Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Clowns Haunt Kern County After Dark
He prowls the streets at night (Photo via Instagram)
()
The Wasco Clown has been terrorizing (or delighting) our neighbors to the north in Kern County by wandering around late at night since October 1. He's even got his own Instagram account, where he can be seen prancing around with a fistful of balloons.
Being October, the clown isn't necessarily so out of place, and he's garnered a number of responses on social media and in real life, with several people in Wasco saying they've spotted him around the small agricultural town northwest of Bakersfield, Kern Golden Empire reports.
Some people are terrified:
Support for LAist comes from
my mom told me that there's a guy in wasco that's dressing like a clown and taking scary pictures and I cried
— Jo (@joedoefrodoe) October 7, 2014
Others, not so much:
that wasco clown is a fake bitch
— Jaime (@kimbox13) October 7, 2014
Not to be outdone, Delano and Bakersfield have their own clowns. The Delano clown appears on the Wasco Clown's Instagram, and is a totally different clown. While it's not clear if these two clowns are the same person in different costumes, the Instagram account claims that there are multiple clowns. In fact, the account says, they're "all over."
The clown has already managed to achieve urban legend status, as a boy in Wasco claimed he was chased by the clown, who was wielding an axe. Others said they saw the clown committing unspecified crimes, though so far, the Kern County Sheriff's Department says these reports are unfounded.
Support for LAist comes from
Others say that the clowns are just trying to get people in the mood for Halloween. If that's the case, it appears to be working.
Haha I have to admit this Wasco Clown is freakin genius. pic.twitter.com/KHPhQDSNPO
— 𝔰𝔬𝔩🌙 (@seemlysol) October 7, 2014
Related: Creepy Photos Of Vintage Clowns
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist