Wasco
Overview
Wasco is a city located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, California, United States. It is part of Kern County, one of the most productive agricultural counties in the United States. The city is known for its rich agricultural heritage, particularly in the production of roses and cotton.
History
The area that is now Wasco was originally inhabited by the Yokuts people, a group of Native Americans who lived in the central California region for thousands of years. The city was founded in 1899 as a railroad town, serving as a key stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad's main line.
Geography
Wasco is located at 35°35′23″N 119°20′19″W, in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The city covers an area of 9.4 square miles, all of it land. The city's geography is characterized by flat, fertile agricultural land, with the Sierra Nevada mountains visible in the distance.
Economy
The economy of Wasco is heavily based on agriculture. The city is known as the rose capital of the nation, with over half of all commercially grown rose bushes in the U.S. produced in Wasco. The city is also a major producer of cotton, almonds, and pistachios.
Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Wasco had a population of 25,545. The city has a diverse population, with a large number of Hispanic and Latino residents. The median age of residents is 28.6 years, and the median household income is $45,903.
Education
Wasco is served by the Wasco Union School District, which operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Wasco High School. The city is also home to the Bakersfield College Wasco Campus, which offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs.
Government
Wasco is a general law city, governed by a five-member city council. The city council appoints a city manager, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the city. Wasco is part of California's 23rd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Kevin McCarthy.
Culture
Wasco is known for its annual Rose Festival, a celebration of the city's rose-growing industry. The festival includes a parade, a rose show, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The city is also home to the Wasco Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Wasco area.