 26, in Delano. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Nelson Duriel Pineda, 51, of Wasco, passed away Aug. 18, in Wasco. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Cornelio Ruiz Moreno, 84, of Shafter, passed away Aug. 18, in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Rafael M. Zungia, 80, of Wasco, passed away Aug. 21, in Shafter. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Rose...
In celebration of a life well-lived and love generously given, we honor Maria Francisca Espericueta, known to all as Frances. Born in Weslaco, Texas, on June 25, 1957, Frances passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 25, 2024, in Bakersfield. Frances was the heart of her family, embodying Proverbs 31 throughout her 48 years of marriage to LeRoy. A devoted wife, mother of five - Eli, Beatris, Leia, Priscilla and Lucas - and grandmother to eight cherished grandchildren, she instilled...
Aug. 19 Daniel Alejandro Martinez, 31, was arrested in the 2600 block of Spruce Avenue on a felony and a misdemeanor bench warrant. He was booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility. Vicente Roberto Mejia, 47, was arrested in the 1200 block of 8th Place for disorderly conduct: alcohol. He was booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility. Aug. 20 Ariel Diaz Jr, 34, was arrested in the 700 block of F Street on a misdemeanor bench warrant. He was cited and released at the scene. Ignacio Benitez, 29, was arrested at the intersection of G...
Roxy is an affectionate and friendly 3-year-old female shih tzu who recently arrived at the Wasco Animal Shelter as a stray. She's a gentle soul who gets along wonderfully with both small and large dogs, making her a great addition to any family. Though her behavior with cats is unknown, Roxy's loving nature shines through in her interactions with our staff and other pups. Roxy will be available for adoption on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The best part? Adoption fees are waived!...
Here's this week's challenge, courtesy of the Wasco 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 Tribune, 455 Kern St., Suite E, Shafter, CA 93263, or e-mail it to [email protected]. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: Mrs. McCormick's 7th grade class at Thomas Jefferson School in...
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