Shafter Seeks Two Planning Commissioners: Apply by 5 p.m. Monday, October 26

SHAFTER, Kern County — October 23, 2026. Official city information provides the basis for this local report. Residents should rely on the latest agency notices for dates, permits and legal decisions, especially while the city is considering new policies.

What positions are open?

The city’s October 1 notice seeks two appointments to the five-member Shafter Planning Commission, with four-year terms beginning January 2027. The Planning Commission evaluates land-use, development, conditional use permits, zoning and variances. Commissioners serve with compensation, though the online notice does not specify the amount.

Who qualifies?

Applicants must reside inside Shafter’s incorporated city limits and be eligible city electors and registered voters at appointment. They must maintain residency during service. Appointees are required to file an oath and conflict-of-interest disclosure, FPPC Form 700, and complete ethics training during their first year.

Exactly how to apply

Applications must reach the Shafter City Council at City Hall, 336 Pacific Avenue, Shafter, CA 93263, by 5 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2026. The city provides a downloadable Planning Commissioner Application and directs questions to City Clerk Yazmina Pallares at CityClerk@shafterca.gov. Verify delivery method rather than assuming an emailed resume alone satisfies the application.

What happens after filing?

This is a City Council appointment process, not a public election for the two seats. Submitting an application does not guarantee an interview or appointment. Applicants should ask the Clerk about meeting dates, public review and any additional disclosure deadlines.

Primary source: Shafter official city information. Read Shafter News and other California58 Local newspapers. Community groups and local businesses may request their own California58 page, separately from our independent reporting. Send corrections to California58 Newsroom. Support Shafter’s independent local journalism.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER NEEDS YOU

Help this community newspaper grow

Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.

Donate once by card ↗

Help Shafter News grow Help strengthen reporting on Shafter: community voices, important decisions and local life.

Support Shafter News

Choose how to support Shafter News:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. When possible, add “Shafter News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.

Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

Shafter News — Your Community Newspaper

Have a correction, news tip, local announcement, or story to submit? Contact our editorial team. All submissions are reviewed before publication.