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Articles from the December 24, 2020 edition


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  • Cases continue to rise; county at a standstill

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    The covid-19 virus changed the landscape of education in the country in 2020 and the school districts are sticking to their previously stated positions. There are now two new vaccines available by Pfizer and Moderna that have been approved by the FDA. The initial dose of the vaccine will be made to health care personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. The positive numbers continue to rise in Wasco. On Dec. 18, the total number of cases was 1,217 which rose to 3,115 as of Dec. 22. The number of recovered patients on Dec. 18 was 732...

  • Only small gatherings encouraged this Christmas

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Dec 24, 2020

    The city is seeing an increase in confirmed cases of covid-19, despite a face covering campaign and businesses adhering to safety guideline designed to stall the spread of the virus. City buildings have been closed to the public, with customers being serviced through a window at the back of the city building, as well as serving customers by appointment only that require an in-person interaction. There have been a total of 2,017 confirmed cases in Shafter, with almost 800 of those cases...

  • Vaccine arrives; healthcare workers first in line

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Dec 24, 2020

    The covid-19 vaccine has arrived in the city and healthcare workers will be the first to receive it. The vaccine is being given out in tiers, with the first tier beginning with those persons most at risk, including workers in acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and EMTs, paramedics and dialysis centers. They are also giving vaccines to residents in long-term care facilities, who have existing conditions that could make the contraction of the virus especially dangerous. This will...

  • Wasco neighbors give back

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    Wasco Union Elementary School Board President Richard Reding was struggling to mow his lawn one day after a knee surgery when a tap on his shoulder by a neighbor changed everything. Reding and his wife, Sarah, have been living in their house over 50 years and have never experienced such kindness as what was recently shown to him during his recuperation from his surgery, "I had complete knee replacement surgery about a year ago, and was struggling and limping along trying to mow the lawn,"...

  • 2020 Wasco High grad running her own business

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    Another in a series of articles highlighting Wasco High School graduates. Graduating from high school at 18 years old can sometimes be a stressful time when deciding on the next move. Rayanna Plazola, a 2020 Wasco High graduate, almost took a two-week vacation before she embarked on an employment journey. Plazola is employed by Cutco Corporation, formerly known as Alcas Corporation, a U.S.-based company that primarily sells knives through direct sales. It is the parent company of Cutco Cutlery Corp, Vector Marketing, Ka-Bar Knives and Schilling...

  • Palm Avenue recognizes students

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    Palm Avenue announced through Facebook their October Students of the Month and Principals’ List of students from sixth through eighth grade. “During these unprecedented times, it is important for our school community to celebrate our students’ success,” Principal Oscar Luna, of Palm Avenue Middle School, said. “This group of students has demonstrated character, leadership and resilience.” Sixth-Grade Principal’s List (4.0) Jaquelin Archuleta Michelle Arechiga Armando Barboza Benjamin Burt Moreno Moroni Carranza Leslie Contreras Ashlynn Escot...

  • Christmas trees accepted at landfill

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Dec 24, 2020

    After your Christmas tree has lost its luster, county residents have options to dispose of their tree. Christmas trees can be composted by cutting up the tree and using a compost pile. Make sure before putting the tree in your compost pile that it is free of flocking or other contaminants. The other option is to drop off your tree at the landfill before it becomes a hazard and fire risk. There are 24 locations in Kern County in which you can drop off your tree. One of them is our Shafter/Wasco...

  • Depot Museum lit up with Christmas cheer with tree display

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Dec 24, 2020

    The annual Christmas Tree display at the Shafter Depot Museum is in full swing and has attracted hundreds of residents to see this year's collection of decorated trees. This year's theme is the Colors of Christmas and businesses and organizations in town have put their own spin on the theme, from everything from a gold and silver display to a tree that had just about every color of the rainbow. According to Stan Wilson, curator at the Shafter Depot Museum, the event has adhered to the state's sa...

  • Community Calendar - Dec. 24, 2020

    Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 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. Appointments can be made at lhi....

  • Arrest Report - Dec. 24, 2020

    Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    Dec. 14 Vinson Callahan, 61, of Wasco, was arrested in the 1100 block of 11th Street for misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. He was cited and released at the scene. Sebastian Pedro Jose, 38, of Wasco, was arrested in the 700 block of Birch Street for misdemeanor battery on a spouse. He was booked into the Kern County Jail. Randy Flores Lopez, 18, of Wasco, was arrested in the 1800 Bautista Avenue for felony assault of deadly weapon that was not a firearm and on his active misdemeanor warrant. He was booked into the Kern County...

