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Articles from the December 3, 2020 edition


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  • Maria Elena Trejo Gonzalez

    Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Maria Elena Trejo Gonzalez was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, on Aug. 5, 1940. She was the daughter of Rito Trejo and Maria Gudalupe De Los Santos, and one of their seven children. Maria Elena moved to El Paso, Texas, in the1960s, and in her early years, she spent roughly 10 years as a nanny living in El Paso, Honolulu and Los Angeles. Maria Elena met the man that would become the love of her life, Policarpio C. Gonzalez. in the early 1970s. Together, they settled down in Wasco...

  • New principal knows what it means to be a Tiger

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Everyone in Sunni Dobbs' family bleeds "orange and black" and now Dobbs is the school's principal. Both Dobbs and her husband and their two daughters are graduates of Wasco High School. Dobbs graduated in 1994, her father in 1969 and her mother in 1972 and daughter, Allie, graduated in 2017 and youngest daughter, Raegan, in 2019. "My dad instilled in me from a very young age that we bleed 'orange and black,'" Dobbs said. Dobbs was raised in Wasco and loves the small-town...

  • Governor threatening curfew

    Toni DeRosa, The Shafter Press|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    The number of covid-19 cases continues to rise in Wasco and Shafter, much like those of the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the numbers have surged to their highest level since the pandemic began in the spring. Prior to the Thanksgiving weekend holiday, Newsom said that he was considering leveling a curfew on California residents due to the pandemic. As of Monday, Nov. 30, no curfew has been instilled. Also on Monday, Newsom mentioned that he might issue stay-at-home orders once again because hospitalizations have...

  • Death Notices - Dec. 3, 2020

    The Shafter Press|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Jose Herrera, 61, of Arvin, passed away Nov. 25 in Arvin. Peters Funeral Home Arvin. Joyce Wolf, 76, of Bakersfield, passed away Nov. 23 in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home Shafter. Celeste Turner, 20, of Delano, passed away Nov.9 in Wasco. Basham-Lara Funeral Care Shafter. Eunice Horn, 79, of Shafter, passed away Nov. 28. Peters Funeral Home Shafter. Virginia Nava, 43, of Wasco, passed away Nov. 28 in Bakersfield. Peters Funeral Home Wasco. Doyle Gallagher, 82, of Bakersfield, passed away Nov. 30 in Bakersfield. Peters...

  • Teacher: Distance learning not working for some

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Distance learning has been bad for some students, teacher Eddie Crane said. Distance learning has allowed teachers to observe which students are lazy by not turning in their work, Crane said. “Distance learning has just confirmed to teachers the students or parents who don’t care.” The school district has been working to adapt itself to the restrictions, but it has not been easy, Superintendent Kelly Richers said. The students that were allowed to return to campus under the red tier continue to do so even though Kern Count...

  • Violent crimes increase in county

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    There has been an increase in crime in 2020 over 2019, said Sgt. Pete Martinez to the Wasco City Council. Citing statistics from Wasco, Bakersfield and Kern County overall, Martinez said that violent crimes such as aggravated assault and homicides have increased since 2019. He said that in 2019, there were 36 aggravated assaults and through Oct. 31 of this year, there have been 45 incidents with two months left to report. “During 2019 in Kern County there were 95 homicides and in 2020, there have already been 116 with one mon...

  • Economic assistance program launched

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    The City of Shafter introduced a new program for new and existing businesses. The Business Expansion, Attraction, and Retention Economic Incentive Program helps businesses put down roots in Shafter. For existing businesses who wish to expand, the program is able to assist them in this endeavor. According to Bob Meadows, economic development director, “This program has two main goals to accomplish, with incentives for businesses who call Shafter home.” The goals that drive BEA...

  • Classified Ads - Dec. 3, 2020

    The Shafter Press|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Click on the pdf to see this week's Classified Ads....

  • Pastor's Corner: Open the eyes of my heart

    Pastor Frank Cabrera, Truth Church, Shafter|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Here comes the bride, all dressed and white … Congratulations to Santiago and Kristy! At their wedding, I told them, “You’ve actually made my year!” It really was a very beautiful day. In the midst of hate and chaos, their wedding demonstrated a beautiful love and sense of order that I believe God was well pleased. While things may crumble all around us, the love of God still builds and rises in the midst. Many people will remember all of the negativity and ugliness of 2020. However, Santiago and Kristy will remember the bea...

