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CSUB Pre-Law Society visiting Delano Branch of the Kern County Superior Court last month. Judge David Wolf and CSUB Pre-Law Society President Lucia L. Jano (With a U.S. Constitution and displaying CSUB Roadrunner hand sign.) Nov. 8, 2025 Edited by Gene Garaygordobil, DelanoNow.com Cal State Bakersfield students visit Delano Court on Oct. 24 On Oct. 24, CSUB Prelaw students spent a day at the Delano Court. They had the opportunity to observe court proceedings, meet with lawyers, and have lunch with three judges and local attorneys. Delano Court frequently hosts students, guests and VIPs; however, this was the first year...
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Oct. 10, 2025 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday MCFARLAND, CA – Browning Road STEAM Academy is bringing home the gold to McFarland. The elementary school is one of just 766 schools statewide and 13 schools in Kern County to receive a Gold award from the California PBIS Recognition Committee for the 2024-25 school year. The award reflects Browning Road’s commitment to a system of school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) for students. According to the Center on PBIS, “Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health.”...
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Aug, 26, 2025 DelanoNow Staff reports The North Kern South Tulare Hospital District should be in the process of responding to the Grand Jury report issued this year addressing the district leadership in years 2023-2024. Clearly criticizing the former board chairman for questionable statements, actionsnot supported by law an expenditure never authorized by board action or approval. According to district minutes the board immediately began addressing the concern a month after the reorganization of board members in December 2024 including approving conducting a forensic audit of the district expenses between the chairman and legal services. The district has also hired...
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July 14, 2025 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow/McFarlandToday The North Kern South Tulare Hospital District board will be discussing and responding to the recent Grand Jury report addressing violations from 2023-2024 board actions at the upcoming meeting July 15, 2025. Although this well be placed in closed session due to legal implications as I’m sure everyone is getting their own personnel attorneys to protect their own interest since the report is only addressing one individual (former chairman). In recent meetings the district has been challenged with obtaining and renewing district insurances because of the actions of the former chairman and...
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July 6, 2024 From the Soto and Hernandez families Albert V. Soto, age 73, of Delano passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Affectionately known as Dad, Grandpa, Big Brother, or Coach Soto, was a beloved figure in our community who will be greatly missed. Albert was born in San Bernardino, California, and has been a resident of Delano his entire life. Albert attended Fremont Elementary School from kindergarten through 8th grade and Delano High School. He proudly served in the Marine Corps, having served his country with honor and dedication -- earning numerous honors as a Vietnam Veteran. He...
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Delano’s Amanda Garza (left) receives the Wendy Wayne Scholarship from Gene Tackett and Council chair Alesha Hixon during the Early Childhood Council of Kern’s May 1 general meeting. (photo by Mike Bledsoe) Amanda Garza thanked the Council for the scholarship, and explained some of the ways the scholarship will help benefit the quest for her further education, including a bachelor’s degree. (photo by Mike Bledsoe) June 6, 2024 By Mike Bledsoe, DelanoNow contributor Delano Librarian Receives Wendy Wayne 2024 Scholarship A Delano librarian has received a scholarship to help continue her education, which connects...
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June 8, 2024 By Jay Thompson SAN LUIS OBISPO — McFarland High School's Class of 2020 Cristian Reyes, College of Liberal Arts, was among Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo's six outstanding members of Cal Poly’s Class of 2024, representing a graduating class of more than 6,500. Tested by tragedy or inspired by travels, some pursuing lifelong interests and others finding their passions on campus, these Great Grads will leave as new alumni after June 15-16 commencement festivities at Alex G. Spanos Stadium, ready to embrace futures as vast as the cosmos or as concrete as teaching younger generations — and...
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June 1, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., Violent Crime Victims Activist, DelanoNow Columnist You may have recently heard of the kidnapping of a 70-year-old Delano woman. Two suspects identified as "Colombian nationals" were arrested. Claudia Castellanos-Toqueca, 47, and Christian Rojas-Chauta, were charged with kidnapping, robbery, false imprisonment with violence, burglary, theft from an elderly person, conspiracy and making criminal threats. The incident took place on Thursday morning, May 9. The suspects came to the home of the woman, asked if she was alone. When she said she was, the suspects forced their way in. The man pushed the woman against a...
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May 25, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., DelanoNow Columnist Remembering Our Military Personnel this Memorial Day Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States remembering U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States armed forces. This is observed on the last Monday in the month of May. This year, it's May 27, 2024. These brave men and women adhere to the following oath: “I, ____________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that...
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May 25, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., DelanoNow Columnist Remembering Our Military Personnel this Memorial Day Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States remembering U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States armed forces. This is observed on the last Monday in the month of May. This year, it's May 27, 2024. These brave men and women adhere to the following oath: “I, ____________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that...
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May 18, 2024 Written by Pastor David Vivas Jr (Advocate for Victims of Crime – 661-721-011 One Year Ago… 365 Days Later… The tragic death of JUAN LUIS CANTUAka “Booboo” It was Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 8:45 PM, 26 year old Juan Luis Cantu was found shot and killed on Casey Road, a short distance outside the city limits, by Garces Hwy, west in Delano. The investigation is with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. Juan was a life-long resident of Delano and leaves behind 3 little girls, a fiancé, father, mother, brothers, grandfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He as known...
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May 1, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland Unified School District VEX Robotics Team Finishes Among Top 1% of Teams Worldwide The Mech-Farland CougarBots have fought their final round as a team, and they made history doing it. On Saturday, April 27, McFarland High School Early College seniors Yasir Rubio, Francisco Vejar and Eric Ontiveros became the first team from Kern County to reach the quarterfinals at the annual VEX Robotics World Championship. Led by coach David Cisneros and co-advisor Ryan Chavez, the CougarBots’ second trip to the World Championship gave them their highest ever finish in the competition,...
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April 19, 2024 By Gabriella Vides, District 4 intern Good day everyone! Here are some exciting updates for our libraries and our parks. These updates include construction-time periods. Kern County District 4 Supervisor David Couch Parks project updates: Delano Memorial Park received [post_excerpt] million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the proposed improvements which include baseball field renovations. That includes a new backstop, scoreboard clay infield, bases, and infield chain link fence, as well as a new play structure with a safety surface and a shade structure. The anticipated construction timeline is October 2024 through March 2025, which is...
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April, 13, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr, DelanoNow Columnist Senator Holding Human Traffickers Accountable to be Guest Speaker for the National Day of Prayer Dinner Event The Committee for the annual National Day of Prayer, will host a dinner event for this occasion on Thursday, May 2, at 5:30 PM. This will take place at the De Vino Event Center 1427 S. Lexington St (Bldg. B) in Delano. Senator Shannon Grove of Bakersfield will be the honored guest speaker. In September 2023 Senator Grove, in a bipartisan effort with 120 members consisting of both the State Assembly and State Senate,...
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April 10, 2024 By Rosa A. Montes, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, Delano Union School District Kinder Blastoff is an annual event sponsored by DUSD to promote preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten enrollment. Rosa A. Montes, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services at DUSD said it allows teachers to meet their future students. It provides a fun introduction to the school system for the students," Montes said. Many activities such as games, face painting, free school supplies and food. Free dental screenings Free immunizations On site enrollment for preschool, TK, and Kinder students Informational booths from community partners District Superintendent Rosalina Rivera said the...
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April, 5, 2024 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow columnist For this Delano Ramblings column I am dedicating most of the column to a memorial for Dr. Robert Aguilar, a man who came from humble beginnings to achieve greatness in many ways. I first got a call about his death from friend Nolan Shaffer in Bakersfield and then more detailed information from Pastor David Vivas of Delano who said the obituary had appeared in the March 29 issue of the Fresno Bee. Services for Dr. Aguilar, whose most recent position in education was as Superintendent of the Delano Union School District, are...
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April 4, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Final Primary Election results revealed Wednesday, scored victory for District 4 Kern County Supervisor David Couch. Because he received more than 51 percent of the vote, despite going against three opponents -- including Delano City Council members Veronica Cruz Vasquez and Salvador Solorio Ruiz, a KernCounty Elections official said Thursday. District 1 Supervisor Phillip Peters received 60 percent of his votes, but he only went against two opponents. District 5 Supervisor candidate Leticia Perez failed to get a majority against three other opponents, and will need to face a November General Election...
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Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy students with perfect attendance reported to the front of the school for a photo. I am very proud of my students for the commitment they are making to learning and being here every day this year. April, 3, 2024 By Lionel Reyna, Delano Union School District, Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy At the beginning of the school year, I wanted to put a little more emphasis on attendance to align with our districts Promise 180 campaign. I addressed my students at the beginning and asked them to commit themselves to being here on a...
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Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy students with perfect attendance reported to the front of the school for a photo. I am very proud of my students for the commitment they are making to learning and being here every day this year. April, 3, 2024 By Lionel Reyna, Delano Union School District, Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy At the beginning of the school year, I wanted to put a little more emphasis on attendance to align with our districts Promise 180 campaign. I addressed my students at the beginning and asked them to commit themselves to being here on a...
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March 31, 2024 Delano Now Staff reports Delano Union School District's GATE Festival at Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy.
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March 8, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest Int'l Church, Delano Prop. 47: We can Fix This In 2014, Proposition 47 the so-called “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act” was approved by California voters in order to reduce California's prison population.It classifies certain crimes like theft and drug possession as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Many retailers are fed up with shoplifters going into their businesses and helping themselves to what they want without paying for merchandise.Currently, there is a push to amend the proposition to bring harsher penalties to repeat offenders. A petition is being circulated in California called...
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March 8, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest Int'l Church, Delano Prop. 47: We can Fix This In 2014, Proposition 47 the so-called “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act” was approved by California voters in order to reduce California's prison population.It classifies certain crimes like theft and drug possession as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Many retailers are fed up with shoplifters going into their businesses and helping themselves to what they want without paying for merchandise.Currently, there is a push to amend the proposition to bring harsher penalties to repeat offenders. A petition is being circulated in California called...
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March 7, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland Robotics heading BACK to Worlds, Three McFarland High School seniors have been competing since middle school The Mech-Farland CougarBots are headed to Dallas, Texas, to compete on the world stage. Yasir Rubio, Francisco Vejar and Eric Ontiveros – all McFarland High School seniors – were named VEX Robotics Competition tournament champions at the 2024 California Region 3 VRC High School Regional Championship held in Bakersfield on March 2. And while it won’t be the team’s first trip to the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, it does represent a new milestone...
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March 2, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., DelanoNow columnistWhen I speak of children in this article, I’m speaking of minors (those under 17 years of age) who are under the guardianship of a parent.A severe consequence was given by Jesus our Lord to anyone who would lead a child into a life of sinful behavior. (Matthew 18:5-6)Children should be the highest priority. Unfortunately, many children have been abandoned by an irresponsible parent who would rather chase the next boyfriend or girlfriend.Last year, the movie, “Sound of Freedom” was released telling the true story of a former government agent turned...
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Feb. 24, 2024 Alfred Clinton Carter Obituary by Larkin Mortuary Alfred Clinton Carter, 79, of South Jordan, UT died peacefully in his home Feb. 21, surrounded by loved ones. He was born June 8,1944 in Provo, UT to the late Alfred and Fern Carter. He was the third of five children and remained close to them during their lifespans. Alfred attended schools in Utah, Michigan, and Hawaii but was most proud to have graduated from BYU in French and Mathematics and remained a loyal BYU fan his entire life. Alfred had a gift for teaching and was proud to say...
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Feb. 24, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., DelanoNow Columnist Proposition 47, the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, is just a Slap on the WristProp 47, (known by its supporters a the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act) was approved by voters in 2014 to “reduce California's prison population.” It also classified crimes like theft and drug possession as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Such crimes affected were shoplifting, grand theft, receiving stolen property, forgery of checks, fraud, where the value of property stolen does not exceed 0.This includes those who use most illegal drugs. Not being able to use incarceration to...
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Feb. 15, 2024 DelanoNow staff reports When the lives were redrawn in District 4, Kern County Supervisor David Couch replaced former Supervisor Mick Gleason becoming the incoming County Supervisor. Couch immediately went to work for the people. Among the various issues in Delano, Supervisor Couch addressed the homeless situation by having meetings with stakeholders on a bi-monthly basis. He was able to secure 0,000 as a start-up until more funds could be obtained through State and Federal grants for this endeavor. On Jan. 24, 2020, Supervisor Couch was one of five teams who met at 3:30 a.m. to assist with...
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Feb. 10, 2024 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest Int'l Church, DelanoAs a firm believer of the sacredness of life, I’m happy to report that a Proclamation recognizing February 2024 as Safe Surrender Baby Awareness Month was made at the Feb.5, 2024 Delano City Council meeting by Mayor Joe Alindajao.The Safely Surrender Baby Law was first signed into law in January 2001 and became permanent in 2006. Any newborn baby up to three days old can be legally, confidentially, and safely surrendered into the hands of any hospital emergency room or Fire Station by a distressed parent who is...
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WHAT: Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) and Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) will present a ceremonial check to the City of McFarland representing the million the legislators secured in the state budget for a new police station in the city. WHO: State Senator Melissa Hurtado, Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains, McFarland Police Chief Brian Knox, McFarland Mayor Saul Ayon, City Councilmembers, residents and community partners. WHERE: McFarland Veterans Community Center, 103 W. Sherwood Ave. McFarland CA 93250 WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 1 to 2 PM Feb.6, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday A plan for a new million home for McFarland Police Department, is...
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(Suspect pictures: Ramirez in white/orange, Lawson in black/green, Lopez in gray sweatshirt) Feb. 2, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Tulare County Sheriff's deputies, SWAT team members arrested three men and a teen-ager on Wednesday for 3 armed robberies around the area. Sheriff's investiators served multiple residential search warrants in Delano and arrested three adults and a 16-year-old boy for their involvement in three separate armed robberies at two Big B’s Gas Stations along Highway 99 in Southern Tulare County. The armed robberies occurred on Dec. 23; Dec. 30 and Jan. 22. Detectives took into custody 20-year-old Ricardo Ramirez, 20-year-old...
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Feb. 1, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor. DelanoNow Delano Union School District Featured in the New York Times Congratulations to Team DUSD who were recently featured in the New York Times for making great gains in mathematics nationwide! From Superintendent Rosalina Rivera Dear Staff, I am elated to inform you that we have more to celebrate! Today our district was featured in the New York Times. Yes, the New York Times! Our district showed remarkable recovery according to nationwide 3-8 grade testing data from researchers at Stanford and Harvard. The testing data for grades 3-8 showed that DUSD schools...
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Jan. 31, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow California Highway Patrol officers are investigating the death of a Delano man hit by a vehicle on Tuesday night. On Jan. 30, at 7:49 p.m., CHP investigators responded to northbound Highway 99, south of Cecil Avenue for a report of a crash involving a vehicle vs. pedestrian. Preliminary reports reveal a the 2007 Chevrolet was traveling northbound on State Route 99 at the 13th Avenue off-ramp, in the slow lane at about 70 mph. A male pedestrian left his residence, located across the street from Highway 99 and intentionally ran into the...
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Jan. 31, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow California Highway Patrol officers are investigating the death of a Delano man hit by a vehicle on Tuesday night. On Jan. 30, at 7:49 p.m., CHP investigators responded to northbound Highway 99, south of Cecil Avenue for a report of a crash involving a vehicle vs. pedestrian. Preliminary reports reveal a the 2007 Chevrolet was traveling northbound on State Route 99 at the 13th Avenue off-ramp, in the slow lane at about 70 mph. A male pedestrian left his residence, located across the street from Highway 99 and intentionally ran into the...
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Jan. 30, 2024 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Tulare County Sheriff's deputies arrest Alpaugh man for killing his wife Monday evening Just before 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, deputies were called to the 5400 Block of Ellis Road in Alpaugh for a disturbance, investigators said. Shortly after the call came in, a woman arrived at Delano hospital with gunshot wounds. She died from her injuries. TCSO homicide detectives were called to the scene and took over the investigation. Detectives arrested the woman’s husband for the killing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at...
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Sept. 9, 2023 By John Chavolla, Delano Union School District Delano Union School District's Food Services Department first-ever Food Show last week was a Huge Success. Last Wednesday's food show was intended to reach the district's elementary and middle-school children, aid DUSD Food Services Director John Chavolla. "We wanted to give them the opportunity to taste test a variety of different foods and give them the opportunity to decide what will be on their menu," Chavolla said. Students had the opportunity to taste foods from more than 30 vendors that showed up to the food show. The food show was...
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Sept. 11, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Two early morning Sunday crashes claim life of Delano man, Bakersfield man dies after second crash in the north county. In the first crash, a Delano man died after the car he was driving north on Zachary Road near County Line Road, California Highway Patrol officials said. On Sept. 10, at 2:25 a.m., CHP received a call of a crash on Zachary Road at County Line Road, with medical personnel responding. CHP officers arrived to determine the Delano man driving a 2002 Honda north on Zachary Road at an unknown speed, approaching...
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Sept. 9, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas, Jr., (Advocate for Victims of Crime) Victims Not ForgottenHere is a partial list of victims from Delano whose lives came to an end at the hands of a heartless person. I also remember the families of these victims.Other victims were Elisha Gonzalez, David Ramirez, Antonio Gutierrez, Ricardo Serrano III, Adrian Delgado, Juan Luis Cantu, Jose Juarez, Joshua Pena, Francisco Valencia, and Ruben Tapia.For family of victims of Delano, if you do not see the name of your loved one on this list, email or inbox me their name so that I may include...
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Sept. 8, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow Columnist Delano High School officials are beaming after US News and World Report magazine announced that in the Bakersfield metro area—basically all of Kern County—that Delano High ranked No. 1 among the “Best High Schools in the Bakersfield area.” Just days after the announcement, Delano High principal Shondra Walker was in the front of the school auditorium to direct a sign company that will proclaim the accomplishment for all to see on the Norwalk Street side of the auditorium. DHS is listed with enrollment of 1,323 students with a graduation rate of...
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Sept. 3, 2023 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High Tennis Coach Cesar Chavez High Lady Titans tennis swept South Sequoia League opponents this week: hosting Shafter, at McFarland. Hosting Shafter High School on Aug. 29 1. Kavanpreet Kaur vs Crystal Lopez 6-3,6-2 CC 2. Liauni Ando vs Jayna Pierucci 6-2,6-4 CC 3. Samantha Valdez vs Janette Buenrostro 6-4,6-3 CC 4. Clarissa Castrejon ...
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Sept. 2, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow Columnist The 78th annual Delano Harvest Holidays Association Queen’s court will be selected and the third King’s court on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Delano High School auditorium. Tickets at each are available from the nine candidates and from directors of Harvest Holidays. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show to begin at 7 p.m. Candidates for Queen are Dayanara Bravo, Alexis Hernandez, Evelyn Garza, Susana Zaragoza, Stephanie Rodriguez, Kalyssa Cauthron, and Aiyana Machado. Vying for King are Daniel Silva...
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Aug. 28, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Two motorists suffer major injuries after an early Sunday morning crash on Highway 99 north of Delano On Aug. 27, about 5:06 a.m., the California Highway Patrol received a call of a crash involving a car that overturned on northbound Highway 99 northbound, near Avenue 24. CHP officers arrived on scene determine the driver of a Honda Accord veered off the west roadway edge, into the center median and slam into the guardrail. The Accord spun out of control to the right, where it overturned on State Route 99 northbound. The driver...
