[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6617368,"mediaKeyId","2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278","parentId",2842349,"title","Public safety reports: Kern County Fire recruiting; Wasco Police reports higher call volume, vehicle-theft recovery rates","audioSeconds",922,"startMs",974000,"endMs",1896000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278&start=974&end=1896","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278/thumbnail_974000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6617368/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Public-safety-reports-Kern-County-Fire-recruiting-Wasco-Police-reports-higher-call-volume-vehicle-theft-recovery-rates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617368-ccc1e82deba5ec84c081ff3c3e8d1174/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188322&Signature=hwbW-MmOLUlQIRQS9AyPc50U-Vpg8o3afTZH7IxmT7dxXjpf1jYp-AH3eWihi37trl6Y-FJmbKhQJGsY58a5ZDi9He~WZEYzCqbe2FOxuakz51C~gBp0JQZjIKTXvITYnk5do-JOgPwQWKv5RI~E4MMjrGWr-EtTyJxPKMFQjH6Yve6P-554ysmMTjvToIftgHcyEpTtaxNdUJbWc8P-Ndtv-BbWCS-brTmxJW~mphI952MOPKY8dlfgjs3u0M03aCjqm4lXwPodjHOkjJVc4gpurtXkr-1WThhDf5pC0DZ4sbGZeFocTZ5vn~RORdW9Rtvvj5uUxfJ5IeqzWAh5iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Wasco","date","2025-04-01T00:00:00Z","article","Representatives from Kern County Fire and the Wasco Police Department provided updates to the council, including a firefighter recruitment announcement and operational statistics from the police department.

Kern County Fire said applications for firefighters are open through April 11 and that a hiring event was underway at the department's Bakersfield headquarters. The presenter said minimum requirements include being 18 years old with a high-school diploma and that the department does not impose a maximum age limit for applicants.

The Wasco Police Department reported it is nearing its one-year anniversary as a municipal police department. The chief said the department expects to record north of 18,000 total incidents by its anniversary date, with approximately 42% of calls identified as officer-initiated activity. The chief also reported stolen-vehicle activity remains a concern: 16 stolen vehicles in March with 11 recoveries, a recovery rate staff described as improved compared with earlier periods.

The chief credited technology and interagency coordination for improved recovery and investigation outcomes and noted seasonal trends that typically raise activity in warmer months. Council members raised related community-safety concerns — for example, unsafe bicycle wheelies on streets during events — and the chief said the department will look for solutions including outreach and education.

Separately, the police chief and staff highlighted that grant-funded technology and staffing decisions contributed to operational performance improvements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Wasco - City Council - Apr 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Kern County Fire announced firefighter recruitment; the Wasco Police Department reported reaching roughly 18,000 incidents year-to-date, a high share of officer-initiated activity and an improved vehicle-recovery rate in March.","taxTitle","Wasco City, Kern County, California","taxId",68639,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617372,"Wasco authorizes exploratory application for California Jobs First catalyst funding to study regional workforce training model",493,2710000,3203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278&start=2710&end=3203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278/thumbnail_2710000.jpg","/articles/6617372/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Wasco-authorizes-exploratory-application-for-California-Jobs-First-catalyst-funding-to-study-regional-workforce-training-model","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617372-160e511566e849ea1243fb4cfa571648/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188322&Signature=lbqrcpKCli8n7KZId-bQ0CQUVp2sRkb805Cnbq~jWcWeaVi2rb~tIb-82xDvfXKVVFnfzwVVGMO6oGNFNwMvH4L~Cj8RQ2cdffw~I07hjJ~0LMPUWQ~MReAP3VWhH85fuV3N5jAeScPP6m2udAGfdEVqIWXzXnZVKUkg0W8B4ubY8~wHK2jxOwSJ0JvuuAjxKc~F4kC4nWdJxkEeQGidbSRuvED3XyXeTQena7vei0sPZ~HVyAerAzypOREI78m6fxXvgdCjm77lU5JqrJurwKJKrJldKg4AH1nIP1wsG8xQyLLuEy0nYfkrTpWw4I9n6waGE2i6d2ZZe1BYUQFVNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wasco City Council authorized city staff to complete and submit an application for California Jobs First catalyst funds and to execute related grant agreements, the city said. The proposal is an exploratory, proof-of-concept project to study workforce training needs and to pilot a replicable model for training workers transitioning between regional industries.

Scott Herbert (presenting staff) said the county has allocated approximately $9 million among regional projects for proof-of-concept and feasibility work; individual catalyst awards are capped at $1.5 million at this stage. The northern region includes Delano, McFarland, Shafter and Wasco. The city's concept would examine using existing community facilities — such as library branch space or the Powell Building classroom — to provide basic skills, ESL, targeted industrial training, driver training and warehouse safety training.

Herbert described the request as the first, exploratory phase to gather data and define curricula, facilities and costs; the funds would be used for consultants, feasibility studies and outreach if awarded. Council members voiced support and asked staff to pursue the application aggressively, with Council Member Raya offering to seek local supervisor support.

