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October 29-4, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 18 www.Taftindependent.com “Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley” [email protected] FREE Weekly e Taft Independent Taft City Councilman Cliff Thompson Accused of Harassment Again 201 Kern Street • 763-9999 $25 Valid through 11-1-10 Celebrate Halloween with 5 Large Pepperoni Pizzas! + Tax EL RINCONCITO Mexican Food & Seafood Now Open In Cuyama Valley Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Orders To Go Open 7 Days a Week 8am-8pm 2725 Highway 166 (661)766-2752 Over 20 Years Experience Taco Special $1 Each Al Pastor Tacos Saturday & Sunday Menudo Every Saturday & Sunday Buy 1 Meal and get the 2nd Meal Half Off Must present this coupon Clip & Bring This Coupon NOW OPEN Open Daily 9am - 8pm Lunch served 11am - 1pm Dinner served 6pm - 8pm Black Gold Coffee House and Deli Featuring Sagebrush Annie’s Award Winning Wines Join us for Monday Night Football Monday, November 1st Houston at Indianapolis All you can eat Spaghetti (Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce Only) $8.95 508 Center Street • 765-6550 Spaghetti with Meatballs & Salad $11.95 Ice Cold 16 oz. Bud Light on Tap $3.50 On Tap Bud Light • Widmer • Fat Tire • Shock Top On 2 Big Screens! Three for Taft Our Endorsements for Taft City Council Businessman Orchel Krier, Randy Miller and Paul Linder City Employees Meet with Council Candidates

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Page 1: Document

October 29-4, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 18www.Taftindependent.com

“Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley”

[email protected]

Taft City Councilman Cliff Thompson Accused of HarassmentAgain

201 Kern Street • 763-9999

$25Valid through

11-1-10

Celebrate Halloween with5 Large Pepperoni Pizzas!

+ Tax

EL RINCONCITOMexican Food & Seafood

Now Open In Cuyama ValleyBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Orders To GoOpen 7 Days a Week 8am-8pm

2725 Highway 166

(661)766-2752Over 20 Years Experience

Taco Special$1 Each

Al Pastor TacosSaturday & Sunday

MenudoEvery Saturday & Sunday

Buy 1 Meal and get the2nd Meal Half OffMust present this coupon

Clip & Bring This Coupon

NOW OPEN

Open Daily 9am - 8pmLunch served 11am - 1pmDinner served 6pm - 8pm

Black GoldCoffee House and Deli Featuring

Sagebrush Annie’s Award Winning

WinesJoin us for

Monday Night

Football

Monday, November 1stHouston at Indianapolis

All you can eat Spaghetti (Spaghetti & Marinara Sauce Only)

$8.95508 Center Street • 765-6550

Spaghetti with Meatballs & Salad $11.95Ice Cold 16 oz. Bud Light on Tap $3.50

On TapBud Light • Widmer • Fat Tire • Shock Top

On 2 Big Screens!

Three for TaftOur Endorsements for Taft City Council

Businessman Orchel Krier, Randy Miller and Paul Linder

Cit y Empl o y ees Meet w ith Co un c i l Ca n di d a tes

Page 2: Document

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 29-4, 2010

Taft Manna 4 U Needs Your Help

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Gift Certificates AvailableNail Services:

Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

(we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

acme jewelry co.F i n e J e w e l r y

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts 14K Gold Sterling Silver • Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries • Candies • Candles • And More!

New Store Hours:Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pmClosed Sunday and Monday

Handmade Hammond’s Candies

The Perfect Gift!Open 24 Hours! 506 Center Street (661) 205-5579

Special Offer from

Next Step!Join Today!

Shop Taft

Miller’s

661-763-5445 510 Center Street • Taft

Beauty Supply

Call for an appointment Today

Glam Squad on PremisesBarbara Van Pelt • Melissa Thornsberry

Laci Rodart • Christine Dunning Carolyn Easley • Shop Manager - Jessica G. Miller

101 B. Street • Taft

(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

Monday - Buy 1 Dinner and get the 2nd FREE*

*On dinner combos 1- 102nd dinner must be of equal or lesser

value From 4pm - Closing.

Wednesday - Kids Eat FREE*

*Kids under 10 years old eat free from Kids Menu with paying Adult

From 4pm - Closing.

Saturday - Noche MexicanaSteak or Chicken Fajitas

$9.95From 4pm - Closing.

All Specials Subject to Change

Specials

Anderson Business ServicesWE COME TO YOU!

Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Sandy AndersonNotary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments and

Jurats$10 per signature

Mortgage Documents $150 per set

Mobile Notary Service $1 per mile

Office: 661-765-7665Greg’s Cell: 661-557-6032

Sandy’s Cell: 661-577-6790

Save yourself a trip to Bakersfield, come in and

browse at your leisure!

Selection ofVinyl Records & Old Radio

Shows

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

1014 6th Street • TaftIn the Save A Lot Shopping Center

(661)745-4913

Personal StyleFamily Boutique

Your One Stop Shop for the Entire Family

423 & 421 Center Street • 763-3527

FREE Medium Cheese Pizza

“We Toss’em,They’re Awesome”

Infants • Toddlers • Juniors • Women & Men

Voted Best Pizza4 Years in a Row!

FALL FAVORITESSweaters • Boots • Jeans • Purses

Sign Up for 1 Year

Over 6,000Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback

Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Ben’s BooksThe Largest, Cheapest and Only

Used Book Store in Taft

And Sign Up Anyone In Your Family for Only $15 a Month!

Sign Up Online! www.taftnextstep.com

Today’sWoman

403 Center Street • (661)765-1717

An Extreme Fitness Workout Club for Men & Women who are serious about Fitness!Meeting Afternoons at Today’s Woman

Call Dennis Dabbs 765-1717

Hosting Club Team Extreme90 Day Extreme Fitness Program

Starting NOV. 15thMembership Limited

With the Purchase of any XL Pizza*

765-5311

614 Center Street

* Limit 1 per customer

Beauty Supply • Salon • Boutique

MEMBERSHIP BUDDY PACKAGE SPECIALSign up for 1 year with a friend or family

member and pay $50 a month!That is $25 each a Month!!

Open 7am-4pm for LadiesAfter 4pm Ladies and MenCheck for Weekend Times

Thank You for Voting Us Best Salon in Taft for 2010!

(661)763-3030

Hair & Skin Care Products • Salon Services Synthetic Hair Wigs & Human Hair Extentions

Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Pictures & Prints • Massages

New Arrivals Weekly!