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Aug. 25, 2023 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High tennis coach Cesar Chavez High Lady Titans tennis teams go undefeated this week, posting 9-0 wins in. a scrimmage against Arvin and match against Independence High schools Here are the scores from the CCHS Girls Tennis scrimmage match Aug. 23 match against Arvin High School at CCHS DOUBLES KAVANPREET KAUR/ JOSELYN VESGARA/ SAMANTHA VALDEZ vs DANIELA URIBE ...
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Aug. 25, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow columnist Unless write-ins won elections, leaders of Delano’s Historical Society are in place for the 2023-2024 year. Those who accept positions in the Society do what most of us want to see done but do not want to or cannot accept the commitment of time. Up for election were Colton Kinsey, president; Jim Sevier, vice-president; Steve Kinsey, secretary; and Ginda Adkins, treasurer. Those receiving ballots were requested to vote for four directors, but with only two names on the ballot, it was questionable whether write-ins would fill two voids. Nominees for director were...
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My husband, Heather , Luke and my brother who helps with Luke The day he got hurt. Photos taken show Luke 3 - 5 day after extractions These photos show he still has good spirits to do his areas of interest drumline and track. This final photo shows he's without front teeth while healing from the bone graft, starting senior year. Aug. 21, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday Please donate to this Local Family seeking your help to pay for McFarland High/Early College senior student's freak accident. "My son had an accident on a trampoline and he broke both...
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Aug. 19, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow Columnis The Delano City Council at its Aug. 7 meeting was expected to establish a Benny Alcala Jr., Day for the young man from Delano who served as a counselor at the Wasco prison and was tragically shot in an incident that took place in Bakersfield more than a year ago. Delano Babe Ruth League baseball requested a ,000 sponsorship from the city to aid in expenses of travel, lodging and incidentals for a team to represent Delano in the Cal Ripken tournament in Missouri this month....
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Aug. 17, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Delano Union School District officials honored the recipients of the Karen Enebo Memorial Music Scholarships, just before the Monday, Aug. 14 monthly Trustees Board meeting. Assistant Superintendent April Gregerson announced the 16 recipients of this year's scholarship winners that is sponsored by Mrs. Varanasi, wife of the late Dr. Uma Varanasi, gifted nephrologist and philanthropist. The recipients are broken down by the DUSD middle school. Students are recognized by instruments they played, and comments from their teachers. Almond Tree Middle School: Alexander Raya Arambula, Trombone, Alex is already missed. He is always...
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Aug. 15, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow Columnist I was called by phone once and approached once by someone in regards to Delano’s Philippine Weekend which for some 37 years was held the last weekend of July. Not anymore, however, because leaders of the organizing group determined that the late July slot was too hot for planners and participants to enjoy. Longtime PW president Delilah Mascarinas reports that plans for a late October event in 2024 will be laid out during early spring meetings. Meanwhile, Delano’s Cinco de Mayo...
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Aug. 13, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow Columnist The August Sponsor Night of the Delano Elks Lodge is scheduled Aug. 23. Bulletin writer Brenda Perry-Reed noted the night is “a perfect time for a mid-week night out with folks you believe would make great Delano Elks. It is also an opportunity to reach out to some of our members whom we have not seen in awhile. Bring them in so they can be reminded of the fun and fellowship they have been missing out on.” I was called by phone once and approached once by someone...
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Aug. 12, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow Columnist Delano’s Cinco de Mayo celebration has not taken place for the past four years, and if it is to occur in May of 2024, it will have to be under new leadership. Bobby Garcia, president of the group for the past several years and active in the organization for the past 28 years, says he is retiring from the organization of which he remains a lifetime member. Garcia referred any questions about the future of the organization to other officers, but a call to a longtime...
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Aug. 12, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., Recently, the Delano Police Department reported four individuals were found suffering from an overdosed brought on by the consumption of illegal narcotics. Three of the individuals were saved as a result of officers administering CPR and Narcan (the drug naloxone has been effective in treating fentanyl overdoses).The deadly drug “Tranq” (aka the Zombie Drug) is a combination of fentanyl-lace fake prescription pill with an animal tranquilizer called Xylazine. A lethal dose of fentanyl can kill you. Our Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains, (representing the 35th District of the State Assembly) has consistently warned of illegal...
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Aug. 11, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow columnist With the start of Delano Joint Union High School District classes on Aug. 16, the school board at its July meeting made several decisions. Alexander Reed was approved as a continuation school teacher at Valley High School. Jennifer Neufeld was approved as CTE health science and medical technology teacher at Delano, Cesar Chavez, and Robert F. Kennedy high schools starting this fall. The board approved resignations of Thomas Yasenchak, learning director at Chavez, effective June 30. The board also ratified the...
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Aug. 10, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow columnist The July 31 start of the Delano Union School District came right in the middle of the “hot” season locally. Hopefully, all classrooms have functioning air conditioning units. The estimate 6,000 students in the schools were probably excited to return for a year with less focus on COVID. Several administrative changes are taking place in the Delano Joint Union High School District that was to start classes Wednesday, Aug. 16. Before the actual start of classes, practices for bad and athletics had already begun. ...
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Aug. 5, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest Int'l Church, Delano Increase in Opioid Overdose I recall years ago receiving one of the first phone calls about a young person who died due to an opioid overdose. The person calling me was crying uncontrollably. Death by drug overdose is an epidemic going on in the State of California. I wrote about “rainbow fentanyl” last year warning of the danger of this illicit drug. I got pushback and ridicule from a handful of individuals. Regardless of the amount of research I provided, those individuals were in a world of...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, DelanoNow Aug. 2, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow For Terrace Elementary's May Zetina, Monday was her first official day as school principal. But Zetina has spent almost 30 years as an educator spreading her personal message of "keeping her students engaged every day. That way, "They will succeed and reach their potential." "Developing a positive relationship with each student is important to their success," Zetina said. "We have wonderful staff at Terrace, and everyone builds that relationship with our students," she said. That way of thinking is why the Delano Union School...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, photo editor, DelanoNow July 31, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow.com It might have been a day early, but it was back-to-school for about 300 Delano Union School District students Sunday at Cecil Avenue Middle School. Thanks to the Tony H. Palapac Foundation, and other sponsors who gave away backpacks filled with school supplies. And those kids 12 and under, even got a free haircut. Other sponsors of the July 30 event included: Triple A Construction, Delilah's Salon, Palo Alto Barbershop, Gorjess Balloons and Photo booths and many more. DUSD Trustee Ignacio Ayon was instrumental in...
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July 30, 2023 By Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, DelanoNow.com Delano Union School District had its annual Back to School Breakfast for all its employees on Wednesday, July 26 at Almond Tree Middle School. More details to come on district work anniversaries and details on what else happened ONLY on DelanoNow.com
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July 29, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Kern County Superior Court’s newest Judge Marcus Cuper sworn in Wednesday, July 26. Assistant Supervising Judge Colette Humphrey administered the oath of office to incoming Judge Cuper in front of a packed Board of Supervisors chambers. On July 26, 2023, Marcus Cuper was sworn in as Kern County Superior Court’s newest Judge. that, “Marcus Cuper exhibits an excellent work ethic, is always professional, and has a reputation for honesty,” Judge Humphrey said. Judge Marcus Cuper was a prosecutor with the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, where he handled very serious cases including...
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July 28, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Pioneer School’s Top Scholar graduates. Kate Valderrama, GPA 4.39 Emelie Ochoa, GPA 4.17 Amri Arce, GPA 4.17 Caitlyn Cook, GPA 4.13 Bernardo Preza. GPA 4.13 Madelynn Rodriguez, GPA 4.13 Fabian Torres, GPA 4.04 Jonathan Huerta Preciado, GPA 4.00 Christopher Ledezma, GPA 4.00 Garth Ochoa Castaneda, GPA 4.00 Keven Pineda Preciado, GPA 4.00
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July 27, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Pioneer School’s Top Scholar graduates. Joshua Marin, GPA 4.70 Leila Andrade, GPA 4.65 Vicente Martinez, GPA 4.65 Brianna Paramo, GPA 4.65 Julissa Villalobos, GPA 4.65 Victor Reveles, GPA 4.63 Emily Sanchez, GPA 4.57 Liliana Nuno, GPA 4.52 Isaac Vazquez, GPA 4.50 Diego Machado Ayon, GPA 4.48 Cristian Valdez, GPA 4.43
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July 24, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Pioneer School’s Top Scholar graduates. Clarissa Espinoza, GPA 4.83 Cherise Frost, GPA 4.83 Jerald Nico Garcia, GPA 4.83 Lucero Medina, GPA 4.83 Itzela Montano, GPA 4.83 Khanh Van, GPA 4.83 Luis Mata, GPA 4.83 Evelynne Gutierrez, GPA 4.74 Emily Rodriguez, GPA 4.74 Jose Basurto, GPA 4.70 Isabella Escandon, GPA 4.70
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July 22, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow columnist Wind-up of Delano’s 78th annual Harvest Holidays celebration will be Saturday, Oct. 7, but planning for that day and events leading up to it are in full swing. Directors of the festival have met year-round and will continue meeting on Mondays, July 24 and Aug. 7 and 21, and then on Tuesday, Sept. 5. First Saturday practice for Miss and Mr. candidates who will be seniors the coming school year took place in early July with six girls and two boys in attendance. The Miss/Mr. show will take place Saturday, Sept. 23,...
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July 21, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow UPDATE: Tulare County Sheriff's officials identify man, 30, found dead early Saturday north of County Line. At about 1 a.m., Sheriff's deputies from the Pixley Substation responded to a report of a gunshot wound victim on the 200 block of Road 148 in Delano. Deputies and medical personnel arrived on scene and found Francisco Valencia, 30, of Delano, dead on the scene. Homicide detectives took over the case. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this case, please contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or anonymously through...
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July 22, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr.World Harvest Int'l Church, Delano Delano, It's Victims and CrimeI read of the arrests of two suspects for the murder of 28-year-old Daniel Rosiles. The shooting occurred around 6:07 PM on March 16, 2023 at the intersection of 8th Ave and Ellington St in Delano. On July 5, 2023, an 18- and 21-year-old were arrested and charged for the death of Mr. Rosiles.On Friday, July 14, 2023, two men were shot and killed at the Valero Station located on Girard St in Delano. Jose Juarez and Joshua Pena, both 28 years of age, died...
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July 21, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Tulare County Sheriff's deputies responded to early Saturday morning homicide north of County Line. At about 1 a.m., Sheriff's deputies from the Pixley Substation responded to a report of a gunshot wound victim on the 200 block of Road 148 in Delano. Deputies and medical personnel arrived on scene and found the victim deceased. Homicide detectives took over the investigation. If you have information about this case, please contact the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at (559) 733-6218 or anonymously through our TipNow Program at (559) 725-4194 or tcso@tipnow.com.
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July 21, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Pioneer School’s Top Scholar graduates. Fernanda Osuna, GPA: 4.0 Nicole Pascual, GPA: 4.58 Isaias Perez, GPA: 4.83 Jovany Perez, GPA: 4.0 Ian Rodriguez, GPA: 4 Jordan Ruiz, GPA: 4.83 Elyjah Sanchez, GPA: 4.75 Jesus Sanchez, GPA: 4.0 Daizy Sanchez-Martinez, GPA: 4.0 Lexie Servin, GPA: 4.66 Artemio Sixtos, GPA: 4.0 Alexia Valdez, GPA: 4.83 James Vazquez, GPA: 4.0 Alissa Zamarripa, GPA: 4.75
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July 20, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Pioneer School’s Top Scholar graduates. Valeria Garcia, GPA: 4.0 Sunny Giron, GPA: 4.0 Aron Gutierrez, GPA: 4.0 Tatiana Gutierrez, GPA: 4.0 Nestor Daniel Herrera, GPA: 4.83 Zion Hollingsworth, GPA: 4.75 Josue Huerta Nunez, GPA: 4.83 Maria Leon Ramos, GPA: 4.16 Jocelyn Lopez, GPA: 4.83 Victoria Martinez, GPA: 4.83 Jamison Membreve, GPA: 4.83 Bryan Meza, GPA: 4.83 Isabella Molina, GPA: 4.83 Aryana Moreno, GPA: 4.83 Lucio Nunez, GPA: 4.83 Devani...
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July 19, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Pioneer School’s Top Scholar graduates. Ashlyn Abitago, GPA: 4.83 Thaily Arceo, GPA: 4.83 Gian Caban, GPA: 4.83 John Carl Cantorna, GPA: 4.83 Jared Carrillo Mendoza, GPA: 4.83 Joselyn Ceja, GPA: 4.583 Sarah Elizabeth Chavez, GPA: 4.83 Nesreen Chofer, GPA:4.83 Natalie Corona, GPA: 4.0 Ethan Cruz, GPA: 4.66 Mayra Cruz Cerna, GPA: 4.0 Ivan Diaz, GPA: 4 Lilia Escobar Garcia, GPA: 4.83 Briseida Espino, GPA: 4.83 Salvador Flores, GPA:...
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July 18, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of La Vina Middle School’s Top Scholar graduates. Hailey Ruanto, 8th Grade GPA 4.83 Cesar Chavez High School Hailey plans to major in Sports Medicine in college. Chatwin Xayne Usita Tan, 8th Grade GPA 4.34 Cesar Chavez High School Chatwin plans to study Business in college and make art and clothes. Michael Jayden Terriquez, 8th Grade GPA 4.00 Cesar Chavez High School Michael’s favorite middle school memory is the...
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July 17, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of La Vina Middle School’s Top Scholar graduates. Andres Osorio, 8th Grade GPA 4.00 Cesar Chavez High School Andres plans to attend law school and work as a lawyer. Jessica Carina Paredes, 8th grade GPA 4.50 Cesar Chavez High School Jessica’s favorite middle school memory is attending the Spring Fest with friends where they ate shaved ice tacos. Aeden Pascua, 8th Grade GPA 4.83 Cesar Chavez High School After a...
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July 16, 2023 From the Nunez Family Mario Parra Nunez Sr. Saturday, June 22, 1940 - Thursday, June 29, 2023 Funeral services are on TUESDAY July 18, 2023. Viewing is from 9 a.m.to 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1015 Clinton St., Delano Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1015 Clinton St., Delano. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Bakersfield
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July 16, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of La Vina Middle School’s Top Scholar graduates. Jeremiah Julian, 8th Grade GPA 4.16 Cesar Chavez High School Julian Miguel Ledezma, 8th Grade GPA 4.0 Cesar Chavez High School Julian is grateful for all of the great friends he met when he entered LVMS as a 7th Robert A. Macias, 8th Grade GPA 4.00 Cesar Chavez High School Robert’s favorite subjects are Math and Science. Susana E. Martinez, 8th Grade GPA...
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July 15, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of La Vina Middle School’s Top Scholar graduates. Jasmine Gill, 8th Grade GPA 4.83 Cesar Chavez High School Jasmine plans to attend college and study Nursing. Megan Lee Ochinang Gines, 8th Grade GPA 4.83 Cesar Chavez High School Megan would like to study Health in college and work in the medical field. Isaac Gonzalez Favela, 8th Grade GPA 4.75 Cesar Chavez High School Isaac’s favorite memory from middle...
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July 15, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of La Vina Middle School’s Top Scholar graduates. Jasmine Gill, 8th Grade GPA 4.83 Cesar Chavez High School Jasmine plans to attend college and study Nursing. Megan Lee Ochinang Gines, 8th Grade GPA 4.83 Cesar Chavez High School Megan would like to study Health in college and work in the medical field. Isaac Gonzalez Favela, 8th Grade GPA 4.75 Cesar Chavez High School Isaac’s favorite memory from middle...
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July 15, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Stephanie R. Childers was sworn in as a Kern County Superior Court judge on July 7, to fill a vacancy created when a fellow judge retired. Judge Phillips said he is very happy that Stephanie Childers, a Bakersfield native, was selected to fill his position. “Lawyers will enjoy appearing before her, just as they did when she was a volunteer judge,” Phillips said. As a volunteer judge, Childers has already covered courtrooms in Lamont, Shafter, Taft and Delano. Retired Shafter Judge Gary Ingle routinely trusted Childers to cover his courtroom stating,...
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July 13, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of La Vina Middle School’s Top Scholar graduates. Rocio Campos, 8th Grade GPA 4.25 Cesar Chavez High School Haylee Carino, 8th Grade GPA 4.75 Cesar Chavez High School Sienna Nicole Carrillo, 8th Grade GPA 4.41 Cesar Chavez High School Sienna’s favorite middle school memory was the varsity volleyball game vs Almond Tree Middle School this year. Emily Castellano, 8th Grade GPA 4.58 Wonderful College Prep Academy High School Emily’s...
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July 12, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Two gang members were arrested in July for four armed robberies committed on April 13 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in Richgrove, McFarland, Delano, and Earlimart. Two suspects in a truck drove up to people who were walking and held them up at gunpoint, confiscating their wallets and cell phones. Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as the white GMC Sierra pictured and they located it in the city of Bakersfield on June 27. From there, detectives were able to identify gang members Jarell Agbalog, 20, and Saul Ochoa,...
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July 12, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow columnist Delano High School’s Class of 1993 has scheduled its 30-year reunion for the fall on October 21 in Bakersfield. I received notice of the reunion from Sandra Rivera, district administrator with the Delano Union School District. Sandra, who promised to provide more information at a later time, and Parveen Sra were co-editors of the very last Delano High yearbook that I advised. Those two young ladies were so “on top” of everything in directing the yearbook that I would never have retired as yearbook advisor if I could have been promised such...
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July 11, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of La Vina Middle School’s Top Scholar graduates. Ivan Dominic Alcantara, 8th Grade GPA 4.83 Cesar Chavez High School. van plans to study Engineering/Computer Science in college. Ari Alindajao, 8th Grade GPA 4.67 Cesar Chavez High School Ari’s favorite middle school memory was watching Mr. Bermudez complete a backflip during an event in the quad. Angelique Willow Almares 8th Grade GPA 4.83 Cesar Chavez High School After high school,...
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July 8, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy’s Top Scholar graduates. Isaac Sanchez (GPA 4.0) Some of my hobbies/interests/favorite things to do are to play sports, which include basketball, football, and sometimes baseball. I also like to listen to music, play video games with friends, and hang out with friends, either going to the movies, shops, or going to fast food places. The high school that I will be...
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July 8, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest Int'l Church, DelanoI often hear law makers say we need stricter gun laws to “end gun violence.” Here in California, we have strict gun laws with thorough background checks for those wanting to purchase a firearm from a licensed gun dealer.Stricter gun laws won’t stop people from using guns to commit acts of violence. Those with intentions to kill another person don’t care what the law says.Have you heard of “ghost guns”? Ghost guns are sold as a “kit” online (without a background check) which include parts of a gun...
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July 7, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy’s Top Scholar graduates. Savannah Valencia Ramos (4.5 GPA) One of my hobbies and favorite things to do is playing volleyball. I play for a league outside of school. I will be attending Delano high school next year. After high school I see myself attending a university and later on working in the medical field. Either becoming a pediatrician or a social...