  • Arrest Report - Dec. 3, 2020

    Wasco Tribune|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Nov. 23 Fernando Raya Almanza, 23, of Wasco, was arrested in the 700 block of F Street on his active misdemeanor warrant. He was cited and released at the scene. Robert Vincent Lopez, 26, of Bakersfield, was arrested at the intersection of Highway 46 and Poplar Avenue for misdemeanor driving on a suspended license. He was cited and released at the scene. Julian Jeremiah McVay, 18, of Shafter, was arrested in the 800 block of 16th Street for misdemeanor reckless driving. He was cited and released at the scene. Ernie Regalado,...

  • Mystery History - Dec. 3, 2020

    Wasco Tribune|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    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, 406 Central Ave., Shafter 93263, or e-mail it to mysteryphoto@ WascoTrib.com. Winners will be revealed here next week. LAST WEEK: On a hot day, Frosties like the ones Joanne and Carolyn are getting from "the Slush Pit," at 441 F St. are ref...

  • Community Calendar - Dec. 3, 2020

    Wasco Tribune|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Ongoing 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 official website is the only authorized avenue to pay your utility bill online. Covid-19 testing — There will be free covid-19 testing at the Wasco Library, 1102 7th St., Wasco. If you have insurance, they will be billed. Appoint...

  • Santa Claus is coming to Minter Field Jamie Stewart

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    The Minter Field Air Museum will be hosting a special visitor on Saturday, Dec. 5 as Santa Claus will be touching down at 11 a.m. to visit with local families and hand out some presents for the children. The museum hosts this event every year, giving the kids a chance to see Santa and receive a gift from him and his helpers. Unfortunately this year, due to the safety guidelines in place, it will be a drive-by event. Families can park at the museum lot as Santa touches down....

  • Espinoza joins Alvarado and Givens on council

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Gilbert Alvarado, Chad Givens and Pete Espinoza won seats on the City Council after the count was completed. Newcomer Espinoza was the top candidate with over 20% of the vote with incumbents Givens and Alvarado coming in second and third. This is after the Kern County Elections Office announced the official final results for the local races. Kris Lawrence, who was in the third spot after election night, saw that lead disappear as the counting continued and Alvarado overtook...

  • Thanksgiving event helped lift holiday spirit

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    This holiday season has been difficult for many families dealing not only with the pandemic, but with job loss, businesses closing, and social distancing restrictions. During these times, the community has risen to the challenge to help support neighbors and unite the city. Facing a Thanksgiving that was void of the usual holiday events, residents had to find ways to celebrate the holiday. An example of Thanksgiving spirit was the event held at the Shafter Recreation...

  • Cobb steps up as superintendent in January

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Beginning on Jan. 1, Assistant Superintendent Rob Cobb will officially become superintendent. Current Wasco Union High School District Superintendent Laurie Albrecht is retiring at the end of this year. Cobb was born in Paradise, a small town in northern California. He was raised near a mountain community close to Paradise called Magalia. It wasn't until the sixth grade that his family moved to Fresno. "The premature passing of my mother caused us to move multiple times,"...

  • Shafter council debates how mayor is selected

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    The Shafter City Council tabled a discussion in how the way the Mayor of Shafter is selected. Currently, the selection of mayor is done by a majority vote. Mayor Gilbert Alvarado proposed this should be done on a rotating basis instead of by a majority vote. He cited that other cities in the county select their mayor in a similar manner, with the council members taking a turn to serve as mayor. Councilmember Manuel Garcia agreed with proposing a discussion to change the...

  • Cortez wins council seat by 1 vote

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Updated Dec 8, 2020

    Incumbent Mayor Tilo Cortez won by one vote over City Council candidate Eddie Saldana in the District 4 race. For most of the race, Cortez has led. As of Nov. 25, both were tied at 434 votes until Cortez took a one point lead on Nov. 29, when the county declared the voting complete. In District 2, Vince Martinez will be the newest City Council member with 414 votes against the next candidate, William David Ward, who received 376 votes. The votes will be certified on Thursday,...