it's 102 in taft - opal smith celebrates 102 years

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October 28 - 3, 2011 • Volume 6 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 New Figures Dedicated At Oil Worker Monument Zombies In Taft! At 409 Garrat Street Happy Halloween! 508 Center Street • 765-6550 The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft! Black Gold Cafe and Deli Open Monday-Saturday • 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm Spice Up Your Day! Try Our Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte Try It Hot, Iced or Blended It’s 102 In Taſt By Jessica Skidgel Opal Smith Celebrates Her 102nd Birthday

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Page 1: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

October 28 - 3, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

October 28 - 3, 2011 • Volume 6 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]

New Figures Dedicated At Oil Worker Monument

Zombies In Taft! At 409 Garrat StreetHappy Halloween!

508 Center Street • 765-6550

The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!Black GoldCafe and Deli

Open Monday-Saturday • 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm

Spice Up Your Day! Try Our Seasonal

Pumpkin Spice LatteTry It Hot, Iced or Blended

It’s 102 In Taft

By Jessica Skidgel

Opal Smith Celebrates Her 102nd Birthday

Page 2: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 28 - 3, 2011

Personal Style Fall Fashion

In Stock!

Fine Jewelry • Gifts 14K Gold • Sterling Silver Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair • Watch Batteries

Candies • Candles • And More!

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Nail Services:Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic

Metalic Flakes • Rock Star (we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

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

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

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

(661)745-4913

Ben’s BooksThe Largest, Cheapest and Only

Used Book Store in TaftFiction • Non Fiction • Paperback

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

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

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

Small town, family owned, low overhead.We can save you money on quality jewelry!

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

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

SAN JOAQUINAutomotive Center

$199.99

Billy MessengerVoted Best

Mechanic for2009 and 2010

Cooling System Flush(includes up to 2 gal coolant, flush kit, conditioner)

A/C Service(includes up to 3oz of Freon, 2oz dye)

Overall Vehicle Inspection(visual inspection of all external components)

(tax, haz waste fee included)

EVERYDAY OIL CHANGES

DIESEL ENGINE $71.99 OR LESS

531 Center Street • 763-1123

FALLSPECIALS!

Get Your Car Ready

GAS ENGINE $35.99 OR LESS

(up tp 7 qts oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

(up to 3.75 gal oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)

Shop Taft

1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

Ten Percent Firearms

We Can Haul Away Most Large Items Roll Off & Small Bins Available Call Us Today • (661)765-6752

Recycling is OUR Business

J & D Recycling1277 Kern Street

Gift Certificates Available!Perfect for any occasion

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

Personal StyleWomen • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men

Membership Special$19/mo with 18 month contract

Cardio Kickboxing &Abs of Steel

A Hint of Class Name Brand ClothingShoes • Jewelry

Accessories & More

Inside The Historic Fort915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

(661)623-1783

523 Finley Drive • 765-7147 • Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 8am-1pm

Tire & Automotive Service Center

Oil & Filter Special

2995*$Plus Tax

Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase

$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. Nov. 30, 2011

FREETire Rotation

& Brake CheckPlus

We will checkall fluids

& tire pressure

*Most Cars & Light Trucks

Up to 5 Qts.

Acme Jewelry will be closed on Tuesdays when Ray is in LA.

Please call first 763-5451Thank You

Like Us on Facebook

Come See My Fall Garden & Gifts

10% OFF on ALL Otter Box CasesFor different phones, iphone 3 & 4

Replacement Phones for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile

Now authorized dealers Boost Mobile Pre Paid Cards

Pay your bills here for prepaid phones

Geiger Construction & Plumbing

24 Hours/ 7 Days a WeekSe Habla Espanol 661-301-4660

Residential • Commercial

Fast • Friendly • Affordable

New Classes Coming Soon!

Hablamos Espanol661-745-4954610 Center Street

Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards

661-765-4377Lic # B-721903

Hooded Tees,Sweaters, Jeans,

LA Idol Jeans,Boots, Clogs

and more!

Page 3: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

October 28 - 3, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

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

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

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

West SideRecreation Report..........5

Westside News.................6

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

Westside News.................8

Obituary............................9

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

Inside

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 Independent 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 businessdelivery of the Taft Independent is available for $6.50 per month or $78.00 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 representative at (661) 765-6550, or email to [email protected]: 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]

Managing EditorAdvertising

Jessica Skidgel

Layout & DesignJessica Skidgel

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller, Wesley Morris,

Nicole Frost

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins,

Jane McCabe, Dr. Harold Pease

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

Taft California“Home of the Taft Oilworkers Monument”

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

VFW Bingo Every Tuesday Night at 5:30pm

The VFW will hold Bingo Night every Tuesday at 6:30pm at 600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa. Doors open at 5:30pm, buy in is $5 a pack, food will be served. Come on out, bring a friend and support our vets!

End of Times Gallery Fall Art Classes

The End of Times Gallery, 428 Center Street, is offering the following Fall classes: Tuesdays - Adult drawing class, 1-2:30pmWednesdays - Adult Painting Class (acrylics) 1-2:30pmThursdays - Adult Water Color Class, 1-2:30pmSaturdays - Children’s Art Class, 10-11:30am. Supplies provided for a $3 fee per class.All classes are $12 per session, $40 per month.Please call for supply lists. For more information, please call Jane at 661-765-4790 or 661-623-0494.

Grandma’s Attic Preschool Story Time Every Saturday Through Nov. 19th

The fall session of Grandma’s Attic Storytime has begun at the Taft Branch Library and will continue every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. through November 19. Aimed at 5 to 8 year-olds, Grandma’s Attic offers an old trunk full of surprises and stories presented by a different volunteer reader each week. Children who partici-pate will receive a form to return to their teacher for credit in their school reading program. Preschool Storytime, for 3 to 5 year-olds, takes place weekly on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. Parents are always welcome to attend, or may enjoy some library or computer time while their child is occupied.For more information, call 763-3294 or visit the library at 27 Emmons Park Drive.

Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 5th

Marketplace at Peace Saturday, November 5th 8am-1pm at Peace Lutheran Church. Tables are available to rent to sell your wares- crafts, yard sales, farmers market or whatever. Bake sale and eats are available- chili, hot dogs, chicken on a stick, popcorn and drinks. Call to reserve your table jean at 765-6248

Maricopa Ladies Auxiliary Craft Faire & Swap Meet Saturday, November 5th

Maricopa Ladies Auxiliary VFW will be having a craft faire and swap meet on Satur-day, Nov 5th 8am-3pm 600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa. Tables are $25 to rent. If interested in renting a table call Nelda Floyd at 333-3425. Tables must be paid for by Nov 3rd. Bring your crafts and junk for a fun day. We have space for 20 tables, so call early!

Country Hoedown At the Historic Fort Saturday, November 5th

Enjoy a great evenin’ at the Historic Fort with music, BBQ, dancin’, raffle & silent auction. Saturday, November 5th Happy Hour 5pm, Western BBQ 6pm Country music & dancin’ 7pm featuring Jerry Hall & Trick Shot. Advance tickets recom-mended for $20, tickets at the door, $25, RSVP by October 31.

Operation Christmas Child Saturday, November 5th

You are invited to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Community Pack-a-box Party Saturday, November 5th from 1pm to 5pm at 201 Harrison Street. Bring an unwrapped toy and a shoebox (if you have one) The toy cannot be a knife, gun, or a toy holding weapons such as army men. Children between the ages of 2-14 from 100 different nations all over the world will receive the boxes.

Carrisa Plains Women’s Club Holiday Craft & Gift Show Sunday, November 20th

The Carrisa Plains Women’s Club will be holding their annual Holiday Craft & Gift Show Sunday, November 20th from 10am to 4pm at the Carrisa Plains Heritage Association Community Center at 10750 Carrisa Hwy 58, Carrisa Plains. There will be door prizes, raffle, homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, specialty gifts, lunch, dessert booth. Come to visit, come to eat, come to brows, come to buy. For booth information call Debbie Twisselman (805)459-9838 or Jani Kasfeldt (805)475-2231 or Gail Traver at (805)475-2285 or (805)674-3780

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday November 1st, 2011 – 6:00 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.

News BriefsCommunity Events

Taft Wine Club Kicks-Off at Black Gold November 17thPaso Robles Wines to Debut

Local wine lovers will be able to enjoy fine wines from the Paso Robles wine growing region on Thursday, Novem-ber 17th when Black Gold Cafe and Deli will host it’s first wine club event. The event will feature red and white wines from the famous coastal wine growing area, with a discussion on each wine and a its uniqueness. For more information, or to become a member of the club, call Black Gold at 765-6550.

Visit Our New Website!www.taftindependent.com

A Sharp Piece of Awesome Community Poetry Slam! On November 18th, at 6:00p.m. the Taft College Literary Magazine Club will be holding a community poetry slam at Black Gold Cafe & Deli. Please arrive by 6:15 to receive people’s choice ballot. (Everyone votes!) The event is sponsored by Black Gold Cafe and The Taft Independent. Anyone may participate. Arrive with an original work of poetry or prose. Read for no more than three minutes. Everyone present votes for a favorite piece by secret ballot. Copies of the 2011 issue of A Sharp Piece of Awesome will be available for sale. Donations for the 2012 issue will be accepted. Editorial staff of journal will be present to accept submissions for 2012 issue. The author with the most votes will be published in the Taft Independent. Prizes will be given for second and third place as well. Questions? email [email protected].

Do you Have The Winning Numbers From The 50/50 Drawing?

The September 23rd football game was rained out before the winning 50/50 ticket was drawn. This ticket was drawn and the winning number announced at the October 14 game. The winner will have until November 14 to claim his/her winnings of $94. The winning number is 771374. Thank you for supporting the Band Booster Club 50/50 drawings, which provide scholarships for TUHS Band members. Please come to the TUHS office to claim your prize.

The Taft Chamber Trout Fishing Derby Is Back! On Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 6AM, fisherman will gather at Lake Evans, Buena Vista Aquatic Park in hopes of catching the biggest fish. This event is open to all families and their kids ($20 adults, $10 child). There are 3 different age groups to compete in (1-7 years, 8-14 years, and 15 and older) Each group’s heaviest trout caught wins prize money with $1,000 for the heaviest trout of the day caught. The winner has a chance to win $20,000 for their fish if the weight matches a predetermined weight! Register at the Taft Chamber at 400 Kern Street or Bob’s Bait Bucket at 2131 S. Chester in Bakersfield. Be sure to reserve your camp space at Buena Vista too!

Page 4: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 28 - 3, 2011

Editorial

Westside Watcher

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 4:30pm to Close

Ribeye Steak or Chicken Dinner from 6pm - 8pm

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 7 am to 4pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 10 am

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Black Gold Cafe & DeliPastas - Sandwiches

Espresso - Beer - WineOpen Monday to Saturday

Lunch served 9am-1pmDinner served 5pm - 8pm

508 Center Street765-6550

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. 6 am-8:30 pmSun. Wed. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm

765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

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

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Your Restaurant ListedHERE

Call 765-6550

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

Always Fresh!

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

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

Sagebrush Annie’s

Wine TastingDinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

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!

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wed, Fri. Sat. and Sun. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

765-6915200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Quote of the Week

Your RestaurantListed Here!

Call 765-6550!Starting as low as

$12 per week!

HELLDORADO 2 Saturday, Oct 29th 7pm to 1am

Special guest DJ Chuy spinning the tunes all night. Drink Specials: Test Tube shots, dry Ice drinks and

jungle juice. Costume Contest: Best Male, Best Female, Best Couple & People’s Choice

Every Monday is football at the club with great drink specials and free food. 3 large screen

TV’s so you don’t miss the action!!