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Left to Right: Judges David Wolf, Dawn Bittleston, Jose Benavides July 7, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow After presiding over court cases in both the Delano and Shafter courts, former Court Commissioner Dawn Bittleston was sworn-in as the newest Kern County Superior Court Judge Bittleston. Presiding Judge Eric Bradshaw shared his excitement over Judge Bittleston’s appointment noting that, “her work ethic is already legendary” and that “Dawn Bittleston has a reputation for being an extremely hard working court commissioner and we are thrilled she will be continuing her career with the Kern County Superior Court as our Judge.” Judge...
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July 6,2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow Columnist Manuel Perez, who relates, “I will always try to see what I can do to help my community,” for that attitude has been selected Grand Marshal for the coming October’s Harvest Holidays celebration by directors of Harvest Holidays Association, Inc. He will be especially recognized as Grand Marshal of the Grand Parade and with the Queen/King royalty and court will be honored at the Saturday, Oct. 7, evening barbecue at Cecil Avenue Park. Perez has lived in Delano since 1978. In the early 1980’s he worked for about 15 years at Pandol and...
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July 6, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy's Top Scholar graduates. Sebastian Valenzuela Trujillo (4.5 GPA) My name is Sebastian Valenzuela. Some of my hobbies include playing football and going outside. Next year I will be attending Delano High school where I see myself accomplishing great things. After High School I plan on going to a four year University. Pablo Solorio (4.375) I am Pablo Solorio Jr., a very...
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July 5, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we highlight part of Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy's Top Scholar graduates. Luis Castaneda Ramos (4.75 GPA) - Hi my name is Luis Castaneda and I am the eldest sibling in my family. I also attended zero period for math. One of my hobbies is playing sports and learning new stuff. What interests me the most is how electricity works and engineering. My favorite thing to do is being physically...
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July 4, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we are highlight part of Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy's Top Scholar graduates. Mhaecaella Ramos ( 4.83 GPA) I like spending time with my cousins and brother. I like to spend time with my family and play games during my free time. I enjoy reading books. I will be attending CCHS next year and I plan on becoming a doctor one day. UCLA is my dream school and I hope...
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July 4, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. Today, we are highlight part of Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy's Top Scholar graduates. Mhaecaella Ramos ( 4.83 GPA) I like spending time with my cousins and brother. I like to spend time with my family and play games during my free time. I enjoy reading books. I will be attending CCHS next year and I plan on becoming a doctor one day. UCLA is my dream school and I hope...
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June 30, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow Columnist Delano Kiwanis Club and the city of Delano will host this year’s “Star Spangled Spectacular” fireworks show Sunday, July 2, to be fired, after dusk, from the north end of the Delano airport. Kiwanis Club is encouraging families and friends to join as the show celebrates the nation’s “Independence Day” as a community and to continue the celebration throughout the holiday week. Kiwanian Steve Kinsey stressed that the events don’t happen without community financial support. “In fact, due to many factors affecting the nation’s economy, the cost of the show has increased...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, editor Delano Sports Media, photographer DelanoNow June 27, 2023 By Mike Bledsoe, Director – Child Development Services, Delano Union School District A pleasant June morning was seen by La Viña Middle School’s eighth grade students as they received diplomas during their graduation held Thursday, June 8 at Pioneer School. A total of 164 Eagles crossed the stage for the recognition of the conclusion of their middle school experience. La Viña Principal Mrs. Jennifer Townson welcomed everyone to the ceremony. The flag salute was led by Vice Principal Dr. Juan Garcia. Learning Coordinator Mr. Rene...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, editor of DelanoNow Sports Media, and DelanoNow photographer June 26, 2023 By Mike Bledsoe, Director – Child Development Services, Delano Union School District Raindrops of Hope salute Delano Union School District's Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy 8th grade Graduates A heavy deluge of rain usually is not expected in Delano in June, but the efforts many Delano Union School District employees brought about the move of the Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy 8th grade graduation the morning of Wednesday, June 7 into the Pioneer School gymnasium. Assistance from the district’s MOT Department, along with...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, editor of DelanoNow Sports Media, and DelanoNow photographer June 26, 2023 By Mike Bledsoe, Director – Child Development Services, Delano Union School District Raindrops of Hope salute Delano Union School District's Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy 8th grade Graduates A heavy deluge of rain usually is not expected in Delano in June, but the efforts many Delano Union School District employees brought about the move of the Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy 8th grade graduation the morning of Wednesday, June 7 into the Pioneer School gymnasium. Assistance from the district’s MOT Department, along with...
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June 26, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow columnist Accomplishments of Delano’s Robert F. Kennedy High School were detailed in the message of principal Dolores Rodriguez in addressing a full house at Kennedy’s graduation May 31. Mrs. Rodriguez reported Kennedy ranked first or second in Kern County according to US News and World Report over the past four years and was in 2020 named an impactful and innovative school. She said the choir consistently earns unanimous superior ratings and performed at the state festival in 2023. Hometown Sports selected an RFK football player as Scholar Athlete of the Year...
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June 24, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest International Church, Delano Does God Exist? Many of us believe in the existence of God, namely the Creator described in the Bible. There are atheists who deny the existence of God and agnostics who are unsure or unconvinced. Would you be able to give a good answer or reason for the existence of God if you were questioned by an atheist, agnostic or skeptic? I invite you to hear Eric Hernandez, a Christian Apologist from Dallas, Texas. Eric will be my guest speaker this Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM at...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, photo editor. Delano Sports Media/DelanoNow June 19, 2023 By Mike Bledsoe, Director, Child Development Services, Delano Union School District Delano Union School District's Pioneer School Celebrates its 8th grade graduates Another enjoyable morning was seen Tuesday, June 6 as 115 Pioneer School Trailblazers accepted diplomas during their Graduation from Grade 8. Principal Anna Singh welcomed those attending, and ASB Class President Kate Valderrama led the Flag Salute. Student speeches were presented by Valderrama and Top Scholar Cherise Frost. They both included in their speeches how the COVID pandemic affected their education, but also helped make...
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John Abarca Nov. 25, 1979 - June 4, 2023 John Abarca was an Artist and Educator. John graduated from Arvin High and CSU Bakersfield. He taught art and special education at Arvin High School and Paramount Bard Academy (now Wonderful Academy). His passions included art, photography, Disneyland, and anything pop culture. John was a champion for education and advocate for individuals with special needs. John lived every day for the moment. When not working, he spent days out enjoying the world. He took a photo every day to share his passion for life. John is survived by Mother Flor and...
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June 12, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday Celebrate annual 3rd of July Independence Fireworks Show from the McFarland Festival Committee and McFarland Recreation and Parks District. Enjoy the show with your friends and family in your backyard or at one of our beautiful parks on Monday July 3 at about 9 p.m. Thanks to current sponsors: GEO, Inc. McFarland Lions Club The McFarland Chamber of Commerce R & F Disposal
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, photographer, DelanoNow, Delano Sports Media June 12, 2023 By Mike Bledsoe, Director of Child Development Services, Delano Union School District Nearly 700 Delano Union School District students were honored during four middle school commencement ceremonies held last week. Almond Tree Middle School, Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy, La Viña Middle School, and Pioneer School held their graduations at Pioneer School. Almond Tree’s graduation is included here, with Cecil Avenue, La Viña, and Pioneer featured in future articles: ALMOND TREE MIDDLE SCHOOL A beautiful spring day was evident as 192 Almond Tree Lions walked...
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June 11, 2023 By Gary Girard, DelanoNow columnist Numerous awards were given out at the 30th annual Awards Night of the Soroptimist Club of Delano. Gold sponsors for the evening were Wonderful College Prep Academy, Supervisor David Couch, South Tulare Richgrove Refuse, Inc., and North Kern South Tulare Hospital District. Kern County Library Delano branch won the Library Award. Bakersfield College Foundation of Delano was recipient of the College Book Award. McFarland High School received the Dorothy E. Hefner Award. Joseph Wright Ministries, Inc., was recipient of the President’s Club Award. Joyce Deanna Manuel received the Violet Richardson Award. Gianna...
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June 10, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., DelanoNow Columnist Disturbances at North Kern District Cemetery spark joint public meeting with Delano City Council/Cemetery Board, and District 4 Supervisor David Couch The main discussion are the ongoing issues taking place at the Delano cemetery. Tuesday's meeting is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the 11th Avenue Recreation Center 200 West 11th Ave in Delano.There are ongoing disturbances taking place on the Delano cemetery property. Such complaints are people fighting, arguing, loud music, drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking weed, vandalizing gravestones, leaving trash...
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June 4, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland Junior High School proudly extends its congratulations to the remarkable graduates of the Class of 2023. On May 31, a total of 229 students proudly received their 8th-grade diplomas, marking the culmination of their Junior High journey. This year's Valedictorian, Ariana Sanchez, and Salutatorian, Ethan Uribe, demonstrated exemplary academic prowess, earning the highest honors among their peers. Their dedication and commitment to excellence have set an inspiring example for the graduating class. Additionally, McFarland Junior High School recognizes the outstanding achievements of the Top 18 Honor students, who maintained an exceptional...
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May 31, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow North Kern South Tulare Hospital District announces the recruitment of one new board member to join our five-member Board of Directors to guide its mission. The hospital district operates under the rules and regulations of the Health and Safety Code, Sections §32000-§32492 as a government non-profit, public entity, formed to provide healthcare services to the communities of Delano, McFarland, Wasco, Richgrove, and Earlimart through our 141-bed Skilled Nursing home (DDSNF) and our Rural Health Clinic (GNC). The Board of Directors meets monthly and has an obligation to uphold the standards of conduct...
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May 27, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest International Church, Delano Memorial Day: Remembering our Fallen Military Heroes As we approach Memorial Day weekend, let’s understand the importance of this national holiday. It’s more than a day off work the last Monday in May. It’s a day of honor and remembrance where we pay tribute to those in the U.S. Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms we cherish here in the United States of America. We as fellow American citizens have a duty to express sincere gratitude in recognizing those military personnel who have...
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May 21, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow.com Tulare County Sheriff's Ag Crimes detectives arrest two men Saturday evening for stealing a generator north of Earlimart. Just before 5 pm Saturday, TCSO Ag Crimes Detectives were notified of a generator theft in Pixley that had just occurred. Detectives quickly coordinated with dispatch and patrol units to locate the suspect truck, with the generator, in the 12000 block of Avenue 60 in Earlimart. There, they arrested 57-year-old Moises Capulin-Paez (in red) and 42-year-old Mauricio Jimenez-Topete (in green) at the property. Evidence was located on both suspects and at the initial crime...
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May 7, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday Donuts For a Cause: A McFarland Community Collaboration In an initiative to raise funds for the McFarland Unified School DIstrict, the nearby North Kern State Prison churned out freshly-made donuts for a cause. One hundred of the proceeds went to the school, bringing the community together in support of the students. The funds raised from the freshly-baked goods will support the development of a news video studio with a green screen, elevating the educational opportunities that foster innovation and technology. The prison recently donated nearly ,000 in athletic equipment to the junior...
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May 5, 2023 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High tennis coach Cesar Chavez High wrester Elijah Guzman signed a letter of intent to attend Golden Jewell College in Missouri on a wrestling scholarship. Guzman signing his letter of intent this week after being recruited by Golden Jewell College in Cardinal, Missouri. He was accompanied by his mother Crystal Guzman and CCHS wrestling coach Roman Salcedo. Family members, along with members and coaches of the Titans wrestling team were all present. This was a surprise gathering and Elijah became emotional upon entering the event. In addition to wrestling, Elijah is the...
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May 5, 2023 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High tennis coach Cesar Chavez High wrester Elijah Guzman signed a letter of intent to attend William Jewell College in Missouri on a wrestling scholarship. Guzman signed his letter of intent this week after being recruited by William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. He was accompanied by his mother Crystal Guzman and CCHS wrestling coach Roman Salcedo. Family members, along with members and coaches of the Titans wrestling team were all present. This was a surprise gathering and Elijah became emotional upon entering the event. In addition to wrestling, Elijah is the...
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May 5, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Kern County Supervisor David Couch recognized McFarland High School Us in the fourth district are with Annika Fernandez, a local high school student currently attending McFarland High School. She has a GPA of 4.7 and was recently employed as an intern here in our office over the summer in 2022. Annika was selected to represent the entire United States in a basketball tournament taking place in Barcelona, Spain, said District Director Jesus G. Perez. Recently on May 2, Annika was presented with a recognition and awarded [post_excerpt],500 by the McFarland Chamber...
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May 3, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Get Your Golf Clubs Ready: The second annual McFarland USA Football Fundraiser Golf Tournament is Back! Fore! It’s time to tee off for a good cause and chip in to support McFarland High School Athletics. The Cougar Booster Club is thrilled to announce the return of the 2nd Annual McFarland High School Athletics Fundraiser Golf Tournament on Friday, June 2, at the North Kern Country Club. Last year, the tournament was a huge success raising over ,000 to support the athletic programs. This year's goal is to reach over ,000 in...
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April 30, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow.com Tulare County Sheriff's deputies arrested four people, confiscated 9 fighting roosters after breaking up a Pixley cockfight ring Sunday morning About 10 a.m. Sunday, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office responded to the community of Pixley for a report of cockfighting being organized. When deputies arrived at Avenue 84 and Road 176, they noticed a large group of vehicles and people inside a grove. Deputies detained suspects and towed their vehicles. Nine roosters were recovered and turned over to animal control. One of the suspects had 25 gaffs in his vehicle....
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April 27, 2023 Submitted by family We are sad to announce the passing of Frank Missakian, a lifelong resident of Delano. Frank passed away peacefully on April 4, 2023. Frank was born on May 8, 1959 to Al and Audene Missakian. Frank was preceded in death by Audene Missakian; and Al and Linda Missakian. He is survived by siblings Marcia Missakian Devers of Folsom, Jodi Missakian Angier of Albuquerque, and Massey Missakian of Porterville. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 10 at North Kern Cemetery.
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April 26, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Delano Community Alliance sponsoring Delano's Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 29. Those attending should meet at Heritage Park, Lexington & Garces, at 8 a.m. for sign-in and briefing. Dress to work outdoors. Lunch will be provided. For more info: skinsey@lightspeed.net Sponsored by Delano Community Alliance
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April 23, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today One Elementary School's Career Day Will Make You Wish You Were a Kid Again! The second annual Career Day at Kern Avenue Elementary is not your average school event. With local community members sharing insights and advice about their professions, students in fourth through sixth grade are discovering that the possibilities are endless when it comes to their future career paths. U.S. Congressman David Valadao joined area experts on April 21 from a variety of professions, including Matt Clark, an attorney at Chain Cohn Clark, Diana Valenzuela, an engineer, Victor Oropeza,...
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April 22, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest Int'l Church, Delano Another Homicide at the Delano Cemetery It’s very tragic that another shooting death has occurred on the property of the Delano Cemetery (North Kern Cemetery) late afternoon on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. At the time of the shooting, people were at the cemetery visiting the graves of their loved ones. These shootings should never occur. Many of us who have lost a loved one due to a shooting can understand the devastation and nightmare this family is now going through. Those individuals visiting the graves of their...
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April 21, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, McFarland Today Editor, McFarland’s Farm-to-School Program: Elevating Access to Nutrition One School at a Time In an effort to further nutritional impact, the McFarland Unified School District’s Farm-to-School Program is paving the way to a healthier future for the community. The program is funded by a ,000 grant to provide California-produced/minimally processed foods to all McFarland students. As a result of the funding, McFarland students have successfully impacted the community, traveling to various schools to distribute fresh produce and nutritional knowledge. On their site visits, McFarland Agriculture students distribute food and provide a memorable...
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April 15, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest Int'l Church, Delano What You Cannot Change In life, there are situations you cannot control or change. I’ll give you a few examples you would agree with.No one can stop death from happening. The topic of death is often avoided especially by the younger generation. This is an event we all will one day go through. After this life, we will all stand before Almighty God. Having done the will of God while we were alive on earth is all that will matter to Him, nothing else.You cannot control the negative...
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Picture 1 Left to Right AT Commander with the 501st Legion, Mrs. Nguyen, Learning Director, Tusken Raider with the 501st Legion, Mrs. De Leon, Principal Picture 2 Left to Right Karime Barajas, Kimberly Aguirre, Mrs. Robles, third grade teacher Picture 3 Left to Right Shari Goertzen, 5th grade teacher, Kristi Hartsfield, substitute teacher, Mr. Resendez, district superintendent. Picture 4 Left to Right Carlos Garcia, Manuel Martinez, Nathan Perez, Armando Ayon and Aden Cortes. April 3, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday Superheroes and Science: School Unites for S.T.E.A.M. Powered HorizonCon Event! McFarland Unified School District Hosts Third Annual S.T.E.A.M. Event Spiderman, Batman, Wonder...
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March 30, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland High School student, Annika Fernandez Invited to Play in Barcelona this summer. Annika Fernandez, a top honors senior at McFarland High School, will be heading to Spain this summer with Occidental College. The team will travel to Barcelona to participate in the Euro Basketball Cup 2023. She has been playing basketball since first grade at the McFarland Recreation Center and has been recognized for her skills on the court throughout her high school career. Occidental College, located in Los Angeles, is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, McFarlandToday March 27, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday.com Saturday's Pop-up event meant to help needy parents sending McFarland Unified School District students to CAMP KEEP, officials said. According to Browning Road STEAM Academy principal Leonor Lopez the district had a similar Pop-up Fundraiser Feb. 18. At last month's event, Lopez chatted with her students and their parents, many of whom were vendors at both events. “It’s a great way for me to meet my kids’ parents,” she added. Cathy Macias, office manager at the campus, was chatting with students, parents and potential customers at...
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March 27, 2023 By Steve Kinsey, Kiwanis Club of Delano The Kiwanis Club of Delano will have its 42nd annual Easter Egg Hunt & Egg Toss at Delano High School Stadium on April 8. The event starts at 10 a.m. and is co-sponsored by the Delano Parks and Recreation Department and the Key Clubs of Delano High School, Robert F. Kennedy High School and Wonderful College Prep Academy. The Egg Hunt Schedule Pre-school 10 am Kindergarten 10:30 am 1st & 2nd Grade 11 am 3rd & 4th Grade 11:30 am The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos. Children will...
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March 25, 2023 By Pastor David Vivas Jr. Beyond Human Recognition: The Torture of Christ Various Christian and Orthodox groups recognize the Friday before Easter as “Good Friday,” “Holy Friday,” or “Great Friday.” It is a day to remember the final hours prior to the death of Jesus Christ. The New Testament Gospels teach that Jesus suffered torture, then was crucified, a form of capital punishment. Although the Lord had not broken any laws, He was accused of blasphemy by false witnesses. Their hatred towards the Lord was intense. The day Christ was sentenced to death, He went through severe...
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March 23, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday Can One Football Coach Turn It All Around For McFarland? Coach Brown Believes He Can. McFarland High School confirms Coach Norm Brown McFarland Unified School District hired Norm Brown at the March 15 Board meeting, an All-American athlete with a proven track record of team reform and success, to start this spring. "Coach Brown transforms teams in his coaching assignments because he builds kids' character," said Aaron Resendez, superintendent. "We are here to build a culture; we are here to build the kids." Originally from the Bay Area, the family man made...
