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Wasco highlights PAL champion, Orange Heart Foundation and police drone pilot in community update
Summary
Council recognized PAL boxing champion Christian Raya and the Orange Heart Foundation; Police Chief Mora reported two violent incidents handled by officers, previewed a police drone press release and announced community outreach events including Coffee with a Cop and a business district watch kickoff.
The Wasco City Council opened its meeting June 18 with community recognitions and a public safety update from the police chief.
The council presented certificates to Christian Raya, the 2026 Visalia Boxing Classic champion representing the Wasco Police Activities League (PAL), and to coaches Carlos Prieto and Oscar Enciso for their volunteer coaching. Multiple council members and public commenters praised the PAL program’s role in connecting youth with law enforcement and providing after‑school activities.
During the public safety report, Chief Mora said officers investigated two recent violent incidents: a shots‑fired call at Domino’s (officers stopped and arrested a suspect found in possession of a loaded firearm) and a stabbing at El Toro Market (officers arrested a suspect found armed with a knife). The chief reported 172 traffic stops over the reporting period, 21 citations, 86 cases with 38 arrests and six traffic collisions (none DUI). He also credited an early police drone deployment for helping officers in a juvenile curfew response and said the department will publish a community‑facing press release once translated.
Chief Mora invited the public to several outreach events: Coffee with a Cop on June 29 at Starbucks and the launch of a Business District Watch on July 1 at the Old Courthouse. "We're looking to promote safety, raise awareness, and strengthen our relationship with our local businesses," he said.
Why it matters: The recognitions reflect volunteer and nonprofit contributions to community programming; the public safety update details specific incidents, shows the department’s expanded use of technology and previews neighborhood outreach work. City staff said they will provide further translation and outreach about the drone program and encouraged residents to report low water pressure or sediment issues so staff can investigate.
What’s next: Staff said the drone press release will be translated and issued imminently, and the city will proceed with planned community safety events.