The club is available for Weddings, Birthdays, and Anniversary’s. The hall holds up to 200 people and the bar can hold 70.

Mayor Miller’s Oilworker’s Monument Dedication SpeechLast Saturday, Taft turned out to dedicate two new figures at the Oilworker’s Monument. Mayor Randy gave this speech praising the monument committee and artist Benjamin Victor. The monument was mentioned in a recent San Francisco Chronicle article drawing many visitors to Taft to see the beautiful broze sculpture entirely paid for with private contributions from local oil companies, residents and hundreds of families that had a part in the history of Taft’s oil fields.

Welcome everybody,

What a great day to be in and live in Taft. We are here once again to dedicate an addition to the biggest, baddest, tallest bronze monument in the state of California if not in all the western states. If we can confirm it, we might even go as far to brag all the way to the east coast. What a magnificent memorial to the hard working men and women of a dedicated work force that brings this country the home grown energy resources that drives this nation and its economy. Black Gold! We stand here today and say that we do our part everyday to make this country energy efficient and we are proud of who we are and what we do and who we represent. My mother’s parents came to this area in 1925 and lived in a tent house in the Belridge area before they came to Taft, when my grandfa-ther then began a 40 year career with the Honolulu Oil Company. He would be truly amazed at the number of drilling rigs that are dotting those same hills today. To paraphrase Al Davis of the Oakland raiders: “Drill, Baby, Drill!!” This monument is a corner stone for the re-vitalization of our core downtown area. We are looking to the future when all this empty land will be filled with thriving businesses and will be a walkable area for families and students and visitors to take in the planned park areas and to be able to wander down the rails to trails all the way to the West Kern Oil Museum and beyond. The City of Taft is energized for the future and we are a destination city where folks will come to visit our monument, the museum, our historic downtown and the Fort. They will want to visit the Carrizo plains and the Wind Wolves Preserve, and our plans for a regional park, and maybe even want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. We have nearby golfing, boating and fishing, motorcycling activities, hunting, bicycling, oilfields to behold, come to think of it: what don’t

Maricopa Ladies Auxiliary VFW

Craft Faire and Swap Meet

City of Taft Receives Two Federal GrantsBy Jane McCabe

The first is a grant totaling $770,000 to further construction of the Rails to Trails—to build an asphalt path located in the east sec-tion from 2nd Street to the Oil Museum, a project length of 2,900 feet, and to enhance the path with landscaping and lighting, and by adding bike lockers and benches. The second is for $457,400 to build safe routes to schools by providing vehicle speed feedback signs, a crosswalk from the Fort to the Childhood Center, and 30 wheelchair ramps.

we have to offer? We have good weather, good water, lots of dirt for development and expansion, a great City Council. Why don’t all those thousands of people who drive over here every day not want to live here? It’s not because we don’t have great people already here. We just have to continue to work together to sell Taft to the uninformed on what Taft really has to offer. The Monument Committee is to be commended for a brilliant idea and following through to leave Taft a legacy that will be enjoyed by generations to come. This is a proud day to be a Taftian, but then every day is a good day to live in Taft. I ask that all of you: Enjoy this monu-ment, take care of this monument, be proud of this monument.

Saturday, November 5th 8am-3pm 600 Hazelton Street in Maricopa

Tables are $25. If interested call Nelda at 333-3425.

Bring your crafts and junk for a fun day!

Chamber of Commerce, Service Clubs Plan Christmas Parade, Gillaspie Named Honorary Grand Marshall

“We are here once again to dedicate an addition to the biggest, baddest, tallest bronze monument in the state of California...” Mayor Randy Miller speaking last Saturday at the Oilworker Monument dedication of two new figures.

Dr. Kathy Orrin of the Taft Chamber of Commerce and leaders from Taft’s 5 service clubs met Thursday to plan the city’s annual Christmas Parade. This year’s parade will be held on Monday December 5th, beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s parade theme is Christmas in Red, White, and Blue. The committee also decided to honor civic leader Don Gil-laspie as Honorary Grand Marshall. Gillaspie passed away earlier this year. Parade entry forms can be picked up at the Chamber offices at 400 Kern Street or by calling the Chamber at 765-2165. Fopr more information, contact the Chamber.

Page 5: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

October 28 - 3, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

by Stephanie House

Check us out online!Need more information on

programs, classes or facilities?Visit us on the web:

www.wsrpd.comwww.facebook.com/wsrpd

www.quickscores.com/[email protected]

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 BINGOThursday AfternoonsGames start at 1:30 p.m.Community Center Assembly RoomAges 21 and olderBuy-in varies, $10-15 averageCash pots! Pull-tabs also sold.

EAGLE MTN. BUS TRIPMonday, November 7, 20117:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Bus leaves from Community CenterAges 21 and older$3 per personCall 763-4246 to reserve a spot on the bus!

TIE-DYE T-SHIRTSTuesday, November 153:00-4:30 pmCommunity Center Activity Building, 500 Cascade Place, TaftGrades 2-8$3 per person ** pre-registration required by November 14Bring 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.

GYMNASTICSWho: Grades K and olderWhen: Monday EveningsTime: 5:30-6:30 p.m.Session: November 7 – December 12Where: Community Center AuditoriumFee: $40 per session ($30 for each additional family member)Instructor: Suzanne Hale

TINY TOT & INSTRUCTIONAL P.E.When: Monday – Friday Ages 2-3, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Ages 4-6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.Program Begins: November 7 (operates year-round)Where: Recreation Center GymnasiumFee: $3 per child, per day or $25 monthly What a great way for your little one to burn off some energy before nap time! This is an open gym session designed exclusively for little ones. Enjoy this fun-filled parent & me multi-sport/physical activity time with your child by tumbling on mats, shooting baskets, catching footballs, kicking soccer balls, running obstacle courses and other fun activities. A t-shirt is included in the price of monthly memberships.