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Delano Union School District participants gather for a photo following the Kern County Science Fair on Tuesday, March 14. (photo by Lea Cantu/DUSD) March 22, 2023 By Mike Bledsoe, Director – Child Development Services, Delano Union School District Delano Union School District student scientists place in Kern County Science Fair After qualifying at the district’s science fair, Delano Union School District students in Grades 4 through 8 competed in the Kern County Science Fair on Tuesday, March 14 at Mechanics Bank Convention Center in Bakersfield. Top awards were received by DUSD students of all grade levels. According to district...
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March 20, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland Unified School District Home-to-School Transportation Plan With enactment of the Local Control Funding Formula (“LCFF”) in 2013-14, State funding for Home to School (“HTS”) Transportation was established at a fixed amount, in perpetuity, based on the amount of funding each school district received in 2012-13 for both General Education and Special Education transportation and reported as a “Home-to-School Transportation Add-On” (“add-on””) to the resulting LCFF funding after all other factors, including COLA, were applied to the formula. For McFarland Unified School District, the “Transportation Add-On” has remained fixed at 1,865. Since...
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March 17, 2023 By Mike Bledsoe, Director, Child Development Services, Delano Union School District Delano Union School District's Oral Language Festival awards Top Performers Students from district schools took part in the in-person Delano Union School District’s 2023 Region 10 Oral Language Festival held the afternoon of Thursday, March 2 at Harvest Elementary School and La Viña Middle School. According to event organizer Lea Cantu, more than 100 students participated in this year’s competition, which is up significantly from the 62 that competed in the on-line 2022 competition. SERIOUS SOLO (Gr. 7-8) – 1st: Caleb Prieto, La Viña Middle School – The...
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March 9, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Tulare County Sheriff's Ag Crimes investigators arrest Alpaugh man, 59, Tuesday for animal cruelty, drug lab, and possessing 14 guns and marijuana About 9 a.m. on March 7, TCSO Ag Crimes Detectives served a warrant at a home in the 3700 Block of Atwell Street in Alpaugh for a grand theft investigation, said Ashley Ritchie, Media Supervisor, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. During the warrant, detectives found an active Butane Honey Oil Lab, partially processed marijuana, 14 guns and three horses in need of care. The horse’s hooves were untreated to a degree...
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March 8, 2023 By Frank Herrera, Kern County Probation Division Director The Kern County Probation Department’s Youth Regional Supervision Unit and Youth Placement Supervision Unit seizes firearm and makes arrest of Delano youth last week On Thursday, March 2, officers assigned to the Youth Regional Supervision Unit and Youth Placement Supervision Unit conducted a home call in the 900 Block of Susan Drive in Delano. Officers contacted a youth on juvenile probation at the residence. A search of the home was completed, and officers located one silver and black Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun and two silver Smith &...
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March 7, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday.com Hundreds of McFarland Unified School District elementary school students participated in the annual "Reading Across America" event by scores of guest readers. The readers entertained and most importantly read of students on Thursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3, said District Superintendent Aaron Resendez, last week. The goal of Read Across America, which is coordinated by the National Education Association and held annually on March 2 --help motivate children to read and celebrate the diversity in their community and country. Former MUSD teacher returned to read at her sister's classroom at Horizon...
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March 4, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland High School's VEX Robotics team goes UNDEFEATED and took first place in matches -- finished second at VEX State Championship at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo on Saturday. McFarland went undefeated and took first place in matches, said McFarland Unified School District Superintendent Aaron Resendez. "They made it to finals and finished second." It was enough for the team t0 earn a spot in the World Championships in Dallas Texas. The team was undefeated, 6-0, and in first place by overall points, Resendez said. Finals were held at 5:30 pm Saturday....
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, Photographer, McFarlandToday/McFarland Sports Media Feb. 24, 2023 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, Photographer, McFarlandToday/McFarland Sports Media The Delano High Tiger’s boys soccer team was crowned Central Section champions Thursday night. That 4-2 championship victory was won through especially high-stakes as the game was the very first time two Delano high teams competed directly for a Valley title. The victory came against an in-town rival: Robert F. Kennedy Thunderbirds, who finished the season with one more league win (5-6-1) and was ranked one seed higher than Delano in the Div. 5 bracket. Delano...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, photo editor, McFarland Today Feb. 24, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland Unified School District's Browning Road STEAM Academy "Pop-up Event" a success for students/parents in principal's eye Leonor Lopez, Principal, Browning Road STEAM Academy, was busy chatting with her students and their parents, many of whom were vendors at the event starting at 8 a.m. and finishing up around 2 p.m. When asked about how many potential buyers had passed through the gates at about 10:30 a.m., she said "60-70. We are hoping for a few hundred by the end of the...
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Feb. 17, 2023 By Leonor Lopez, Principal, Browning Road STEAM Academy McFarland Unified School District to have unique Pop-up Fundraiser Saturday morning to help pay students travel to Camp Keep Browning Road STEAM Academy has a goal of bringing science to life every day. Below is our mission that includes providing students with opportunities to explore diverse curriculum through the sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics among other 21st century skills. BRSA students have been attending Camp Keep for more than a decade, however, since COVID, students all around Kern County have not been able to attend. This year, we...
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Feb. 14, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Police Trainees graduate the Tulare-Kings County Law Enforcement Training Academy this past week. Our newest Delano Police Department officers are: Officers Rafael Silva, Officer Rosales, Officer Palma and Officer Castillo graduated from the 155th Basic Academy from the Tulare-Kings County Law Enforcement Training Academy. They were sworn in Monday at police headquarters. If you would like to graduate in a Delano Police Department uniform apply online for our Police Officer Trainee position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofdelano
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, McFarlandToday Feb. 9, 2023 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland Unified School District's McFarland High School Early College Awarded for Exemplary Dual Enrollment Program McFarland Unified School District is one of nine districts in the state to be selected as an Exemplary Dual Enrollment Awardee. The California Department of Education’s inaugural Exemplary Dual Enrollment program award seeks to recognize school districts that provide successful dual credit opportunities to students to get a head start on college credits while still in high school. The program is offered in partnership with Bakersfield College. McFarland wasn’t...
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Jan. 23, 2023 By Aidan Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, DelanoNow/Delano Sports Media Robert F. Kennedy’s baseball High team received its second set of valley championship rings this past Friday. The Thunderbirds earned the hardware after winning their second-consecutive Central Section championship, this time at the Div. 5 level. The team ended the season with a 22-8 (7-5 SSL) overall record that earned them the No. 1 seed in the 2022 postseason. After winning all three home playoff matchups the Thunderbirds defeated Immanuel (Reedley) 5-4 in the championship game. The ceremony was headlined by head coach Jacob Fregoso, who has led the...
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Recipients of the Karin Enebo Memorial Instrumental Music Scholarship were honored during the Delano Union School District Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Front row (from left): Francisco Farfan, Cherise Frost, Ayari Pompa Manjarrez, Leysi Silvestre, Maya Rivera, and Yasmen Valenzuela. Back row: Board President Frank Herrera, Member Suzanne Villaruz, Clerk Irene Martinez, Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy music teacher Brenda Perry-Reed, Almond Tree Middle School music teacher Melissa Brindle, Board Members Dr. Efrain Rodriguez and Ignacio Ayon, DUSD Superintendent Rosalina Rivera, and Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Programs April Gregerson. (photo by Mike Bledsoe/DUSD) Jan. 22,...
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Jan. 20, 2023 By Christal Martinez, MBA, Executive Director North Kern South Tulare Hospital District (“NKSTHD”) announces the recruitment of 1 new board member to join our 5-member board of Directors to guide its mission and development. This appointment is to fill the remainder of a 4-year term, ending Nov. 30, 2024. NKSTHD operates under the rules and regulations of the Health and Safety Code, Sections §32000-§32492 as a government non-profit, public entity, formed to provide healthcare services to the communities of Delano, McFarland, Wasco, Richgrove, and Earlimart through our 141-bed Skilled Nursing home (DDSNF) and our Rural Health Clinic (GNC)....
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Jan. 19, 2023 By Frank Herrera, Kern County Probation Division Director The Kern County Probation Department is hiring! Applications are currently being accepted for the position of Youth Services Officer. If you are seeking a rewarding career that gives you the opportunity to serve the community by making a positive impact on public safety and in the lives of youth, then consider joining the Probation team by applying for the position of Youth Services Officer. Youth Services Officers are responsible for the supervision, rehabilitation, and welfare of youth in three distinct Kern County Probation facilities. Supervision strategies, mentoring, and evidence-based...
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Photos by Delano Police Cpl. Lloyd Galutira Dec. 22, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today On Tuesday, Dec. 20, the inaugural Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner celebration was held at the Senior Citizen Center, at 436 Jefferson St. Hosted by the Delano Police Department and Delano Recreation and sponsored by Adventist Health, Delano and Delano Area Rapid Transit. “We hope the Senior Citizens Christmas party will be a time-honored holiday tradition for many years to come.” said Corporal Joe Madrigal. The sentiment expressed by sponsors and seniors alike was immense gratitude for being able to gather in person for the...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, McFarland Today Dec. 19, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today After almost two years of near inactivity for our community residents, the Delano City Council got a new mayor, and a new council member geared toward relevant issues and civil debate with a majority to get "Delano Back on Track!" Incumbent Liz Morris, the top vote-getter in this November's election, was also voted in by Delano voters - who also ousted two-term sitting mayor Bryan Osorio. Morris is the senior member having served 15 years. The Dec. 15 special meeting would be...
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Dec. 17, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland Unified School District's Kern Avenue Elementary School presented "A Party in a Pear Tree - The most hilarious 12 days ever." On Tuesday, Dec. 13, Kern Avenue Elementary presented the holiday musical by John Jacobson and Roger Emreson. About 700 Kern Ave. Elementary students walked to the Mouser Gym to participate in the school musical. More than 500 family and friends packed the gym to enjoy a morning full of music, laughter, and fun. Party the Patridge is stuck up in the pear tree! It will take 12 drummers drumming, 11...
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Pictured is center Mailee Mae Francisco with her parents Wilfredo Francisco and mom Maritess Idica. Dec. 17, 2022 By Frank Garay, CCHS Tennis On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Mailee Mae Francisco was awarded as a finalist for the Tracy Macnai-Burrell Sportsmanship Award by Kern Communities Tennis Association. The awards banquet was held at Hodels restaurant in Bakersfield. Mailee was recognized for her leadership, community service, 4.37 GPA, as well as her excellent achievements during her four year tenure as the No. 1-seeded girls tennis player at Cesar Chavez High School. She was JV MVP her freshman year and Varsity MVP her...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, photo editor, DelanoNow Dec. 12, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow For Columbine Elementary School first-grader Nathan, he experienced quite a few firsts at the Delano Police's 30th annual "Shop with a Cop" Saturday morning. He got to meet his personal shopper, incoming State Assembly woman Dr. Jasmeet Bains, herself a Columbine alumnus. His first meeting with the Delano police officers who selected him to be among the 35 local children to receive 0 gift cards and a couple hours of shopping time with police officers and explorers and Chief Tyson Davis, Delano City...
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Dec. 11, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Director, Child Development Services, Delano Union School District DUSD EXPERIMENTERS COMPETE IN SCIENCE FAIR DEC. 1 With projects ranging from the materials that affect a WiFi signal to how to save teeth to how light affects food spoiling, Delano Union School District’s Grade 4-8 science students participated in the district's annual Science Fair held Thursday, Dec. 1 at Almond Tree Middle School. Selected from each grade level were up to four students or teams for first place, and four each for second place through fourth place. According to district GATE resource teacher Lea Cantu,...
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Dec. 9, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today North Kern State Prison warden Kelly Santoro and her staff provide McFarland Unified School District's Kern Avenue Elementary School students special holiday gifts on Tuesday, Dec. 6. "These are our TK and four kindergarten classes,"said Kern Avenue Elementary School principal Mayela Bujanda-Medina. "Warden Kelly Santoro from the North Kern State Prison and her staff have been giving a gift to all our TK and kinder students for many years." With the assistance of their teacher, the students fill in a Santa wish list, Mayela said. "The faces of the students are...
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The delegation representing Nueva Vista Language Academy at the National Tree Lighting included (from left) Vice Principal Casey Rivas, Concepcion Leon, Emma Vasquez, and Principal Joshua Herrera. Not pictured: Edith Bejar. (photo by Mike Bledsoe/DUSD) Dec. 2, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Director, Child Development, Delano Union School District DUSD’S NUEVA VISTA LANGUAGE ACADEMY REPRESENTS CALIFORNIA AT DC NATIONAL TREE LIGHTING A delegation from Delano Union School District’s Nueva Vista Language Academy was in Washington, DC Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 as the school will represent California as the creator of the ornaments for the state’s Christmas Tree at the National Tree Lighting....
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, photo editor, McFarlandToday Nov. 25, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday Delano Police and Delano Police Officers Association provided more than 200 free turkeys to needy families and the homeless beginning Tuesday afternoon. Delano Police Sgt. R. Stites said 100 needy families had been pre-selected and had specific times to come and get a frozen turkey, and fixings that included: macaroni and cheese, instant mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, canned veggies, and canned cream of mushroom soup. "Besides our support from DPOA and others in the community, we have had help from every division...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, McFarland Today photo editor/Sambel family Nov. 23, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday Those surrounding the giving legend known as Walter Sambel, has became an "nonprofit foundation" as family members continue his donating vision for McFarland students and families.On Saturday morning, Nov. 19, members of the Sambel family, brought the latest batch of donations -- a hundred jackets and blankets, and socks among other items -- to the McFarland Learning Center. It was the first time for Sambel's wife, Elaine, actually visited McFarland from the couple's Tulare home, even though she had been helping...
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Pictured are front: Miabella Pina, Kimberly Basurto Standing: Mialee Francisco, Liauni Ando, Sydney Franco Nov. 21, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High School girls tennis coach On Thursday, Nov. 17, Cesar Chavez Girls' Tennis held its award banquet on campus in the high school's library. Recap of the varsity season: Back to Back undefeated SSL Champions 12-0, Lewis Cup. Division 4 Champions, 2nd Place CIF Central Section Division 5 Playoffs. Mailee Francisco SSL MVP for 2021 and 2022. Mailee is also a finalist for the Tracy Burrell Sportsmanship Award given by the Kern Community Tennis Association. JV Awardees are: Most improved:...
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Nov. 9, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today The McFarland has a new mayor now, as former City Council member Saul Ayon beat challenger Robert Gonzalez by almost 100 votes, according to final unofficial results Wednesday morning. McFarland Unified School District President Jim Beltran appeared to be re-elected according to final unofficial results Wednesday morning City of McFarland Mayor - Vote For 1 Completed Precincts: 5 of 5 VOTE COUNT PERCENTAGE SAUL AYON 218 64.31% ROBERT GONZALEZ 121 35.69% Challenger Anita Gonzalez and incumbent Maria T. Perez were leading incumbent Amador Ayon, and former McFarland Mayor Sally Tafoya to...
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Nov. 2, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High girls tennis coach With darkness falling, a storm looming, wind and dust blowing, Cesar Chavez High School Girl's Tennis advanced to the finals of the CIF Division 5 playoffs. The semi-final nail biter win was against Wasco High School at Cesar Chavez High School. Final Score: CCHS 5, Wasco High School 4. The final will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8. at Golden Valley High School in Bakersfield. Attached are the individual results. Cesar Chavez High School Girls Varsity Tennis at Wasco High School Nov. 1, 2022 SINGLES 1. Mailee Francisco...
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Oct. 31, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High girls tennis coach Attached are the scores for the 1st and 2nd rounds of the CIF division 5 playoffs: Round 1 vs Desert High School (Edwards Air Force Base) CCHS 7-2 Round 2 at Highland High School CCHS 8-1 Semi-finals at CCHS vs Wasco on Tuesday, Nov. 1 CESAR CHAVEZ HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS CIF DIVISION 5 PLAYOFFS 1ST ROUND: 2ND ROUND VS DESERT HIGH SCHOOL 10/25 AT HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL 10/29 SINGLES 1. Mailee Francisco Maleah Mata 6-1,6-0 Jadyn Aguilar 6-1,6-2 2. Kavanpreet Kaur CC Werre 6-2,6-2 Kayla Johnson 6-3,7-5...
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Oct. 27, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High girls tennis coach The Cesar Chavez High girls tennis team willll host No. 4 Highland High School of Bakersfield girls tennis for Round 2 playoff match on Thursday. On Tuesday Oct. 25, No. 5 Cesar Chavez hosted No. 12 Desert High School ( Edwards Air Force Base). The Lady Titans won easily: CCHS 7, Desert High School 2. CCHS will travel to Highland #4 Thursday for round 2
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Oct. 21, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High girls tennis coach For the second straight year, the Cesar Chavez High girls tennis team took home the South Sequoia League playoff win this week. Here are the results of the SSL Playoffs held Oct. 18 and 19 at Wasco High School: Singles: 1st Mailee Francisco; Cesar Chavez High School 2nd Kavanpreet Kaur; Cesar Chavez High School 3rd Lilly Villalobos; Wasco High School Doubles: 1st Alyse Biggs/Celeste Castro Wasco High School 2nd Liauni Ando/Clarissa Castrejon Cesar Chavez High School 3rd Nadine Pence/Ambree Spell Taft High School Pictured are Cesar Chavez Awardees:...
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Oct. 17, 2022 By John Chavolla, Director of Food Services, Delano Union School District Delano Union School District Schools Celebrate National School Lunch Week To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, Delano Union School District schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week from Oct. 17-21. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Peace, Love & School Lunch,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. Research shows children are getting their healthiest meals at school. National School Lunch Week will highlight the nutritious...
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Freshmen Jada Ramos and Necie Robles celebrating their victory at Wasco playing 3rd doubles. First doubles at Delano: Mailee Francisco with Kavanpreet Kaur serving. Oct. 15, 2022 By Frank Garay, CCHS Tennis The Cesar Chavez High girls varsity tennis continued its dominance of the South Sequoia League, with three wins last week. CCHS currently 11-0 in SSL with only one match left at home vs RFK on Oct. 13, also Senior Night with one Senior graduate: Mailee Francisco Cesar Chavez High School Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Wasco High School at WHS on Oct. 4 SINGLES Mailee Francisco vs Lilly Villalobos 6-0,6-0 cc Kavanpreet...
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Oct. 14, 2022 BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE’S MEMORIAL STADIUM TO HOST LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL MATCHUP MCFARLAND HIGH SCHOOL VS. DELANO HIGH SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, OCT. 21 JV MATCHUP BEGINS AT 5 PM, VARSITY MATCHUP BEGINS AT 7:30 PM Bakersfield College will host two local high schools for a regional football matchup on Friday, October 21, 2022, when the McFarland High School Cougars will play the Delano High School Tigers. Both high schools participate in BC’s Early College program, where enrolled high school students are dual enrolled as BC Renegades and take courses for college credit. Friday’s game will kick-off two days of...
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Oct. 12, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland Unified School District closed McFarland High School campus Tuesday morning after deadly Delano shootings. Later in the afternoon, Superintendent Aaron Resendez cancelled this week’s athletic events for student safety. Those cancellations include Friday night’s football game at Robert F Kennedy High School, Resendez told his students parents and district staff Tuesday morning that the McFarland High School campus would be closed to outsiders. Late last night the District was informed there was a gang related murder out on Countyline Road in Delano yesterday. McFarland Police Department briefed our Superintendent this...
