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Independent The Taft

January 24 - 31, 2014

TAFT INDEPENDENT

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Publisher@Taftindependent.com

www.Taftindependent.com

January 24 - 31, 2014 • Volume 8 Issue 27

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

Mexican and Seafood Taqueria Open 7 Days a Week - Open Late Night 4 am to Midnight Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner 330 Kern Street Corner of 4th and Kern Street (661) 745-4898

Taco Monday’s .99 Tacos

Tuesday’s Chicken Frajitas Tuesday $7.95

Bring this coupon for FREE 16oz Soft Drink Catering Available for Meetings. Free Delivery.

Qik Smog & Tune

The Great California Drought of 2014 2013 Was The Driest Year on Record, What Will 2014 Bring?

O P E N S AT U R D AY S 8 A M T O 4 P M No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

Monarch Fleet Services and Automotive

Alignment - Diagnostics - Brakes - Tires and Wheels TIA Certified ASE

Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

217 Center Street (661) 765-2886

END OF THE YEAR TIRE AND SERVICES SPECIALS SEE STORE FOR DEATILS

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT

January 24 - 31, 2014

Shop Taft

Passion For Nails western shop & PET Wash Fish - Reptile - Supplies Tack - Feed - Livestock Supplies Western Clothing - Boots - Work Apparell Pet Grooming Fred and Cheri Shaw 419 Harrison Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

Geiger Construction & Plumbing Residential • Commercial

Cement & Asphalt Cutting

Lic # B-721903

661-765-4377 Fast • Friendly • Affordable Se Habla Espanol 661-301-4660 24 Hours/ 7 Days a Week

Free Package Drop Off

F i n e

J e w e l r y

Small town, family owned, low overhead.

We can save youFine money on •quality Jewelry Candles jewelry!

• Gifts

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

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Try Our New Pedicure Chairs Men & Seniors &

Diabetics Welcome CHECK-IN TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND GET $1 OFF

1014 6th Street • Taft In the Save A Lot Shopping Center Monday to Friday

(661)745-4913

10am-7pm and Saturday 9am-6pm

Personal Style

Salon and Boutique

Year End Clearence Sale Going on Now!

Shop Downtown Taft!

421 & 423 Center (661)763-3527

A Hint of Class

Inside The Historic Fort • 623-1783 • 763-1700 915 N. 10th Street Suite 34

Ship Your Packages Here!

acme jewelry co.

Special Occasions, Gifts and More!

Watch Batteries Batteries Changed Most $4 426Some CENTER STREET $8 • 661.763.5451 Store Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

426 Center Street

(661)763-5451

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft Now Serving Our Original

25 Hill Blonde Ale 64 oz. Beer Growlers To Go! 508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Ten Percent Firearms 1277 Kern Street (661)765-6899

1016 6th St. Taft 661-745-4855

Next Step Cardio & Fitness

506 Center Street - (661) 745-4918

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765-6550

January 24 - 31, 2014

Inside Community Events.........3 Taft Calendar...................3 Westside News.................5 Westside News.................6 Westside News.................7 Liberty Under Fire.........8 Classified Ads.................10 News.................................11 Shop Taft........................12

The Taft Independent 508 Center Street P.O. Box 268 Taft, California 93268 (661) 765-6550

Email: Publisher@taftindependent.com

Events

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Taft Calendar

By John Swearengin

Taft Business of the Week Acme Jewelry

The Friends of the Fort Annual Dinner is Thursday January 30th. Social hour is from 5-6pm. Dinner is at 6pm. Tickets are only $20.00. The Fort Membership drive is underway and the Fort is committed to “Preserving The Past For The Future.” R.S.V.P by January 27th at 765-7371. Do not forget the Historic Fort is more than one of the most beautiful buildings in Kern County, it also has great shopping, businesses, is great for pictures, reunions, weddings, meetings, and more. The Fort has several events coming up, check them out on their page on Facebook. Keep the Fort standing tall!

By John Swearengin Acme Jewelry and Gifts at 426 Center Street. Acme Jewelry has been here in Taft since 1991. Acme always has a great display window and when you come inside you’ll be surprised by all the great gifts at such reasonable prices.

They have more than just amazing jewelry.

They have knives, cards, candles, and so much more. Acme is also able to replace watch batteries. They do not get any better than the owners, Ray and Donna Smith. In addition, Acme Jewelry has Taft’s favorite cat “Tilly,” so you’ll feel like you’re at home. They are open Tuesday-Saturday. Valentine’s Day is coming soon so head down to get that special gift!