Staff noted the immediate requirement for the application is to submit the proposal by the stated deadline; the grant would fund the study work that would answer questions about curriculum, facility space, staffing and operating costs. The recorded vote on the authorization was four ayes with Mayor Pro Tem Saldana absent.","The council authorized staff to submit an application for California Jobs First catalyst funding to study a proof-of-concept learning center to serve northern Kern County. The application seeks funds for feasibility, proof-of-concept work and to design a portable/replicable training model.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617377,"Wasco Police to mark one-year anniversary; new PAL coordinator named and Powell Building ribbon-cutting set",177,1069000,1246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278&start=1069&end=1246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278/thumbnail_1069000.jpg","/articles/6617377/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Wasco-Police-to-mark-one-year-anniversary-new-PAL-coordinator-named-and-Powell-Building-ribbon-cutting-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617377-436eff4bacd7668e3d830f6cdc559495/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188322&Signature=k8Tc9FU5j3T5UYQQkuhqkJbFiyt13E5QrHawZO7K62sJXuD8LIZKY2TfBiSUUFfoSfCBNCOidgC3KyAgiV7w3Y0CVFnqpBpqrwpJIOMKhb8vUVdzhkds36XZF8ibVRx4PEaylf8OSk8QtBwKWUkWWJmhiuWJb7f~d24FjDiSesH5JN9aKEczu8n7URSOES3JSif9-x-ekhntvkQ9v9IVyVMY0d2sfJjJul~dlHnaTQVTK7YlgRb8EmNdh-yc4KTn7MDAAtVuJWvDTA9ouOQOanwyU2t5yEuGg5V6xM3aw0iN81npRnAoM93Q8bQl7~6X8bHXgyN-F8td8LIDRa878g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wasco Police Department announced that it is approaching its one-year anniversary and will hold a ribbon-cutting and open house for the refurbished Powell Building on April 22 at 10 a.m., the department said.

Chiefs and staff introduced Diana Garcia as the new Police Activities League (PAL) coordinator. Diana Garcia described the program as a free, after-school youth program aimed at providing a safe space for homework help, fitness and skill-building; boxing is among the activities to be offered but the program will provide multiple options for participants. She said the program will be free for youth and will require parental consent for enrollment.

Garcia and staff said volunteer support is critical; the department is preparing volunteer packets and an Amazon supply registry to help outfit the facility. Staff asked community members and interested adults — and potentially older teenagers in supervised roles — to consider volunteering. Council members and the chief highlighted that multiple city departments and grant-funded efforts helped complete the Powell Building renovations.

The ribbon-cutting and anniversary event for the Powell Building and the police department is scheduled for April 22 at 10 a.m. at the Powell facility, where officials said the kitchen, classroom and flexible workspace have been refurbished and will be available for community programming.","Wasco Police Department celebrated its one-year anniversary and announced a ribbon-cutting for the refurbished Powell Building. The department introduced Diana Garcia as the new PAL (Police Activities League) coordinator and is recruiting volunteers for the youth after-school program.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617382,"Wasco art festival draws hundreds, organizers plan more mental health workshops and downtown public art",2217,201000,2418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278&start=201&end=2418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278/thumbnail_201000.jpg","/articles/6617382/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Wasco-art-festival-draws-hundreds-organizers-plan-more-mental-health-workshops-and-downtown-public-art","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617382-00d422843f7432096f827de2f392acd5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188322&Signature=DmlVuJE8BYcWUmFm7cSKrYswu57f-IW817rBzhATc-INs1jsmGDiQs4Ubh-9obyncOaKyNwO2Jb29P9MghgfSoWeZfvOEeGzt9OTYhZJF5t9VuOqk-yCzbZ9V4qxZkdFogSggIDJD9K94x4Rq6O90SKeQUkMeaLHR1ReTTlI1qb2jX56y7vMEU7yvQ65ekKoYFNM55DFLKRLEhleVD6Q9pii-sSQjp6DYFaWCi47Cs4rVljb1RkrFXP3iHJWhS~tb1V5dyuvog4UBP2ZLqgBVH0Xixa~sLL6z5oXhYrEzeGK1c2DbTNRHRfHaw0OkR6JtUHzbnTwPIXsKu-t7lz4Gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Organizers and council members said a community art festival held in downtown Wasco drew “hundreds and hundreds” of attendees and combined art sales, performances and mental-health outreach.

The festival, presented by local volunteers and co-organized with council member Gilberto Reyna, honored Vincent van Gogh and World Bipolar Day and included Aztec dancers, ballet folklorico, art activities, live mural painting and three mental-health speakers. Veronica, an organizer and festival presenter, told the council the event aimed to reduce stigma and share resources; she said, “it is possible to live a happy and healthy life” while describing her two-decade experience living with bipolar disorder.

Organizers said the festival produced visible economic activity downtown and direct benefits for participants. Veronica said one participating artist, Jose Silva, sold nearly $3,000 in artwork including two paintings sold at $1,200 each. Council members and staff noted local businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales during the festival.