Call for Classical, Blues, Jazz and Gospel Musicians to perform at the Gallery. If available please call Jane at (661)765-4790

Page 3: Document

October 29-4, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Community Events.........3

News Briefs.......................3

Westside Watcher............4

WestsideRecreation Report..........5.Westside News.................6

Westside News..................7

Obituary............................8

Westside Horoscopes......9

Classified Ads.................10

Inside Community Events

The Taft Independent

508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,500 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Indepen-dent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

We welcome contributions and suggestions. Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

Subscriptions. Subscription home or mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR.Send us your letter to Taft Independent at the above address. Limit it to 300 words and include your name, address, and phone number. Fax: (661) 765-6556. Email your letter to: [email protected].

ADVERTISING.Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representa-tive at (661) 765-6550.Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone order are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Assistant Managing EditorAdvertising Sales Manager

Jessica Wallis

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller

Jessy McCulloch

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins

Staff PhotographerSara Bravo

Circulation ManagerJobe Edgar

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

EditorialTaft California

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Country Hoedown Saturday, November 6th

Enjoy a great evenin’ at the Historic Fort with music, BBQ, dancin’, raffle and si-lent auction. Saturday, November 6th, happy hour begins at 5pm, Western BBQ at 6pm and Country music and dancin’ at 7pm featuring Jerry Hall and Trick Shot. Advance tickets recommended for $20. Tickets at the door $25. RSVP by November 1st at 765-7371

The Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 6th

Peace Lutheran Church is holding the Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 6th from 8am to 1:30 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, located at 26 Emmons Park Drive. Rent a table to sell your stuff ! Reserve a table for $10, at the door $15. Bake sale, crafts, yard sale items, pottery, farmer’s market, quillts, avon, jewelry, etc. Pie and Ice cream social, hot dogs and chili and popcorn. Call 765-2488 or 765-6248.

Afternoon Poetry Reading Sunday, November 7th

The End of Times Gallery will be holding a poetry reading on Sunday afternoon, November 7th from 2pm to 4:30pm. A featured poet will read for 20 minutes. If you care to read, please bring three or four poems. You will have six minutes to read your own work. Refreshments will be served. A donation of $4 is suggested. The End of Times Gallery is located at 428 Center Street. For more information please call 765-4790.

Painting Class Every Thursday Night Starting Thursday, November 11th

Painting Class beginning November 11th until December 23rd from 6pm to 9pm at The End of Times Gallery located at 428 Center Street. $10 per class. Acrylic paint is the suggested media. Students are responsible for their supplies. Please call for supply list. (Supplies available at Michaels or Aaron Brothers in Bakersfield.) Demonstra-tions and work time from 6pm to 8:15pm, class criticism from 8:15pm to 9pm. Class limited to 13 students. No class on Thanksgiving, November 25th.

Children’s Book Reading Saturday, November 13th

Please bring your children for a reading of The Remarkable Story of the Very First Flower on Saturday, November 13th at 10am at The End of Times Gallery located at 428 Center Street.

Taft Manna 4 U Needs Your Help

Open 7am-4pm for LadiesAfter 4pm Ladies and MenCheck for Weekend Times

Three For Taft’s Future Next Tuesday, Taft’s voter will have a choice on who will take 3 seats on the Taft City Council. It is an important election that could set the city on a new course of improving our economic well being and refocus the city council on creating new jobs, improving city parks and attracting new sales tax generating businesses to the city. We are recommending 3 well qualified candidates who we have come to know and respect, and who we believe would help stop the bickering and get the city back on track to doing the business of the people. Incumbents Randy Miller, Paul Linder and businessman Orchel Krier, in our opinion, are the best choice to bring the city back to sane local governance and put the community on a track towards economic recovery and growth, and responsive local government. The two incumbents, Miller and Linder, have helped lead the city through tough eco-nomic times, ensuring that the city’s budget is balanced, that no city employees got laid-off, and worked to address and resolve the conflicts that have plagued city council meetings. Miller and Linder are not typical incumbent that should be tossed out of office like so many others should be during this time of growing discon-tent with government. These two men are the good guys. Both are lifetime Taft residents who have given much to the city and never asked for credit for what they have done. Both are executive board members of the Oildorado Committee, which brought Taft the best Oildorado ever. They work the do on the city council, while not as visible as what they have accomplished on the Oildorado Committee commends both. Both Miller and Linder should be returned to the council to serve another 4 years. Businessman Orchel Krier too is an involved and generous man. At just about every community event, Orchel can be seen volunteering and personally contribut-ing to the overall success of an event. He never seeks recognition. He did, however, recently receive the coveted Rotary Paul Harris Award for his volunteer work in the community. A successful businessman, farmer and community volunteer, Krier will bring a no-nonsense business approach to city finances and Taft residents will be fortunate to have him as their representative on the council. This is not to say that three other candidates - Gypsy Freeman, Dee Bankston, or Ron Waldrop - are not qualified or worthy of council service. All are fine can-didates and we thank them for running and for participating in our September candidate forum. One candidate, Gypsy Freeman was a breath of fresh air in a normally male dominated campaign. Freeman, a smart and articulate candidate, represents many young families and others who live and work in Taft but have little voice in the city. We encourage Freeman to get more involved in city policy making - possibly on the planning commission - so that she can gain the understanding and experi-ence of how government works, and make another run for council in 2 years. We hope she will do that and look forward to lending her our endorsement then.

Taft Oildorado Store 50 Percent Off Sale for Volunteers Tonight, Store Reopen to Public Saturday at 9 a.m.The Taft Oildorado Store will host a 50% Off Sale for all store volun-teers, committee and board members this Friday from 6pm-9pm at the Oildorado Store.

You are invited to a special 50% off sale this Friday, October 29 at the Oildorado Store from 6:00pm - 9:00pm! All items will be 1/2 price to the all people who worked on Oildorado including store volun-teers, board and committee members, posse and wooden nickel gang, committee members for events that didn’t have representation on the regular committee (like the art show).

The store will re-open to the public on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00am - 5:00pm for 2 weeks (closed on Sundays) or until we run out

Photo by Sara Bravo

Maricopa Wins $800,000 Federal Sewer Collection GrantPortion of City to Get New Sewer Pipes

The City of Maricopa has won a $800,000 federal grant that will pay for replacement of approximately 1/4 of the city’s aging sewer collection pipes. According to city manager Dan Ayala, the city will receive the funding in the near future, and construction and replacement of the new pipe system would begin in the Spring of 2011. Construction will occur on Bush, Thornton, Broadway, Mary, Helen, Adeline and Center Streets. Ayala said that the entire system is more that 60 years old and that eventually all the pipes and sewer system would have to be replaced at a cost of $5 million. Councilman Andy Blakely said that the city is seeking more federal grant funding to pay for the improvements.

Maricopa City Councilman Andy Blakely stands next to the city’s sewer settling ponds outside of the city.

