Shafter Editor Praises Senator Florez and Public Accountability
A Shafter Press guest column by Margaret Baker urges confronting denial and embracing light on social issues. It lauds Senator Dean Florez for addressing air pollution and dairy expansion near cities, praising his willingness to speak up despite political risk. The piece reflects on freedom of speech, community involvement, and the role of politics in everyday life.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter
Sugar Press
Dean Florez
Florez
My Dear
Editorial urges action against child abuse by society and institutions
The writer laments widespread child abuse across families, churches, and schools, criticizing neglect and lax enforcement. Citing CPS reporting gaps, Prop 36, and budget cuts, the piece calls for decisive action, accountability, and a national wake‑up to protect children, while noting the author’s support for the arts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Los Angeles
Children’s Protective Services
CPS
Kern County
Jon McQuiston
America
Webster
Amieficé
Hollywood
McQuiston
Mariachi classes draw strong interest at Richland school
About 80 signups for Mariachi classes at Richland's Golden Oak School last Thursday reflect growing arts interest among students and parents in Shafter. Some enrollees also attend Youth Folklorica on Mondays, with scheduling decisions to be coordinated by school leaders for possible after or during school sessions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richland
Golden Oak School
Bakersfield
Shafter
Shafter High School
California Base Closings Hit State Hard and Cited Future Braces
The piece notes California endured brutal base closures in the 1980s and 1990s with 29 of 97 major facilities mothballed, harming tens of thousands of jobs and local businesses. It acknowledges some repurposing like Ft. Ord and the Presidio, while many sites remain derelict or awaiting new use as Pentagon plans new rounds. It contrasts national policy with local resilience and references arts education through parental involvement and dance programs fostering student growth and community ties.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
High Desert
George Air Force Base
Long Beach Naval Shipyard
Ft. Ord
Cal State
Monterey Bay
San Francisco Presidio
Armed Services Committees
Congress
Pentagon
Also Mentioned on This Page
Margaret Baker
Dairies
Editorial
Shafter Press
Que Pasa
Rodriguez Roo
Deanna
Alifornia
State
By Thomas D. Bias
Jorr
Reed Print Inc
East Lerdo Highway
Reed Print, Inc
Aldrin Ct
P.O
Frank W. Reed
Donald L. Reed
Lerdo Highway
Diane Givens
P.O. Box
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