taft christmas 2011
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christmas, 2011TRANSCRIPT
December 16 - 22, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT
December 16 - 22, 2011 • Volume 6 Issue 25www.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”
Cast Your Vote Now For Citizen Of The YearDetails On Page 5
508 Center Street • 765-6550
The Best Beer Selection on Tap in Taft!Black GoldCafe and Deli
Open Monday-Saturday • 9am-2pm 5pm-8pm
Your Holiday Favorites Are All Here!
Try Them Hot, Iced or Blended
Peppermint Mocha& White Mocha
Taftindependent.com
Monday - Friday 9am-7pm • Saturday 9am-6pmLocated at 1080 West Kern Street
(661) 763-3111
15% OFFMinimum Purchase of $25.00
Happy Holidays!
Expires: 12/31/11
Taft Union High School 2012 Hall Of Fame Inductees
Also Inside:From The Mayor
Community Voices
Classified Ads
Christmas Time is Here On the Westside
2 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 16 - 22, 2011
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
Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome
1014 6th Street • TaftIn the Save A Lot Shopping Center
(661)745-4913 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 $35.99 OR LESS
(up tp 7 qts oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)
(up to 3.75 gal oil, filter, tax, haz waste fee)
Shop Taft
1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899
Ten Percent Firearms
We Can Haul Away Most Large Items Roll Off & Small Bins Available Call Us Today • (661)765-6752
Recycling is OUR Business
J & D Recycling1277 Kern Street
Personal StyleWomen • Contemporary • Junior • Toddler • Infant • Men
A Hint of Class Name Brand ClothingShoes • Jewelry
Accessories & More
523 Finley Drive • 765-7147 • Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 8am-1pm
Tire & Automotive Service Center
Oil & Filter Special
2995*$Plus Tax
Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase
$3.50 Oil Disposal FeeExp. Dec. 31, 2011
FREETire Rotation
& Brake CheckPlus
We will checkall fluids
& tire pressure
*Most Cars & Light Trucks
Up to 5 Qts.
Acme Jewelry Extended HoursSunday, Dec 18th 11am - 4pmMonday - Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday the 24th 9:30amLike Us on Facebook
Gift Certificates Available NowMP3 Players and IPOD Speakers
Childrens Christmas Toys!
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
Open 24 Hours! 506 Center Street (661) 205-5579
Give The Gift That Keeps On Giving....A Membership To Next Step Cardio!
Hablamos Espanol661-745-4954610 Center Street
Prepaid Phones, Accessories & Cards
661-765-4377Lic # B-721903
Layaway available on phones
Cement & Asphalt Cutting
421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527
30% OFF& More!
Taft [email protected]
ANNOUNCEMENTSSERVICES
November 21 - December 31
Layaway Available for Christmas!
Inside The Historic Fort • 623-1783915 N. 10th Street Suite 34
Special Orders Available!
Miss Me JeansUgg Boots
Ed Hardy BootsJuicy Couture
Receive 10% Off Any $20 or more service
December 19th - 24th
Merry Christmas!SALE
Watch for our weekly specials
Store Wide Savings!30% Off & More!
SALESALE
December 16 - 22, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT
Community Events.........3
News Briefs.......................3
Westside Watcher............4
Westside News.................5
Westside News.................6
Westside News.................7
Community Voices..........8
Obituary............................9
Classified Ads.................10
Westside News...............11
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 orders are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.
Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long
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
Subscriptions\DeliveryTim Webb, Patrick Harget
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.
Community Christmas Carolers Sunday December 18th
Let’s join our voices. Community Christmas Carolers Sunday, December 18th at 4pm. Meet at Peace Lutheran Church, 26 Emmons Park Drive. Return later for soup, sandwiches, hot chocolate and coffee. For more information call 765-6248.
Heritage Park Book Sale Wednesday, January 4th
Heritage Park Senior Community will be having a book sale on Wednesday, January 4th from 12 noon to 6pm inside the Rec. room at Heritage Park, located at 201 8th Street. All different types of books will be for sale ranging from $.25 to $1. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGSTuesday December 20th, 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
Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com
Taft [email protected]
West Side Senior CareResidential Care Facility for the Elderly
Full Time Live-In Care
Now Open3 Openings Available • Women & Men Welcome
115 Adkisson Way - (661) 745-4220State License No. 157202510
Taft Tigersharks Winter Swim Training Beginning in January The Taft Tigersharks Swim Club will be starting their winter training program on Monday, January 9, 2012. Swim practices will be at the Taft Union High School swimming pool every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and continue until March 30. Costs for the entire session are $100 for the first family member and $75 for each additional member. The Tigersharks will have the opportunity to sell tickets to the Rotary Club’s Biscuits and Gravy breakfast. Tickets sales will benefit the team and can defray up to half of the cost of winter swim. Swimmers ages 5-18, who can complete one length of the pool without stop-ping, are welcome to join winter swim training. Coaching the Tigersharks will be last summer’s successful coach, Michelle Kroll. Coach Michelle and the new board are working hard to help restore qual-ity age group swimming to Taft. All interested swimmers and parents can contact the Taft Tigersharks by email ([email protected]) or by phone 661-932-0686.