GRID IRON FOOTBALL CAMPWho: Ages 8-15When: Saturday, November 19Time: 12:00-5:00 p.m.Where: Recreation Center Fee: $40 per personRegistration deadline: November 17This football camp will focus on drills (footwork, technique and fundamentals), weight and height measurements, competitions and awards. The camp is being hosted by our very own Kern County Superstar, Ben Ossai. Ben attended Stockdale High School and has football experience with the University of Washington, NFL Rams, AFL Spokane Shock, CFL BC Lions and the UFL Las Vegas Locos.

YOUTH BASKETBALLDivision I: Ages 7-9Division II: Ages 10-12Division III: Ages 13-15Division IV: Ages 16-17Registration deadline: December 2Fee: $40 per personPractices start the week of December 13, 2011This basketball program gives kids the opportunity to have fun while developing and strengthening their basketball skills during practices and games.

INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALLWho: Ages 3-6Practices: Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00-6:00 p.m.Games: SaturdaysPlace: Recreation Center GymnasiumFee: $25 per personRegistration deadline: January 5

PONYTAIL SOFTBALL – EARLY REGISTRATION$40: November 1 – December 22$45: December 27 – February 23$50: after February 23 (dependent on program availability)NO SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 23.Sign-up early for Ponytail Softball and save 10%! Early bird registration fee is only $40. The softball program is for girls ages 715. Practices begin the week of March 12, 2012 and the season begins April 14, 2012.

S.T.O.P. PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS(Strive To Optimize Participation)Did you know that the District has a youth scholarship program? Children in low income, single parent or multiple participant households are eligible! For more information, or to find out how your child can take advantage of reduced program fees, give us a call in the District Office at 763-4246.

FALL BOWLING LEAGUEWho: Ages 16+When: Monday – Thursday Evenings, beginning November 7(each team plays one night per week, 3 games per night)Time: 7:00 p.m.Where: West Side Lanes (Recreation Center) Fee: $40 per team to register (will be applied toward first night’s dues)Registration deadline: November 7 (register at West Side Lanes)This is a 10-week sanctioned league for 4-person teams (coed – any combination). After the initial fee due at the time of registration, weekly fees of $10-13 per person will be collected the night your team bowls. A mandatory Captain’s Meeting will be held on Monday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. League information and prices will be discussed. For more information, please call the Recreation Center at 765-6677.

BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALL MINI LEAGUESBasketball – Thursday Nights, beginning November 16Volleyball – Thursday Nights, beginning November 17$50 per team (plus nightly official fee) ** pre-registration required by November 9Mini Leagues are for ages 14 and older and are held at the Recreation Center. Each team plays one night per week, 2 games per night. The leagues run for 4 weeks. Each team must have a minimum of 5 players and a maximum of 7 players per roster. Sign-up now at the Recreation Center!

RECREATION CENTERThe District’s new Recreation Center is now open! The Center includes a full-size gymnasium, weight room, 4-lane bowling alley, preschool room, activity room and restrooms/locker room. For more information, including operating hours and programs offered, visit the Recreation Center page on our website (www.wsrpd.com) or give the Center a call at 765-6677.

BOWLING PARTY RENTALSMake your reservation now!Reservations are now being accepted for party rentals at the bowling alley in the new Recreation Center. Parties may take place on Friday evenings, Saturday or Sunday. Rental fees start at $100 for 2-lane rent-als. Rental prices include shoes, balls and use of the party room. The Center and bowling alley are slated to open in early September. Call 763-4246 for more information or to make a reservation.

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 2 and Saturday, December 3, 2011The District’s 33rd Annual Holiday Craft Show will be held at the Community Center this December. Vendor registration is currently underway in the District Office, 500 Cascade Place in Taft. The fee is $40 per space. All vendor types are welcome; no pre-made food may be sold. For more information, please contact Stephanie at 763-4246 or [email protected].

Page 6: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

6 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 28 - 3, 2011

on a lease in Maricopa where the family then moved. Opal attended school in Maricopa from fifth grade through high school. In 1927 at the age of 17 Opal married the love of her life, Wil-liam Earl Smith (Bill) who was 10 years her senior, they were married for 72 years and 23 days, Bill passed away 12 years ago this month. At the age of 21 Opal found her faith and became “saved”. She has been a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Taft ever since. When she became saved she stopped drink-ing, and shortly thereafter Bill followed suit. Opal and Bill had a wonderful love for each other. They never had children, but their nephew Harry was like the son they never had, taking him with them on trips. They took Harry to Europe on six different occa-sions. “Bill just loved Harry, we have always been so close,” Opal says. Opal and Bill did a lot of traveling throughout the years, they have been to Europe 7 times, the orient 3 times, China, Japan, Australia, Hawaii 8 times and to the Holy Lands. During the 1940’s as many were getting ready to serve the coun-try, Opal feared that Bill would get drafted so she decided to get a job. To get started she needed to finish high school. She went back to TUHS as a senior, she was in the junior classes and graduated with straight “A’s”. Opal then attended school for a year at Central California Commercial College in Fresno to brush up on some clerical skills. Upon returning to Taft, Opal landed a job and began her career at Standard Oil. Opal truly enjoyed her time at Standard Oil. “I never had a boss that didn’t compliment my work.” she said. Opal retired from Standard Oil in the early 1970’s she had worked her way up to the head of payroll and even had her own private office. In 1950, Standard Oil employees were given the opportunity to purchase stock in the company. Bill and Opal each purchased 5%. As we continue talking about Taft’s booming days, Opal casually mentions that she has plans to donate to Taft College. I asked her why that was at the top of her list. “Honey, because I didn’t get to go, I worked. I want to help keep these schools good, they have always been top notch and that’s the best thing.” Sitting down with Opal was a special experience. At 102, she is a remarkable woman with a sharp, witty sense of humor. She asked just as many questions about me as I asked of her after the interview. We talked about goals, love and life in general, but the message she left me is one to remember for life. “I hope people really see there is a God, honey, and to serve him! I’ve had such a good life, even after Bill. I have maintained my life and kept going. I am so grateful for the past 12 years, even without him. You have to make the best out of what you’ve got. I have still lived in the same house. I have managed to carry on. You have to. Even now, I have imposed on Harry, but he takes such great care of me. God is so good.”