Page 4: Document

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 29-4, 2010

Editorial

Westside Watcher

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wed, Fri. 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft,

Ca.

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pmSaturday 4 pm - 9 pm

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pmDinner by Reservation

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 1 pm

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.Saturday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Live Music Saturday Nights

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pmSaturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm

Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. Sat. 6 am-9pmSun. Wed. Fri. 6 am - 10pm765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

El Jacalito Authentic Mexican Dining

We do Catering for any Special Event!Orders to go.

Sunday - Thursday10:30 am - 8:00 pmFriday and Saturday10:30 am - 9:00 pm101 B. Street, Taft

763-9890763-9892 fax

Always Fresh!

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 2;30pmDine In or We Deliver

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

FOXTHEATER

All shows before 6 p.m.- $7.00 -

Late ShowChild and Senior $7.00

Adults $9.00www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St

NOW SHOWING

-You Again-Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’/Hoole-Let Me In

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 3:30pm to Close

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

Chilled & GrilledEvery Wednesday Night

Bike Night!Drink and Appetizer Specials from 7-9pm.

$1 Drafts!!!

765-2000621 Center Street

Get Your Events in the Westside Entertainment Guide. Call 765-6550 or fax 765-6556

Your RestaurantListed Here.

Call765-6550.

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Every Friday is Ribeye Steak Dinner Night Residential • Commerical • Senior DiscountsInterior and Exterior • Specialty Coatings • Floors

Wrought Iron • Power Washing

(661)203-6677CA License # 784342P.O. Box 612 • Taft,CA 93268

FREE ESTIMATES - NO OBLIGATIONS

ADVERTISE in theTaftIndependent

765-6550

Industry Night will be back on track starting Wednesday, November 3rd.

So come on out and support the club and enjoy a great dinner!

Eric Cooper and Oildorado Board

Industry NightWednesday, November 3rd

Thanks to everyone that came to the clubs events during Oildorado, it wil help in replacing

some equipment the club needs.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday November 2, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA

(661) 763-1222AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD

OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ANDPOSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE

www.cityoftaft.orgTELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11:

Wednesday 8 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.

Well, the Westside Watcher has gone and done it again. The attorneys are after me for “disseminating lies and mis-truths” about our favorite political jackass Cliff Thompson - who, by the way, is up for re-election next week for a 3rd term! Seems Cliffy didn’t like that we said in our editorial a few weeks ago that he doesn’t live in Taft anymore and is now working somewhere north of Fresno...so far away (thank God) in fact...that he can’t make it back to Taft for council meetings and has to call in on the telephone to participate in the few agenda items he wants to have a say in - like important money saving agenda items that he thinks will get him votes for re-election - Not! As far as we know, the Spifman has been unable to make it to the last 3 of 5 or 6 council meetings because he’s out of town so much. Boy, that’s good representing! So he’s gotta be living up there somewhere, right? Fresh from his lawsuit against the city where he got his Bakersfield attorney Gabriel Godinez a cool $4,000 for a few hours of paperwork, Cliffy and his attorney are now threaten-ing the Watcher with some undisclosed horror (Happy Hal-loween my little pretty’s) if the Watcher don’t “cease and desist from disseminating these lies and mis-truths...”. “...we hereby (Cliffy must be paying this guy by the word) demand a retraction of the lies you had published concerning Mr. Thompson’s residence....we expect to have the retraction within the upcoming issue.” Well, Mr. Godinez, we ain’t retracting nothing and you can kiss my - well, favorite jackass. Instead, Mr. Godinez might be able to make more money

Now Playing in Taft: Jackass 3 - His Third Term

from possible lawsuits against Cliffy then he can from the al-ways broke (ask our attorneys Mr. Borton and Petrini) Taft In-dependent - by getting ready to defend the indefensible Cliffy against new charges of harassment against Mr. Thompson by a few women who showed up at the Tuesday night City Council Meeting Tuesday evening and publicly accused the ashen faced councilman of all sorts of harassment. You had to be there. (You can see the video clips of the two women on the Taft Independent’s Facebook page.) Knowing something was up when he saw the two women before the council meeting started, Mr. Thompson nervously approached one of the women and told her was not sure why she was there and what she was up to, but that she should remember that he - the Spinmeister - was always her only sup-porter on the council. Guess that approach didn’t work Cliffy. Anyway, one tearful woman told the council how she had to leave the city because she was afraid of the Spinman and got fed up with his harassment when she worked at city hall. The other woman talked about how the Cliffman always tried to insert himself for personal gain into negotiations be-tween the city and one of her clients and the health care district when the property was up for sale. Boy was Cliffy pissed, sittin’ up there on the dais looking important, writing down notes, clicking his pen, and feverishly urging Mayor Dave to cut the women off because they were us-ing up to much public speaking time to make their points. Personally, I think the mayor (as well as Randy and Paul) was enjoying the presentations by the aggrieved women so much, well, the time just flew buy and the woman just got more time then they were suppose too. Of course, Cliffy categorically denied everything the women said during his councilman remarks period..and well...he didn’t have much else to say during his allotted time to speak - very unusually for the talkative councilman. Well, we’ll miss Cliffy if he don’t get reelected next Tuesday. He has always been a good source of editorial writing. But then there are always other councilmen - and possibly women - to jab and make fun of. They are, after public officials, and get ex-tra special treatment by the Watcher - after all, there is freedom of the press (Mr. Godinez) and elected officials are always fair game. Oh well, just another meeting at the Taft City Council.

Page 5: Document

October 29-4, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 5

P.O. Box 612 • Taft,CA 93268

S.T.O.P.Strive To Optimize Participation

Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced

program fees, give us a callin the District Office at 763-4246.

West Side Recreation Report

WEST SIDE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT500 Cascade Place, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-4246

[email protected] www.wsrpd.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

by Stephanie House

Eric Cooper and Oildorado Board

TIE-DYE T-SHIRTSWednesday, November 103:00-4:30 pmCommunity Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades 2-8$3 per person ** pre-registration required by November 9Bring a new, washed 100% cotton t-shirt and you will be able to tie-dye it! We will have all of the supplies to make a cool shirt. Kids are encouraged to wear old clothes to work in. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

KIDS FUN DAYThursday, November 1110:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades K-6$8 per person ** pre-registration required by November 10There is no school today, so join us for games, movies, crafts, lunch, snacks and more! Don’t forget to sign-up with a friend. Space is limited so pre-registration is required.

JR. HIGH DANCESaturday, November 137:30-10:00 p.m.Community Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades 6-8$3 per personDress is casual and drinks will be sold. Music is provided by Nick’s Mobile DJ. Be sure to bring your school ID card!

