Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wasco public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues
Wastewater/Stormwater Engineering Agreement
The city closed out a $125,000 state Community Development Block Grant that paid for updating the wastewater master plan — a 25-year look at the city's sewer collection and treatment systems that helps prioritize repairs and upgrades.
New water wells and Central Avenue beautification
The $5 million downtown Phase 2 project is awaiting its federal agreement. Council Member Reyna asked that Phase 2 landscaping favor evergreen plantings, since the dry ornamental grasses from Phase 1 draw frequent complaints.
October police activity and drug interdiction
Police reported a slower month (1,781 incidents, 91 arrests) and a multi-agency operation that took two felons off the street and seized about a quarter pound of meth. Council also wants the e-bike/scooter safety pamphlet spread more widely.
SR46 Improvement Project construction impacts
Caltrans is building a roundabout at SR43/46, replacing the BNSF rail bridge, and adding bike lanes and ADA upgrades. Construction starts November 2026 and finishes October 2029, with night lane closures and some full closures of 46 at F and J Streets. Residents and businesses should expect disruption and watch for commuter alerts.
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.
Water SCADA system upgrade
Reyna flagged hackers targeting water systems nationwide, including a Bakersfield-area Calwater breach; the council agreed to review Wasco's protections in a separate session rather than open session.
Storm season and El Niño preparation
Sand and sandbags are already stockpiled at city property, storm drains are being cleaned, and reverse 9-1-1 will be used for serious storms. Clear leaves out of your gutters, folks.
Clean California cleanup grant (CCEP)
The April 25 cleanup hauled away a whopping 17.8 tons of junk. The mayor pro tem wants those stats mailed with water bills to encourage more of it, and praised the new sidewalks on 5th Street near Poplar.
Historical society leadership transition
After roughly 50 years running the Wasco museum, Marlene Swan and Earlynne Woolly are passing the torch to the Orange Heart Foundation, keeping local history alive for future generations.
Data centers and Wasco's water supply
Mayor Pro Tem Reyna asked staff to put data centers on a future agenda, worried they'd strain Wasco's limited water. Staff is already researching it.
Utility rate workshop coming November 10
Staff announced the first workshop on utility rates for Tuesday, November 10 at 4 p.m. — this is where future water bills could start taking shape, so it's worth tuning in.
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.
Bakersfield College College Corps interns at PAL building
A grant obtained by Assistant City Manager Maria Lara funded five youth interns working at city hall this summer, with three more openings possible. Medina credited the program for giving local teens their first real jobs.
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.