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Wasco City Council approves downtown support for World Bipolar Day festival on March 30
Summary
Council unanimously approved city support for a World Bipolar Day mental-health and arts festival on Seventh and E streets March 30, including street closures, police support and use of city facilities; event organizers said the festival will feature mental-health resources, art installations and local sponsors.
The Wasco City Council unanimously approved city support for a World Bipolar Day mental-health and arts festival scheduled for March 30 on Seventh and E streets.
City staff told the council the Orange Heart Foundation, a Wasco nonprofit, agreed to be the event’s lead sponsor and would supply required insurance and vendor oversight. Staff’s recommended city support included street closures and traffic control on Seventh and E streets, police support for event policing, city-staff overtime for set-up and tear-down of barricades, use of the council chambers and the Old Courthouse building, and use of city LED signs to direct attendees and advertise the event.
Organizers told council members the festival will combine mental-health education with an arts program. Veronica Yaquinde, identified as editor in chief of the Wasco Tribune and representing organizers, said the event is in partnership with NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Orange Heart Foundation and that the program will include mental-health speakers, at least 15 resource booths, performing arts (including folklórico and a Motown band), and a live mural and interactive art projects. Artist Aksai (Aksai) Villareal described plans for a large, three-dimensional community art project inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night and said local artists will participate.
Council members praised the proposal’s planning and community outreach. Staff said organizers had contacted downtown businesses and obtained a letter of support from a nearby church. The council moved and seconded the staff recommendation and voted unanimously to approve city support items A through D as listed in the staff report.
Organizers and staff provided a map and a written plan that staff said addresses parking, vendor compliance and building access; staff recommended the council’s approval at its discretion.
The council vote authorizes the city manager or designee to provide the specified public-safety and logistical support; it does not obligate the city to pay for organizers’ program costs. Organizers stated they will continue outreach to neighboring cities and school districts and plan follow-up workshops and mobile mental-health visits.
Details the council recorded: the event is proposed for Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Seventh and E streets; Orange Heart Foundation is the lead sponsor; NAMI Kern is a partner; several local organizations and businesses were identified as potential sponsors. The organizers and supporters who spoke at the meeting asked council members to approve the request so permitting and event planning could proceed.
Votes at a glance: motion to approve city support (items A–D) — moved by “council member Bridal,” seconded by Mayor Medina; vote: unanimous (Aye: Mayor Medina; Mayor Pro Tem Saldana; Council members Martinez, Raya, Reina).