Hi Everyone,
The first time in more years than I can remember, I got a cold. I always get my flu shot every fall, but this time it didn’t help, I got a dozy; so much for bragging to everyone about my record of not getting sick. Ginny and I attended our first concert at the Fox Theater in Bakersfield last week and with it being sold out, I guess I could have picked up a bug or two from there. Then, it has just been darn cold out but gratefully without the fog, at least around Taft. Says something for living in Taft in the foothills above the normal fog line,
another advantage those valley dwellers don’t enjoy. Looking around the Fox in Bakersfield it reminds you so much of our Fox Theater here in Taft and maybe what it could be. Not having a balcony would hurt us getting the bigger entertainment venues because that limits the seating. There is a committee that is working trying to bring all the interested parties to the table to see what realistically can be done. There has been a lot invested by the current owners, but those investments don’t come to the level of the current market values at this time. Having it sit doesn’t do any good either. Several folks have come forward with ideas to bring life back to the Fox but having a sustain-able business plan and backing is equally important. We’ll keep you posted as it plays out but no matter what is done it will be up to everyone who lives on the Westside, that you must make a commitment to support the Fox or it will go by the way of the hospital. Over the past several months, there has been a former City Councilman who has brought some unwanted publicity for the City of Taft for his actions while driving his automobile. The following is a statement I gave to one of the news organizations in Bakersfield as your Mayor. “It is quite obvious Mr. Thompson is having some personal. Legal, and medi-cal issues. His continued operation, under these conditions, of his vehicle can only lead to a tragedy and I hope that he seeks some professional help very soon. It is unfortunate that this continued behavior not only reflects upon himself but the rest of the community that he claims to love. Speaking on behalf of myself, I wish Mr. Thompson no ill will and hope that he resolves his issues so that he once again can join this community and contribute to it as we are energized for the future.” Mr. Thompson once stated that he just wanted to fade away from his public life so that he could get his personal life back on tract. Even though he has been out of office for a year now, he is going to be now and forever reminded that he was once a former councilman and a Mayor of Taft; even if he wants to he can’t get away from that fact. So, all of us who are elected to office, our responsibilities don’t end at the close of your term of office, it carries with you for a life time. Your behavior as a public servant is always more accountable and reflective on the organization and the community that you serve than those who just live in the community. His situation makes me more aware of myself and what kind of legacy do I want to leave my wife, my family, and my community. We are all human and we all have certain faults we each deal with individually, but when it comes time, you need to reach out to those that you love and say I need help. Hopefully they will be there for you and you haven’t used up all your chits along
From The Mayor
Continued on Page 8
4 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 16 - 22, 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
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.
Your RestaurantListed Here!
Call 765-6550!Starting as low as
$12 per week!
Weddings, Receptions, Parties, Anniversaries, BBQ, and More!
Call us today!763-3268
Book Your Christmas Party At the Club!
Sequoia Riverlands Trust Teams With State, Federal Agencies To Protect Treasured National Resouce: Food Production After serving one term in the White House, Herbert Hoover decided to farm. He hired experts to find the best agricultural land available. They selected two spots, near Wasco and Pasadena. The way Keith Gardiner sees it, who’s he to argue with the na-tion’s 31st president and his team of agronomists? “Hoover told them to find the best combination of soil, water and climate, and they didn’t let him down,” Gardiner said. “We’re on some of the best ground in the world. If you can’t make it as a farmer here, you can’t make it anywhere.” Gardiner, Holly King and members of their extended families formed a partnership that two years ago created the first agri-cultural conservation easement in Kern County, permanently shielding the 472-acre Wasco I farm from development. Today, the partnership and Sequoia Riverlands Trust announced that the adjoining 571-acre Wasco II property likewise has been set aside for agriculture. President Hoover would be proud. “I don’t have a lot of history on this particular property – we only bought it four years ago – but my history has been to try to find this kind of land,” Gardiner said. “I’ve been farming for 40 years, and this is exactly what I’ve always wanted. We want to keep it in farming, with no outside pressure for development. There’s no better calling for this kind of land than what we’re doing with it.” Funding for the creation of the Wasco II easement was pro-vided by the California Department of Conservation’s California Farmland Conservancy Program (CFCP) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). “The state and national significance of this property was rec-ognized so many years ago by President Hoover and his team of experts,” said Scott Spear, Board President of Sequoia Riverlands Trust. “Crop and food needs change over time, but this easement will ensure this property will remain in food production inperpetuity.” Wasco II is primarily planted in almond orchards that will come into production next year; Wasco I also is in almonds. While the nearest concentrated urban development is approximately 2½ miles to the south in Shafter and five miles northwest in Wasco, the property could have been split into 20-acre “ranchettes” for folks working in Bakersfield but desiring a rural homestead. Nu-merous estate-size lots, 10 to 20 acres in size, are evident south of Wasco’s sphere of influence boundary and north of Shafter’s sphere boundary. “It’s hard to overstate just how good this land is for growing things, and it’s ideally situated to help ensure the continuity of agriculture in the area,” said Brian Leahy, chief of the Department of Conservation’s Division of Land Resource Protection, which administers the CFCP. “We congratulate the landowners and the Sequoia Riverlands Trust, on the creation of this conservation easement and encourage other Kern County landowners to explore the easement option for their property.” Said NRCS California State Conservationist Ed Burton: “We are pleased to work with these farming families to preserve this land for agricultural production and protect it for future genera-tions.” About the Department of Conservation’s California Farmland Conservancy Program: Begun in 1996, the CFCP has provided $77.4 million in funding to permanently shield 52,293 acres of the state’s best and most vulnerable agricultural land from develop-ment. Landowners and trusts are encouraged to contact the Division of Land Resource Protection for information about the program and potential funding. For details, visit www.conserva-tion.ca.gov/dlrp. About the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP): The federal FRPP is a voluntary easement program that protects productive agricultural land by providing funds for the purchase of conserva-tion easements to limit conversion of farm and ranch lands to non-agricultural uses. NRCS partners with state, tribal or local governments, and non-governmental organizations to fund the acquisition of conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners. More information is available at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov. About Sequoia Riverlands Trust – SRT is a regional, non-profit land trust dedicated to conserving the natural and agricultural