Winter swim is underway for the Taft Tigersharks. Online registration is going on now for the Westside Little League, they are also having sign ups at Chevron Valley’s Board Room on February 1st, at 10am.

Tonight- Wildcat Girls Basketball Teams at Home vs. Robert F. Kennedy High.

Save the Date for these Future EventsJanuary 31st: Wildcat Boys Basketball Teams at Home vs. Bakersfield Christian High.

Relay for Life Karaoke Night at the Oasis Night Club from 8-1:30. $5.00 admission.

February 1st and 2nd: AMA Big Series Race at Honolulu Hills Raceway.

February 1st: Taft College Women’s Basketball at home vs. Reedley at 5pm.

February 5th: Industry Night at the Taft Petroleum Club. Dinner at 7:30.

February 6th: Taft Chamber Installation Dinner and Awards Ceremony “Hollywood Nights: A Red Carpet Affair” at the Fox Theatre. Featuring Guest Speaker Corbin Bernsen. Tickets only $40.00 Taft Tea Party Meeting at the Taft Veterans Hall at 6pm.

February 7th: Cruise Night on center Street. Starts at 6pm. Taft Lions Club will be serving their famous BBQ. Wildcat Boys Basketball Teams vs. Chavez High.

February 8th and 9th: The West Side Rec, Taft Longhorns, and Triple Play are hosting an ages 7-13 “Winter Slugfest” Baseball Tournament at Franklin Field. Check out www.taftlonghorns.com or www.westsidesports.org. If you would like a booth or are interested in sponsoring contact Les Clark.

February 14th: Wildcat Boys Basketball Teams at Home vs. Shafter High.

February 15th: Taft IDPA work party at the Taft Sportsmen’s Club at 9am. Classifier for IDPA members only at Noon. Registration starts at 5pm for the Night Match. IDPA T-Shirts are on sale now.

February 18th: Wildcat Boys Basketball Teams at Home vs. Robert F. Kennedy High.

February 19th: Taft College Women’s Basketball at Home vs. West Hills at 5pm.

February 22nd: West Kern Oil Museum Annual Dinner at the West Side Rec at 6pm.

Taft College Women’s Basketball at Home vs. Fresno City at 5pm.

Winter Series at Kern County Raceway, Pits open at 9a.m., Races at 12:30p.m. Season tickets on sale now for the regular season.

February 27th: The Taft Fort Spaghetti Dinner and Auction. Starts at 5pm.

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.

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Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Long Publisher@taftindependent.com Advertising Publisher@taftindependent.com Contributing Writers Wesley Morris, Mimi Collins Joan Raymond Columnists Randy Miller, John Swearengin Dr. Harold Pease Newspaper Delivery Tim Webb

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The Taft Chamber is having their Annual Installation Dinner at the Taft Fox Theatre February 6th. The Taft Fort, West Kern Oil Museum, and several local Service Clubs all have big events coming up. Please support these events. The money raised is given back to the community in one way or another. Thank you to all these great groups that make Taft even better.

CITY OF TAFT COUNCIL MEETINGS Tuesday February 4, 2014 – 6:00 p.m.

or on Facebook

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER 209 EAST KERN STREET, TAFT, CA (661) 763-1222

AGENDA POSTED ON BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND POSTED AT THE CITY OF TAFT WEB SITE www.cityoftaft.org TELEVISED ON BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CHANNEL 11: Wednesday 8 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. 8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.

4 TAFT INDEPENDENT Editorial

Westside Watcher

The Taft

Independent

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside Tumbleweed Café Asian Experience and Steakhouse Asian Food and Pizza

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pm Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm 24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres 768-4655

Paik’s Ranch House Where Everybody Meets Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open 7 Days Mon. Tues. Wed., Thur. 6 am-8:30 pm Sun. Fri. & Sat. 6 am - 9 pm 765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft Sagebrush Annie’s Restaurant and Wine Tasting Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pm 4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa (661) 766-2319

Lunch and Dinner Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pm Saturday 4 pm - 9 pm 215 Center Street, Taft 763- 1815

Black Gold Cafe & Deli Pastas - Sandwiches Espresso - Beer - Wine Craft Beers Open Monday to Friday 6:30am to 8pm Saturday 7:30am to 8pm Sunday 10am to 2pm 508 Center Street 765-6556