JR. NBA BASKETBALLDivision I: Ages 9-10Division II: Ages 11-12Division III: Ages 13-15Registration deadline: November 11Fee: $40 per personPractices start Wednesday, November 17This program emphasizes fundamental skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship and positive adult participation in a fun and rewarding youth basketball program. Boys and girls can create a bond with the game while learning what it takes to be successful away from the court.

BASEBALL ACADEMYInterested in your child learning the skills that it takes to be a professional baseball player? Chicago White Sox prospect Chase Blackwood is available to teach those fundamentals to local athletes. For more information, please contact Les Clark at 763-4246.

PONYTAIL SOFTBALL – EARLY REGISTRATION$40: November 1 – December 24$45: December 27 – February 10$50: after February 10 (dependent on program availability)NO SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 10.Sign-up early for Ponytail Softball and save 10%! Early bird registration fee is only $40. The softball program is for girls ages 5-15. Practices begin the week of February 22, 2011 and the season begins April 12, 2011.

CENTRAL VALLEY DISC GOLF TOURNAMENTSaturday, December 4Check-in: 8:00 a.m.Franklin Field Recreation ComplexAges 8 and olderFees: $40 – pro, $35 – amateur Register in the District Office before December 2. This tournament will consist of 2 rounds of 18-holes each. All skill levels are encouraged to participate!

BINGOThursday AfternoonsGames start at 1:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly Room, 500 Cascade Place, TaftAges 18 and olderThe District holds Bingo games every week for adults. Average buy-in is $15 per person. Cash pots are awarded and we also sell pull-tabs. Stop by and check it out!

BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGESMake your reservation now!Need help planning a birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower? We can help! For one low fee, we will provide a room, plates, napkins, forks, cups, balloons and invitations – all to match your theme or colors. And for a little extra, we can help with activities, too! Package prices start at $130. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call the District Office at 763-4246.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOWFriday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4, 2010The District’s 32nd Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Community Center this Decem-ber. Vendor registration is underway now in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. The fee is $40 per space. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or [email protected].

NOON YEAR’S EVEFriday, December 3110:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Community Center AuditoriumGrades K-6$6 per personRegistration deadline – December 22

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCESaturday, February 5, 20117:00-9:30 pmCommunity Center Auditorium, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGirls ages 4-18$30 per couple, $10 each additional daughterThis year’s dance has a western theme!

Page 6: Document

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 29-4, 2010

“I told … Gibson that there is no way I would agree to be in the same room without protection due to my fear of him,” Taylor said.She later resigned her post with the city. “I left because I had no choice,” Taylor said.

Comments ‘false’ “The women’s comments were false, and I can tell you in the case of Pam Taylor I was kind of shocked,” Thompson said after hearing the claims of both women. “If I was upset with her (at that time) it was her lack of profes-sionalism.” Taylor cost Taft $8,000 when the city was sued by a local couple over an action by the grant administrator, he said.

77 e-mails Laura Geiger, who worked with potential buyers for the hospital property, said she had 77 e-mails sent to her by Thompson beginning in August 2008. “Beginning in August 2008, Thompson approached me on my negotiations,” Geiger said. “He offered help to get the hospital reopened. “It became personal ... a ploy to get me alone ... Over the phone and in person he pressed for a personal relationship. I felt uncomfort-able. “He continued to insert himself into the negotiations over the hospital.” Thompson sought public acknowledgment of his input in the hos-pital sale, “which wasn’t deserved,” she said. “I had to work around the personal agenda of Cliff Thompson.” Thompson asked, “If Geiger had a problem with me ... why did she work with me on the Gala in 2008? “Nothing the women stated has a factual basis. They are blatantly false allegations.” Thompson brought up the political timing of the women’s charges. The events listed by Taylor took place in 2006 and those listed by Geiger occurred in 2008-09. Yet, the women waited until the last council meeting before the election to speak out, he said. “Why now, just before the election,” Thompson said. “I have had dinner since then with her (Geiger) several times? Why now?“Look at the timing. This is a last-minute attempt to not get me elected. I believe any citizen of Taft can see what they are trying to do to me.”

In other actions: * The council voted 4-to-0 – with member Randy Miller absent -- to delay action on two items until all five members were present. The items were: funding out-of-state travel for four Finance Department employees to obtain Munis training; and a new employment agree-ment with City Manager Bob Gorson. * The council voted 4-to-0 to revoke the dance hall permit/busi-ness license for the H2O Club, 509 Center St., until California Fire Code violations are corrected. * Taft Police Chief Ken McMinn reported that the 2010 Oildo-rado was the “largest by far and had the least criminal activity.” The police department received 87 Oildorado-related calls during the event, with 10 arrests for drunkenness, and two vehicle accidents with only one minor injury. There were 60 to 70 officers from other agencies that assisted the Taft Police Department during the 10 days of Oildorado, McMinn said. They represented police departments from across west Kern County, the Sheriff ’s Department, California Highway Patrol, the county Probation Department, and Kern High School District.

Westside News and Business Briefs

Senior Nikki Sasi, junior Stacee Reed, sophomore Jennifer Cha-male and freshman Taylan Erro are the Taft Union High Schools students of the month for September. Students are nominated by staff and selected by Renaissance Committee students. The Renais-sance program promotes academics. Nikki Sasi “is always on time and ready to help,” bragged band director Amanda Posey. “Her squad won the marching competition at band camp and she is a great leader. Her grades are outstanding and she is a great member of the colorguard. She also plays piano and is a great person.” Foods teacher Lynn Bramham added that she is a “very sweet girl, a conscientious student with a great attitude, a pleasure to have in class.” Stacee Reed “is a mature, intelligent and hard-working, young lady,” explained nominator Bill Wolfe. Wolfe is the coordinator of the AVID program. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determi-nation) provides instruction and framework for students to succeed in college. “She is doing well in her classes (nearly straight A’s for the first Progress Report), she is a reliable contributor in my AVID II (junior) class, and she is helpful to, and supportive of, her classmates and her teacher. She has great potential. Spanish teacher Sandra Torres agreed, “Stacee Reed is an awesome student in every way. She’s eager to participate, always smiling, and always willing to help her fellow classmates and me.” That’s also the way that science teacher Harold Heiter sees it. “I have both Jennifer and Stacee in chemistry, and had both of them in biology last year. They are both not only good students, but very fun to have in class. They are very cooperative, and willing to do what it takes to learn the content material, not just to get a good grade, but because they both really want to understand the subject. They both have a great sense of humor as well.” Jennifer Chamale also “is a standout in my Honors English class,” nominating teacher Wolfe said. “She always does excellent work, has a real talent for writing and a good sense of humor, and adds a lot of energy to the class.” “Jennifer was also student of the month in AVID for September,” sophomore AVID teacher Mike Cowan added. “Jennifer is a fantas-tic, young lady. She always has a great attitude and her happiness is contagious. She’s friends with all the other AVID students and is always helpful and kind. We need more students like Ms. Chamale.” “Taylan Erro is the freshman phenom on the tennis team,” bragged Jim Carnal, her nominating teacher and the varsity tennis coach. “She is an A student and has picked up tennis incredibly fast. She listens and learns and improves. She ended up with the best winning percentage in singles (9-2), most wins (24-11) and best overall win-ning percentage (.686) of all the girls.” “She was a big help to my 7th period freshmen P.E class,” added Tanya Mauldin. “She worked with groups of students teaching them rotation and scoring for our tennis unit while I worked with other groups.” That motivation carries over into the classroom. “Taylan is one of the hardest-working students that I have and goes about achieving top scores in a quiet, humble way. She sets the bar high and is a shin-ing example to her classmates as to what an exemplary student looks like,” added biology teacher Ryan Hickman. Spanish teacher Sandra Torres added, “I can always count on Taylan to have her work completed and be on task. She’s always pleasant and very hard working — a real joy to have in class!”