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Oct. 7, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland Unified School District Celebrates State Information Day With Attendance Activities McFarland Unified School District students showed up and then showed out for CBEDs day. Also known as Information Day, CBEDS stands for California Basic Education Data System, and Oct. 5, 2022, is the day districts throughout the state begin reporting data to the state. Data like attendance. Why is attendance important? Because attendance is the primary way school districts in the state are funded. MUSD made a concerted effort to promote attendance, with all five schools boasting attendance rates above...
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Rudy Salas gives KCCD Trustee Nan remarks at the event Gomez Heitzeberg gives remarks at the event Sept. 27, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today On Monday, Bakersfield College celebrated the 50th anniversary of its campus in Delano with a luncheon that featured guest speakers and a presentation of the college’s history in the north Kern community. The Delano College Center, as it was known at the time, welcomed its first classes of students in September 1972 in an unused building owned by the high school district. At the time, there were just 400 students enrolled in 24 courses. By...
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Sept. 26, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today The American Heart Association and Adventist Health invites the community to "Kern County Back To School Health & Wellness Block Party" on Sept. 29 Join the festivities at Adventist Health Delano, 1401 Garces Hwy from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sponsors hope the Kern County Back To School Health and Wellness Block Party will bring the community together to celebrate and curate a healthier back to school season. The family friendly event, presented by Adventist Health Delano, will include music, special guest appearances and offer attendees tools and resources designed to improve...
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Photo of the Cesar Chavez High Lady Titan tennis team with the D-4 banner. Photo of 2nd doubles team: Samantha Valdez hitting a forehand with her doubles partner Clarissa Castrejon. Final score CCHS 9-RFK 0 Sept. 25, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High Lady Titan varsity tennis coach Cesar Chavez High School Lady Titans varsity tennis team went 2-0 in South Sequoia League play this week, and then took the Division 4 banner in the 2022 Lewis Cup Championship Saturday. On Friday and Saturday, the Lady Titans participated in the Lewis Cup, first hosting and losing to Bakersfield Christian...
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Sept. 20, 2022 By Frank Garay, coach, Cesar Chavez High girls tennis Cesar Chavez High School Lady Titans varsity girls tennis defeated Taft High last week 6-2-1 Results from Sept. 13 match: SINGLES Mailee Francisco vs Aubree Spell 6-0,6-1 cc Kavanpreet Kaur vs Nidia Pablo 6-1,6-1 cc Liauni Ando vs Fatima Rivera 6-1,6-1 cc Samantha Valdez vs Wendy Pabcios 6-1,7-6 (7-5) cc Sydney Franco vs Parla Camacho 4-6,1-6 t Draw vs Draw 0-0 DOUBLES Mailee Francisco/Kavanpreet Kuar 6-0,6-0 cc Vs Fatima Rivera/Nidia Pablo Liauani Ando/Samantha Valdez Vs Aubree Spell/Wendy Pabcios 7-6 (7-2),3-1 cc Jada...
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Sept. 17, 2022 Submitted by the famil of Remedios E. Ubay Remedios E. Ubay, age 95, of Delano passed away on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. Remedios was born on November 17, 1926 in Ormoc City, Leyte of the Philippines, While in the Philippines, she received her teacher’s certificate as valedictorian of her class. She graduated with a B.S. degree in education majoring in physical education with a focus on folk dancing. She taught for 17 years in the Philippines, being a physical education coordinator in public schools before coming to California in 1965. She has resided in Kern County for...
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Back Row: Judge Wolf, Bradshaw, Benavides, Camacho. Front Row: Wardens Pfeiffer, Cates, Heather, Santoro, Lundy and SDDA McKillop CO Vallejo, CO Torres, Judge Wolf, and Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy Manny Baeza. Baeza is a lifelong Delano resident and a fantastic bailiff. Sept. 15, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Incoming Presiding Judge visits and tours Delano Prison Court on Wednesday, Sept. 14 On Sept. 14, incoming Kern County Presiding Superior Court Judge Eric Bradshaw visited the Delano Prison Court to tour the facility and meet with wardens from all five Kern County Prisons (California City, CCI Tehachapi, Kern Valley State Prison,...
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Sept. 10, 2022 By Brenna Smith, Kern County Library McFarland Branch Library Excited to Announce Expanded Days of Opening Beginning Monday, Sept. 12 We are excited to announce that the McFarland Branch Library will be able to serve residents five days a week, Monday thru Friday, 11-6pm beginning Sept. 12. The McFarland Branch has been a staple in the community for over 100 years. The branch was established in 1913 as a reading room in the parsonage of a Methodist church. From there, the library moved to a private residence, then onto a pharmacy, and in 1919, the people of...
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Sept. 6, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow.com Tulare County Sheriff's deputies were called Tuesday morning after someone found a body floating in a canal near Earlimart, officials said. Just before 7 a.m., deputies were called to the area of Road 192 and Avenue in 68 after the body discovery. When deputies arrived, they learned construction workers in the area found the body, which is described as an Hispanic man. Right now, deputies remain on scene trying to get the body out of the canal. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218.
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, McFarland Sports Media Sept. 5, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarland Today, McFarland Sports Media The McFarland High Cougar's Monico Urquizo ran for 124 yards on 20 carries, including a 25-yard score in the third quarter, to help the team improve to 2-1. Senior running backs Urquizo and Gustavo Manzo each scored rushing touchdowns in the third quarter on Friday, Sept. 2, to help lift the Cougars 19-14 over host Granite Hills-Porterville. Manzo scored on a 38-yard run in the third quarter. Sophomore quarterback Jorge Hernandez also joined in the scoring, running for...
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Sept. 3, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez Lady Titan tennis coach Cesar Chavez High Lady Titans tennis dominated this week, taking down Shafter High 7-2, McFarland High 9-0 in South Sequoia League match action. Cesar Chavez High School Girls Varsity Tennis took on Shafter High School Tuesday, Aug. 30. Results: SINGLES 1. Mailee Francisco vs Crystal Lopez 6-0,6-1 cc 2. Kavanpreet Kaur vs Jayna Pierucci 6-1,6-2 cc 3. Liauni Ando vs Yessica Gil 6-4,6-3 cc 4. Samantha Valdez vs Karoline Chacon 6-2,6-4 cc 5. Clarissa Castrejon vs Cassandra Guiterry 6-4,1-6,10-5 cc 6. Sydney Franco vs Janelle Buenrostro 2-6,0-6 shs...
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Aug. 31, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland Unified School District, CSEA Local 186 Agree on New Tentative One-Year Contract The McFarland Unified School District and its classified employee group agreed Wednesday, Aug. 24, to a tentative one-year contract that mirrors the historic deal the District reached with its teacher’s union on Aug. 18. The District and CSEA Local 186, the union representing aides, custodial, food services, and other school support personnel, agreed to a tentative contract that provides an on-schedule salary increase of 8.5 percent and a one-time allocation of ,000 to classified employees. Additionally, the agreement...
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Aug. 30, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, DelanoNow/Delano Sports Media The first two weeks of the 2022 high school football season have finished: Delano High stands 2-0 Cesar Chavez High is 1-1 Robert F. Kennedy is also 1-1 All three Delano teams have showed signs of great play to this point. But how did they do against their first opponents? The Cesar Chavez Titans started the season off with a blowout 26-0 win against Arvin. The Titans scored all 26 points in the first half thanks to an offensive explosion led by running back Nathen Fernandez and junior...
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Mike Bledsoe, Director, Child Development, Delano Union School District DELANO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT HONORS “OF THE YEAR” STUDENTS, STAFF Standout students, teachers and classified staff in the Delano Union School District for 2021-2022 were noted during a drive-through Of the Year ceremony June 10 in the District Office Parking Pot. Persons from all 12 schools, plus district departments and District Office, were honored during the event. Students of the Year included Mya Mendez (Albany Park School), Zoe Chavez (Almond Tree Middle School), E Ochoa (Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy), Angel Leyva (Del Vista Math and Science Academy), Orlando Sanchez...
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Aug. 27, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez varsity girls tennis coach Cesar Chavez High Lady Titans varsity tennis split matches this week, beating Foothill High 7-2, and then bowing to BHS 2-7. Cesar Chavez High School Delano Girls Varsity Tennis battled Foothill High School Bakersfield on Tuesday, Aug. 23 and came away with a 7-2 match victory. SINGLES 1. Mailee Francisco vs Jacki Corrubias 8-0 cc 2. Kavanpreet Kaur vs Esperanza Contreas 8-0 cc 3. Liauni Ando vs Alexandra Cabrerra 8-0 cc 4. Samantha Valdez vs Sydney Rodriguez 8-0 cc 5. Clarissa Castrejon vs Catalina Mishiro 8-0 cc 6. Sydney...
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Aug. 24, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Child Development Director Delano Union School District DRIVE-THROUGH CEREMONY HONORS DUSD RETIREES Delano Union School District celebrated nine of its retirees during a drive-through ceremony June 10 at the district office. Staff members were feted by their school or department administration, and then by Superintendent Rosalina Rivera, Board President Suzanne Villaruz, and Board Clerk Irene Martinez. The total number of years the retirees served DUSD was 462 years. Following is some information on each retiree: Gonzalo Chavez was with the district for 21 years (2001-2022). He worked for the Food Services Department, starting as a...
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Aug. 24, 2022 By Jaime Hernandez, Communications Manager, Adventist Health, Delano Healing Takes Root at Adventist Health Delano Community Garden Jesus Hernandez has worked in fields and gardens for most of his life. At 70 years old, some people might think he would be tired of it: the work, the Central Valley heat, and being on his feet. But he isn’t. These days, in what can only be considered his golden years, Jesus spends his leisure time working in the fields at the Adventist Health Community Garden in Delano. For nine years, he says it has been an escape for...
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Aug. 21, 2022 By Frank Garay, Cesar Chavez High Varsity Girls Tennis coach The Cesar Chavez High School Lady Titans Varsity Tennis took on Highland High School of Bakersfield this week, winning 6-3 overall. SINGLES 1. Mailee Francisco vs Jayden Aguilar 8-0 cc 2. Kavanpreet Kaur vs Arianna Enriquez 8-3 cc 3. Liauni Ando vs Gracy Castillo 8-1 cc 4. Samantha Valdez vs Kayra Johnson 8-4 cc 5. Clarissa Castrejon vs Isabel Class 8-4 cc 6. Sydney Franco vs Riley Aguilar 3-8 hhs Exhibition: Yvette Contreas vs Emily Linarez 0-8 DOUBLES 1. Mailee Francisco/Kavanpreet Kaur Vs Arianna Enriquez/Kayla Johnson 8-2...
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Aug. 19, 2022 McFarland Today Staff reports McFarland Police continue to investigate the Tuesday shooting death of a man on 3rd Street, the department said. Officials are awaiting the completion of the Kern County Coroner's report to identify man. After a report of gunshots on 3rd Street in McFarland on Tuesday, officers arrived at 5:19 p.m. and found a man with multiple gunshot wounds. Kern County firefighters and officers attempted to revive the victim, but he died at the scene. Anyone with information on this homicide is urged to contact the McFarland Police Department at 661-792-2121 or our anonymous Text &...
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Aug. 19, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland Unified School District, McFarland Teacher’s Association Agree on New Tentative One-Year Contract The McFarland Unified School District and the McFarland Teacher's Association agreed to a new one-year tentative agreement late Thursday that marks one of the most significant salary increases in the district’s history, District Superintendent Aaron Resendez said Friday. The tentative agreement for the 2022-2023 school year includes an on-schedule salary and stipend increase of 8.5 percent and a one-time, 4 percent off-schedule payment. Additionally, the agreement includes the district’s continued commitment to cover members’ health and welfare benefits....
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Aug. 18, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports Delano Police Department Encourages Community to Choose a Sober Way to Travel As the summer travel season wraps up, the Delano Police Department reminds drivers to be responsible and never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. “Whether traveling locally or taking a longer road trip to see friends and family, please have a game plan for how to get home safely,” Delano Police Officer Brianna Dixon said. “There is never a good excuse for driving after drinking or using drugs that impair.” The agency asks residents to take the necessary precautions to...
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Aug. 17, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Job Seekers Invited to Attend Kern County’s Career Expo on Saturday, Sept. 17 Job seekers are invited to attend Kern County’s inaugural Career Expo on Saturday, Sept.17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kern County Administrative Building located at 1115 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA, 93301. Dozens of departments will be on hand recruiting for extra-help and full-time positions, as well as providing potential hires with the opportunity to get to know their teams. All public safety departments will be in attendance, showcasing their various equipment and open positions. Elections and...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, McFarland Today Aug. 13, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland Unified School District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon, culminating a long journey of growth, and continued commitment to student achievement. Superintendent Aaron Resendez served as emcee for event held on the southeast corner of the new two-story classroom building. About 50 people sat under bright red McFarland Unified canopies, including District Board Trustees, McFarland City and Recreation and Parks representatives, along with school administrators, staff and students. Resendez provided the welcome with, "I will try to be quick, because...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, photographer, McFarland Today Aug. 12, 2022 By Bobby Jordan, McFarland Unified School District Communications Annika Fernandez started Monday’s first day of school with a distinction that no other senior class at McFarland High School has had in its 96-year history. Fernandez, along with a majority of the Class of 2023, will graduate this year as the first cohort of the Early College Program. “I am really honored to be a part of the first graduating class under the dual enrollment program because of how brilliant, and efficient this process is,” Fernandez said. ”Being given...
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Aug. 12, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland T Earlimart School District this week announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch / School Breakfast Programs for the 2022-2023 school year. All students will be served lunch and breakfast at no charge at the following sites: ALILA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 850 W. WASHINGTON AVE. EARLIMART, CA 93219 (661)849-4202 EARLIMART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 192 S. CHURCH RD. EARLIMART, CA 93219 (661)849-2651 EARLIMART MIDDLE SCHOOL 599 E. SUTTER AVE. EARLIMART, CA 93219 (661)849-2611 For additional information contact: Jeannie Samari, Food Service Director 192 S. Church Rd....
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Aug. 12, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow North Kern South Tulare Hospital District is announcing the recruitment of ONE new board member to join our five-member Board of Directors to guide its mission and development. NKSTHD operates under the rules and regulations of Health and Safety Code, Sections §32000-§32492 as a government non-profit, public entity, formed to provide healthcare services to the communities of Delano, McFarland, Wasco, Richgrove and Earlimart through our 141-bed Skilled Nursing home (DDSNF) and our Rural Health Clinic (GNC). The Board of Directors meets monthly and have an obligation to uphold the standards of conduct...
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Aug. 8, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow California Highway Patrol officials continue to investigate an an early morning Friday crash that killed two Bakersfield motorists, after a Dodge carrying two Delano teens ran a stop sign at Melcher Road and Garces Highway. On Aug. 6, at about 1:59 a.m., the Bakersfield Communication Center received a call of a traffic crash involving two vehicles at Garces Highway at Melcher Road. Officers responded to the scene to investigate the crash. It was determined the crash resulted in two fatalities, one major injury and two moderate injuries. Authorities said the Dodge was...
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Aug. 8, 2022 By DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top Pioneer School graduates. Jovany Perez GPA: 4.0 Ian Rodriguez GPA: 4 Jordan Ruiz GPA: 4.83 Elyjah Sanchez GPA: 4.75 Jesus Sanchez GPA: 4.0 Daizy Sanchez-Martinez GPA: 4.0 Lexie Servin GPA: 4.66 Artemio Sixtos GPA: 4.0 Alexia Valdez GPA: 4.83 James Vazquez GPA: 4.0 Alissa Zamarripa GPA: 4.75
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Aug. 7, 2022 By DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top Pioneer School graduates. Jocelyn Lopez GPA: 4.83 Victoria Martinez GPA: 4.83 Jamison Membreve GPA: 4.83 Bryan Meza GPA: 4.83 Isabella Molina GPA: 4.83 Aryana Moreno GPA: 4.83 Lucio Nunez GPA: 4.83 Devani Ochoa GPA: 4.83 Andrea Ortega GPA: 4.0 Fernanda Osuna GPA: 4.0 Nicole Pascual GPA: 4.58 Isaias Perez GPA: 4.83
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Aug. 6, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Uriel Gandara of McFarland, has successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s South Los Angeles Area office. Officer Gandara graduated from McFarland High School in 2018. After high school, he continued his education by obtaining his Associate of Science degree at Taft College. Prior to joining the CHP Academy, Officer Gandara was employed as a sanitation worker At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Cadets receive instruction on...
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Aug. 5, 2022 By DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top Pioneer School graduates. Lilia Escobar Garcia GPA: 4.83 Briseida Espino GPA: 4.83 Salvador Flores GPA: 4.0 Israel Fuentez GPA: 4.83 Valeria Garcia GPA: 4.0 Sunny Giron GPA: 4.0 Aron Gutierrez GPA: 4.0 Tatiana Gutierrez GPA: 4.0 Nestor Daniel Herrera GPA: 4.83 Zion Hollingsworth GPA: 4.75 Josue Huerta Nunez GPA: 4.83 Maria Leon Ramos GPA: 4.16
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Aug. 4, 2022 By DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top Pioneer School graduates. Ashlyn Abitago GPA: 4.83 Arceo Thaily GPA: 4.83 Gian Caban GPA: 4.83 John Carl Cantorna GPA: 4.83 Jared Carrillo Mendoza GPA: 4.83 Sarah Elizabeth Chavez GPA: 4.83 Nesreen Chofer GPA:4.83 Joselyn Ceja GPA: 4.583 Ethan Cruz GPA: 4.66 Natalie Corona GPA: 4.0 Mayra Cruz Cerna GPA: 4.0 Ivan Diaz GPA: 4
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, photographer, and Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, photo editor, DelanoNow Aug. 3, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Director, Child Development, Delano Union School District TOGETHER AS ONE -- DELANO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT CELEBRATES FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AUG. 1 Positive energy was felt Monday morning, Aug. 1 during the first day of the 2022-2023 school year for the Delano Union School District after its Summer Break. Students from Preschool through Grade 8 walked through the gates of the district’s 12 schools, or are participating in Course Based Independent Study. Teachers are continuing to build upon the interesting, but safe, activities...
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Aug. 2, 2022 By DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top La Vina Middle School graduates. Nathaniel Jackson, 4.33 GPA. Tatyana Jaime, 4.00 GPA. Alyssa Juarez, 4.00 GPA. Supandeep Kaur, 4.00 GPA. Queona May Reyes, 4.83 GPA, Cesar Chavez High. Queona’s hobbies include bowling and playing the flute. During her free time, she enjoys hanging out and talking with friends. ScarlettRose Robles, 4.83 GPA, Cesar Chavez High. ScarlettRose’s interests include playing the piano, art, softball, and learning French. Allyson Dalilah Roque, 4.08 GPA, Delano High...