Continued on Page 11
District Funds Nearly $3 Million In New Technology ProjectsTechnology Advancement ProGram Stimulates Creativity For Reducing Emissions The Valley Air District’s Governing Board granted $2,947,694 to 11 projects targeted at reducing the Valley’s air quality emis-sions through new technology. The board also authorized an additional $3 million for an additional round of funding to bring more technology-advancement entrepreneurs in the Valley. The latest competitive request for proposals to the Technology Advancement Program resulted in submissions ranging from an all-electric agricultural sprayer to a natural gas conversion kit for locomotive engines, an emission-reducing raisin tray burning sys-tem to a cleaner composting system. District staff carefully evalu-ated the proposals for a variety of criteria, including relevance to attainment plans, co-benefits, cost-effectiveness, funding requested and leveraging, and project readiness. Funding was recommended for 11. “We are encouraged by the response we received to this funding availability,” said Seyed Sadredin, the District’s executive director and air pollution control officer. “This is an important component The TAP program’s primary goal is to advance technology and accelerate deployment of innovative clean-air technologies that can bring about emission reductions as rapidly as practicable.The newly funded projects and amounts are:o $350,000 for Pure Power Technologies’ proposal to demon-strate a non-urea NOx reduction retrofit system for diesel trucks;o $300,000 for California Bioenergy’s proposal to demonstrate advanced two-stage controls to a biogas engine system to achieve near-zero NOx;o $258,000 for U.S. Hybrid Corp.’s proposal to demonstrate a plug-in hybrid wheel loader in a dairy application, and $292,830 for their demonstration of a plug-in hybrid propane/electric work truck;o $75,580 for Energy Conversions Inc.’s proposal to demonstrate a natural gas conversion kit for two-stroke diesel locomotive engines;o $370,534 for Electricore Inc.’s proposal to demonstrate a fully autonomous agricultural sprayer based on a zero-emission, all-electric vehicle platform;o $28,250 for Sun-Maid Growers of California’s proposal to dem-onstrate an emission-reducing raisin tray burning system;o $300,000 for Thermata’s proposal to demonstrate a concen-trating solar steam system to offset boiler fuel consumption and emissions;o $250,000 for Leva Energy Inc.’s proposal to demonstrate a power-generating burner that recovers wasted energy through a
Continued on Page 11
December 16 - 22, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT
Westside News & Business Briefs
Taft College Golden Grad, Harry Wilson, Turns 90
Taft College $14.5 Million TIL Center Groundbreaking
The Taft Independent is Seeking From Our Readers Nominations For the Taft Citizen of the Year
This award isn’t about celebrity or power. It honors actions exemplifying citizenship in its broadest sense by people who have helped their neighborhood or the community in effective, creative ways, while demonstrating integrity and perseverance. It can be a volunteer, teacher business person or whoever you wish to nominate. The nominee will be considered and selected by our editorial board and selection committee. To make a nomination, briefly explain who the per-son is and why he or she should win. E-mail the entry to [email protected], with “Citizen” in the subject line. Or mail it to Citizen of the Year, The Taft Independent, 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 21st. You can also facebook a suggestion.
On Friday, December 9th Taft College held the ground breaking ceremony for the new Center for Independent Living.Left to right: College board member Michael Long, Kal Vaughn, Mayor Randy Miller, college board member, Dawn Cole, Senator Jean Fuller, TIL Leadership Committee MemberClarice Rucker, Taft College President Dick Geise, TIL Program Director Jeff Ross, Dr. Wayne Burtonand Jose Vargas of AP Architects.
CDPH Reminds Californians to Stay Safe, Healthy During Severe Cold Weather With weather forecasts calling for nighttime temperatures to drop near freezing in parts of California, Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state public health officer, today urged Californians to protect themselves and their families from the hazards of extreme cold. “Cold temperatures threaten individuals, their pets and their homes,” Chapman said. “Exposure to severe cold temperatures can cause hypothermia and other serious health problems. Those at greatest risk are people who work outside, seniors, infants and people with chronic conditions.” The warning signs of hypothermia are shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. For infants, the warning signs are bright red, cold skin and very low energy. If you notice any of these signs, take the per-son’s temperature. If it is below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately and get the individual to a warm room or shelter. Chapman recommends dressing warmly, eating well-balanced meals, and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as they cause the body to lose heat rapidly. Because cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart, he cautioned people with heart disease or high blood pressure to avoid overexerting themselves outside. Chapman said it is important to plan ahead for possible power outages by keeping several days’ supply of food, water and medi-cine at home. Bring pets indoors or provide adequate shelter to keep them warm. Use space heaters and fireplaces appropriately to avoid household fires and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Visit CDPH’s Be Prepared California website for additional safety tips and information.
Renovation of Sixth Street in Taft – between Ash and Warren streets – will start on Thursday, Dec. 22, with the placing of signs alerting drivers to the work.Initial concrete work and the installing of stop signs on Sixth at Emmons Park Drive – creating a three-way stop -- is expected to take two weeks, weather permitting, with as much of the work as possible completed during the winter holiday, a spokesperson for Bowman Asphalt Inc. said.Work on the removal of the top two inches of asphalt and laying of a new layer of asphalt won’t take place until spring break in April, the spokesperson said. Rainfall and cold temperatures – more likely in late December-early January – can impact asphalt work.Rainfall can also impact concrete work but the cold weather isn’t a major problem with concrete like it would be with asphalt, the spokesperson said.The asphalt work will take one to two weeks, the Bowman spokes-person said. That would mean that there will be an impact on traffic to and from Taft College, Taft Union High School, Lincoln Junior High School and Roosevelt Intermediate School, especially if the work isn’t completed during the five work days of spring break.In addition to repaving Sixth Street, Taft College is seeking an estimate from Bowman for the repaving of Emmons Park Drive, said Mike Capela, maintenance supervisor for the college.If Bowman and the college can agree on a price, that work would be done at the same time as the Sixth Street repaving, Capela said. As of Thursday evening, he hadn’t heard from Bowman, Capela said.Work on Emmons Park Drive would further complicate travel to and from the college, as the Ash Street entry to Emmons Park Drive is now closed off while campus construction takes place.