Photo by Jim CarnalJunior Stacee Reed, freshman Taylan Erro, sophomore Jennifer Chamale and senior Nikki Sasi, are the Taft Union High Schools students of the month for September.

TUHS September Students of the Month

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By Kent Miller

Once again, the Public Comments portion of a Taft City Council meeting proved more explosive than any item on the agenda. Tuesday night a former city employee and a local real estate agent who was working on the sale of the Taft hospital property took to the podium to level claims of harassment at Councilmember Cliff Thompson. Thompson, who is one of three councilmembers seeking a third four-year term in Tuesday’s general election, called the women’s charges “blatant fabrications” and political. The first charge came from Pamela Taylor, former grant adminis-trator for the city and now a resident of Henderson, Nev. Taylor read from a “memo of record” she had sent to then Acting City Manager Gary Dabbs in April 2006 in which she claimed “hos-tile behavior and environment from (then) Mayor Thompson.” Taylor said she learned that Thompson was mad at her because of a comment she made concerning tax abatement property acquisi-tion. “Mayor Thompson stated … he had wanted one of his contractor friends to be able to purchase the tax abatement property and de-velop it,” Taylor said. “I told Mayor Thompson the City of Taft could not sell to a private investor because that land acquisition … had to be developed and sold to low and very low income families.” Taylor spoke of her “growing fear” for her safety and “wish to remove myself from the hostile and frightening environment being created by Mayor Thompson.” In an April 2006 telephone conversation with City Attorney Kathy Gibson, the women talked about the matter and Gibson urged her to meet with Thompson and discuss the situation, Taylor said.

Thompson Harrassment Alledged at Taft City Council Meeting

Councilman Cliff Thomspon (left) listens to new accusations of harass-ment by two women at the Tuesday City Council meeting.

Page 7: Document

October 29-4, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 7

Re-Elect IncumbentStan Barrett

VOTE NOV 2NDTaft Union High

SchoolBoard of Trustees

Proven educational leader

and an ardent supporter of vocational education.

KRIERElectOrchel

Taft City Council

ElectMichael

LongWest Kern College DistrictPut More Community Into Taft College

BusinessmanPublisherPast Taft Chamber PresidentTaft Community Garden MemberTaft College Friends of the LibraryTaft College Measure A Committee

Se Habla Espanol

Elsa MooreIndependent Beauty Consultant

www.marykay.com/reynabeautyE-mail [email protected]

(661)208-5111

~

Westside News and Business Briefs

Taft Union High School Board

Ken Anderson

Because Our Kids Count!

More than 50 city employees met with 3 Taft City Council candidates on Thursday evening to voice thier concerns with ongoing city employee contract negotia-tions and ask the candidate for thier views on city employee performance and employee compensation and benefits. The city is suggesting that employees take cuts in benefit and wages, including the police department gicine the current economic climate. Candidates Gypsy Freeman, Orchel Krier and Dee Bankston attended the quickly arranged forum.

Candidates Meet City Employees

Taft Domino’s Pizza - 8th Wonder of the World - Beats World Record, First Ten Pizzas Go To The Independent

Taft Independent Publisher Michael Long and Editor Jessica Wallis are handed ten pizzas by Domino’s pizza owner Bob Leikam at the kick-off of the local company’s attempt to beat the world record of most pizzas made within a 24 hour period. Leikham formally handed Long and Wallis the first ten pizza’s as they came off the preparation line.

by Jessica G. Miller

At 11:04 AM on Saturday, October 23 during The Grand Parade for Oildorado, Domino’s Pizza passed the Guinness World Record for most pizzas made and

served in a 24 hour period at over 5,000 pies. Guinness representative, Danny Girton jr., along with a corporate representative from New York for Domino’s, Police Chief Ken McMinn, and Dr. Tang certified the record breaking on the spot. “I was tremendously excited,” owner Bob Leikam said. “The credit for it all goes to my wife, Tina. It was her idea. She was born and raised here and has always wanted to do something like this during Oildorado.” The final count at 4:00 PM that day was 6,838 pizzas. With a total of 85 workers consisting of former and current crew members and even a few Domino’s workers from Los Angeles, Burbank and Diamond Bar, Arizona, they were able to crank out 400 pizzas an hour. “The help was outstanding,” Leikam said. “There was no way we could have done it without them...and the ovens!” They even had the Pony Express helping deliver pizzas on Saturday which also coincided with the 149th anni-versary of the last Pony Express run in California.. ”It was a lot of fun,” Leikam said. “But we could see why [The Pony Express] last only three years...one horse kicked an employees car and another headbutted me!” You can find more information on the record breaking pizza making on the Guinness World Record’s website.

Dear Westside Voter: I want to serve you on the West Kern Community College District board to ensure continued training certification classes and more vocational education opportunities for local residents. Established in 1922 with less than 50 students, Taft College has become an excellent community college with educational opportunities for high school and returning students seeking college transfer, retraining or vocational classes. I’ll bring a fresh perspective, new ideas and an energetic approach to Taft College policy making. I’ll work to: • expand vocational education programs, • work with elected leaders to attract our fair share of state and federal education dollars, • expand adult education classes. As a Veteran, college graduate, businessman and Taft community leader, I’ll bring my experience and knowledge to the Taft College board. I ask for your vote for new leadership and new ideas.Please vote Michael Long for West Kern Community College District Trustee. Thank you!