514 Center Street • (661)765-7469 LIKE us on Facebook: Fox Theatre Taft TAFTFOX.COM Week of Friday, January 24, 2014 through Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Nut Job (PG) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 6:15, 8:00 Sun: (4:15), 6:00 Mon - Thu: 6:30 PM Ride Along (PG-13) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 6:30, 8:45 Sun: (4:30), 6:45 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM Lone Survivor (R) Digital Presentation Fri & Sat: 6:45, 9:10 Sun: (4:45), 7:00 Mon - Thu: 7:00 PM

Paik’s

Ranch House Restaurant “Where Everybody Meets” Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Open 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Fri. Sat. and Sun. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

765-6915

200 Kern Street, Taft, Ca.

Don’t close your eyes yet Crime seems to be under control lately in Taft. There are probably three reasons for that. First of all, Taft PD and the Sheriff Department have done an amazing job. They have been arresting our tweaking thieves like crazy. Secondly, It is cold. Most thieves are lazy and are home and warm. Finally, most people have got involved in one way or another. People have kept an eye out for one another, locked up all their belongings, and left their outside lights on. People have gotten fed up and the response of Taft citizens has been great. You see the news and the crime is crazy everywhere else. We are lucky here in Taft.

The Bad News- summer is coming and the beautiful Taft nights will bring the thieves and weirdos back out and about. With all our crazy new laws and our courts busting the wrong people, the bad guys that burglarized 20 houses last year will be finishing their 6 months in jail and will be back out burglarizing again this summer. If you follow the arrests on the Taft PD site you will see the same people get arrested over and over and over! A man was arrested several months back at a house in my neighborhood. All of us in the neighborhood were very pleased and thought things might quiet down. His arrest slowed down his wild home for a few days but things went back to being nuts! He was released last week and he is already back to his old ways with his swell roommates.

On a slightly different note, people seem to want new things in Taft but if it actually happens we do not always support it. People have been saying for years they should have a Polar Bear Plunge at the Natatorium. It was not on New Year’s Day but it was the following Saturday and hardly anyone came. With staff, food, drinks, and getting the pool ready I’m sure money was lost. Where were all the people that wanted this event? It has been over a year since they had bands at the Fox. The last time they did, they had a few great bands and seemed to do everything right but not very many people showed up. I never was interested in a freezing pool but I planned on going to the concert but lack of babysitting changed that. Everyone wanted a bowling Alley and The Rec answered with a great bowling Alley. It does have times when it is packed but there are others when it is empty. Go check out the Bowling Alley and if you’re like me, throw a few gutter balls. We all have excuses but someone has to support what we do have here.

People wanted Starbucks for several years and it seems to be doing great. I do not know anyone that was not upset about losing Taco Bell. Now we have Popeye’s that is pretty quiet compared to when Taco Bell was there. Popeye’s does have a good Poor Boy Sandwich and good Sweet Tea to wash it down. Lots of people wanted a new restaurant and now we have Buckolies. Soon we will have the new Sports Bar and Restaurant across from Taft Chevrolet. We need to support them and the great places we already have. The Original Hacienda Grill recently added several amazing meals to their menu. OT Cook House made their menu even better awhile back. Their specials are always mouthwatering.

Where else can you get a steak that great and big for that good of a price. They have the best Clam Chowder outside of Pismo Beach on Friday’s. They are second to only Pismo Fish and Chips.

Taft does have a good transit during the day. A Taxi service would be great at night especially during the weekends. It would take a special kind of person to run the Taxi because once in awhile they would have some interesting customers. With new houses starting soon, the CCF opening, RV Park, Motel, new restaurants, some new businesses, etc, what else do we need that Taft will support.

Maybe with all this activity starting soon we can start filling some of these empty stores. Pilot Plaza does have a great Barbershop, Mexican Restaurant, TC Bookstore, and a few other good places. It would be great to see something in the old Safeway Building but most of Pilot Plaza might be too far gone to save. It might be nice to tear it all down and put in new Athletic Fields for Taft College or maybe Taft High and the Rec. A new but smaller Shopping Center could be built off Supply Row across from Campos Tires. I remember years back people were saying they should build a new Courthouse in the old Safeway building and now we only use our Courthouse once a week. That still amazes me as busy as that Courthouse was that is gone. The Courthouse and CCF should have never been closed but that goes to show what our higher Government thinks of our local families and jobs but that is an entire different topic. Taft is going in the right direction so put your seatbelt on and enjoy. Stay positive Taft.

