[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6532126,"mediaKeyId","3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25","parentId",3424208,"title","Wasco honors public works for National Public Works Week; staff outline drain cleaning, graffiti and utility duties","audioSeconds",594,"startMs",677000,"endMs",1271000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25&start=677&end=1271","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25/thumbnail_677000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6532126/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Wasco-honors-public-works-for-National-Public-Works-Week-staff-outline-drain-cleaning-graffiti-and-utility-duties","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532126-d59d55c63c44c967a87cafc53eb315e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776231568&Signature=boLCM0aZCP3RSZYEf5IUbEt78PvOPB53TFTA2Uz2mCh8zklL4~o8h9hWwO28y67qh1XX7xv8QpTMJoco~uNaTp6maOVE0hLfZ8MJKU0GuqmUGUFZJhsq0hizeGjmoYXCBvvaEYQOS2XwpXkQ17Y09cl5nPdT7NMNDxqBdjyVZUXARfR3Q7jOfL12DVJi79dOylCXYNfHsEYW63O1DD0GylZmhq2a2mNcHDRmMKtu3C5XyG5usdyIEc9x4SRxvR8mJ~42RqvFqAz55XZj8ACYFFvIB94QCHu01Aa4SmdCXPLj8vZkhj3HzmxaznCT91~ksnyeNQXg8EFmre2k6OzA5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Wasco","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Wasco City Council declared the week of May 2025 as National Public Works Week on May 20 and listened as public‑works staff described the department’s responsibilities, safety risks and recent accomplishments.

A city representative (identified in the meeting as the public works director) outlined eight divisions: water, wastewater, engineering/GIS, facilities, streets, sanitation, fleet/shop and animal control, and noted administrative staff who handle resident service requests. The director explained that routine drain cleaning using a vacuum truck has helped prevent historic flooding problems and that crews carry gas‑monitoring devices while working in drains because of hazardous gases.

Council members repeatedly praised crews for quick graffiti removal and for visible street patrolling. Multiple council members said prompt cleanup discourages repeat tagging and improves community perceptions of safety and order.

The proclamation cited the role of public‑works professionals in providing essential infrastructure and encouraged residents to attend related events; council members and the director recognized specific crew supervisors and thanked staff for early‑morning work and public service.

The discussion was ceremonial and affirmational; no budget or policy changes were proposed during the proclamation and recognition segment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Wasco - City Council - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During National Public Works Week recognition on May 20 city staff described eight public‑works divisions and credited routine operations—drain cleaning with a vacuum truck, graffiti removal, sanitation and fleet maintenance—for reducing flooding and maintaining city services.","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},6532130,"Wasco police report steady call volume and emphasize DUI enforcement; one officer credited with 42 DUI arrests",183,3076000,3259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25&start=3076&end=3259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25/thumbnail_3076000.jpg","/articles/6532130/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Wasco-police-report-steady-call-volume-and-emphasize-DUI-enforcement-one-officer-credited-with-42-DUI-arrests","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532130-204979cbd1c10e0a670f44608644c597/orig.mp4?Expires=1776231568&Signature=BtireEekuhJZsXNiojxTiqN40Wbm0oaj8s0W4l26~T8DdbQLYuWFIbtzHGkKwYWzYRfOT~jNhQQSwwOlPFuYntr8uD35NaeoFHC1ofxP-VFaswTRO~3lLOwqfxtrgeC5LYdwyZE4lxNQNm-5Ahp5h0c6y4b-DlsgMNymnglMjfEtiR8aK8e50miBLMhftiI74QO~KdKndsugp3EesiArMHFL8ArihRqJl~ZalkjZx5kaZkuh1RWol6~AOrWS2SAsJZZ3nahwaNEqeO-rOF~8ORXn4~-ZhPj5hyPI7VnqkNLA0ffJ5NXUa7awMKOrjTheQ85ZzGIcMtPY1MZ8e9wJVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Fivecote delivered the public safety report at the May 20 Wasco City Council meeting, saying the department averages roughly 62 incidents in a 24‑hour period and that monthly incident totals are tracking near the city’s recent averages.

The chief highlighted traffic enforcement efforts and linked many of the city’s hit‑and‑run incidents to substance abuse. He told the council that Officer Uribe has made 42 DUI arrests since joining the department, Officer Cook had 12 DUI arrests and the newest officer had four; he described the enforcement as having a measurable impact but said substance abuse remains a persistent problem.

Chief Fivecote also noted the department’s high stolen‑vehicle recovery rate (described in the meeting as near 70 percent) and said that only a small number of recovered vehicles have been burned; he offered to provide exact burn counts to council members on request.

Council members commended the department’s enforcement numbers and asked follow‑up questions about burned vehicle counts and recovery definitions; the chief agreed to supply more detailed numbers to council members.

