Alex Garcia has resigned his post as mayor and member of the Wasco City Council effective immediately. This comes less than a week after a video surfaced on social media showing Garcia being assaulted by unidentified persons who accused Garcia of attempting to meet with a minor at an undisclosed location in Bakersfield.
At least two of Garcia’s fellow members on the city council have publicly called for him to resign for the good of the city. The identities of the unidentified persons in the video are unknown. The matter is under investigation by the Bakersfield police department.
Garcia issued his resignation with the following statement.
“To the Citizens of Wasco,
As I have been healing following my recent assault, I am now finally able to speak with you to announce, with a heavy heart and profound regret, my resignation as Mayor and Council Member of the City of Wasco.
As many of you are aware, there is a situation that requires my personal and full attention. I want to assure you that the accusations made against me are mischaracterized and inaccurate and certainly do not reflect who I am or what I stand for. However, due to the controversy surrounding these allegations, I am left with no choice but to resign for the overall health and success of our great City to ensure that you can continue moving projects along and making positive changes with no distractions. I am thankful for all those who have stood by me and sent supportive messages during this time, as I have healed from my injuries and processed this difficult decision.
I have had the pleasure of serving as your Mayor for the better part of the past decade and I have enjoyed every
minute of it. I thank you immensely for the privilege of servicing this wonderful community and I am deeply sorry that my term is ending under these circumstances. I am looking forward to witnessing the future of Wasco and all the new Council will have to offer, and I will continue to root for and support this city and its amazing citizens.
Thank you again,
Alex Garcia”