John Swearengin

January 24 - 31, 2014

Opinion

Do We Still See Colored People?

By Glenn Mollette President Lyndon Johnson visited Martin county Kentucky in 1964. I was nine years old. We were considered the poorest county in the United States. Most of us did not know we were poor but we would soon find out from Johnson and the national media.

At that time, there were no African Americans living in Martin County. From first grade through my senior year in high school, I did not attend school with any African Americans.

Occasionally we would play a basketball team that had African American players.

The first time I saw African American people was probably on NBC news with Chet Huntley and David Brinkley. The first African American I saw in person was in Columbus, Ohio.

We would travel there once or twice a year to visit family. I saw people of color passing by in other cars and as a small child I would turn my head to look.

What I saw on the evening NBC national news was bewildering to me as a child. There was the violence of the Alabama race riots mixed with the evening reports of Vietnam. As a young elementary child I did not understand what the heck was going on.

In the second half of my life some of my best friends are African Americans. I have had opportunities to visit in their homes, have them in my home, speak in their churches and go out to dinner to socialize. I am blessed. I know they are black and they know that I am white but we don’t see color.

I thought it was sad that our President stated that he felt some people in America “really dislike” him because he is black. You can find almost any group in America. There are people who don’t like white people, and people who do not like Christians and some people who don’t like Jews and some people who do not like the poor and some who don’t like the rich. Unfortunately, we could say there are “some” for everything. Hate requires a lot of energy. This country needs to use that energy in a more positive way.

If we, as a country, do not work together we are going to fall apart. Nobody can have everything his or her way. America is not here for just one group, one religion or one political party.

Our President must remember twice the majority of voters, not just African American voters, elected him. At one time he had a popularity poll of seventy percent. That’s a great number for any politician regardless of race.

We have an African American President. We will eventually elect a woman President and soon we will have gay candidates for President. In Washington, Colorado and who knows where else the candidates will probably be handing out Marijuana cigarettes.

Red, yellow, black or white we all are precious in God’s sight.

Jesus loves the little children of the world. God doesn’t see color and hopefully neither do most Americans.

Visit Us Online www. taftindependent. com

January 24 - 31, 2014

Kern County Grand Jury Seeking Applicants Applications for the Kern County Grand Jury will be accepted from now through April 4, 2014. The Kern County Grand Jury is made up of a group of 19 citizens, randomly selected from a pool of citizens who have made their interest known. Applicants are interviewed and then nominated by the Superior Court Judges of our County. Judges are very interested in obtaining a volunteer pool representative of the ethnic and cultural diversity of all communities in our County. The final selection process will be conducted in open session of court during the month of June.

Once selected, Grand Jurors act as an investigative body to ensure that county and city governments are efficiently operated and that public funds are effectively spent. The Grand Jury also hears evidence of public offences presented by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office and, where appropriate, may issue criminal indictments. Applicants must be willing to spend approximately 20 hours a week in performing these tasks.

Candidates for the Grand Jury must be Unites States citizens, at least 18 years of age, have a working knowledge of the English language and have resided in the County for at least one year. Grand Jurors serve for a one year period beginning July 2014.

If Grand Jury service is for you, you may contact Penny Petris-Hall at the Kern County Grand Jury, 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, or telephone (661) 868-4797 to obtain your application for nomination. You may also download an application from the Grand Jury website at www. co.kern.ca.us/grandjury

McCarthy Continues Fight Against Valley Fever Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives passed language that Congressman Kevin McCarthy requested that would direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to intensify its work on Valley Fever treatment.

“Our community’s fight against Valley Fever continues as we build on the momentum from our symposium last fall,” said McCarthy. “As the NIH and CDC work on the randomized controlled trial that was announced in Bakersfield, the passage of today’s legislation is another positive step toward our goal of effectively treating, preventing and ultimately defeating Valley Fever.”

Building on the momentum of the Valley Fever Symposium last September, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (H.R. 3547) contains language where the NIH will be required to submit a report to Congress with its FY15 budget request “that outlines the recommendations, ongoing NIH and CDC efforts, and coordinated plans to further progress toward an effective Valley Fever treatment and vaccine.” As the NIH and CDC continue to work on the details of the randomized controlled trial (RCT), this language ensures that these agencies outline a full strategy that addresses Valley Fever treatment and vaccine development.