her. Always smiling, she called me Kid and Honey throughout the interview. When the Taft Inde-pendent met with Opal in 2008 she was living alone and maintaining her own condo. Today, as she turns 102, her life is still very much the same except she now stays with her 89 year old nephew Harry Wilson in his condo, next to hers. Opal is well known for being a “neat freak” and often refers to her nephew as a “fanatic” when discussing the cleanliness of their homes. “Harry keeps house, kid. He’s a fanatic like me, ya know. He vacuums everyday.” as Opal is telling me this, Harry is in the background getting ready to dispose of his old vacuum as he received a new one that morning. You can see Opal and Harry most days at Black Gold Café & Deli having a bowl of soup and the sandwich of the day. On Thurs-day, the staff at Black Gold surprised Opal with a birthday party and a cake big enough to feed an army. “This is the prettiest cake I have ever seen,” Opal said. In 2010 Opal was the grand marshal of Taft’s 100th birthday celebration during Oildorado, it was only fitting as she was 100 years old herself and has seen Taft through eyes that only few can imagine. Opal began her time on the Westside in 1920 when she first arrived in Taft by train at age 11. Opal came to Taft in a time that is hard to imagine today...no sidewalks, a small town atop 25 Hill,

and no bathrooms in the homes. Opal’s nephew, Harry, was born the next year in December. Opal’s mother helped deliver Harry and called Opal on the phone that day. “We had tele-phones back then, kid. My mother called me and then she came to get me to see him that very day,” Opal recalls. Opal went to Conley School for one year when she was in the fourth grade and then her father received a job

Westside News & Business Briefs

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OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 11-1-11 thru 11-5-11)

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Taft’s Grande Dame, Opal Smith, Celebrates Her 102 Birthday

Taft’s grande dame, Opal Smith, turns 102 on Saturday, October 29th. I had the chance to sit down with Opal a few weeks ago, nearly four years from the first time The Taft Independent interviewed

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Opal with her nephew Harry.

Opal and Bill’s wedding portrait from 1927.

Opal’s retirement from Standard Oil.

Opal today. Photo by Karen Mitchell, KC Photography

Page 7: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

October 28 - 3, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

The Maricopa School District has re-cently undergone some changes, including the addition of a new superintendent. Dr. Scott Meier, an Oregon native, took the position in hopes of making a difference for the students, parents, and community. Even though he has only been at the district for one month, he has worked to catalyze a stream of new ideas and improvement for the school. Meier received two Bachelor’s Degrees from Oregon State University and a Doctorate Degree from Laverne University in California. He started out as a teacher 32 years ago and he has also held positions as a vice principal, principal, and many superintendent positions all over California for many different district sizes and types. Coming from a poor community that wasn’t very education-dependent, Meier saw his calling in the school systems. “Although many of my siblings didn’t graduate, I was determined to,” explained Meier. “It was tough, but I had teachers that encour-aged me through it. I wanted to do the same for other kids and I wanted to give back. My whole career is based on helping children become what they want to be. Education is the equalizer.” Since he came to the Maricopa School District, Meier has been working nonstop not only in his office, but on campus with the kids. “This is the best job because there are never two days that are alike,” said Meier. “I wear many hats as a small school superintendent. I’ll be on the playground with the students, speaking to parents, handling disciplinary issues, working with the staff members, improving and discussing technology, meeting with secretaries and going over activi-ties, and talking with board members. It’s a busy jobs and the days are long, but it’s all about giving the kids a hug and sending them on their way to do their homework and prepare for tomorrow.” As superintendent, Meier has many plans for the future of the school. Currently, the staff is discussing the addition of a new

Westside News & Business Briefs

The Taft College Phi Theta Kappa Club will be hosting a holiday photo shoot on November 4th and 5th. All proceeds will go to the club and its causes. Dr. Brian Jean will be the photographer for the event and holiday-themed props and accessories will be provided. Photo sessions will take place in the banquet room in the Taft College cafeteria and no appointment is necessary. However, priority will be given to those with an appointment. “We make about $700 profit every year from this shoot,” said Jean. On Friday November 4th, sessions will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students, community members, families, and individuals are all welcome. The photo package includes a CD of all purchased digital images, one 8x10 print, two 5x7 prints, and 12 wallet-sized prints. There is a $15.00 sitting fee that is applicable towards your overall package if you decide to purchase your photos. Prices start at $15.00 if you have an ASB sticker and if you’re a Phi Theta Kappa member. If you have an ASB sticker but you aren’t a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the price is $20.00. For everyone else, $25.00 will buy the full photography package. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Brit-tany Johnson by phone at 661-378-1183 or by email at [email protected]. Come next weekend to support Taft College’s Phi Theta Kappa Club and make some holiday memories!

Taft College Phi Theta Kappa Holiday Photo Shoot

Taft Union High School will honor its most improved student and its classified staff member of the year at the fall Renaissance rally from 1:50 to 2:55 p.m. on Halloween Day, Monday, Oct. 31 in Mullen gym. The rally, which celebrates academics, is open to alumni and the public. The Halloween theme will be Goosebumps. The Crypt Kicker, a band composed of staff members, will play the “Monster Mash” song for a dance contest. Activities include a monster makeup game and a gruesome relay, which ends in Frankenstein coming to life. Spring 2011 Top Cats — students with a GPA of 4.0 or above— will be honored. Top Cats achieve a GPA above 4.0 by earning A’s in honors classes. Also being honored are: the Point 5ers (students who raised their GPA by at least 0.5), the 39ers (students who didn’t miss a day of school the entire first quarter), and last semes-ter’s honor roll students. Students nominated by staff for good attitudes and staff nomi-nated by students will wear T-shirts they received for their positive attitudes, explained Greg Goossen, Renaissance team coordinator.