Renovations on Sixth Street, Emmons Park Drive Begins Next Week
Visit Us Onlinetaftindependent.com
On Wednesday, December 13th Taft College held a special birthday party for Golden Grad, Harry Wilson as Dodie Mosby looks on . Harry celebrated his 90th birthday and is the oldest living Taft College graduate. Harry graduated Taft College in 1942.
6 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 16 - 22, 2011
Westside News & Business Briefs
CookhouseOT
& SaloonSpecializing in Steak & Seafood
Lunch DinnerTuesday - Friday11a.m. - 2p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday 4p.m. - 9p.m.Friday & Saturday 4p.m. - 10p.m.
CLOSEDSUNDAY/MONDAY
205 N. 10th St.(661)763-1819
OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 12-20-11 thru 12-24-11)
Tues.12-20-11
LunchTues.
12-20-11Dinner
Wed.12-21-11
Lunch
Wed.12-21-11Dinner
Thurs.12-22-11
Lunch
Thurs.12-22-11Dinner
Fri.12-23-11Dinner
Fri.12-23-11
Lunch
Sat.12-24-11Dinner
Meatball Sandwich
Prime Rib$16.95 Small/ $19.95 Large
BBQ Beef Ribs
CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY
$9.95
$11.95
$9.95
$9.95
205 N. 10th Street . (661)763-1819
$16.95/ $19.95
Hot Turkey Sandwich
$11.95
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Veal Liver with Bacon & Onions
Country Style BBQ Pork Sandwich
$8.95
ClosedHappy Holidays!
810 Center Street • (661)805-9813
Ben’s Books
Come in and look at our Unadvertised Specials!
The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in TaftChristmas is Coming
Send Holiday Cheer with PersonalizedPORTRAITS THIS CHRISTMAS
www.kcphotographyandframing.com
CALL NOW 763-5429427 Center Street • Since June 1986
Proof # Date
1 4/6
Make your sittingTwo Weeks before your
inteded mail out date.
Spice up your home...Great Seasonal & Holiday Candles
Book NOW!Gift certificates are available
They make great stocking stuffers!
December 10th was the bike and toy give away for the kids of Maricopa. For months prior to the event generous people from Maricopa, neighboring towns and travelers bought raffle tickets for a BBQ grill donated by the Shell Foodmart in Maricopa. Over $2500.00 in raffle tickets were sold. A man in Orange, CA won that BBQ. That money as well as donations of cash were used to buy plenty of toys and bikes. Along with generous donations of toys and bikes. In all 40 bikes were given away. Some of the great busness that donated were Paul Peters Cont., I.W.S.S Inc., Downs Euip. and The Harvest Stea House. Some of the people that helped with donations as well as helping with the event were Tom & Ruth Jared, Virgal & Elaine Bell, Gary Mock, Ken & Gay Anderson, Taft Petroleum Club, 2 Wheels Production, Lewis Platt, Gail Huffmon, Belena McCallum and Clyde Dunn.
Maricopa Bike & Toy Drive
Ken Anderson, Gary Mock, Clyde Dunn, Wayne McDowell.
On Sunday, December 11th the Marines Corps made a special appearance in Taft to distribute toys for the first Toys for Tots held in Taft. Thank you to all the volunteers: Jeff Fariss and his EMT class, Mark McAl-lister with DHS, Vicky Waugh, Carla Sandoval, Sheri Black, Dave Reynolds, Chris Chung-WeeThanks to all those who donated gifts!
Marines Come to Westside for First Toys for Tots Distribution In Taft
NEEDS Center Christmas Party
The Needs Center held their annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 13th. The Taft Union High School Key Club helped put on the event with the Needs Center. Wooden toys were provided by the prison and teddy bears from the Condors teddy bear toss, as well as food baskets from St Mary’s Catholic Church.
Turkey Dinner $12.95
December 16 - 22, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT
Westside News & Business Briefs
101 B. Street • Taft
(661)763-9890
El Jacalito Restaurant
Mexican Food & Seafood
$8.95 Lunch specials served daily from 11am to 3pm and
includes drink11am-3pm
includes drink
Lunch Specials
Free Parking No Fog, Free Gift Wrap
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
It’s Not Too Early...
14K • Black Hills • Tungsten Sterling Silver • Jewelry Wax Melters • Candles Reed Diffuser & More
To get everything on your list
426 Center Street763-5451
Large selection of gear moving clocks, spyderco knives & kershaw knives.
Visit Local Businesses, Win Prizes! The Taft District Chamber of Com-merce has created a Taft Tour of Trees Passport for 2011. Several busi-nesses are setting up Christmas Trees in their stores and are included on our Tour of Trees Passport. Visit any and/or all of the businesses on the card this holiday season, take care of your Christmas shopping needs, ad-mire their decorated trees, and vote for your favorite tree. Each business will stamp your passport card in order for you to receive credit for visiting their store. For each stamp, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win several prizes from local businesses! Participating businesses in the Taft Tour of Trees Passport include Acme Jewelry, Ben’s Books, Black Gold Café, City of Taft, End of Times Gallery, Hayden’s Hope, H & R Block, Jacks Flower Shop, KC Photography, Miller’s Beauty Supply, Next Step Cardio & Fitness Club, Personal Style, Pizza Factory, Taft Chamber, Taft Manna 4 U, True Value, Tumbleweed Café, West Kern Oil Mu-seum, Westside Furniture, and Westside Recreation. Pick up your passport card at any of these businesses or at the Taft Christmas Pa-rade, December 5. This is a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done locally and enjoy the Christmas trees in Taft. No purchase necessary. Only one stamp per business per card, limit 2 cards per person. Turn your passport cards into the Taft Chamber (400 Kern Street) by December 20 to win!! Prizes to win include a $30 Gift Certificate to Ben’s Books, 12 Joy Archibald paintings from End of Times, a Pizza Factory XL Pizza Certificate, a ladies watch from Personal Style, a gift from Jacks Flower Shop, and a grand prize of a Westside Furniture La-Z-Boy Recliner. Winners announced on Wednesday, December 21. Merry Christ-mas and Happy Shopping!