Page 8: Document

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 29-4, 2010

TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

Pastor Cindy BrettschneiderSunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM

Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AMAdult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PMWednesday Night Service 6:00 PM

Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

Trinity Southern Baptist Church

400 Finley DriveWe invite you to join us

each week as we worship

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 amSunday Morning Worship 11:00 amSunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

Bible StudyThursday Nights 7 p.m.

395 California Street, Pastor Maricopa, CA 93252Bill LeBarron (661) 619-5372

Lighthouse Foursquare Church210 Harrison Street 763-1518

Home Of The Good News BearsHugs On WheelsFood In The ParkCode Blue Youth

Sunday Service 10 AMPastors Mark and Kathy Fitzsimmons

For More Information on Service Times Go ToWWW.TAFTLIGHTHOUSE.ORG

New Hope Temple“Connecting Lives”

308 Harrison Street765-4572

Sunday Morning WorshipService 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening WorshipService 6 p.m

Bible Classes All AgesWednesday 7 p.m.

Jennifer, Charlie, and Angie Dedicated • Professional • Experienced

All Are Licensed Funeral Directors

The Trusted Name Since 1939

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Pastor Floyd and Carol Jordan 1000 6th Street

765-7472 www.nlctaft.org

UTURN Youth GroupTuesday 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

At The Spot, 201 Harrison Street

Sunday Service at 10:00AM

Taft CrudeCoffee House

Ice Blended Mocha

Fat Free andSugar Free

Available in Most Flavors

Open 7 Days - 763-51561010 6th Street • Taft

Immaculate Conception Parish

Mass Saturday 7pmSunday 9am

Everyone WelcomeDeacon Ricardo Barragan

Weddings - BaptismsQuinceañeras

4595 Highway 166 - New Cuyama(661) 766-2741

1150 4th Street • Taft

CommunityChristian

Fellowship631 North Street

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’sEpiscopal Church

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.Rev. Linda Huggard

703 5th Street - Taft(661) 765-2378

PLASMADONORS

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TAFT GRAVESIDE SERVICE

The CA. Dept. of Consumer Affairs in the Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases States:

“Compare Prices and Services”

West Side Memorial ServicesPorteous Family

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMSTaft- A caring community under Christ

We welcome you to worship with us at peace lutheran church, 26 Emmons Park Drive (across from the College). Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Communion will be offered 1st and 3rd Sundays

Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 a.m.

The Pregnancy crisis center is now open and available for support and assistance. For information, call 763-4791

If you have a prayer request please call (661)765-2488. Leave a message if the pastor or secretary is not available

Angel Food Program Tues. 9am - 12pm Thurs. 3pm - 6pm

FE# 1220661-763-1594

$1,985.00Includes American made Steel Casket

Choice of 7 colorsMemorial Book and Folders + Graveside Service

Obituary

Dixie Lee Romagno passed away on October 18, 2010 in Pocatello, Idaho after a short bout with cancer. Dixie was born on May 28, 1951 in Thermopo-lis, Wyoming. She attended elementary school (grades 1 through 8) at Hamilton Dome, Wyoming. While in Wyoming she developed a love for horses and horseback riding. Her prized Morgan horse, Westcrest Jubilee took Reserve Grand Champion at the Wyoming State Fair. Dixie moved to Taft, California with the rest of her family in 1966 when her father was transferred there by Empire State Oil Com-pany. She attended Taft Union High School graduating in June of 1970. She went on to obtain

her Licensed Vocational Nursing Degree and worked at a number of facilities in Kern County including Taft Hospital and Parkview Julian Convalescent Hospital until she had to retire due to a back injury. Dixie was the mother of two children; Tara Rowland of Arroyo Grande, California and Joshua Kelly of Bakersfield, California. She also had three adorable grandchildren; Austin Gallegos, Cassidy Gallegos and Griffin Rowland all of Arroyo Grande. Dixie was preceded in death by her younger brother Joseph in 2000 and her mother, Helen, in 2008. She is survived by her father, Arthur Romagno of Tetonia, Idaho, sister, Carolynn, of Taft, California, brother, Roy of Bakersfield, Califor-nia, daughter Tara and husband Philip Rowland of Arroyo Grande, CA, son Joshua Kelly of Bakersfield, CA and her three grandchildren, Austin, Cassidy and Griffin of Arroyo Grande, CA. Cremation has already taken place and there will be no services. A private Memorial service may be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

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General Automotive

Repairs

DIXIE LEE ROMAGNO MAY 28, 1951 - OCTOBER 18, 2010

Page 9: Document

October 29-4, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 9

Westside Horoscopesby Jessy McCulloch

370 CALIFORNIA 769-8580

TUES.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-4:00 FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS

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G&S CARPET Service & Selection

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www.sagebrushannies.com

Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

Now Celebrating Our 20th Year

Yates’ Detailing600 Center Street

Taft, California(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting. Call for Appointment Today!

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WANTED: BULKY WASTE PICKUPFord CityTuesday

South Taft & Taft Heights Friday

City of TaftWednesday

• REFRIGERATORS • MATTRESSES • WATER HEATERS • STOVES • WASHERS & DRYERS • SOFAS

All green waste must be bagged. Tree Limbs cut in 6’ length, and bundled.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTEDConstruction/Demolition Waste/Used Oil/

Hazardous Waste/Tires

If Missed… Call Office at

763-5135

Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup

Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131

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E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store

FE# 1220 www.taftindependent.com

Aries (March 21-April 19): Mental health (yours primarily) needs to be a priority and a focus this week. Do what you must to get yourself back on track in every way.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): You’ve achieved a very important victory here, so go ahead and enjoy it. But don’t think this means you get to relax; you still have a lot to accomplish.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): You’ve eaten a rather generous serving of humble pie, but it won’t do you any good if you don’t acknowledge it. This is a real learning opportunity if you let it be one.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): Don’t feel too guilty about a mistake you’ve made with a close friend. It wasn’t that big of a deal and they’re not upset at all, so go easy on yourself.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): Things are not going as smoothly as you’d like in the social department, but this condition can and will change. You’ll be surprised at how it happens.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Don’t throw someone else under the bus to give yourself some relief; it will only come back to hurt you and you may lose a potential friend in the process.

Libra (September 23-October 22): Things are very busy right now, but they’re also very productive. You’ll be amazed at how much you can actually get done this week.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): If things seem off with a loved one, that’s because they are. You need to be there for them without being too pushy; it’s a delicate balance but you can do it.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): There are a lot of chang-es going on all around you, so it may be easy to get overwhelmed. They are all for the better though, so keep that in mind. Capricorn (December 22-January 19): If you’re feeling stuck then it’s time to make a few changes. If you hate what you’re doing, then for pete’s sake – stop doing it!