The city also presented a separate youth-arts initiative tied to the Seventh Street renovation. The city will use student artwork to wrap 15 new downtown trash cans. Teachers from the Wasco Unified School District, including high-school art teacher Julie Pinnell and elementary teachers Cassandra Martin and Vanessa Bickers, provided drawings created on a short timeline; the pieces have been displayed on the city's Veterans Park LED board.

Council members suggested additional uses for the student artwork, such as a city calendar pending parental permission. The council and staff thanked teachers and volunteers and noted that NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has committed to hold mental-health workshops at Saint John the Evangelist Church Hall; a start date was not specified in the meeting.

Organizers and council members said they hope the festival will become an annual event and that the public-art project will increase downtown pride and visibility for student artists.","Organizers and council members described a well-attended art festival honoring Vincent van Gogh and World Bipolar Day that combined arts, cultural programming and mental-health resources. The city will wrap downtown trash cans with student artwork and NAMI will offer upcoming workshops at a local church hall.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6617387,"Votes at a glance: Wasco City Council approves agenda, consent calendar, grant application and policy changes",2436,2226000,4662000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278&start=2226&end=4662","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842349-7d3c3b4743b0d143faa883dff2fbc278/thumbnail_2226000.jpg","/articles/6617387/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Wasco-City-Council-approves-agenda-consent-calendar-grant-application-and-policy-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6617387-9b028fd093eab4932aaa8c391534d892/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188322&Signature=cz5ca462tZOZYFfPlywG2u0CHPksYrNbTHnCHjhhPrTGxlWK2WIqiM04mLe4TCWpSs2Z702ouJL9tFRxjdTqZniUfxVD8hsKOATw-ThD7JQsprAg7RIGkhsSI7WKZ3FDjhJyZwXuOB-8BhAPHKkdvpT5VtfwMSw7RpEkKCK91tHRJghhmpzoiJCvR9ht69pzyJFESJS3ciknC8tedj0eb8d81BLwWagO11zZzXuCAIlrI2h0www3V4vbRHLhBYcdQW~jdIFQkeTe9IfOInIMKH4OeS2mObs1~z6NJ366paQSBJRXISvVBU9n00DV8Z4ZSaCSLA53OggwtvivoMYW~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wasco City Council on an evening meeting approved a series of routine and substantive actions, including adoption of the meeting agenda, approval of the consent calendar, authorization to pursue a California Jobs First catalyst grant, receipt of the city's audited financial statements, adoption of an updated salary schedule adding an assistant police chief and a city project coordinator, and adoption of revised social media policies.

Council members said the votes keep routine operations moving and allow staff to pursue funding and staffing needed for recent program launches and capital projects. The recorded roll calls on the items showed four ayes and one absence (Mayor Pro Tem Saldana) on each recorded vote.

Details of recorded outcomes:

- Agenda approval: Motion to approve the agenda was moved and seconded and passed on a roll call (Mayor Medina; Council Member Martinez; Council Member Raya; Council Member Reina — aye; Mayor Pro Tem Saldana — absent).

- Consent calendar: Motion to approve items 11a–11h passed on a roll call with four ayes and one absence.

- California Jobs First catalyst application: Council authorized the city manager to complete and submit an application for the California Jobs First catalyst funds and to execute related grant agreements; the motion passed on a roll call with four ayes and one absence. The item was presented as an exploratory, proof-of-concept application to study workforce training and facility needs in the region.

- Receipt and filing of audited financial statements: The council received and filed the city financial statements and the Measure X financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024; the motion passed on a roll call with four ayes and one absence.

- Salary schedule update and new job titles: The council adopted a revised salary schedule to add an assistant chief of police and a city project coordinator and authorized submittal to CalPERS; the resolution passed on a roll call with four ayes and one absence.

- Social media policies for elected and appointed officials and for city accounts: The council approved updated social media policies as amended following ad hoc committee review; the resolution passed on a roll call with four ayes and one absence.

All recorded votes that were taken during the meeting used roll call; where the minutes list the roll call, the tally in each recorded vote was four ayes and the mayor pro tem recorded absent. No motions failed on roll call during this meeting.","At its meeting the Wasco City Council approved the agenda and consent calendar and voted to move forward on a state grant application, adopt a new salary schedule and approve updated social media policies. Each vote passed on recorded roll calls with four ayes; Mayor Pro Tem Saldana was absent.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public safety reports: Kern County Fire recruiting; Wasco Police reports higher call volume, vehicle-theft recovery rates

Wasco authorizes exploratory application for California Jobs First catalyst funding to study regional workforce training model

Wasco Police to mark one-year anniversary; new PAL coordinator named and Powell Building ribbon-cutting set

Wasco art festival draws hundreds, organizers plan more mental health workshops and downtown public art

Votes at a glance: Wasco City Council approves agenda, consent calendar, grant application and policy changes