HAYDENS HOPEThrift Store
God Bless!Together we can help keep our Teens in Taft off the streets.
Merry Christmas420 1/2 Center Street
Find us on Facebook
Fuller Announces Kick Off Of 8th Annual Operation Christmas For Our Troops
Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield), is honored to announced the kick-off of the 8th Annual Yellow Ribbon America “Operation Christmas for our Troops” statewide toy drive. Fuller has joined with other members of the California Legis-lature and representatives from Yellow Ribbon America to seek the public’s assistance to collect toys for the families of military personnel. “Those serving our nation at home and abroad sacrifice daily to protect the freedoms that we too often take for granted,” said Fuller. “While our soldiers are called to active duty their families are often left at home and deserve the same level of attention and gratitude that we show the men and women in uniform. Dur-ing the holiday season, it is my hope that our communities rally around and support the efforts of Yellow Ribbon America and its Operation Christmas for Our Troops.” This is the eighth consecutive year that members of both sides of the aisle have come together to push a toy and DVD drive to ben-efit the families of military personnel. In the last seven years, over 500,000 donations have been collected statewide in support of the “Operation Christmas for Our Troops” toy and DVD drive. This is the most successful drive in the nation supporting our troops and their families. Donations will be accepted at Senator Fuller’s Bakersfield Dis-trict Office, located at 5701 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 150, through December 23rd. Those with questions or an interested in participating, are en-couraged to contact the District Office at (661) 323-0443.
Half Off All Christmas StuffShirts & Sweaters $.25 Pants $.50
Dec. 17th - 23rd
www.taftindependent.com
Merry Christmas From the Taft Independent
8 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 16 - 22, 2011
Community Voices TUHS Hall of Fame Inductees for 2012 The TUHS Hall of Fame Com-mittee today released the names of those persons chosen to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2012. This concludes a screening process wherein the committee reviewed all nominees offered during the past year, and also those nominated in former years. It is a select group that will be inducted and the committee wishes to thank all those who nominated candi-dates and joins in celebrating with the friends and family of those who have been selected. The Induction Banquet will be held on April 28 (Saturday) on the high school campus in the large gym. Curt Barnes (Class of 1960) Curt Barnes was born in Taft and completed his B.A. in painting from the University of California at Berkeley in 1964. He then finished an M.F.A. at Pratt Institute in 1966 and settled in Manhattan. He has exhibited at OK Harris in New York and in other galleries and museums in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. He has been awarded major grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, 1993-94, the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation in 2003 and has taught at several American campuses, including Fordham University at Lincoln Center. His work focuses on curved, constructed abstract art which intensify the physicality of painting and its inher-ent illusionism. He has pieces permanently presented in the Museum of Modern Art (New York). Charles Beard (Class of 1957) Not long after graduating from high school, Charles Beard purchased the company for which he worked: Vacuum Servicing Company. Forty-three years later, he became President and owner of General Production Service, Inc. His company employs nearly 250 persons, and its work generates a significant payroll for the Taft community. More remarkable even than the jobs he provides, has been Charles Beard’s ability to quietly “make things happen.” One doesn’t need to ask; he sees a public task and responds to it. He has been a core figure in sustaining the Taft Centennial Celebration, the Oil Worker’s Monument, Little League Baseball, Camp Condor, and Bike Giveaway. He has been a quiet partner in supporting dozens of other community projects that he recognized as needing a helping hand. He is an accomplished business-man, a community leader and an investor in the future of Taft youth. Les Haney (Class of 1942) For more than 65 years, when one speaks of fast-pitch softball in Taft, the first name that surfaces is “Les Haney.” At age 12, Les drew a circle on his garage door and began practicing pitches. Three years later he pitched with the Belridge Oilers in the National Championships in Detroit. He earned a citation in Ripley’s “Believe it or Not” by striking out all 27 batters he faced (two foul tips) in 1945. In the summer of 1948, he led the Taft Merchants to the World Softball Championship. Les’ rising fastball was clocked at 115 mph and he used it along with a drop which curved in two directions to overwhelm batters. In one year, pitching for Hanford, he averaged 21 strikeouts for 43 consecutive games. He was selected for All-World Honors multiple times, is a member of the Bob Elias Sports’ Hall of Fame and the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame. DeAnn Sampley (Class of 1972) Following her graduation from Cal State Northridge, DeAnn Sampley earned her M.A degree in Curriculum Develop-ment and began her professional work of bringing American Sign Language into the lives of both instructors and students in need. While teaching at Bakersfield College she developed curriculum recognition for ASL as a foreign language and developed an ASL Lab which served more than 300 students. In 1993, she co-founded Children to Love International (CLI), a Romanian Foundation which addresses the needs of abandoned and abused children in seven different orphanages in Romania. This work addresses in particular those children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and annually brings American graduates in ASL to spend time in Rumania assisting these youngsters in need. She is currently seek-ing to have the CLI partner with the Rumanian government in efforts to join the European Union and protect its orphans more fully. William H. Silcox (Class of 1940) William Silcox blended military service during WW II, with pursuit of his engineering degree which he received from UC-Berkeley in 1947. He spent his career with Standard Oil developing high volume lifting technology which would permit oil production by drilling from offshore platforms. In 1967, he was placed in charge of all Standard Oil offshore drilling technology development. When he began his career, deep water drilling could reach as deep as a human diver could be safely kept below the surface: 250 feet. Bill’s twelve patents, along with his professional leadership in developing tools and technology led directly to undersea drilling being able to reach depths of 2,400 feet. His techniques became essential elements of deep water drilling wherever it might occur. After retirement, Bill continued to consult with companies, eventually being hired as Vice-President for Technology, Wellstream Corporation. For that company he developed a successful high pressure, deep water, flexible pipe, essential to underwater oil flows. His design is now used around the world. In 1986, Bill was elected to the United States National Academy of Engineering.
