Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wasco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in public safety with high priority
Wasco bike ride safety
A resident who lives at 1270 Oak told the council the street serving Independence Elementary and a school for children with disabilities has no sidewalks, and she's been painting crosswalk stripes herself. The city's sidewalk program is focused on main streets near schools, so staff will follow up with her.
Youth e-bike and e-scooter safety
Chief Mora handed out a new pamphlet explaining e-bike rules after officers tracked down and seized a dirt bike from a 16-year-old who fled a traffic stop. The department will push the info through schools and at Saturday's Bike Rodeo. Council members flagged dangerous group stunts and sidewalk riding.
Domestic violence awareness and survivor support
The council proclaimed April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, honoring Lideres Campesinas for their work supporting farmworker communities and survivors.
Immigration enforcement fears and city communication
A resident asked the council to communicate with immigrant families amid regional enforcement activity, and Council Member Medina read a public statement affirming Wasco PD does not work with federal immigration officers and sharing know-your-rights resources.
Street Lighting and Public Safety
The council approved up to $130,000 in purchase orders — $90,000 to Loop Electric for installation and $40,000 for components — to bring lighting to G Street. It's a safety and visibility improvement for one of the city's main corridors.
Wasco Police Department Full Staffing and July Operations
Chief Mora reported strong response times including a stabbing arrest within five minutes, but Council Member Martinez pressed for news releases on major incidents and monthly speeding citation data, noting dangerous speeding on residential streets.
Weed abatement responsibilities
Council Member Martinez flagged large overgrown vacant lots along the Highway 46 corridor as both an eyesore and a fire hazard, and asked staff to set a hard mowing deadline — possibly via notice on utility bills — for absentee owners.
Wasco PD report and arrest in Sunday shooting
Chief Mora reported April crime stats trending normal, plus an arrest in the April 19 shooting with a press release coming. Reyna asked police to develop an education program for kids riding e-scooters and bikes unsafely.
Emergency communication gaps after gas leak
After January's methane well leak, residents were confused about whether they needed to evacuate — and alerts went out only in English. Fire and police chiefs agreed to work with the city on clearer notifications, the Genesis Protect app, and Ready Kern sign-ups.