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Aug. 1, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow On Wednesday, July 27, the Delano Union School District honored their employees for various years of service at its annual Welcome Back Breakfast. 5 Years Leticia Cisneros Daisy Mora Sanchez Cynthia Zavala Jessica Correa Isaiah Portillo Daniel Cruz Steven Gutierrez Rebecca Bustillo Jannie Amanonce Elodia Arias Jorge Carrillo Jr. Cody Clowers Christina DeClaro Arely Gutierrez Brian Hufnagel Maria Ledesma Rubi Marquez Natalia Murguia Domenica Ortiz Jennifer Reyes Jessica L. Rodriguez Sharday Rodriguez Juan Rojas Adriana Romero Alejandro Arvizu Victor Machuca Laura Gudino Cassandra Mendez Yvonne Guerrero Sady Salim Devina Cruz Gabriela...
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Aug. 1, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow A man ran across Highway 99 near Cecil Avenue late Saturday night, when he died after being struck by multiple vehicles, the California Highway Patrol said. On July 30, at approximately 9:27 p.m., Bakersfield Communication Center received a call of a vehicle versus a pedestrian traffic crash. CHP officers responded to the scene and investigated the crash. A 2012 Audi was heading north on Highway 99, south of Cecil Avenue, in the fast lane at about 70 mph. A Chevrolet was also headed north on 99, behind the Audi, in the No....
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Aug. 1, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow A man ran across Highway 99 near Cecil Avenue late Saturday night, when he died after being struck by multiple vehicles, the California Highway Patrol said. On July 30, at approximately 9:27 p.m., Bakersfield Communication Center received a call of a vehicle versus a pedestrian traffic crash. CHP officers responded to the scene and investigated the crash. A 2012 Audi was heading north on Highway 99, south of Cecil Avenue, in the fast lane at about 70 mph. A Chevrolet was also headed north on 99, behind the Audi, in the No....
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July 31, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top La Vina Middle School graduates. Jessie Munoz, 4.83 GPA. Miranda Navarrete, 4.33 GPA, Cesar Chavez High. A few of Miranda’s hobbies and interests include music, drawing, and reading. Valeria Navarro Rocha, 4.83 GPA Cesar Chavez High. Valeria enjoys painting, baking, and listening to music. Ethan Nodora, 4.83 GPA, Delano High School. During his free time, Ethan enjoys playing video games and resting. Landon Nodora, 4.83 GPA, Cesar Chavez High. Landon devotes most of...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, DelanoNow July 28, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow For the first time in three years, Delano Union School District's Welcome Back breakfast was live again on Wednesday morning -- well sort of. The latest COVID-19 variants kept all DUSD employees from getting together and eating bacon and pancakes, eggs and potatoes. However, employees were able to eat together in small groups, at various school campuses, and district headquarters . And thanks to Jahad Suboh and Andrew Mendoza and a makeshift television studio, they were "live" broadcasting virtually. "We are all so excited...
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July 28, 2022 By Ivan Popoff, supply chain operations executive I am pleased to announce that Laura Grijalva has been appointed the Kern County Network Administrative Director, Supply Chain Management for Adventist Health, effective July 24, reporting directly to me. She has more than 20 years of supply chain leadership experience. Laura, who currently assumes the Supply Chain position for Delano, will lead the team of Kern County market for Supply Chain. She will be responsible for all market Supply Chain functions including receiving, internal distribution and delivery; warehousing; inventory and par management/replenishment; transportation; contract implementation and conversions. She will also...
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July 26, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top La Vina Middle School graduates. Armindev Bhatti, 4.83 GPA Anthony Bonilla, 4.08 GPA Shaneia Cadaoas, 4.33 GPA Jace Demacabalin, 4.67 GPA Ryalee Fernandez, 4.75 GPA Rylie Flores, 4.25 GPA Rodrigo Galvan, 4.00 GPA Brianna Garcia, 4.67 GPA Jessica Garibay Orta, 4.00 GPA Cristopher Guinto, 4.00 GPA Keenan Khalil Macabuag Guinto, 4.83 GPA, Cesar Chavez High School. Keenan enjoys hanging out with family and friends and cooking. Mikael Andre Icalina, 4.08 GPA, Delano High School. Mikael enjoys playing basketball, online...
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July 25, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top La Vina Middle School graduates. Alexa Gonzalez, 4.83 GPA, Robert F. Kennedy High. Alexa enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. Aaron Gonzalez, 4.83 GPA, Cesar Chavez High. During his free time, Aaron enjoys programming and graphic design. He also enjoys reading and building Lego sets. Alexander Guerrero, 4.83 GPA, Cesar Chavez High. Alexander enjoys sports and listening to music during his free time. Alyzah Guillen, 4.00 GPA, Cesar Chavez High. Alyzah...
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July 24, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil California Highway Patrol officials continue to investigate the death of a Ducor woman near Richgrove on Thursday morning. Kern County Sheriff's Coroner's officials released the name of 22-year-old Carla Maria Perez-Mendoza of Ducor on Friday. On July 21 at 6:59 a.m., Mendoza was the restrained operator of a vehicle that left the roadway and overturned near Avenue 24 and Richgrove Drive in Richgrove, according to the California Highway Patrol. She was transported to Adventist Health Delano emergency room, where she subsequently was pronounced dead. A postmortem examination will be conducted to confirm cause and...
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July 21, 2022 By DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top La Vina Middle School graduates. Jose Ceja, 4.42 GPA, Cesar Chavez High School. Jose likes to spend time with loved ones, and he also enjoys playing games. Aubrie Belle Ceja, 4.00 GPA, Cesar Chavez High School. During her free time, Aubrie loves to spend time with her family and dancing. Lilliana Correa, 4.42 GPA, Robert F. Kennedy High. Lilliana enjoys volleyball and spends most of her free time playing or...
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July 20, 2022 By DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top La Vina Middle School graduates. Arianne Lorainne Acosta 4.00 GPA, Cesar Chavez High School. Arianne is proud of the grades she earned this year allowing her to be names a Top Scholar. During her free time, Arianne enjoys playing online games with her friends and painting. Mayrin Acosta Woolfolk 4.5 GPA, Cesar Chavez High School. Mayrin was selected Most Outstanding in Physical Education this year...
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July 15, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil McFarland Recreation and Parks District is hiring a Receptionist/Office Assistant position. The Application Deadline is July 26, 2022 You can refer McFarland Recreation and Parks District website here: http://www.mcfarlandrpd.com/ For your job application, Click Here
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July 15, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports Tulare County Sheriff's deputies arrested two Porterville brothers for a Wednesday night armed robbery at an Earlimart gas station. Just before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Tulare County Sheriff's deputies were called to the “Gas Wars Market” at 855 S. State in Earlimart for an armed robbery. When deputies arrived on scene, they learned two men, one armed with a handgun, walked into the store and took two cash registers. There was a shot fired by the suspect, but luckily no one was hurt. The suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of money. On Thursday, ...
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July 14, 2022 Submitted by relatives Mary Ann Ruiz Mateo-Laeno, 75 passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Mary Ann was born in Bakersfield on Feb. 27, 1947. After her high school graduation in 1964 she attended Federico's College of Beauty and gained her cosmetology license and worked as a beautician at the Powder Puff Salon here in Delano and she also later worked at a salon in Bakersfield California. She also worked in the Head Start program in Wasco and in Shafter for many years where she gained much experience in the field of early childhood development. She...
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July 14, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy. Leslie Mendez, 4.01 GPA, Delano High School. Interests include: reading,photography, and art. When Leslie is not reading, taking pictures, or drawing, she is busy earning over a 4.0 GPA in school. She is reliable, trustworthy, and hard working. She will be attending Delano High School next year and plans to excel academically her next 4 years. Sairie Rosales, 4.0 GPA,...
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July 10, 2022 By Jonathan Barr, McFarland Jr. High Music Director Who is playing those drums? Who is making that music? Why are there semi trucks parked at the Jr. High? I’m sure there were plenty of questions again in McFarland this summer as the GOLD Drum & Bugle Corps had it’s second annual extended summer rehearsal in our little town. From June 28 till July 7, GOLD practiced, practiced, and practiced some more -- from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m., with every moment of the day dedicated improving their 2022 show entitled, “The Gift”. Before I get too far into GOLD...
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July 10, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District’s Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy. Lana Joy Agbalog, 4.83 GPA, Delano High School. Some of my interests and hobbies are painting, making origami, watching anime, and reading in my free time. Jeimy Gomez, 4.25 GPA. Delano High School. When I am not in school I enjoy doing nails, I also enjoy watching my little brother. I also like reading and watching movies with my family...
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July 8, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District's Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy. Xienjhy Garcia, 4.67 GPA Cesar Chavez High School. My interests are construction and my hobbies are sleeping and listening to music and talking with my friends. Thing I like to do when I'm not in school is playing games with friends. Celia has worked very hard this year to earn her 4.67 GPA. She is a hard worker and will...
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68-year-old Rafael Rodriguez Aranda July 7, 20222 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Tulare County Sheriff's deputies are searching for relatives of an Earlimart man, 68, whose body was found Saturday, July 2 and he apparently died of natural causes. On July 2, TCSO deputies were called to a home in the 6000 Block of Road 120 west of Earlimart for an apparent natural death . Deputies learned that Rafael Rodriguez Aranda was found unresponsive in his home by neighbors. Emergency personnel attempted CPR, but Aranda was pronounced at the scene. There was no evidence of trauma and his death is...
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July 5, 2022 DelanoNow Staff Reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District's Middle-School graduates. We are highlighting several students each day. We are highlighting the top 7 Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy. Elena Ochoa Garcia, 4.83 GPA, will be attending Delano High School. My interests and hobbies include reading and music. When I am not in school, I like to bake. E Ochoa Garcia is a hard working student who was CAMSA 2021-2022 student of the year. Ochoa plans to attend Delano High School the next 4 years. Ochoa will be...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, McFarlandToday/McFarland Sports Media July 2, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarlandToday The Cesar Chavez Titan football team headed across town to rival Delano High School for a midsummer 7-on-7 matchup. The two teams battled it out in a head-to-head passing competition. As the first form of competition between two Delano schools, both teams had the chance to improve upon their flaws during an intense game. With that being said, there were a multitude of takeaways that came from the matchup. It may only be halfways through the preseason but there were clear positives...
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Elayna Saidee Dorig Makeliah Rayann Osorno July 2, 2022 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., Advocate for Victims of Crime In loving memory of two young precious girls, Makeliah Rayann Osorno and Elayna Saidee Dorig, who lost their lives on July 2, 2020. Two years ago, a heartless individual opened fired at a family gathering in the neighborhood of Oleander St in Delano. Makeliah and Elayna lost their lives that evening after being hit by the bullets. Makeliah was 11 and Elayna was 12. These young girls didn’t deserve this. The person who did this (and those involved)...
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July 1, 2022 DelanoNow Staff Reports/Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District's Middle-School graduates earlier this month. In no particular order we are highlighting several students each day. We are starting with Almond Tree Middle School. Melanie Rios will be attending Robert F. Kennedy High School next school year. While at Almond Tree Melanie earned a gpa of 4.83 and her interests are playing sports, zoology/marine biology, and listening to music. Her teachers state that Melanie always completed her assignments to the best of her ability and was a joy to have...
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Ramiro Villegas, formerly of Tipton, linked by DNA to 1he 1994 death of Angelica Ramirez. June 30, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Using DNA evidence after almost 30 years, Tulare County Sheriff's investigators linked the sexual assault and murder of 10-year-old Angelica Ramirez to a former Tipton man, Ramiro Villegas, officials announced Thursday. Although the Ramirez family finally has closure, Villegas actually died in Mexico in December 2014, at about age 65. That was almost a decade since being deported from the United States, after being released from the California State prison system. It began...
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June 29, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Girls Scouts Visit Prison Court Gene Garaygordobil Over the lunch hour on Tuesday, June 28, a group of Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies and Juniors visited the Delano Court. The Girl Scouts met Judge Jose R. Benavides and Judge David Wolf and went on a tour of the court. The Girl Scouts were working on earning their Democracy and Government Badge. Judge Wolf welcomed the Girl Scouts and praised them for their interest in our system of government. The judges discussed the similarities between the judicial system and the Girl Scout Oath, Law...
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June 29, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday McFarland Festival Committee and McFarland Recreation and Park District are proud to present Independence Day July 3rd Celebration at the Mouser Center and Sherwood Park. Thanks to the City of McFarland. Come have a great time with family and friends. July 3 Schedule of Events and Notes 5 p.m. Festivities start Welcome & Flag Salute (MMS Cadets) MHS Cheer Water Balloon Toss All American Award (presented by Mr. Nickell) Honor Veterans 3-legged Race Most Patriotic Award for child and adult Hula Hoop Race GOLD DRUM & BUGLE CORPS – LEAD INTO FIREWORKS National...
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June 28, 2022 McFarlandToday staff reports - Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District's Middle-School graduates earlier this month. In no particular order we are highlighting several students each day. We are starting with Almond Tree Middle School. Ivette Valdez Campos will be attending Robert F. Kennedy High School next school year. While at Almond Tree Ivette earned a gpa of 4.00 and her interests are playing video games, being outside, and hanging out with friends and family. Her teachers state that Ivette was a self motivated student that readily grasps new...
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June 27, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarlandToday The GOLD Drum and Bugle Corps of San Diego County is coming to McFarland Wednesday, June 28 through July 7) for a 10-day training camp. Hosted by the McFarland Unified School District, the corps will be rehearsing daily at McFarland Junior High School and at McFarland High School, culminating with a FREE community performance of the corps’ 2022 production “The Gift”” on Wednesday, July 6, at 8 p.m., said McFarland Bands director Jonathan Barr. The corps will be staying and rehearsing on the Junior High and High School campuses. The corps will...
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June 25, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports, Delano Union School District Alejandra Ayon Rios will be attending Cesar E. Chavez High School next school year. While at Almond Tree Alejandra earned a gpa of 4.17 and her interests are listening to music and gaining as much sleep as possible. Her teachers state that Alejandra was a hard working student who gave maximum effort each day while in class. Adrian Sanchez Ontiveros will be attending Robert F. Kennedy High School next school year. While at Almond Tree Adrian earned a gpa of 4.17 and his interests are being a competitor at any...
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June 22, 2022 DelanoNow staff reports - Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District's Middle-School graduates earlier this month. In no particular order we are highlighting several students each day. We are starting with Almond Tree Middle School. Abigail Ambrocio will be attending Robert F. Kennedy High School next school year. While at Almond Tree Abigail earned a gpa of 4.83 and her interests are reading, baking, and music. Her teachers state that Abigail always entered class with a smile on her face and was prepared to learn. Zoe Chavez will be...
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Photos by Arnold Morrison: June 22, 2022 DelanoNow staff reports - Delano Union School District We have selected the Top Scholars from Delano Union School District's Middle-School graduates earlier this month. In no particular order we are highlighting several students each day. We are starting with Almond Tree Middle School. Antonio Vasquez will be attending Robert F. Kennedy High School next school year. While at Almond Tree Antonio earned a GPA of 4.83 and his interests are the subject of math, gaming, and exploring. His teachers state that Antonio was a student who simply just brought his best effort day...
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June 17, 2022 McFarland Today staff reports McFarland Running Club is sponsoring the McFarland Fourth of July 5K Twilight Race on Saturday, July 3, 2022. Check in at 6:30 p.m. Race starts at 7:15 p.m. depending on race numbers Sponsorship by McFarland Running Club A youth club, high school and adult club dedicated to promoting running, racing and an education for an athlete's future. Money raised will help to send athletes to summer races and running camp. Location- Sherwood Avenue Park, McFarland, Ca. 93250 Pre-Registration- before June 30, 2020. Race Day- . High School Students . Youth under 13...
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The Nueva Vista Language Academy phoenix rises above Principal Mr. Joshua Herrera (center) and his staff. They are part of the campus-wide effort that was honored by California Department of Education through the Pivotal Practice award. (photo by Mike Bledsoe/DUSD) The soaring La Viña Middle School Eagle flies above Principal Mrs. Jennifer Townson (center) and her staff. They are part of the campus-wide effort for Social-Emotional Learning that was honored by California Department of Education through the Pivotal Practice award. (photo by Mike Bledsoe/DUSD) June 16, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District DUSD SCHOOLS HONORED FOR...
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June 14, 2022 DelanoNow Staff reports Andy Alexander Banuelos of Delano has successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Redwood City Area office. Officer Banuelos graduated from Cesar E. Chavez High School in Delano in 2014. After high school, he served in the United States Marine Corps for five years. Prior to attending the CHP Academy, Officer Artzer worked as a sales representative for the UPS Store in Delano. At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Cadets...
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June 9, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Ernie Young was nice enough to stop by a Delano house this week to have them sign the American flag of a fallen Tennessee firefighter because Desiree wouldn't be able to make it to Porterville so he stopped by their house in Delano. West Memphis Tennessee firefighter Jason Lang lost his life in the line of duty on Feb. 26 of this year. He was a struck and killed by the driver of a big rig after he stopped to render aid at an accident site. Lang was heading to an emergency...
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June 7, 2022 Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, DelanoNow, Photographer The 2022 Graduates from Cesar Chavez High School: Christian Abuyen Carlet Alejandra Acevedo Francisco Ismael Acuna Gudino Eryl Anne Aguinaldo Rafat Tareq Al Garadi Karla Alanis Jimenez Najecsy Jasmin Alavez Jadanie Omarien Miguel Alcala Alnawwar Saleh Mused Alhassan David Brandon Alindajao Mohammed Enan Alnadhari Valeria Alvarado Ceja Miguel Angel Vigueras Alvarez Cesar Martin Rivas Aranibar Mariela Bejar Arredondo Efrain Arredondo Trevino Alexis Trinilynn Arreola Juan Isidro Arreola Madrigal Keilin Arrieta-Raya Yuliana Arrieta-Raya Dorien Augusto Emily Avalos Bryan Jonathan Avelar Francisco Manuel Avila Yvette Leslie Avitia Salvador Ayala Aaron Ayon...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Delano Sports Media/McFarland Today photographer June 6, 2022 By Dolores Rodriguez, Robert F. Kennedy High School principal The Thunderbirds knew the pandemic and its lingering effects would be tough, but they are tougher! In Spring 2020, campuses were suddenly closed to students around the world. The traditional mode of teaching and learning was catapulted to an online platform while the Class of 2022 were only sophomores. This class ended their sophomore and entire junior year at home learning online from teachers behind a camera lens. The times called for a clear case of “Love teal....
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Delano Sports Media/McFarlandToday photographer June 5, 2022 By Shondra Walker, Delano High School principal Delano High School had its 109th annual commencement ceremony Friday, June 3 on campus at Gene Beck Stadium. It was a packed house as DHS recognized 307 graduates who boasted numerous accolades. These accolades included two students, Francisco Heredia and Jared Martinez, who earned an AA degree before their high school diploma. There were 48 with a 4.0 grade point average or above, and many earning Golden State Seals and Biliteracy Seals. The graduates were addressed by their principal, Shondra Walker,...
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June 4, 2022 By Steve Kinsey, Kiwanis Club of Delano The Kiwanis Club of Delano and the City of Delano will be hosting this year’s “Star Spangled Spectacular” Fireworks Show on Sunday, July 3, 2022, to be fired, after dusk, from the North end of the Delano Airport. We are encouraging families and friends to join us on Sunday evening, as we celebrate our nations “Independence Day” as a community, and to continue the celebration throughout the holiday week. As you know, these events don’t happen without the financial support of the community. In fact, due to many factors affecting ...