Taxing Christmas: A Satirical Look AheadBy Katie and Dr. Harold Pease
The country is now 15 trillion dollars in debt. Many erroneously believe that the only way to solve this problem is to increase taxes rather than to cut spending. Judging by the extreme laws passed the last few years, more recently the Christmas Tree Tax unsuccessfully advocated by the President this winter, a tax on Christmas could come true. Let’s follow the Ghost of Christmas Future and see what such a bill might look like:
Congress recently discovered how unfair Christmas really is, as some get more presents than others. To correct this injustice, a 1,500-page law called the Christmas Equalization Tax is working its way through judiciary committees in both the House and Senate and will be on the floor of both houses very soon. Under the new law, to begin next year, shoppers buying gifts for loved ones are required to fill out Form 13,207, The Affidavit of Gift Recipients, indicating said recipients by name, social security number, and birth date, and completing a five-page information sheet for each named recipient. Retailers then fill out Form 13,208, The Affidavit of Christmas Gifts, and forward the information to the IRS for national list tabulation. The total allotment per Christmas per person is 20 gifts. Totals exceeding this number in intervals of 10 will be assessed a gradual value added tax up to 70% of the value of the gifts in excess. Overall value is also taxed up to 100% for any total exceeding $400. This information is submitted on The Affidavit of Excess Christmas Value (Form 13,209). If you have problems following the formulas, so do the lawyers who made them up. However it does help create many jobs for those in that industry, and ensure employment for them for decades to come in their efforts to help us keep the rules straight or in resulting litigation. The amount collected will be given to the New Organization to Fight Underprivileged Nations (NOFUN). This organi-zation supports those suffering from Christmas Depravation Syndrome, a debilitating mental disorder recently discovered by psychologists to inhibit the development of ambition and drive, drastically reducing self-esteem, self-actualization, and quality of life. Recipients must fill out a simple 10-page form entitled The Underprivileged Christmas Affidavit (Form 13,210), which allows participants to identify favorite gifts. Unlike the shoppers, benefit recipients would not be limited to 20 gifts. No doubt they have been “gift deprived” long enough and compensation must be made. This is the only way to guarantee fair-ness and equality for all people across the entire lifespan. Currently, those applying for benefits from NOFUN do so by contacting their local Human Services Agency. Lawmak-ers are uncertain whether the program will remain with HSA or be turned over to ACORN, or some other reputable organization already in existence. The more likely option is to create a whole new department to oversee the program. The necessary “monitoring,” which certainly would create much needed employment to help stimulate the economy, would require at least 15,000 new federal employees. The excess tax is thought to be sufficient for funding the under-gifted, but critics are skeptical about its ability to fund the 15,000 federal agents as well. Some say that unsympathetic shoppers will lower the number of gifts they buy to 20 per person, thus avoiding the excess tax altogether, and leaving the taxpayer to fund the $37 billion for both the “under-gifted” and the federal employees. Proponents say this “disinformation” comes from incompassionate right-wing extremists, who are simply in the pockets of evil money-mongering capitalists who oppose the individual gift limits. Proponents assure that the cost will be covered by the seventh stimulus package, the 3,500 paged bill now on the desk of your Congressmen and women. Additional legislation on the table is to tax excessive tree height, Christmas decorations, and turkey size. Levels of hap-piness could also be taxed as soon as technology is able to measure it. Some even have suggested making the holiday illegal imposing stiff fines on violators instead to raise money. Lawmakers hope to expand the legislation to Hanukkah next year for the same reasons. So many injustices to alleviate, so little time. Merry Christmas, my liberty loving friends. Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. Katie is his daughter-in-law. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.
the way. This past week of Dec 15th will be my last meeting as your representative on the Southern San Joaquin Valley Air Pollu-tion District Board. My term of office is up Jan 1st. It has been a very interesting time serving on the board and I learned a lot. The district has worked very hard with the environmentalists, businesses, the public, and industry to clean up your air. The District has obtained 80% of our clean air goals but the last 20% is the hardest to obtain because it is mainly due to three issues: mobile air sources, pollution control technology, and even more stringent regulations from the EPA. The Val-ley Air District has no control over those issues. All those trucks and cars going up and down Hwy 99 and I-5; all the smog coming from the Bay area and even China; the brush and timber fires we have each year; the lack of any newer technology in air pollution control systems; the climatic changes we are seeing; the unwillingness of the EPA to treat the San Joaquin Valley different due to our topography and air inversion conditions: we may never obtain our goals without all of us mov-ing out of the valley. I must compliment the Air District for its professionalism, its dedication, its adherence to making every tax dollar accountable and prudently spent. About two hundred million dollars flow through the district each year and the 15-member board provides very good oversight and sees that the Air District stays on tract. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you on this board. As we remember family and friends this Christmas season, try to remember those that are less fortunate than we are. Do-nate what you can to the bell ringers for the Salvation Army; every dime you put in the bucket stays in Taft to help the truly needy. Toys for Taft is an equally good program. Laborers of the Harvest, Mana 4 U, and the NEEDS Center can use your donations of food, money, and gently used clothing year round. Hopefully you can help; it’s tough times for all but Taft is a giving and sharing community. Isn’t that one of the reasons you live here ?? Merry Christmas to all.
