Shafter Weather Gains as Kern County Declared Disaster Area
Governor Brown's office lists all Kern County as a disaster area after the December 20 21 windstorm. Bakersfield and Kern residents qualify for low interest loans to repair damages, with citrus losses driving estimated damages potentially over 20 million dollars. City crews in Shafter prevented major damage through rapid response, while a building north of Shafter burned and other incidents included sand dunes blocking roads and a speeding shed slide. Weather outlook projects above median precipitation north of the Tehachapis, with reservoirs strained and water conservation urged.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kern County
Brown
Kern County Board of Supervisors
Bakersfield
Shafter
Bill Sheldon
Sheldon
National Weather Service
California
Tehachapis
Family's apartment destroyed by fire in Shafter neighborhood
A Kern County Fire Department response on December 20 to a Klassen Drive blaze left Afrelo Gutierrez Carmen Gutierrez and their four month old infant homeless with all possessions lost. Wasco and Shafter units controlled the fire in 38 minutes as high winds fanned the flames. Neighbors assisted with temporary shelter and clothing while landlord Jim Ball organized aid, collecting 128 dollars and guiding the family to Community Services of the Seventh Day Adventist Church for further help.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Maryellen Newman
Kern County
Shafter
Klassen Drive
Afrelo
Carmen Gutierrez
Wasco
Shafter City
Marie Harmon
Gutierrez
Jim Ball
Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Williard Newmann
Recreation Districts discussed by Taft and McFarland committees
The Taft and McFarland recreation districts hear how a district would fund services with a 0.30 to 0.60 tax rate. Officials note HUD and state grants, a potential $260 000 sharing project with Kern High School District, and local attendance figures while stressing benefits for all ages. Local leaders urge community involvement ahead of the June election.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McFarland Recreation
Dr. Davis
Steve Minton
McFarland Recreation District
Les Clark
Belridge Oil
Mike Kelly
Taft
Shafter
McFarland
Kern High School
H-S
Davis
County
Fire crews battle high wind blaze at three structures
Kern County Fire Department units from Shafter and Wasco and the Shafter City Fire Department fought a fire at 576 Klassen Dr north of Shafter. Gusts above 75 mph fed the flames as three structures burned. losses totaled about 16 700. No injuries reported. A separate alarm at Superior Oil caused by gas fumes sparked by static electricity resulted in no damage. Downed lines, poles and trees kept crews busy all day while Shafter recalled paid firefighters and used volunteers. City officials credited swift action for limiting damage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kern County Fire Department
Shafter
Wasco
Shafter City
Klassen Dr
Superior Oil
Bill Sheldon
Gossamer Condor soars into aviation history in Shafter
On August 23 1977 the Gossamer Condor piloted by Bryan Allen of Bakersfield flew a one mile figure eight at 10 feet in seven minutes 27.5 seconds earning Dr Paul MacCready an 86000 prize. The craft heads to the Smithsonian alongside historic machines. Other 1977 notes include legal changes on bread weights and nuclear safety measures along with Shafter civic honors and events.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter
Bryan Allen
Bakersfield
Paul MacCready
Smithsonian Institute
Also Mentioned on This Page
Maryellen
Newman
Taft & McFarland Rec
Evan Jones
Recreation District
Jones
Shafter Committee
City Hall
James St
Dolores Robinson
Fred Starrh
Mike Schmidt
G.H
Ben
Grundy
Chamber of Commerce
Shafter Lion’s Club
Buck Owens
Nova Scotia
Buck
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