  • Court ruling clears way for indoor church services

    Jamie Stewart and Toni DeRosa, The Shafter Press and Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    The state ruled Dec. 10 that excluding churches from holding indoor services goes against Freedom of Religion. California Superior Court Judge Gregory Pulskamp issued an injunction against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s planned covid-19 restrictions, following a similar injunction was placed in New York, in favor of a Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn on behalf of Father Trevor Burfitt. The ruling stated that the governor’s restrictions failed to treat houses of worship in a manner equal to the favored class of entities which would include big-box ret...

  • Holiday events canceled due to pandemic

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    In early December Gov. Gavin Newsom stated that Kern County was back to the most restrictive purple tier and the pandemic is becoming a fact of daily life for residents. Because it’s an ever-changing picture, what was reported Friday could very well be completely different by Monday of the following week. Due to the uncertainty, the Downtown Business Association canceled all holiday events. “Due to COVID Guidelines and concern for our community, we are not having any events this year,” Tanya Cordova president wrote in an email. “Maybe once th...

  • Pandemic brings new adventure to McFarland woman

    Jamie Stewart, The Shafter Press|Dec 24, 2020

    Veronica Carmona, of McFarland, was working at the Boot Barn in Bakersfield. With the virus making the job market uncertain, a lot of people have had to find ways to support themselves and make ends meet. Carmona, who enjoyed working at the store, especially selling the different kinds of western jewelry offered, has found a way to thrive. Carmona now sells western jewelry at various events throughout Kern County, being her own boss. "I love western jewelry and working with my family. This has b...

  • Man dies after head-on collision; woman charged

    Toni DeRosa, Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    A man died last Tuesday after a head-on collision on Highway 46 and North Leonard Avenue. Donald Frank Steinhaus, 43, was pronounced dead Dec. 15 after being struck by a vehicle driven by Margaret Fladhammer, 61, of Oceano. The vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 46 veered into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by Steinhaus. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies were sent to the scene. Deputies said Fladhammer was driving under the influence. Steinhaus’s passenger was taken to a local hospital with what were described as “mo...

  • Pet of the Week: Blair Needs a Home

    Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 2020

    Blair, an approximately 4-year-old Shepherd mix, came in as an owner surrender. She has a black, tan and fawn short coat. Blair is timid toward staff and staff has been monitoring her. She is improving, but it is a slow process. Blair is great with other dogs and has been tested with small and large breeds. At the time it is unknown if Blair is house/crate trained. Dogs are not tested with children and cats. She is available for rescue/adoption. If you are interested in her, give the shelter a...

  • Alan John Jensen

    Dec 24, 2020

    Long time Brentwood and Wasco resident Alan J. Jensen passed away, Dec. 14, 2020, at his property in Wasco, Kern County, surrounded by his loving family. He was 83 at the time of his death. Alan was a retired agribusiness man with a 65-year farming career in the California Delta and San Joaquin Valley. Alan was a graduate of Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, class of 1953. After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, Alan joined his father, Rasmus, in tomato and sugar beet farming in Brentw...

  • Death Notices - Dec. 24, 2020

    Dec 24, 2020

    Felix Villanueva Juarez, 87, of Shafter, passed away Dec. 16 in Shafter. Basham & Lara Funeral Care, Shafter. Marino Demetrio Escobar, 79, of Bakersfield, passed away Dec. 17 in Shafter. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Ruven Marquez, 80, passed away Dec. 19. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Doris Lee Kirschenman, 83, of Shafter, passed away Dec. 19. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Pauline Johnson, 82, of Shafter, passed away Dec. 17. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Lydia G Lopez, 71, of Shafter, passed away Dec. 20. Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. George...

  • Couch's Corner: Christmas 2020

    Supervisor David Couch, Kern County Supervisor|Dec 24, 2020

    After a tumultuous year, we as a community will hopefully get to relax and enjoy Christmas with our loved ones. During this Christmas season, I am thankful for the opportunity to reflect and contemplate about the negative and positive aspects of this year. Although communities in Kern County are not holding large gatherings with friends and family members, we are still finding ways to make adjustments to enjoy this annual holiday. Whether it is reading a new book, singing Christmas carols,...

  • Pastor's Corner: God has not forgotten us

    Pastor Steve Dobbs, Community Circle Church, Shafter|Dec 24, 2020

    If you have ever watched a documentary about wild life on the Discovery Channel you would have seen the hunting habits of the predators in the wild. When the predator sees his/her prey, they watch, they wait and then at the exact perfect time they attack. The predator does not attack the strongest of the herd, nor does the predator attack the herd as a whole. The predator will wait for the young, an injured, or one of the herd to wander off and isolate themselves from the herd. The predator...

  • Classified Ads - Dec. 24, 2020

    The Shafter Press|Dec 24, 2020

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

  • Mystery History - Dec. 24, 2020

    Wasco Tribune|Dec 24, 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: A group at Beaner's, at 930 7th St., enjoying an after-the-game or after-school snack....