Randy MillerYour Proud But Humble Mayor
From The Mayor Continued from Page 3
December 16 - 22, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT
JAMES MORTON “JIM” BAIRD1942 – 2011
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Satur-day, December 17, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at OT Cook-house, 205 N. 10th St., Taft for Taft resident, Jim Baird. Join us and share some of your favorite memories of “The Old Cowboy.” Jim was born on January 19, 1942 in Visalia, CA and passed away on December 12, 2011 in Taft, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Betty Baird and his daughter, Cindy Crocker. He grew up in Strathmore and loved the time he spent with his grandfather working on the family cattle ranch. The knowledge he learned helped to prepare him for FFA and a trip to the Cow Palace. He was a graduate of Strathmore High School, Class of 1960 (the best class ever) and remained friends with many of his classmates. He worked for many years in the oilfields, retiring in 2008 as a gas plant operator for PSN at Elk Hills. He was known as “Uncle Jim” to his younger co-workers. Jim was an avid horseman for most of his life. He loved going to the mountains on horseback and a pack mule. Later in life he traded the horse trailer for an RV and he and Shirley spent their vacations traveling and camping. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Taft; brother, Doug Baird of San Jose; sons and daughters-in-law, Keven and Michelle Baird of Tehachapi, Brent and Kerri Ray of Bakersfield, Greg and Stephanie Ray of Bakersfield; grandchildren, Evan, Matthew, Danika, Terra, Nick, Madison, Kylee, Gillian and Adalynn; great-grandchildren, Mallory and Presley. Special thanks to Paula Casteel and to Mercy Hospice, especially Shelagh, Bertha and Richard for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, con-tributions may be made to the American Lung Association or to a charity of one’s choice in the name of James Baird. No visitation hours are scheduled and the arrangements are under the direction of the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home.www.EricksonAndBrown.com
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
YOUR CHURCH
AD HERE! CALL
TODAY! 765-6550
ObituaryThe Only Mortuary On The West Side
Where All Arrangements And Funerals Are Personally Directed ByLicensed Funeral Directors
501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618
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.
Taft CrudeCoffee House
Ice Blended Mocha
Fat Free andSugar Free
Available in Most Flavors
Open 7 Days - 763-51561010 6th Street • Taft
AdvertiseWith The
Taft IndependentCall Today!765-6550
WED.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-2:00 FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS
MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY
370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580
Check Out Our Website!maricopaquiltcompany.com
And Facebook Page!
ROGER MILLER INSURANCEadivisionofDiBuduo&DeFendisInsuranceGroup
Rich MillerLicense#0707137•(661)765-7131
531KernStreet-P.O.Box985(661)765-4798FAX
Taft,CA93268•(661)203-6694Cell
E-Mail:[email protected] Hometown Insurance Store
10 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 16 - 22, 2011
immediately at 800 Kern Street, P.O. Box 1105,
Taft, CA 93268.
Deadline for submitting application is
Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District application.
The successful applicant will be subject to a
pre-employment drug screen, physical and thorough background
check. E.O.E.
Kitchen Manager
Buena Vista Golf Course now hiring managewment postion at Buena Vista Grill. Applications available at the Golf Course. Interviews start 12/26/11. Position starts Jan. 1. Call (661) 549-4653 Allan or (661) 319-1871 Chad.
INSTRUCTION
Learn English/Spanish the easy way, WITH A PRIVATE TUTOR. Reasonable rates, Call Luz at 800-8681.
WantedWANTED
Junk Cars! Cash Paid (661) 805-0552
Old Appliances, In ANY Condition. Car Batteries & Motorparts. Cash Paid $1 - $20 Call David 661-293-0359 or 661-765-6497. We will pick up!
For SaleFOR SALE
Can’t make payments call me!!
Wondering how buying a house works? Set an appointment with Karri to watch a FREE video on the process.
Call 661-332-6597 for a current list or drop by the office.
MOBILE HOMES
HOMES FOR RENT
West ValleyReal Estate
(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550
FOR RENT205 W Ash C 2/1.5 $600601 4th 2/1 $650435 B St 2/1 $700302 Calvin 1/1 $850528 D St 2/1 $850602 Elkhorn 3/1.75 $850404 Fillmore 3/1.75 $1,000
FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!Complete list of homes for Sale and Rent avail-able!
523 Naylor St. 3 bd/2ba $1,050 mo + dep.408 Jackson St. 3bd/1ba $880 mo + dep.1bd 1 ba. house. 707 Fillmore 3 bd/1ba $780 mo. + dep. (661)343-0507.
3bd/2ba newer home lrg lot, emaculent cond. 2 car garage, AC $1,200 mo + dep 661-577-2158
2 bd 1ba, indoor laundry, fenced frt/back yards $600 mo + $600 dep. Maricopa 805-325-0256
Huge 3bd 2ba, perimeter fence, lots of storage & fruit trees. $900 mo + $900 dep. Maricopa 805-325-0256
APART. FOR RENT
MCKITTRICK. 3/2 Apt. Newly furn.$650 mo. Taft Property Mgt. 661 745-4892. Brokers Licence 01417057
Imperial Gardens 424 Woodrow Street 2bd $625 mo. 1bd $550 mo. Stove fridge, dishwasher, pool, private car port. 661-293-0830 or 661-765-4299.