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June 1, 2022 By Richard Valle, State Senate District 16 Candidate Nicole Parra is Coming to Your Town Community leaders and supporters will be joining Parra in visiting communities in Senate District 16 in a five-day caravan parade. You are formally invited to come support Nicole Parra for State Senate during a five-day GOTV (Get Out The Vote) caravan parade in communities throughout Senate District 16. A car caravan is a parade of cars that drives through a strategically selected route. Each car in the caravan will be displaying GOTV messaging to raise awareness about voting in the primary elections....
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May 31, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Tulare County Sheriff's deputies are investigating an early morning Memorial Day home-invasion robbery in Earlimart, officials said Tuesday About 3 a.m., TCSO deputies were called to the 1800 Block of W. Sierra Avenue in Earlimart for a home invasion. Investigators arrived and learned that armed suspects forced their way into the home and zip-tied everyone inside, before taking items from the home. Shots were fired as the suspects left. But luckily, no one was hurt. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 559-733-6218,...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarland Today May 30, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarland Today Robert F. Kennedy’s boys baseball team won their second consecutive Central Section Championship after beating Immanuel High School 5-4 on Saturday. The Thunderbirds victory capped off a Div. 5 playoff run which saw the team win four straight postseason games as the No. 1 seed. The championship effort occurred at one division higher than last year's Div. 6 title, cementing the team’s legitimacy as a squad that can beat competition at or above their level. “Winning it all last year...
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Jerry Alvarez meets with Fremont School kindergarteners sporting their finest on Cinco de Mayo. Alvarez was named a 2022 Kern County Classified Employee of the Year. (photo by Mike Bledsoe/DUSD DUSD’s Jerry Alvarez from Fremont Elementary School was honored by the Board of Trustees at its May 2 meeting as a Kern County Classified Employee of the Year. Pictured (from left): Fremont Principal Teresa Cushnyr, Alvarez, and DUSD Board President Suzanne Villaruz. May 25, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District DUSD’S JERRY ALVAREZ NAMED KERN COUNTY CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Delano Union School District proudly announced...
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May 22, 2022 By Tara Kates THINK YOUNG! Longtime Delano resident Dominic Logrecco celebrated his 105th birthday Saturday May 21. When asked what the secret is to his longevity his answer is to "think young." Mostly independent, he still drives, grocery shops, cooks his own meals and tends to his fruit and nut trees. Born in Chicago in 1917 his family moved to Los Angeles when he was 18-months-old and later relocated to Delano where in 1948 he purchased a 40-acre farm and became one of the top grape growers in the area. He loves to reminisce about his trips...
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May 16, 2022 BIOGRAPHY A DEMOCRAT WHO KNOWS THE VALLEY Nicole M. Parra has been an independent voice for the Valley for more than 25 years. Starting as a legislative assistant to U.S. Congressman Cal Dooley (retired), before she was elected to the California State Assembly in 2002. She represented the community where she grew up for three terms. In the Assembly she continued her focus on being a passionate voice for the Valley. Parra served as Chair of the Agriculture Committee, Joint Legislative Audit Committee and Veteran Affairs Committee. She also served on the Banking & Finance, Insurance, and...
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May 10, 2022 OUR CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY OF NICK RUIZ Sept. 23, 1964 - April 24, 2022 Our precious Nick was born September 23, 1964, in Bakersfield, California and went home to be with the Lord April 24, 2022. Nick and his siblings were inseparable growing up and their love for one another continued until the day he gained his wings. He attended Jefferson elementary school, Washington Jr. High, and graduated from East Bakersfield High school in 1982. He then attended Bakersfield College where he received his Associate Degree in Business. Nick was an accomplished man and excelled in whatever...
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Photos my Mike Guitierrez May 10, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Kern County Firefighters were dispatched to a downtown Delano house fire at Friday, May 6, afternoon where witnesses reported flames and smoke coming from the inside and outside the home, fire officials said Tuesday. The fire at the home, at 605 Main St., began at 2:15 pm. In all, 17 firefighters battled the blaze. While responding, they could see a column of smoke from a distance. Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed they had a working structure fire with smoke coming from all window openings of an abandoned house,...
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May 7, 2022 By Pastor David Vivas Jr. Delano's National Day of Prayer held Thursday featured Keynote Speaker retired Delano Judge Robert Tafoya and prayers from local pastors.The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.Former Mayor Art Armendariz learned of this resolution when he previously sat on the Delano City Council and brought this observance to Delano over 20 years ago.A large...
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May 6, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Tulare County Sheriff's investigators worked with their Kern and Madera county counterparts to arrest a Lamont man and recover stolen pickup, excavator and trailer during a monthlong investigation. On April 12, Tulare County Sheriff's deputies were called to Sunbelt Rentals in the area of Road 136 and Avenue 64 near Earlimart, for a report of a stolen rental excavator and trailer. The trailer was later recovered in the 10300 block of South Vineland in Lamont. The excavator was tracked to a property in Kingsburg, where Pedro Coronado, 37, of Lamont was...
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May 4, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland High School Band Instructor, Steven Herrera, was nominated as a Kern County Teacher of the Year Finalist earlier this week. Each year the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office recognizes exceptional educators from across Kern County. On Tuesday, May 3, McFarland High School Band instructor, Steven Herrera, was recognized as a Kern County Teacher of the Year finalist. He was selected for his work serving the students here in McFarland. "Steve was nominated by McFarland High School and his work was acknowledged by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Dr....
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April 27, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District The Delano Union School District Secures [post_excerpt].5 Million in Savings to Taxpayers by Refinancing Bonds Contact: Sandra Rivera, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services (661) 721-5000 ext. 00125 - srivera@duesd.org The Delano Union School District announces the successful refinancing of a portion of its general obligation bonds, resulting in significant savings for local taxpayers. The transaction is like a homeowner refinancing a mortgage to take advantage of prevailing low interest rates and reduce their payments. The refinancing transaction closed last month, and will save taxpayers over [post_excerpt].5 million by lowering property...
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April 22, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Tulare County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Delano man Thursday morning on grand theft counts in an ongoing Ag-related chemical thefts investigation. Deputies booked 43-year-old Carlos Gutierrez for possessing stolen property and grand theft in relation to an ongoing investigation regarding thefts of Ag-related chemicals. During the last month, detectives with the TCSO Ag Unit have been working with the local Ag community to investigate recent thefts. Detectives gathered information about a theft that had just occurred in the Tulare area. Patrol deputies then found Gutierrez driving in the area of...
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April 20, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District DYAR RECEIVES STATE PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARD A Delano Union School District educator and administrator has received a state award for outstanding leadership and significant contributions in the areas of health, physical education, and recreation. Director of Physical Education and After School Programs Kenneth Dyar was honored by the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) with the 2022 Clark Hetherington Honor Award during the association’s 2022 CAHPERD Conference held March 3-5. “You are to be commended for your commitment and dedication to promoting health lifestyles through leadership and...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, photo editor, DelanoNow April 18, 2022 By Steve Kinsey, Kiwanis Club of Delano Broad smiles, joyful faces, bunny ears, and candy were in abundant supply during the 40th Annual Kiwanis Easter celebration event held Saturday, April 16 at Memorial Park. Due to Covid concerns, this was the second year that the club has held a Drive-Thru ”Eggvent”, instead of the traditional egg hunt activity. More than 1,800 goodie bags were prepared for the drive-thru handout that benefitted children from pre-school age to fourth grade. Cars lined up early, starting around 8:30 am for the 10:00 am...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, photo editor, DelanoNow April 18, 2022 By Steve Kinsey, Kiwanis Club of Delano Broad smiles, joyful faces, bunny ears, and candy were in abundant supply during the 40th Annual Kiwanis Easter celebration event held Saturday, April 16 at Memorial Park. Due to Covid concerns, this was the second year that the club has held a Drive-Thru ”Eggvent”, instead of the traditional egg hunt activity. More than 1,800 goodie bags were prepared for the drive-thru handout that benefitted children from pre-school age to fourth grade. Cars lined up early, starting around 8:30 am for the 10:00...
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April 16, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District AUTISM ACCEPTANCE WEEK HELD AT HARVEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL To help celebrate diversity on their campus, Delano Union School District’s Harvest Elementary School held its Autism Acceptance Week April 4-8. The event was held in conjunction with April being Autism Awareness Month in the United States. The United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day was held this year on Saturday, April 2. According to Harvest principal Mrs. Janice Vargas, the week’s activities were developed and coordinated by the school’s teachers and staff. The week began with a video answering common questions about...
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April 16, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today The Houchin Community Blood Bank will have a blood drive in McFarland on May 12. We have officially confirmed another blood drive in McFarland at the Church of The Living Savior for May 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. Appointment link: https://connect.hcbb.com/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/6855
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April 15, 2022 Submitted by the Ahumada Family Eddie Ahumada, 81, of Delano passed away March 14, 2022 at the Delano District Skilled Nursing Facility. Eddie was born in Delano to Sebero and Maria Ahumada on October 14, 1940. He was raised in Corcoran attended elementary school there and graduated from Corcoran High School in 1958. Shortly after, his family moved back to Delano. Upon returning to Delano, he met Cruz Rivera and after a few years of dating, they married in 1963. The couple have 2 children, Stuart and Cecilia. Eddie started working with the City of Delano in...
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April 13, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland High School's Agriculture program is featured tonight on Valley PBS' series American Grown: My Job Depends on Ag | McFFArland. The episode airs at 7:30 p.m. via ValleyPBS Facebook and YouTube site. WHO: McFarland High School Early College Agriculture Program WHAT: Premiere Valley PBS Series American Grown: My Job Depends on Ag | McFarland WHERE: YouTube (ValleyPBS), Facebook (@valleypbs), website www.americangrowntv.com, and www.valleypbs.org WHY: Season 3 Episode 4 premiere WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2022, encore viewing 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, Noon Sunday, April 17. The McFarland High...
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April 7, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today A man wanted in the 2017 shooting death of a 28-year-old Delano man was taken into custody Wednesday in Tijuana, Mexico. On April 6, Rafael Gama, 29, of Delano was taken into custody, with help from Homeland Security and US Marshall’s Office, in Tijuana. Gama was wanted in connection with the killing of 28-year-old Jesus Perales-Montalva of Delano, who was shot to death on Sept. 1, 2017 in the area of Ave 24 and Highway 43 in Tulare County. Gama was believed to have fled to Mexico shortly after the slaying...
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April 4, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today A Delano man died early Monday morning when the car he was riding in northwest of Earlimart struck a tree in a front yard of a nearby home, California Highway Patrol officials said. On April 4, at 6 a.m., the Fresno Communication Center was notified of a solo-vehicle traffic collision on Road 104, north of Avenue 72. Officers from the Visalia CHP and medical personnel responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation determined the following information: Noe Reyes, 34, of Delano, was driving a 1996 Nissan Sentra northbound on Road 104,...
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April 4, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Director, Child Development Services, Delano Union School District Delano Union School District is assisting the Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network in providing three Drive-Through Dental Screenings during April. The first clinic will be held this Wednesday, April 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of Nueva Vista Language Academy, 120 Garces Highway in Delano. These clinics are provided free to all Kern County children ages 0-5 and require making an appointment. The staff from the Dental Health Network will provide a dental screening, a fluoride varnish, and a toothbrush for...
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March 29, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today The mission at Adventist Health Kern County is to live by God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope. We are inspired to make access to healthcare easier in the community. That's why we have a mobile program to better serve more people in Kern County. Primary Care services now available please call 661- 637- 8777 to schedule your appointment Mobile Health Clinic - McFarland April 2022: McFarland Learning Center 599 5th Street 9 a.m - 3 p.m April 4 and 5 April 11 and 12 April 18 and 19 April...
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March 29, 2022 By Rachel Ostroff, The Wonderful Company On Tuesday, March 22, during her town hall address to Wonderful College Prep Academy (WCPA) faculty and staff, Lynda Resnick–philanthropist, vice-chairman, and co-owner of The Wonderful Company–announced an annual million gift to recognize and celebrate teachers for their unwavering dedication and passionate commitment to provide students with a world-class academic experience. Amidst a global pandemic and national teacher shortage, this investment will allow WCPA to increase salaries for every employee and to provide bonuses and commuting reimbursements, supporting a more resilient education environment–both in and out of the classroom....
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March 26, 2022 By Janno Rojas, Cesar Chavez tennis coach Cesar Chavez High School boys tennis team has started the season very successful, and went 8-0 the past two weeks at Lynch Cup and Arvin Tournament Congratulations to the Cesar E. Chavez boys tennis team. They are Lynch Cup Champions! Varsity Boys Titans tennis finished undefeated at the Lynch Cup tournament last weekend with victories over Wasco High, Monache High of Porterville and South High and Ridgeview High of Bakersfield. The Titan boys were back again and won at the Arvin Tournament this weekend! The Titans went 4-0 with impressive...
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March 19, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District HUMOR, DRAMA SEEN IN DUSD ORAL LANGUAGE FESTIVAL Students from district schools competed through Zoom in Delano Union School District’s 2022 Region 10 Oral Language Festival held Thursday, March 3. Event organizer Lea Cantu reported a total of 62 students participated in this year’s competition. SERIOUS SOLO (Gr. 4-6) – 1st: Samantha Coronado, Albany Park School – Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse; 2nd: Emma Alvarez, Nueva Vista Language Academy – Love You Forever; 3rd: Isaiah Huerta, Harvest School – Excerpt from Wonder. SERIOUS SOLO (Gr. 7-8) – 1st: Armindev...
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March 18, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today McFarland High School Prepares Students for College, Career, and Beyond, provides Dr. Jasmeet Bains a tour of the career technical education options offered to students Creating and marketing T-shirts, McFarland Early College High School has a class for that. TIG welding, the Cougars have a class for that too. Recording and editing podcasts, you guessed it, McFarland Early College High School has a class for that too. Recently, McFarland Superintendent Aaron Resendez and McFarland High School Principal Dario Diaz spent the morning providing Dr. Jasmeet Bains a tour of the career...
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March 16, 2022 By Pastor David Vivas Jr., World Harvest International Church, Delano Community members gathered for a Memorial/Vigil Monday night for victims of violent crime at Cesar Chavez Park. Arrests of three suspects were recently made by the Delano Police who were involved in the homicide of Nayeli Carrillo Gonzalez. Ms. Gonzalez, a resident of Delano and student at Fresno State University, was home during the holidays at the time of her death. On Jan. 2, 2020, she and a friend were at Cesar Chavez Park sitting on the bleachers when unknown suspects pulled up and open fired...
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March 13, 2022 By Jaime Hernandez, Communication Manager, Adventist Health Delano Two Kern County hospitals are being recognized for their commitment to patient safety. Both Adventist Health Delano and Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley have the lowest infection rate of bacteria called Clostridioides difficile or C. diff. C. diff is a bacterium that causes an infection of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms can range from diarrhea to life-threatening damage to the colon. Illness from C. difficile typically occurs after use of antibiotic medications. It most commonly affects older adults in hospitals or in long-term care facilities. In the United States, about...
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WHO: McFarland High School Robotics Team (Seniors Harvey Gonzalez, Eliza Cardenas, Saul Gonzalez, and Daniel Garcia) WHAT: 2022 Southern California Vex Robotics Championship in San Diego WHERE: Montgomery High School, 3250 Palm Avenue, San Diego WHY: VEX Robotics Championship and chance to advance to the national event WHEN: 9 a.m., Today March 12, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Dance-Inspired McFarland High School Robotics Team on its way to first State Championship appearance today in San Diego. The senior quartet and its internet-meme namesake robot hope to leave its mark at the 2022 Southern California Vex Robotics Championship. The...
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March 11, 2022 By Aaron Vad, office of Rudy Salas Assembly member Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) joined Dr. Sonya Christian, Kern County Community College District Chancellor, and local community, education leaders and students Friday to announce the groundbreaking of a new expansion to Bakersfield College’s Delano campus, which was made possible by million secured in the 2021-2022 state budget by the Assembly member. This investment is being used to construct a new Learning Resource Center that will include classrooms, office space, a library and designated spaces for student services to support a growing population of students throughout Delano and North...
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March 8, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, DelanoNow.com Cesar Chavez Softball and Robert F. Kennedy High baseball are heading into the 2022 spring season as defending South Sequoia League champs. Both programs have gotten off to an expected hot start through their first few games, however as the season progresses the pressure to defend their title will only increase. Kennedy Baseball began their season several weeks before others in Delano as they competed in the Mills-Vogt Classic hosted by Central Valley Christian. The Thunderbirds began their season with a win however it came by forfeit from Tulare Union....
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March 5, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Kern County Sheriff's deputies arrested a Delano man in December 2021 shooting in Wasco, along with an attempted murder robbery earlier this year also in that community. Sheriff's investigators working with Shafter Police , were able to identify Bryan Morales, 20, of Delano, as a suspect involved in a shooting that occurred on Dec. 27 near Broadway and 15th Street in the City of Wasco. In addition to those offenses, Morales was also identified as a suspect involved in the attempted murder and attempted robbery that occurred in the 900 Block of...
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March 5, 2022 FRANCES MANALO DANDO May 1, 1933 - Jan. 29, 2022 On Jan. 29, 2022 our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother France Manalo Dando left this present life to enter into eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was 88 at her pas ing and had suffered from Alzheimer' for the last several year. Born on May 1, 1933 in S an Francisco, she was one of a family of 6. Though small in stature she was alway a large presence in the lives of those around her. She was nicknamed Sunshine as a child due...
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March 3, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Here are the hours and location for the Adventist Health Kern County Mobile Health Clinic in McFarland for March 2022. The mission at Adventist Health Kern County is to live God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope. We are inspired to make access to healthcare easier in the community. That's why we have a mobile program to better serve more people in Kern County. Primary Care services now available please call 661-637-8777 to schedule your appointment today. We accept Medicare, Medi-CaI, Kern Family, and most PPO insurance plans. McFarland Learning Center...
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By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District DUES TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS TO FUTURE EDUCATORS The Delano Union Elementary Schools Teachers Association (DUESTA) is offering scholarships to college students pursuing careers in education. The association is continuing the tradition started more than 20 years ago to assist local students who want to enter education as teachers in the Delano community. DUESTA will present four 0 scholarships. Those wishing to apply will begin by writing a one-page essay stating how an educator has impacted their life. Applicants must have a minimum of 90 semester units or 135 quarter units of...
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Feb. 24, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today The McFarland Unified School District has planned a Memorial Service for Boys Basketball coach Fernando Alaniz. After collaborating with the family, it was decided that Wednesday, March 9 at 2 p.m. was the best day and time for this service. The event will take place in the McFarland High School quad area and will be open to the community. "Thank you all for how respectful you have been in the coverage of this tragedy," District Superintendent Aaron Resendez said. We wanted to share that our local Teacher's Association is working to...
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Feb. 22, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarland Today Delano and McFarland’s winter sports season is coming to an end as each of its high schools send multiple teams into the postseason. This year's CIF Central Section included both boys and girls playoff brackets for basketball and soccer. McFarland Girls Basketball currently has the most success amongst its playoff teams as the Lady Cougars are set to take on Caruthers in the Div. 3 semi-finals. The team won its first two games convincingly with a 56-43 win over Golden West and a 66-59 win over Bakersfield Christian in...