The report was informational; no action or ordinance was proposed. Council members used the item to thank officers and to discuss continued emphasis on traffic enforcement and community safety.","At the May 20 meeting Chief Fivecote told the council the department averages about 62 incidents per 24‑hour period and highlighted recent DUI enforcement: Officer Uribe recorded 42 DUI arrests in about a year, Officer Cook 12, and a recently hired officer 4.",{"_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},6532134,"Wasco recognizes mental health advocates, city and NAMI outline follow‑up workshops and school outreach",1035,1493000,2528000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25&start=1493&end=2528","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25/thumbnail_1493000.jpg","/articles/6532134/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Wasco-recognizes-mental-health-advocates-city-and-NAMI-outline-followup-workshops-and-school-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532134-ac4d29fdab2c76709586fd7f9012cb3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776231568&Signature=C2sfyvEJL1~08CCsolwdSsP3MgQTrMf2rcoPwhnrlOeC7Nn938273vhejBbljJd9Qfmi7mZhES2i7wuI97lVUM0xJ7ZtIccSvCaA4s020d~xw18Fdw~57v2FMLyEAB0J7hEmvU3XR6tklze78agGKwwyj8Oj0thwjEONDThlKqcdE4i1M~AlD6Z1Fb0Y8VW0M7b1wbOt~Z9IfxL2GX9drWLQHMPglXSaDmpDiGjPyc2E7hxVsnr78EvIJEC1mLP3d8IsfoF2FFM5veuTN~W2NOilxnvQmjc7w4XYWhrWIs5nmTpFZLFi~1y8RWnam6Y~KLbqA4bHiMI1kz2RJfFsnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wasco City Council on May 20 recognized Veronica Hakundi as the recipient of the city’s Mental Health Advocacy of the Year award and received presentations from local organizers and NAMI representatives about follow‑up programs stemming from a World Bipolar Day event.

Veronica Hakundi, the award recipient, said World Bipolar Day “served as an impetus for many great things to come” and described partnerships that she said helped produce the inaugural event and subsequent activities. Hakundi said the city event directly led to a four‑part “Hearts and Minds” workshop series launched the preceding Sunday at St. John’s Catholic Church and that organizers are in talks with Wasco High School about starting a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) student chapter and exploring a mental health mobile clinic for Wasco.

Council members, NAMI volunteers and City Manager Scott Herbert thanked organizers and credited the event with raising awareness. Sharon Wolfell, identified at the meeting as a leader with NAMI, described NAMI’s services and said education and peer support are central to recovery and stigma reduction.

Council members praised the workshops and encouraged continuing the programs. Council Member Reyna and others described good attendance at the initial workshop and said they expect the series and school outreach to continue.

The council also received a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month, presented by the mayor and accepted by local NAMI representatives. No formal policy or funding action was taken at the meeting; the presentations and proclamations were ceremonial and informational but council members discussed coordination and volunteer support for future events.

Speakers urged continued collaboration between the city, faith organizations, NAMI and schools to expand services and outreach.","The council honored a local mental health advocate and guests described programs launched after World Bipolar Day, including a four‑part 'Hearts and Minds' workshop series, plans to explore a NAMI club at Wasco High School and talks about a mental health mobile clinic.",{"_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},6532139,"Wasco council adopts underground utility district for block between Eighth and Ninth streets",382,3503000,3885000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25&start=3503&end=3885","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424208-9ce6f102b6974ecbbc8b2c62888b0a25/thumbnail_3503000.jpg","/articles/6532139/Wasco-City/Kern-County/California/Wasco-council-adopts-underground-utility-district-for-block-between-Eighth-and-Ninth-streets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532139-abfc0ce7c3013f4b52ad8fbcda0ce7c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1776231568&Signature=d8zZWGU7RhnWrJSlRfiMHfHrsrku0OJbY7yRFHm3AY-ZztI4rIMtlNFJdBooHU9afoEPNYTjaqWiV-5vjHskK1l9nYd~UljMw8q0AKEKwV-EtFMOudXT1MO~KY8XY94dqYw1lFZKhA4f3bQp1xdzQpAgvhEgZO5KgFSqIwnyIdLfXoOH46Y0RE3hfhHGZyUFWDjXEKht4PMzPekLlolIkWVQsajD0byrhhc5Yrks441BpSfPH69KtIKUeExCGLM3aEeLfgrhCwAAS5OijYbYh3XI0KIBoAv9FuBQhVmoeaUkXS-KJPo30bhtiWBpr7EV7IaCdI2F7cc7g79HPnkQ5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wasco City Council on May 20, 2025, adopted a resolution creating Underground Utility District No. 2025‑01, establishing a boundary between Eighth Street and Ninth Street that staff said is needed to pursue Rule 20A funding for electrical utility undergrounding.

City Attorney/Assistant (presenter) Mr. Halbert told the council this item is a critical step tied to the Rule 20A program and the city’s effort to restore its credit balance for undergrounding projects. He said the district will define the boundary within which overhead aerial service will be removed and underground service required going forward.

The district covers the block immediately south of the council chambers and a connector across Eighth and Ninth streets; staff’s materials describe the area as approximately 600 feet and cite two assessor parcel numbers: APN 030‑081‑02 and APN 030‑081‑01. Halbert told the council that the city’s municipal code already provides for creating such districts and that a CEQA determination applies; staff corrected the original agenda text to identify the proper CEQA guideline exemptions as Sections 15301(b) and 15302(c).

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Council Member Reyna moved to adopt the resolution, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Salania; the motion passed unanimously on roll-call vote.

Halbert said the city is on a tight schedule to complete required steps before June after a reversal of an earlier denial of the project; he asked the council to approve the district so staff can proceed with the funding and implementation steps.

Next steps discussed on the record include finalizing paperwork and coordinating with the utility for the Rule 20A funding process; timelines and construction phasing were not specified in the staff presentation.

Resolution and voting details are in the public minutes and staff packet for the May 20 meeting.","The Wasco City Council on May 20 adopted a resolution creating Underground Utility District No. 2025‑01 covering roughly 600 feet between Eighth and Ninth streets, a step staff said is needed to secure Rule 20A funding for undergrounding overhead utility service.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wasco honors public works for National Public Works Week; staff outline drain cleaning, graffiti and utility duties

Wasco police report steady call volume and emphasize DUI enforcement; one officer credited with 42 DUI arrests

Wasco recognizes mental health advocates, city and NAMI outline follow‑up workshops and school outreach

Wasco council adopts underground utility district for block between Eighth and Ninth streets