Pickers Buy & Sell 428 Center Street
Hours 1-5pm Tues-Fri
AUTOMOBILES
Pets & Livestock
FOUND PETS
LOST PETS
Real EstatePROPERTY
MANAGEMENTTaft Property Management
1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good
areas.CRIME FREE
HOUSING Brokers Licence
01417057661-577-7136
BUSINESSFOR SALE
FOR SALE
Established local Taft business. Taft Crude Coffee House and Deli. Excellent location, near Taft College. In business for 6 years. $25,000 OBO. Room to expand product offerings. Good family business. Call 661-623-4296.
HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.
325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &
#01333971661-332-6597
www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &
Purchase
Commercial:330 California (old post office) Maricopa616 Poso,(restaurant & dry good w/ beer & wine license)MaricopaResidential417 Tyler $60K 3bed/ 2 bath415 Buchanan St $35,500 cash only
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 ServicesRite 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.
Antique pottery, kitchen items, Christmas, clothes. 601 Lucard St. Sat. Dec. 17 8am to 2 pm
Heritage Park Book Sale Wednesday, January 4th
12 noon - 6pm 201 8th St.
In Rec Room Books from $.25 to $1.
ANNOUNCEMENTSGrief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.
BusinessServices
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
COMPUTER SERVICES
Taft PC Services
Computer RepairGraphic ArtsWeb Design
Virus Removal661-623-5188
YARD SERVICES
CLEANING SERVICES
Office cleaning, years of experience. Call Kathi 661-703-8186
EmploymentHELP WANTED
Meter Reader($2,943 - $4,623 per
month)
If you are looking for a career, come and
check out what we have in store for you! West Kern Water District is seeking an energetic individual to join our
team who has the ability to work independently and read water meters
with a high degree of accuracy. Apply
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 • ConcreteCreekside Apartments.
1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.
2bd/1ba $750 mo + dep. Recently remodeled. Fenced front and back yards. 661-589-2720.
PUBLIC NOTICEMichael Long, PublisherThe Taft Independent508 Center StreetTaft, CA 93268
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE 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
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
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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 true and correct.September 23, 2011, Taft, California.
SignedMichael Long
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1pm - 5pmMust bring coupon. ex: 12/31/11
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428 Center Street
December 16 - 22, 2011 TAFT INDEPENDENT
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24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations
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Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway
Randy’s Trucking
(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street
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Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987
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Shaw’s Pet WashWith Dog or Cat Full GroomReceive 20% Off
Any new collar, sweater or jacket for your pet!
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western shop & PET SUPPLY
Thru December we will do a flea dip or shampoo Only
Christmas Special
$11.00 small dog$15.00 med dog$20.00 large dog$30.00 giant dog
This does not include shampoos, drying, brushing, or nails. It is always best to
follow up with a flea spot on to prevent reinfestation.
Great sales throughout the store!
Breyer Horses and OrnamentsMontana Silver Jewelry
Western Gifts Leather Wallets & Belts
Weekly Gas Price Update Average retail gasoline prices in California have fallen 4.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.57/g as of Monday, December 12th. This compares with the national average that has fallen 0.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.28/g, according to gasoline price website Californi-aGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in California during the past week, prices Monday, December 12th were 33.8 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 24.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 15.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 32.2 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. “Gasoline prices remain in limbo across parts of the U.S. while oil prices continue to swing in different directions as traders digest changes in market sentiment,” according to GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The national average remains subdued close to levels that we saw last week, but prices may soon move slightly higher as they follow a rising trend in wholesale gasoline prices,” DeHaan added.
Yates’ Detailing600 Center Street
Taft, California(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171
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8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319
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legacy of the southern Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Val-ley. SRT holds conservation easements on 25 properties, totaling 3,664 more acres of protected land, all of them working farms and ranches. SRT also has collaborated with agencies, other non-profit conservation organizations, and landowners to protect additional acres often owning them during the transition to new ownership. To date, SRT has protected more than 11,343 acres. SRT owns and manages six nature preserves that protect 4,069 acres of remnant landscapes, woodland communities and wildlife habitat, all grazed by cattle. For more information, visit http://www.sequoiariverlands.org/index.html.
Food Production Continued from Page 4
Chevron’s SPIRIT Awards Provides $182,500 to 37 CommunityOrganizations, 4 In Taft Chevron announced on Thursday the 37 nonprofit organizations that received $182,500 in funding at this year’s Chevron Community SPIRIT Award. The recipients, including Taft’s Alpha House, Manna 4 U, West Kern Oil Museum, and Westside Community Resource Center, address basic human needs, education and economic development in Kern County. Each group received between $2,500 and $5,000. The Chevron Community SPIRIT Awards program is part of Chevron’s California Partnership, an initiative to invest in education and economic development in its home state.
microturbine;o $242,500 for the City of Manteca’s proposal to demonstrate a serial hybrid hydraulic refuse truck;o $230,000 for the Association of Compost Producer’s proposal to dem-onstrate a positively aerated static compost pile system;o $350,000 for PG&E Fleet Engineering’s proposal to demonstrate an extended range electric drive Class 6 bucket truck with electric worksite operation capacity. “Not only are these new projects innovations that will help clean up the Valley, but they are also vital to supporting the Valley’s technology develop-ment community and economic vitality,” Sadredin said. A new request for proposals will be released by the District in 2012 For more information about the Technology Advancement Program or to sub-scribe to a free mailing list for notification of program developments, visit http://www.valleyair.org/Grant_Programs/TAP/tap_idx.htm.
Technology Projects Continued from Page 4
12 TAFT INDEPENDENT December 16 - 22, 2011
Taft [email protected]
ANNOUNCEMENTSSERVICES
(661)763-4445No Appointment Needed for
Smog Check!Certified C.A.P. Station
General Automotive Repairs
• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street
Used to be Paul’sBike Shop
Qik Smog & Tune
Devon’s Body Shop
408 Main Street • (661)765-4337
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
608 Center St.
2012 Bikes are Arriving NOW!
745-4919
HARRISON STREETAUTOMOTIVE