Meeting for the first time since Alex Garcia resigned as Wasco mayor, the four remaining council members appointed Valentin Medina as the new mayor Tuesday evening.
“I didn’t intend to become mayor this way,” quipped Medina when asked about being named mayor by his fellow council members.
Indeed, it was an unexpected shocking development for the small city. Garcia had faced calls to resign after a video surfaced on social media showing him being assaulted by two unidentified men who accused him of attempting to meet with a 15-year-old for a sexual encounter somewhere in Bakersfield. Garcia resigned on August 1. The incident is under investigation by Bakersfield police and no charges have been filed.
The small Wasco city council chambers was packed with local residents “I felt very disturbed by what has happened, it’s a shame,” said Wasco resident Sandra Castañon. “Regardless of party affiliation, we can keep each other accountable,” she said, noting that like Garcia, she too is a Democrat.
During an interview, Medina said he would not address the issue with Garcia and said he has plans for the city. “I’m looking forward, not backward. This Saturday we have a community clean-up project going and I’m inviting the community to come out and participate,” said Medina. A long-time resident and raised in Wasco attending local schools, Medina is married and has a daughter. He also speaks fluent Spanish which is a big plus in Wasco as many residents there are limited in English. Medina was already serving as Mayor Pro Tem. Fellow council member Eduardo Saldaña will now fill that post
Garcia’s term as city councilman from District 5 remains vacant. His term expires at the end of the year. The council also voted to appoint someone who lives in that district until the November 5 general election. Anyone interested in applying for the post can do so at Wasco city hall. All applicants will be forwarded to the city council members who will then interview candidates and choose a successor at a future city council meeting.
In light of Garcia’s sudden resignation, the city has extended the filing period to August 14 for candidates wishing to run for District 5. Candidates must meet qualifications, including handing in a petition with at least 20 valid voter signatures from District 5.
Alex Garcia has not made any public appearances since the video was made public. He issued the following statement on August 1.
“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”