TUHS To Honor Most Improved Student & Staff Member

New Superintendent At Maricopa School District

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business-related program. “We’re considering helping out high school to focus more on careers and businesses after they finish school,” said Meier. “We could add student-run businesses so that they have a strong educational background, skills in teamwork and knowledge of business practices.” Although a lot has already been done to better the future of Mari-copa’s youth, there are even more improvements to come. “I am truly fortunate to be here and I’m looking forward to the future,” said Meier. “In just a month, I’ve seen such a difference. I’m excited about the possibilities of out future!”

Dr. Scott Meier

By Nicole Frost By Nicole Frost

Page 8: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

8 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 28 - 3, 2011

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Westside News & Business BriefsZombies from Davy Jones’ Locker Spook Taft Residence

Go to 409 Garrat Street some evening before or on Halloween if you want to see them stalking across the lawn with their grotesque poses and ghoulish faces. You’ll also see a ship, the Black Pearl (from the pirates of the Caribbean) with its zombie captain leering in front of the mast. Davey’s Locker is the folklore name for the place where sailors who die at sea go, i.e., to the bottom of the sea. It’s an idiom for the bottom of the sea. It is used as an euphemism for death at sea (to be sent to Davy Jones’s Locker), whereas the name Davy Jones is a nickname for what would be the devil, saint, or god of the seas. This nautical superstition was popularized in the 19th century. For the past three or four years home-owner Dusty Wise has put up a display of zombies from Davy Jones’ Locker for Halloween. This year he added the ship. According to Mr. Wise these zombies are unhappy because they cannot die. At Christmastime the Grinch who stole Christmas, his dog and sled ride across his roof.

Together we can help keep our Teens in Taft off the streets.

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Hi Everyone,

Hope all is going well for you and yours as were are starting to head into the fall season. Gratefully the weather has finally cooled off and we are having some very pleasant Taft days. I recently reminded you that it is important to talk with your adult family members as their history are what make up who you are. My mother recently passed away after a great run of 91 years. She very much enjoyed her life in Taft and my brothers Roger and Rich and I thank all of you for your kind thoughts, support, and prayers. Fortunately, mom had her mind and memory right up to the end, and we were able to glean more about our roots before she was gone. Now all my first cousins and we are the adults on both sides of my family, so we have to honor our parents by continuing the history and remembrances of the family from times gone past for our children. We hadn’t really counted on this new responsibility.

Well as you may have heard, Taft went national last week or so. It was not necessarily the kind of news about our great community that we want people talking about. Apparently, a couple of skydivers decided to make an “R” rated video while jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. I have viewed the video and it is the kind of thing you can find on any night on cable TV. It went on the internet and attracted quite a bit of attention for its 15 minutes of fame. The issue is the video mentioned Sky Dive Taft. It could have been filmed anywhere but Taft was mentioned and we get the unwanted notoriety. When a business has the name of the community in its title, there is a certain amount of responsibility that goes along with that. What they do, so does the community. Good and bad publicity goes both ways. Taft is working very hard to become a destination city and to attract people who want to come here and see our great monument, museum and other attrac-tions. Sky Dive Taft is one of those attractions. I hope that they and we all have learned a lesson from this incident and that not all of us that live, work, and play in the community are isolated. What we say and do can come back to haunt us and can reflect on the community as a whole. Remember we all live here, not just reside here. Unfortunately, you have also read and heard about the closing of our Community Correctional Facility (CCF). We entered into a contract with the State Department of Corrections in the early 1990’s to take in state prisoners and house, educate, and prepare them for release. We could do this at a substantial savings to the state while also making a small profit each year for the City to help fund the PD and other City services. With the change in the state budget and a federal requirement to empty beds in our state prisons, we were forced by the state to close our CCF not because we were doing an excellent job, but because of politics. This meant the loss of over 60+ CCF employees. Being that this is a contract, we are a contractor and our employees like many oilfield contractors, work when we have a contract in place. We cannot absorb them into other city departments. The funds that support their salaries and benefits go away with the ending of the contract. We are having budget woes like many other cities and this will certainly put us in a tailspin for a while. Shafter, Delano, Coalinga, and other cities are having the same issues. We continue to aggressively pursue other contracts with counties that will be inundated with state prisoners that they don’t have beds for so that we can bring our workers back as quickly as possible. Until any new contracts are signed, our employees will be drawing unemployment. A sad day for those affected employees, their families, and the city as a whole. We have certainly valued their dedication and service over these many years and wish them well. If you have lived in Taft long enough, you have seen the boom and bust cycle that we go through with our economy tied to oil. Being a one horse town, this has a great affect on our business community. In the olden days when the roads out of Taft weren’t as straight as they are now, our business community did pretty good. Locals shopped Taft. But then the dy-namics changed, People were making a better living, their expectations are higher for things they want, advertising is much more aggressive, and people are willing to drive out further on those straighter roads to get what they want. Where did that leave many of our local downtown businesses ?? Many couldn’t compete any longer and went out of business. There have been many others that have opened then closed their doors because they couldn’t seem to find their niche market. Many had expectations that were too high: I have opened my doors, they shall come. Business people have to know one major question has to be answered by their customers: why should I come to your business and why should I come back ?? Ap-pearance, customer service, clean and safe facility, product lines, customer service, knowledgeable help, convenient hours, customer service, having a business plan, capital funding, and good customer service are all the things that are needed to be in business today. It isn’t just Taft, this is true everywhere. All I have ever asked is that you give our local merchants a chance at your business, maybe for a second time. Like your relatives you don’t visit, the next time you need something now, that business might just not be there the next time. Shop Taft First!!