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Feb. 21, 2022 By Vincent Escobedo, assistant coach for Delano Diablos, wrestling team Three Caesar Chavez High School Titans wrestlers qualified for the CIF State Championships this weekend by placing at the 2022 CIFCS Masters Tournament. Gavin Contreras placed 10th at 128 pounds, Elijah Guzman placed 9th at 140 pounds, Andres Rodriguez placed 8th at 287 pounds. All three C.C. Mat men will be competing this weekend at one of the nations toughest high school tournaments. California is one of six states in the country that crowns one true state champion at each weight division. Cesar Chavez High Titans Wrestling...
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Feb. 18, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District DUSD MIDDLE SCHOOLERS ADDRESS PANDEMIC DURING ANNUAL HENRY GREVE SPEECH CONTEST Addressing “What was the biggest impact the pandemic had on society?,” Delano Union School District heard 11 seventh- and eighth-grade students discuss the topic during the annual virtual Henry Greve Speech Contest held Thursday, Feb. 17. The students were passionate about their topics, explaining why their choices of impacts have most affected not only themselves, but their families, their community, and society in general. A number shared personal experiences that have occurred in nearly two years that COVID has...
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Feb. 9, 2022 Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District FORMER DUSD ADMINISTRATOR IS HONORED A long-time Delano Union School District staff member is being remembered for her dedication to the district’s students, and to the Delano community. Wava Billingsley-Hocking passed away in January at her home in Bakersfield. Billingsley-Hocking moved to southern Tulare County as a child. She graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1952. Her college work included an A.A. degree from College of the Sequoias, a Bachelor’s degree from Fresno State College (now CSU, Fresno) in 1959, and a Master of Arts degree from...
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Photo by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarland Today Feb. 8, 2022 By Aaron Resendez, Superintendent, McFarland Unified School District Dear McFarland Unified School District Community:Today, I am writing to share the sad news about the passing of a beloved member of the McFarland team, Mr. Fernando Alaniz.Mr. Alaniz suffered a medical condition during his prep period today, during which colleagues tried to assist him while they awaited the arrival of Emergency Services. I am saddened to report that Mr. Alaniz passed away a short time later. It is important to note that no students were present during this...
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The McFarland Unified School District accepts new family enrollment for transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first through 12th grade. To enroll in the McFarland Unified School District family, click this: LINK Feb. 7, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today The McFarland Unified School District staff is getting creative during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic to serve students every day. The district is inviting families to check out how it is utilizing indoor, outdoor spaces, and extracurricular activities to help students thrive during in-person learning. Today is the perfect time to join the McFarland Unified School District family, officials revealed...
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Feb. 9, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Outside physical activity does not stop at the elementary school level, "when possible and encouraging students to participate in team sports," said McFarland Unified School District Superintendent Aaron Resendez. McFarland Junior High School takes pride in developing students to become positive members of society. One way the Sabercats accomplish this is through the power of sports. MJHS coaches and school leaders emphasize the teachings of life lessons through the ups and downs of these memorable experiences. The McFarland leadership team believes that sports participation is an essential factor in the proper...
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Feb. 5, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Mobile Health Clinic - February Calendar Our mission at Adventist Health Kern County is to live God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope. We are inspired to make access to healthcare easier in the community. That's why we have a mobile program to better serve more people in Kern County. Primary Care services now available please call 661-637-8777 to schedule your appointment today. Adventist Health: We accept Medicare, Medi-Cal, Kern Family, and most PPO insurance. McFarland Learning Center 599 5th street 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, Tuesday,...
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Feb. 4, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Tulare County Sheriff's investigators took into custody a teenage ringleader in a series of armed robberies that occurred over the last several weeks, including a Christmas morning robbery at the Speedway Gas Station in Earlimart. Detectives had previously identified 18-year-old Alexis Ceballos of Porterville as one of the suspects responsible for these robberies. He was also arrested in connection with a killing, officials said. During the serving of several search warrants, detectives spotted Ceballos get into a car and leave one of the related homes. Investigators stopped the car near Olive Avenue...
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Feb. 1, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow Tulare County Sheriff's deputies arrested two teenagers and are still seeking a third one for a brazen Christmas morning armed robbery at the Speedway Gas Station in the 200 block of E. Sierra Ave. in Earlimart. On the surveillance video, four men are scene driving up to the store in a dark grey Dodge Durango. Three of them walked into the store holding a gun and demanded money from the store clerk. The suspects left the store with cash and merchandise. During their investigation, sheriff's detectives served multiple search warrants in Pixley,...
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Feb. 1, 2022 Submitted by the Rivas family Lucy Avalos Rivas born Nov. 17, 1929 in Delano, California. Born to Julian Avalos, father and Petra Vidales Avalos, mother. Passed away Jan. 6, 2022 peacefully. Lucy lived in Delano, most of her life. She attended and graduated Delano High School. She met Manuel “Chito” Rivas, they married June 1951. At this time her Love Manuel (Chito) Rivas left for the United States Army after being married less than two weeks. She stayed home in Delano with her in-laws. After Chito’s return home from the Army, they settled on Dover Street in...
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Barbara Vargas - Administrative Director of Nursing, German Jun Gordove – RN, Heather Van Housen - Patient Care Executive German Jun Gordove – RN Jan. 28, 2022 Jaime Hernandez, Communications Manager, Adventist Health Delano German Jun Gordove, RN of Adventist Health Delano was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. This is Adventist Health's first DAISY Award honoree. Many nominations were submitted, but one stood out it read: "These words are an appreciation for how you took care of me....
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Jan. 26, 2022 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District DUSD BOARD HONORS FORMER MEMBER A moment of silence was held during the Jan. 24 Delano Union School District board of trustees meeting to honor former board member Hubert Rabanal, who passed away Dec. 17. “The board and I mourn the passing of this beloved friend,” DUSD Superintendent Mrs. Rosalina Rivera said, “and offer condolences to his family, including wife Janet, and children Zachary and Taylor.” Rabanal served on the school board for 17 years. His service as Trustee included stints as Clerk and President of the Board. Current Board...
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Jan. 25, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, DelanoNow The Wonderful Company, a global company dedicated to harvesting health and happiness around the world, announced Tuesday its most recent class of Wonderful Community Grant recipients including two Delano area recipients. The City of Delano will put lights at a tennis court, while funds went to 746 Sports Foundation which provide summer camp recreational and learning activities for 150 kids in grades K–8 in Delano, Shafter, and Wasco. Thirty other nonprofit organizations in California’s Central Valley will receive a total of [post_excerpt].2 million in grants to help further their missions and programs. Since...
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Photos by Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarland Today Jan. 24, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarland Today As the winter sports season continues to wind down the, McFarland and Delano high schools are still having exciting basketball matchups. One of these matchups came in the form of Cesar Chavez’s girls and boys basketball programs taking on McFarland in a Friday night South Sequoia League rivalry showdown. The matchup was slated to be as even as both teams had been in years, with McFarland boys basketball holding a similar record to Chavez around the .500 mark while both...
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Jan. 20, 2022 Delilah Mascarinas’ Retirement Celebration On Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021 in front of 95 close friends, co-workers and family, Delilah Mascarinas celebrated her retirement party at The Links at Riverlakes in Bakersfield. After a year and months later, (her official date of retirement was June 2020) Delilah celebrated her retirement after 30 years of service to the Delano Union Elementary School District. Her guests were mainly her co-workers from her last place of employment as the school secretary for Princeton Street School. She worked at Princeton for the last 20 years. Her guests were treated to a full...
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Jan. 18, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, DelanoNow McFarland High boys basketball suffers back-to-back last-second losses to two Delano teams in Robert f. Kennedy and Delano High. Both of these losses included multiple lead changes within the last seconds of the game, and ended in heartbreak for Cougar players and fans alike. The first of these losses came against Delano High to open up the year Monday, Jan. 3, and marked the first game of the year for both teams. When the game began it looked as if Delano took full control of the game, with senior wing...
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Jan. 17, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Adventist Health Delano will have its Mobile Health Clinic several times this month in McFarland, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18 Primary Care services now available please call 661- 637- 8777 to schedule your appointment today. Tuesday, Jan. 18: 306 Lockwood Ave., McFarland 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24: 306 Lockwood Ave., McFarland 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25: 306 Lockwood Ave., McFarland 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Our mission at Adventist Health Kern County is to live God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope. We are inspired...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, McFarland Today Jan. 16, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Thousands of local residents received free COVID-19 supplies at a drive-thru and walkup giveaway on Saturday. Cars started lining up around the block shortly before 10:30 a.m. when the giveaway began at Emmanuel's Furniture store at 1010 Cecil Ave. Sponsors were Adventist Health, Delano Union High School District, Delano Union School District, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Emmanuel's Furniture and Delano City Council member Joe Alindajao and Liz Morris, said retired Delano Police Officer Mario Nunez helped organize Saturday morning's giveaway. He and Alindajao...
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Jan. 9, 2022 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today On Tuesday, Jan. 4, Kern County Supervisors approved an array of investments in road maintenance throughout the county, including roadway paving on Lytle Avenue from West Cecil Way to County Line Road. The work to be performed consist, in general, of paving hot mix asphalt, placing hot asphalt dikes, and painting traffic stripes and pavement markings. Kern County Public Works Department anticipates completion in June 2022. Also last week, board members allocated .4 million in federal funding to extend an agreement with Kern County Superintendent of Schools for Community Connection for Child...
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Jan. 11, 2022 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, DelanoNow As each of Delano’s three high schools head into the new year, basketball season is in full swing. Each of Delano’s three schools are hovering around the .500 mark with varying strength of schedule. As the teams prepare for their respective league play here is a recap of their season to this point. Chavez slightly leads the three schools in win percentage, with a current overall record of 7-9. The Titans began the season with a convincing 74-33 win over Foothill, but were stunned in a 50-49 thriller against in-town...
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Jan. 2, 2022 By Shari Gonzales, McFarland High School, vice principal: Athletics & Activities McFarland High Varsity Girls traveled to compete in the 21st West Coast Jamboree held Dec 28 - 30 in Walnut Creek. They were the Amber division champions defeating Sacramento Adventist 60-37, Arcata 63-53, and Campolindo 57-51. Annika Fernandez was selected as MVP, Sarah Lopez - All Tourney and Olivia Samaniego - All Tourney. McFarland High Varsity Boys competed in the Mendota Christmas Classic Tournament held Dec 27 - 30. After defeating Tranquility 76 - 33 and losing to Coalinga 66-70 in pool play, they went on to...
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Dec. 28, 2021 By Jaime Hernandez, Communications Manager, Adventist Health Delano Southern California Gas Company donates mask to Adventist Health Delano and Northern Kern county communities Just as another highly contagious variant of COVID-19 is starting to make its way to California, Adventist Health Delano received a significant donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) that the hospital can now share with other local groups. The Southern California Gas Co. donated 358,500 masks – worth 4,540 – which will be distributed to local community organizations, churches and healthcare entities, including Adventist Health Delano. Representatives from Southern California Gas Co. stated their...
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From left are Albino Duran, Assistant Principal of Delano High School; North Kern State Prison Warden Kelly Santoro; Dolores Rodriguez, Principal of RFK; Jesse Ortega, Head Football Coach of CCHS; and Justin Derrik, Principal of CCHS. Dec. 27, 2021 By Joseph Lopez, Community Resource Manager North Kern food sales generate ,500 schools donation The athletics departments at three Delano high schools received a hefty donation thanks to food sales with North Kern State Prison’s incarcerated population. Prison staff presented a check on Dec. 17 for ,570 to Delano Joint Unified High School District. The donation will help three schools: Delano...
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Dec. 26, 2021 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Just after 1:30 a.m. on Christmas morning, Tulare County Sheriff's deputies were called to the Speedway Gas Station in the 200 block of E. Sierra Avenue in Earlimart for an armed robbery that had just happened. On the surveillance video, four men are scene driving up to the store in a dark grey Dodge Durango. Three of them walked into the store holding a gun and demanded money from the store clerk. The suspects left the store with cash and merchandise. Detectives believe the suspects involved also checked out several other...
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Dec. 23, 2021 By Lydia Soto, Family Advocate, McFarland FRC My name is Lydia Soto I am employed by McFarland Unified School District. I have been a Toys for Tots committee member for over 16 years helping with toy collection and distribution. Four years ago, I was given the opportunity to have our own Toys for Tots distribution in McFarland, still under the umbrella of the Delano event lead by Alex Grijalva. McFarland Unified School District students joined in the effort to collect toys and fundraised more than ,000, which was used to purchase toys for our fourth annual distribution that took place...
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Dec. 21, 2021 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District A Delano Union School District music director will represent her district and Delano as part of an international group that will march in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, 2022. Brenda Perry-Reed, music director at DUSD’s Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy, will be one of nearly 300 band directors from across the United States and its territories, Canada and Mexico who will be part of a float and band group (a first for the Rose Parade). Their float’s theme is “Salute to Americas Band Directors.” “I feel very...
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Dec. 21, 2021 By Gene Garaygordobil This year’s Delano Toys for Tots holiday campaign has been the most successful due to so much support throughout our communities. About 4,670 toys we either collected or purchased locally. From churches to local businesses and agencies from around Delano and McFarland made our program a huge success! There are so many people to thank that I wish I could thank them personally because without them no of this would be possible. A special thank you to -Matthew Cauthron from Adventist Health Delano, Linda Hinajosa of Delano Union School District, Lupita Reyes of Delano...
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Photos by Maria Ahumada Garaygordobil, Photo Editor, McFarland Today Dec. 14, 2021 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today For the 30th anniversary of Delano's Shop with a Cop, there was little fanfare early Saturday morning. Actually, folks initially thought it was the 28th annual, but counting the past events it tallied to 30 years of local officers and other local residents who provide clothes and toys to many children who usually don't get much of a Christmas, retired Delano Police Officer Mario Nunez said. Nunez, who was still part of this year's event, had turned the reins over to other...
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Dec. 12, 2021 By Michelle Gaeta, principal, Terrace Elementary School Terrace Elementary School held a Winter Wonderland Drive Thru event on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Preschool, TK, Kindergarten through 6th grade and our POWER program participated by decorating a tree that was then donated to a deserving Terrace family. Santa stopped by to say hello and there was also some snow!
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Dec. 10, 2021 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Sophomore Quartet is ranked second in Kern County and hopes to qualify for the national competition. Yasir Rubio gets excited about the parts, especially when he can put them together. As the builder for the McFarland High School Vex Robotics team, known as the Pack Bots, Rubio is in his element when he and the rest of his squad construct and refine their robot for competitions. Two years ago, as eighth-graders at McFarland Junior High School, Rubio and teammates Francisco Vejar, the robot driver, Eric Ontiveros, the notetaker, and Arturo Gonzalez,...
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Dec. 9, 2021 By Aidan Joshua Garaygordobil, Sports Editor, McFarland Today On Wednesday, Dec. 8, the friends and family of Kennedy alumnus Anthony Ontiveros laid him to rest. During his time at Kennedy, Ontiveros made history as the first ever Delano athlete to win the Hometown Sports Scholar Athlete Award. It has been 18 days since Ontiveros passed in a tragic car accident and his service, while beautiful, served as a heartbreaking reminder of how loved he truly was. Hundreds of people attended services for the former Kennedy student-athlete, however, to those that knew him he was much more than...
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Dec. 7, 2021 By Mike Bledsoe, Delano Union School District DELANO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFERS FREE PFIZER VACCINE, BOOSTER CLINIC WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8 Delano Union School District will offer a free Pfizer vaccination and booster shot clinic this Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy gym, 1331 Cecil Ave., Delano. No appointments are necessary to take part. The event is co-sponsored by the district, California Farmworker Federation, Komoto Pharmacy, and Kern Family Health Care. According to district Director of Health Services A. Linda Hinojosa, vaccines will be available for any person...
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Dec. 4, 2021 By Diego Paniagua, Richgrove Community Organizer Richgrove has had a tackle football program for 25 years now under the guidance of Albert Sabado the Athletic Director at Richgrove Elementary. However, this is our first ever championship win as a program. Really big deal for our little town on the south end of Tulare County. We also play Delano schools along with teams throughout Tulare County. We beat Earlimart (#7 seed) in the first round of playoffs (defending champs, 2019 season 19-2020 school year). Then Visalia Ducks in the Semi finals. (#3 seed). Finally beating the Goshen Bears...
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Dec. 1, 2021 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today On Nov. 19, cadets from the Delano Police Department and Kern County Sheriff’s Office explorer programs visited the Delano Court. Supervising Judge David Wolf welcomed the cadets to court and spoke about the importance of education, careers in law enforcement and the law. Judge Benavides told the cadets that when he started elementary school his parents were migrant farm workers and he could not speak English. He made the point that no matter where you come from, if you are willing to work hard you can succeed. Representatives from the Delano...
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Nov. 26, 2021 By Joe Alindajao, Delano City Council member This Thanksgiving Day, on this crisp-cool 30-degree morning, runners and walkers throughout the city came together to honor a special young lady, Shaylyn Pinoliar. The route took us south on Browning Road starting from a small memorial in honor of Shaylyn on the corner of Summer Drive and Browning Road. Many of us ran and some of us walked but we gave it our all to stand with Fegimar and Elsa Pinoliar, the parents of Shaylyn. The family has been honoring their daughter since a year after her tragic passing...
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Nov. 24, 2021 Submitted by the Nelson family Harold Dudley Nelson 1928-2021 Harold left this world peacefully and quietly on Nov. 8, sitting in his chair looking out at his yard, maybe reflecting on the time spent in his yard, in his pool, at the many barbecues and family gatherings, maybe reflecting on his lifetime spent on the farm in the fields in the dirt beyond the fence. He many times said, “The dirt has been good to me.” Born into a Danish American family on Sept. 21, 1928, Harold was raised on a farm and grew up working on...
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Nov. 22, 2021 By Arnold Morrison, Delano Joint Union High School Board Trustee After qualifying for the State Championship the week before, the Robert F. Kennedy High School Band was off to the finals at Newport Harbor High School last Saturday, Nov. 20. To say this was an eventful trip would be putting it mildly – not only for the students but also for their director Marlex Booc. The charter busses rolled out at 8 a.m. that Saturday morning with all equipment on busses or in the trailers behind. After a quick stop for lunch we arrived at 2:45 p.m....
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Nov. 22, 2021 McFarland Today Staff reports The Delano Police Officers Association raised ,000 during October for the Adventist Health Delano Foundation. Throughout the month of October, members of the Delano Police Officers Association raised ,000 for the Adventist Health Delano Foundation. The funds were generated by pink patch sales and donations from community members. The check was presented to David Butler, President of Adventist Health Delano and Matthew Cauthron, Director of Community Integration, Partnerships and Philanthropy.These patches were created to spark conversation throughout the community and raise awareness of breast cancer. We thank our community and members of the...
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Nov. 20, 2021 By Gene Garaygordobil, Editor, McFarland Today Their footprints are all over town. You can find them in the fields, on the streets, and in the school. They even greet you as you enter the city limits. Emblazoned on the city’s welcome sign is a runner running through the field with the words: Tradition. Unity. Excellence. In the past 35 years, the McFarland High School Boys Cross Country program has been the town treasure with nine state title recognitions painted on the gym’s front entrance. More than two decades after winning their last California Interscholastic Federation State Cross...
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