Council member Gilbert T. Alvarado and Senator Melissa Hurtado
On December 16, the Shafter City Council members, City Staff, elected officials, representatives, and residents gathered to celebrate a groundbreaking event at one of the newest housing developments in town.
The city was recently awarded $6 million to begin groundbreaking work on a Shafter Police Substation and Library Extension that will be located in Gossamer Grove. The Library Extension will serve as the primary location for Shafter’s Library. This would be the second library in the city, providing access to many constituents.
Community Services Director, David Franz, spoke to attendees and explained the impact that this Library extension will have on the youth and community of Shafter.
“The fact that there is a library extension as part of this project says a lot about the city council, and it reflects their commitment to families and to children and building the infrastructure that supports them,” informed Franz.
Many residents of the Gossamer Grove area shared that they were unaware of the library extension project that is set to come into the neighborhood. However, one resident, Candice Cheney, shared her excitement and her hopes for this project.
“I am so excited for this! I hope it becomes a gathering place for our community,” said Cheney.
The City is actively working to provide more resources for the Shafter community, a Costco and an elementary school are also set to come into the Gossamer Grove developments. Aside from these additional resources, the City currently runs a Scoutmobile bringing books to communities located in Shafter.
Franz expressed how this new facility allows the wonders that children gain from reading to be honored in town.
Mayor Chad Givens gave the final remarks and thanked the City Council for working to secure these grants and funds. Givens assured attendees that this project was simply more than just a police station, but that it needed to serve the community.
“Shafter is the fifth fastest growing city in the state of California, and that’s not going to stop anytime soon. We love our people, and the best part of Shafter is not the place, but the people. So knowing the people are going to be first and foremost of what we’re doing here in the community service building is important,” said Givens.
With just over 20,000 residents and a growth rate of 4.7% in its population, the City of Shafter is recognised as the fastest growing city in the state, and in Kern County. New housing developments, infrastructure, and city developments have influenced the rapid growth of this agricultural area.
Senator Melisaa Hurtado, representing District 16, was among the few speakers in attendance during the ceremony. Hurtado led the press conference and reiterated how this project is monumental for the City of Shafter. She noted that the process to secure funding isn’t easy, yet Shafter persisted to receive funding. The funding was first released back in October of 2022
“It’s not an easy thing to get $6 million, and yet they were advocating day after day, they didn’t give up, and it’s thanks to them that they were able to get this done,” said Hurtado.
The senator also acknowledged the efficiency and work provided by the police officers and first responders in the community. She explained the importance of their presence and investing in protecting them and keeping them safe, as they do for residents.
Chief of Police Randy Milligan thanked the senator for providing the funding needed for a new police substation and for the growth of public safety that will come from this project.
Milligan stated that the Shafter Police is “committed to local safety and strengthening partnerships,” and recognised the growth within the Police Department.
“With the support of the City Council and City Manager, the police department has doubled the sworn and professional staff over the last few years,” said Milligan.