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): You need to start making some changes in the workplace before it’s too late and your entire career is affected. Get started yesterday.

Pisces (February 20-March 20): Don’t create unnecessary drama where there’s already plenty of it. There’s enough going on without you adding to it and making things worse than they are.

If your birthday is this week: Don’t use other people’s lives and ac-complishments as a gauge for where things stand in your own. The better tool to measure with is your own happiness and contentment. If you’re feeling restless and unsatisfied, then regardless of how oth-ers define success, you may need to make some changes.

By Kent Miller

The incumbents were there. The challengers weren’t. Wednesday night’s West Kern Water District candidates’ forum drew incumbent board members Tom LeClair and Stephen Stein-hoffer. But challengers Barry Jameson and Scott Niblett were no-shows. There are two openings on the district’s board in Tuesday’s general election. The forum allowed each candidate to make an opening statement, answer three questions, make a closing statement, then take ques-tions from the audience. LeClair and Steinhoffer each stressed their links and service to the community. “I’ve served the district for over 25 years,” Steinhoffer said. “The district has never failed to meet the demand for water.” LeClair pointed to service on the Mosquito Abate District, being a coach and instructor at Taft Union High School, and serving as the local pastor for 20 years. Being on the WKWD board is time consuming, he said. “On complicated issues, it takes five hours of study for every one hour in meetings,” LeClair said. Water expensive Like other water districts in California, WKWD is dependent on the State Water Project, Steinhoffer said. When the district’s supply of water runs low, the choices are to pump from the aquifers or buy water on the spot market, an expensive choice, he said. “The water shortages in California impact prices,” Steinhoffer said. “Prices have climbed in the last few years to $6,000 per acre foot (enough water to cover one acre, one foot deep). “I enjoy taling with the general manager (Harry Starkey) and putting our heads together to try to solve the water problems we have. I look forward to continuing to serve.”

Water is vital to Taft’s survival, LeClair said. “We have neighbors to the south with voracious appetites for water,” he said. “We have neighbors to the north who are environmentalists. “People want local control. With the background I bring to the table, I can help direct us to buffer the great challenges we have.” LeClair praised “the excellent work force” at the district. “Our finances are in order,” he said. “We are all moving in the right direction.” Priorities The candidates were asked to list their priorities for the district. Steinhoffer listed seeing the North Well Field completely de-veloped, working with Starkey “to develop him into the general manager we think he can be when we hired him,” and to do his best to find ways to serve water at reasonable and affordable prices. LeClair pointed to “fulfilling the mission of the West Kern Water District. We have fulfilled that mission.” During Oildorado, he talked to people from Bakersfield who paid $60 a month for residential water, he said. “Taft residents paid $22 every other month five years ago,” LeClair said. “Now they pay $32 every other month.” Challenge “I enjoy being on the board,” Steinhoffer said. “I want to continue my service to the constituents of this district. “I want to be here to work with our general manager. I want to meet the Westside’s growth.” Water issues change rapidly, LeClair said. “I love a challenge,” he said. “In my estimation, there is no greater challenge facing California than where water will come from in the next 20 years.”

Water District Forum Brings Out Incumbents, Challengers Are No-Show

Water Board member and candidate Tom LeClair (left) makes a point at the Wednesday evening candidate forum at the West Kern Water District Headquarters. Taft Chamber President Jan Ashley (center) moderated the forum. Water Board president and candidate Steve Steinhoffer (right) is pictured at right.

Page 10: Document

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 29-4, 2010

table $50. 765-2028.

Two old Victor and Diebold floor Safes. 3 1/3 foot fall and 4 foot tall - heavy safes. Combinaton type. 765-6550.

FOUND PETS

Found small female chihuahua. 300 Pilgrimm Ave. 10/23 Call to identify 765-6856

PETS

LOST PETS

Lost tri-color mix older female dog lost on 10/24 Buena Vista and Olive. 765-4714

MOTORCYCLES

94 Honda Shadow 1100. Saddlebags, windshield, runs great. $2,200. 747-1953.

2006 YZ-85, asv levers, pro circuit Platinum pipe, after market parts, race ready. $1,700 obo. 2006 CRF 230 F, stock. $1500 obo. 763-4723.

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE, 1991 HONDA NIGHTHAWK, NEW TIRES, BATTERY,& RECENT TUNE UP, 6041 MILES. VERY CLEAN & RUNS GREAT! $2300 OBO. IF INTERESTED 661-763-3221

AUTOMOBILES

2002 Dodge Intrepid full loaded, one owner. 54,000 miles $4,400 obo 623-2404

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING

325 Lierly 800/mo plus desposit, 2+1 + den, dining room, lg. liv. rm. breakfast room, call Eddie 818-585-9796

210 Naylor St. 3 bd. 1 ba. Remodeled house. $700 mo. plus dep. 909-239-8337.or 661-717-9056.

$100 move in. 108 Center Street. 1 bd., 1 ba. apt. (661) 846-6403. Equal Housing Opportunity.

FOR LEASE 2 bedroom 1 bath house in Taft heights washer and gas dryer hook ups $700 a month contact Rick at either (661)765-2328 or (661)342-5877 section 8 ok available now.

2bd, 1ba, condo 533 Front St. W&D hookups + yard. $850 mo + dep. 661-577-7020

3bd/ 2ba 1 acre, horse property. Dustin Acres $1,000 mo. + dep. 304-6231

Cute 2 bd 1 ba fully fenced yard. Large kitchen and laundry room work shop area close to shopping $650 + dep. 661 857-1965

Maricopa $950.00 OAC 3bd 2bath garage 661-808-4771

Brokers Licence 01417057

661-577-7136

PROPERTY FOR RENT

230 center streetbusiness office space for rent 4000 sq. foot. retail or restaurant 661-343-0507

Artist’s studio space available 12’X12’ $100 per mo. 765-4790 HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

Purchase

Special Place. 2 bd. 1 ba. Condo style apartment. Hidden from street. Quiet with private fenced yard. $600 mo Plus $600 dep. Renter pays all utilities. Ref. and Credit check. 623-4296.

Single Wide Mobile Home. 1981 Skyline 12’ x 64’. $12,000 obo. 763-4977 or 765-5541.

Home for sale by owner. Negotiable. 2 bd/1ba garage and large yard, etc. at 103 Polk St. Contact 661-903-1594 or 661-763-3075

HOMES FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550 www.BuySellManage.com.

FOR RENT315 7th St. 1/1603 Fillmore St. 2/1504 Lucard St. 3/1704 Phillippine St. 2/1127 Franklin St. 3/1Other Rental Properties Available!

FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!218 Suzanne 4/1.75 completely remodeled!400 Buchanan 3/1.75 well cared for!Contact us for details and a complete list of homes for Sale!___________________

3 Bd. 1 ba. Taft Hts. 522 F St. $775 mo. $800 dep. 765-4016.

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, or $10 with a photo. Email us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $2.00 per line. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Sale ads are free, up to 3 lines.

Classified ad deadline is Thursday at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 508 Center St., Taft, CA 93268

Business ServicesCleaning Services

My Fair LadiesCleaning ServicesComm. and ResidentialServing the Westside661.477.3455Lic. No. 007657

Rite Away Carpet CleaningCarpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General CleaningOwner OperatedVisa\Master Card 765-4191

YARD SALESAdvertise your FREE yard sale ad. Up to 3 lines free. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 2 p.m. Thursday.

Yard Sale on the corner of Front Street and 4th Street. 8am-4pm. Lost of Misc. and unique items.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 1:30p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. And 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at First Baptist Church. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 220 N. First St. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-379-0848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Affordable Rents

We’ve Got em!

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Taft Construction,Air Conditioning and

Heating

We Do All Phases of Construction

Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

We fix computers, laptops, PDAs and cell

phones. TaftPCServices.com. 623-5188.

HELP WANTED

Taft Church in need of Organist/pianist/keyboardist/ Part-time. 765-2488.

Accepting Applications EOE Maricopa Unified

School District Bus Driver/Grounds 10

months/5 hrs per day $13.87/hour, partial benefits Must have

Calif. Drivers License with school bus driver certification and use equip. to maintain grounds Contact

769-8231 ext.204

DAYCARECHILDCARE

EOEBUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Taft WoodworksTurn key cabinet shop

Equip.& invent.- low rentOwner may carry paper

Doug 340-4354

week as of 1-29-10 CARPET AND FLOORING

CARPET/HARD FLOORING REPAIR

No job too small. Call Jeff 623-5421 or

765-4676.

WANTEDJunk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Banjos, orpheum, fendor Must See 765-7958.

FOR SALESharp 32” Digital TV Energy Star w/ Stand $80.00 763-1664.

Quail,Chukar,Ducks,and Chickens for sale $2.00-$10.00 763-9323.

Blue and white couch w/ checks and pillow, excl. cond. 3 round rugs, 3 blue lamps $100, washer $30 and table and chairs $60, brwn span. dinette carved

APART. FOR RENTCreekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.

Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’sPool,lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333.

Imperial Gardens. 2 and 1 bd. rm. avail. Comes w/stove, dishwasker and refrig. Pool and manager on site. Water, sewer and trash incl. 661.300-1616.

ROOMS FOR RENTMobile home to share, options, reasonable 765-7958

Open House?House for Sale?

House For Rent?Place Your

Classified Adin the

Taft Independentfor $2 per line

(20 characters per line)Box your ad for $3

and\orAd a photo orcompany logo

for $5 moreYour Ad appears onOur Website FREE!

3,000 Visits per WeekThe Taft Independentis a FREE publication3,300 printed issues

available at150 locations

Your Best ClassifiedValue on the Westside

Call 765-6550

Taft Property Management & Sales

RELOCATION SPECIALISTS

Kern Cardiology Medical Groupof Bakersfield has opened an office

In Taft!

For the convenience of their patients

New Patients are Welcome!Call (661)327-0807 for Appointments

Dr. (Sam) Sarabjit Singh &

Dr. Hiroki Ito

Internal Medicine • Cardiology Needs

333 S. 10 St #103, TAFT, CA 93268

661-577-7136 or 661-577-7040CA Brokers Licence 01417057

Lost Your Home?Need To Move Into A Rental?

Haven’t Rented In a Long Time?Do You Know Your Rights?

Do You Know The Questions to Ask?We are here to make your transition Easier

25 Years ExperienceLocal Quality Homes

Quality NeighborhoodsPlease Call OUR Expert Relocation

Advisor Anytime.Set Up an Appointment

to see our Housing Inventory.

Page 11: Document

October 29-4, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 11

State Farm believes that change begins with you. Join the thousands of State Farm agents and associates who volunteer everyday to help build stronger communities. Together we give something back.

P047044 11/04statefarm.com®

State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

Do we have a

VOLUNTEER?

Kathy Herm, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 07498711018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268Bus: 661-763-4300

We are an Independent Agency WithMany Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies

To Best Suit Your Needs

We Represent You To Give You The Best Service

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

www.edherrerainsurance.com

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public

Our Friendly Staff

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

(661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

$39.75*

for Smog Check ‘96 or Newer plus

certificate

Ask about $500.00 Free Smog Repair

Restrictions Apply

* must present ad at time of service

1/2 offDiagnostics

WW

W.T

AFT

IND

EPEN

DEN

T.C

OM

$25 Flu Shots

Available!$25 Flu Shots Available!

Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

western shop & PET SUPPLYWinter Accessories for your Aquariums and Terreriums

DON’T FORGET TO KEEP YOURREPTILES & AQUATIC PETS WARM

THIS WINTER!

Exo Terra Heat Rocks and Mats Aquarium Heaters and

Heat Cables

The Tumbleweed Bar and RestaurantOpen 7 Days a Week

Breakfast - Lunch - DinnerFull Bar - Restaurant - Catering - RV Parking Available

24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum HighwayDaily Lunch

SpecialsAmerican and Mexican FoodExotic Cusine

We CaterYour Place or OursFull Bar AvailableFor You Special

Event

Page 12: Document

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 29-4, 2010

From the Desk of

Mayor Dave NoerrFriday, October 29, 2010

Dear Taft Resident:

On November 2nd, you will have the opportunity to vote in an election that will shape the very future of our country, our state and our city. To that end I offer the following facts.

Below is a complete list of individuals who are currently serving on the city council and have done so with the utmost honesty and integrity. I was there when they discussed very difficult issues and situations brought on by others and came to the best legal decisions available for the City of Taft. Their public and personal conduct is always befitting of the honor of serving the people of Taft. They are financially and mentally stable and set a good example at all times - their names are:

Paul Linder and Randy Miller

Of the other choices available to you, the one I have the most experience with in business and civic functions is:

Orchel Krier

He is a serious and successful businessman, who is dedicated and involved. He carries no grudges or burdens into this election. Only the desire to participate and improve.

These three men were very active in the preparations for and the celebration of our 100th Birthday and Oildorado.

These three men have earned my respect and support.

I encourage you to participate in the upcoming election and be active in your community. Your energy along with theirs will continue the positive energy this city has been enjoying recently.

Your Mayor,

Dave Noerr

Paid Political Advertisement - Paid for by Dave Noerr, 810 Black Gold Court, Taft, CA 93268