The Kern County Democratic Central Committee is calling on Wasco mayor Alex Garcia to step down from his post. This comes after a video surfaced on social media showing Garcia being berated and assaulted by unidentified individuals. The unidentified persons make serious accusations against Garcia, who does not resist.
A statement released on July 30 by Committee Chairman Christian Romo reads, “We have been made aware of the recent allegations made against Wasco Mayor Alex Garcia. The Kern County Democratic Party unequivocally condemns any acts of violence, sexual assault, and harassment in any form, especially when involving an individual who cannot give consent, such as a minor. As such, the Kern County Democratic Party calls on Mr. Garcia to immediately resign from his position on the Wasco City Council, so that the city can focus on the work of serving its citizens without distraction.”
Calls and text messages sent to Garcia for comment have not been immediately returned.
Garcia has retained Bakersfield attorney Jared Thompson. Thompson was not available for comment, but he issued a statement to the Wasco Tribune.
“I advised him (Garcia) not to make any statements because there are a few investigations that appear to be ongoing. Based on the information we have available right now, it appears to be a situation where two individuals tricked Alex and lured him to a location in Bakersfield and then attacked him….The video that is circulating shows felony conduct on the part of the individuals, not Alex. Based on Alex’s sexual orientation, it appears that this could have been some kind of hate crime or homophobic attack. Essentially, we hope that any criminal investigation would focus on that.”
Wasco police chief Charlie Fivecoat said the incident appears to have taken place in Bakersfield and handed the case to Bakersfield police, which is investigating. Wasco City Manager Scott Hurlbert issued a statement reading in part, “The City of Wasco is aware of the social media posts involving Mayor Alex Garcia….the City of Wasco is very concerned about these allegations and will continue to cooperate with the Bakersfield Police Department and any other agencies to ensure all the facts in this matter are brought to light quickly.”
Others are also calling on Garcia to resign his post. Fellow Wasco city council member Vincent Martinez posted a message on Facebook directed at Garcia writing, “You hide behind an attorney and play the victim without any explanation….Explain this situation so that it makes sense or resign. It is that simple.”
Garcia was appointed mayor of Wasco in December of 2023 by a unanimous vote from his fellow council members. Garcia had been previously removed in 2021 from the post after pleading no contest to a reckless driving charge in connection with consuming alcohol.