Randy MillerYour Proud but Humble Mayor

From The Mayor

By Jane McCabe

Zombie photos c/o Arthur Tamayo

Page 9: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

October 28 - 3, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

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 AM

Adult 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

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.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Gateway Temple 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

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

Sunday Services 10amUTURN Youth Service

Sunday 6pm1000 6th St.

Weekly Classes Mon - ThursPlease call 765-7472 for info

For a ride to church call 765-7472 before 9am on Sunday

Pastors Shannon N. and Shannon L. Kelley www.nlctaft.org or [email protected]

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45Sunday Evening Worship 5:00

Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30

For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 487-2416Pastors Charle (Tommy) and

Mary A. McWhorter

604 Main Street • P.O. Box 578Maricopa, CA 93252 • (661)769-9599

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• 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

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Westside Waste Management Co., Inc.

Taft CrudeCoffee House

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Daniel Nelson Pomeroy (Dan to his family and friends) –57, lost his battle with cancer October 23rd, 2011 at San Joaquin Hospital in Bakersfield California. Dan was born September 17th, 1954, in Sioux City Iowa, the son of Ronald Eugene and Doris Twila Pomeroy. Dan married, Betty June Cash, on November 14th, 1975 in Carthage Missouri. They relocated to California in October 1991 to be closer to family.Dan & Betty celebrated 35 years of marriage last November and together they raised their three

children, Ronald Edwin, Brian Matthew, & Stormie Renee.Dan was a dedicated Sergeant at the Taft Federal Prison where he worked since it’s opening in 1997. Dan is survived by his beloved wife Betty, his sons Ron and Brian, his daugh-ter Stormie, son-in law John, grandchild Braxton Daniel and his son from his first marriage Christopher Robert who resides out of state. Daniel also leaves behind six siblings, Heather LaMora of Michigan, Patrick Pomeroy, Arnold Pomeroy, Suanne Ashmore and Karla Sparks all who reside in California and Karen Finstad of Wisconsin. A service of remembrance will be held from 11 am until 4 pm Friday, October 28th, 2011, at the First BaptistChurch of Taft. Viewing services will begin at 11 am and conclude at 3 pm. Funeral service will follow at 3 pm.

Daniel Nelson Pomeroy

Page 10: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 28 - 3, 2011

$1 - $20 Call David 661-293-0359 or 661-765-6497. We will pick up!

For SaleFOR SALE

Gibson L.P. Studio gtr.Wine Red/Gold Hrdw.Lots of extras,Custom.238-9723,Chris

AUTOMOBILES

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MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management

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

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BUSINESSFOR SALE

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Established local Taft business. Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli. Excellent location, near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $25,000. Room to expand

of storage sp. outside! $1350 mo. $1350 dep. Avail Nov. 18. Call Tina 623-1670.

3bd 1 ba. $850 Mo. plus dep. 661 623-5188.

523 Naylor St. 3 bd/2ba $1,100 mo + dep.408 Jackson St. 3bd/1ba $950 mo + dep.707 1/2 Filmore 1bd/1ba $430 mo + dep. (661)343-0507.

3bd/2ba 719 Fresno St. in Maricopa $500 mo call (760)912- 7888

2bd/1ba indoor W&D hookups, fenced yard. $550 mo + dep. (805)325-0256.

Prime Location 3bd/2ba 2 car garage $1,300 mo + $1,000 dep. 613 Sunset Ln. 763-4696 or 623-15335 bed, 2 bath house205 E St. $1000/mo + $1300 security depositcall 661-979-3113

Maricopa 501 Klipstein 2bd with den, laundy hook ups, fenced yard. $600 mo + $900 dep. (805)929-3185.

APART. FOR RENT

MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo. Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057

Creekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.699-9823. 420 Finley Dr.

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

Beautiful new large 1\1 triplex. Huge yard, Granite oak cabinets, stove and dishwasher, washer\Dryer hook-ups. $750. mo. plus dep. (805)550-0565 or (909)851-4228.

$99 Move In Special. 108 Center Street. (661) 846-6403 or (661) 765-7678.

PUBLIC NOTICEMichael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STET OF

product offerings. Good family business. Call 661-623-4296.

HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

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Call 661-332-6597 for a current list or drop by the office.

MOBILE HOMES

2006 Modular home in park. Energy efficient, vaulted ceilings, 1,600 sq. ft. 765-6611

90’s mobile home. 3 bd. 2 ba. full appliances, fully carpeted, Central heatt and a/c. 123 N. 10th St. Sp. 36. 623-1281.

HOMES FOR RENT

West ValleyReal Estate

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FOR RENT406 Philippine 2/1 $650601 4th 2/1 $650205 W Ash A,C & D 2/1.5 $700602 Elkhorn 3/1.75

FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!Complete list of homes for Sale and Rent avail-able!

4 bd 2 ba. house on corner lot. Built in pool, covered RV parking, firepl., living rm, din-ing rm,tile thoughout kitch. and bath. Bonus storgage rm. plus lots

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 $2 for 3 lines, additional lines $2 each.

Classified ad deadline is Wednesday at 12 p.m. (noon)

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 yard sale ad. 3 lines for $2, additional lines after that $2 each. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am-4pm 1168 Wood Street. Furniture, secretary desk, maple coffee table, odd chairs, dinette tables, etc.

122 Lucard Street Saturday 6am - 12pm. Wirlpool Fridge and misc.

407 E Street Sat. 7p.m.Lot’s of stuff and plants.

Swap Meet Fri & Sat. 8am-8pm. Lucky 7 Parking Lot B St & 10th St. Lots of Everything!

