Barker Square Groundbreaking Opens in Wasco
Barker Square Shopping Center in Wasco breaks ground after six years of planning. Joe Barker Jr. officiates as 31,320 feet of retail space and about 200 entry level jobs are planned with major chains already committing. The $3.5 million loan from Community Development funds the project, aiding Wasco as a manpower shortage area. Local opposition noted funding source prompts concerns, but the April 2 board vote approved the project four to one. Mayor Paul Neufeld and other officials attend, with Barker predicting openings for the coming Christmas season and a long term boost to Wasco’s sales tax and local economy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Barker Square
Hwy. 46
Wasco
County Board of Supervisors
Paul Neufeld
Shafter
Trice Harvey
Gene Tackett
Miss Wasco
Janice Efscaff
Chamber of Commerce
Bill Seavy
CD Official
Hungary
Joe Barker
Helen
Barker
Bakersfield
Barkers
Neufeld
Shafter Council Rejects Funding for Federal Doctor Proposal
Public comments dominated a two hour session as residents and local doctors opposed Carlos Olivares plan to sponsor physicians with federal funds at the Buttonwillow Clinic. Critics argued census data were misleading and questioned motives while backing private care. The council voted to disapprove and draft a letter of opposition.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter City
Carlos Olivares
Buttonwillow Clinic
Kim
Moon
Rice
Olivares
Sushers
Shafter
Wasco
Michael Hair
Stan Jensen
Hooper
Loma Linda University
Johnny Thomas
Little
Frank Christensen
Second arson fire at Gladden's Trucking in Shafter
A second suspicious fire hit Gladden Trucking in Shafter on April 3 at 11 37 p m. Piles of scrap lumber and truck beds burned but were quickly controlled by firefighters. Estimated loss 1 000. Investigators seek accelerant while police pursue suspects. seven months earlier an arson caused over 250 000 in damages. Bob by Joe McGowen pled guilty to arson on March 19 and awaits sentencing in Bakersfield Superior Court on April 16.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gladden
Shafter
Bobby Joe McGowen
Bakersfield
SHS Student Dies After Dancing at School Event
A Shafter High School tenth grader, Pedro Louis Castellon, collapsed during a break dancing contest at a school dance and later died. Dean Charles Rekosh administered mouth to mouth resuscitation. further details continue on page 54.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter High School
Pedro Louis Castellon
Guadalupe Castellon
Buttonwillow
Charles Rekosh
Firefighters in Kern County Face Tough Selection and Training
Kern County recruits undergo a brutal selection from hundreds for few open slots. Training at Olive Drive Bakersfield emphasizes fire science, equipment, and discipline. Capt. Jim McCullough notes many aspirants lack work experience and some home schooling, but probation ends with tests of skill and team fit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Olive Drive
Bakersfield
Jim McCullough
Kern County Training Department
McCullough
Fire Captain Awarded for Heroic Rescue in House Fire
In a Kern County blaze Captain Dan Zachery braved flames without breathing apparatus to reach a trapped 96 year old man named Blattenberg. The rescuer crawled through smoke to locate the victim but both were overcome. Blattenberg survived and Zachery received a departmental plaque of appreciation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dan
Kern County Fire Department
Zachery
Blattenberg
Bis
KMC
Snagaona
Firefighter Exams and Seniority Shape Shift in Shafter Firehouse
A firefighter who has operated the hose and fought fires under the Captain can take an exam to advance. Positions are filled by seniority, leaving a wait before choosing locations. Shafter firehouse life hints at quirks like a pillow shortage and a Tuesday closure tradition, echoing a local mystery.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter
Army Cadet Progression Described in Quiet Outlook
An engineer notes limited openings and hints that advancement to Captain requires two more years and another test, outlining a patient career path with incremental steps and delayed opportunity.
Hospital Neat Beds Anchor Uncomfortable Waiting Room
The room reads like a waiting area more than a living space with home-like furniture and a hospital neat bed setup. The overall impression is of a temporary, clinical comfort zone rather than a cozy living room.
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Shafte A
Marker Square
Joe Barker Jr
Ment
Dennis Atkinson
Ash Street
Atkinson
Ash
Shafter Avenue
Little, Wise
Mayor Link
Shs
Pedro Castellon
Kern County
Dan Zachery
Atmost
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