Multiple Family Yard Sale Saturday 7am-1pm 27507 Pine Street Valley Acres.

Nov. 5th and 6th.

219 Madison St. Sat. & Sun. Nov. 5 and 6. 7 a.m. to ? 30 years of stuff.

Needs Center Yard Sale Saturday 5th 7am-noon. 518 main Street. Clothes & household items. Silent auction.

ANNOUNCEMENTSTaft House Sober Living. Beds available. $450 per month. 661 623-5188.

Surplus of donated walkers and bedside commodes (potty chairs) to be used in the community. Contact 769-8559. Ok to leave message.

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Ken ShugartsAir Conditioning & Heating

BusinessServices

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

Computer RepairGraphic ArtsWeb Design

Virus Removal661-623-5188

YARD SERVICESJohn’s Yard Service. Basic Yard Care and Tree Trimming. 762-7292 or 839-7640.

EmploymentHELP WANTED

Paul Peters Constructon Inc. is now accepting

applications for experienced heavy

equipment oper., and Class A truck drivers.

Must have a valid California dirivers

license and a passport card. Benefits incl. 401K, medical, and

vacation. Apply at 415 King Street in Maricopa.

The Taft Indepenent is looking for a part-time

individual to solicit subscriptions and make weekly home and busi-ness deliveries. CDL

and Insurance Required. Experience Preferred.Incentive Based Com-

pensation. Call 765-6550

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WantedWANTED

Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552

Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid

Community

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

We Do All Phases of ConstructionKitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

Plumbing • Septic • RooterFraming • Electrical • Concrete

Get It Rented!!

Place Your Ad for $2 Per Line! Call Today

(661)765-6550

CALIFORNIACOUNTY OF KERN

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MICHAEL LONG TO HAVE THE STANDING OF THE TAFT INDEPENDENT AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION ASCERTAINED AND ESTABLISHED.

CASE NO: S-1500-CV-274771

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR ORDER DECLARING STATUS OF NEWSPAPER AS ONE OF GENERAL CIRCULATION (GOV. CODE 6021)

Notice is hereby given that, on January 18, 2012, at 8:30am, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in Department 14 of this court, located at 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, petitioner intends to apply for an order declaring the newspaper known as The Taft Independent to be a newspaper of general circulation for Taft, California.

DATED: SEPTEMBER 23-2011

Petitioner Michael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268 _________________

Michael Long, PublisherThat Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STET OF CALIFORNIACOUNTY OF KERN

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MICHAEL LONG TO HAVE THE STANDING OF THE TAFT INDEPENDENT AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION ASCERTAINED AND ESTABLISHED.

CASE NO: S-1500-CV-274771

PETITION TO ASCERTAIN AND ESTABLISH STANDING AS NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION (GOV. CODE 6008, 6020)

Petitioner, Michael Long, alleges:

1. Petitioner is the publisher of the newspaper known as The Taft Independent, hereafter referred to as “the newspaper.” 2. The newspaper is a newspaper of general circulation published for the dissemination of local news and intelligence of a general character in Taft, California. The business address of the newspaper is 508 Center Street, Taft, California. 3. The newspaper has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers, numbering 536, and a substantial distribution to paying subscribers, numbering 346, within the City of Taft, California. 4. For more than three years preceding the filing of this petition, the newspaper has been established under the name of The Taft Independent, and has been so established and published, that is, issued and sold or distributed regularly every Friday in Taft, Californai. 5. During each year of the three-year period preceding the filing of this petition, the newspaper has maintained a minimum coverage of local news and intelligence of a general character of not less than twenty-five percent of its total inches; it has had only one principal office of publication, located in Taft, California.

WHEREFORE, petitioner prays for judgment ascertaining and establishing the Taft Independent as a newspaper of general circulation, as defined in Section 6008 of the

Government Code, for the City of Taft, County of Kern, California.

Dated this September 23, 2011

Petitioner

Michael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268

I, Michael Long, am the petitioner in the above-entitled proceeding. I have read the foregoing petition and know the contents thereof. The same is true of my own knowledge, except as to those matters which are therein alleged on information and belief, and as to those matters, I believe it to be true.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is tru and correct.September 23, 2011, Taft, California.

SignedMichael Long

For Rent 220 Montview3 bed 1 bath.

Fenced yard. Granite counter tops $795.

Paul Joyce 805-218-1686

Joyce Properties 661-765-6300

Page 11: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

October 28 - 3, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

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

(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for

Smog Check!Certified C.A.P. Station

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

We CaterYour Place or Ours Full Bar

AvailableFor You Special

Event

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway

Randy’s Trucking

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping

• Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades •

• Rear Operator Control Panel •

Used to be Paul’sBike Shop

Qik Smog & Tune

Devon’s Body Shop

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner - Full Bar - Catering - RV Parking Available

Open 7 Days a Week

Precision Bodyworks & Towing

We take the DENTS out of ACCIDENTS

317 Main Street • Taft

Phone (661)763-4420

FAX (661)763-1389

Cell (661)577-6785

We are an Independent Agency WithMany Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies

To Best Suit Your NeedsWhy go to Bakersfield? We’re here!

We Represent You To Give You The Best Service

417 1/2 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

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

608 Center St.

2012 Bikes are Arriving NOW!

745-4919

HARRISON STREETAUTOMOTIVE

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

www.shawswesternshop.com

Winter Accessories for your Aquariums and Terreriums

DON’T FORGET TO KEEP YOUR REPTILES & AQUATIC PETS

WARM THIS WINTER!

Exo Terra Heat Rocks and Mats

Aquarium Heaters

& Heat Cables

western shop & PET SUPPLY

Great Turtle Accessories In Stock! Food, Heaters, Islands & More!

Page 12: It's 102 in Taft - Opal Smith Celebrates 102 Years

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT October 28 - 3, 2011

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