TAFT INDEPENDENT

You Are Cordially Invited To Attend The “Friends of The Fort” Annual Dinner Membership Drive and 2014 Elections Installation and Awards Public Invited Thursday, January 30, 2014 Social Hour: 5:00PM Dinner: 6:00PM - $20.00 RSVP by January 27 The Fort Preservation Society 915 N. 10th Street, Suite 2 – 765-7371 “Preserving The Past For the Future”

We would like to thank the following for their overwhelming support of 2013 Taft Christmas for Seniors.

With all your generous hearts we were able to touch the lives of 103 deserving senior citizens with much needed assistance.

Midway Sunset Cogen Samoan Assembly of God Youth Group Fastrip on Kern Cooper’s True Value Eye Kandi Salon Albertsons Rite Aid Pharmacy Zona Fauke Patricia Crabb Michelle Miles Karen DeWitt Bonnie Bogle Berry Petroleum Grimmway Farms Southern Sierra Taft College Phi Theta Kappa Taft College Math & Science Department Taft Longhorn Travel Baseball Team Taft Primary and Jefferson Teachers We would like to extend a special thank you to all the elves that adopted a senior and created for them a perfect Christmas memory.

6

TAFT INDEPENDENT

January 24 - 31, 2014

California Drought Affects Entire State California just finished the driest calendar year on record, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought state of emergency on Friday, Jan. 17. The drought is likely to have significant impacts on the state’s communities, economy and environment in the coming months, according to the Department of Interior.

NASA images of the California Sierra mountain range snow melt in 2013 and 2014 illustrating severe future water shortages in California due to lack of snow.

State Senator Jean Fuller spoke at a rally in Sacramento last Thursday in support of the Governor’s drought emergecy declaration.

Fuller challenged her colleagues to begin the process of building new water storage facilities around the state. Fuller is a member of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.

In the State of Emergency declaration, Governor Brown directed state officials to assist farmers and communities that are economically impacted by dry conditions and to ensure the state can respond if Californians face drinking water shortages. The Governor also directed state agencies to use less water and hire more firefighters and initiated a greatly expanded water conservation public awareness campaign.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated 27 counties in California as primary natural disaster areas due to the drought. The Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is working

WEST SIDE URGENT CARE

765-1935

closely with federal and state authorities to facilitate water transfers and provide flexibility to convey and store available water and facilitate additional actions that can conserve and move water to critical areas.

While severe droughts continue to pervade the state, water utilities are expected to manage the emergency in the near term. However, a more severe or prolonged drought could affect import- and surface-water-dependent facilities, even as those with significant groundwater supplies are predicted to maintain their financial stability.

“Year in and year out,” said West Kern Water District Manager Harry Starkey, “West Kern’s water demands exceed our available supplies. The current drought illustrates this gap even more.”

“The District always places a high priority on wise water use in both wet and dry years. We are fortunate to have a significant inventory of banked water that allows us to ride out these lean hydrologic cycles.,” Starkey said.

“Many months ago we implemented a drought contingency plan that will help us better manage this water year on behalf of our customers,” Starkey said. “Being primarily reliant on our groundwater banking projects for supply, the immediate impact of the drought will be declining water levels in our well fields. The recently completed solar project will help insulate the District from increased pumping costs associated with these deeper water levels.”

According to state officials, an extended drought could simultaneously increase water prices and reduction in usage, ultimately pressuring import-dependent utilities and forcing large and difficult-to-impose rate increases. Contrarily, water plants with significant groundwater supplies in basins that haven’t been overpumped, utilities that have invested heavily in alternate supplies like water recycling, and surface water purveyors with very high-priority water rights would have ample supplies to sell, outperforming peers.

The current wet season has also been severely dry, marking a third dry year for California. Governor Brown asked residents to cut water use by 20 percent while declaring a

Let’s Go! Location Photos!

SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS 10:00 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

100 E North St. Taft CA

· Turning on the Delta pumps this year and next year to capture future rain events · Ending restoration flows in the San Joaquin River for this year and next year in order to stop wasting water · Establishing a bipartisan, emergency joint committee from the House and Senate to devise a long-term legislative solution “As we approach another drought year in the Central Valley, it is imperative that we take immediate action to provide water supplies to our local families, farmers, and small businesse,” McCarthy said. “Restrictive environmental regulations reduce our supplies when water is available in wet years, but exacerbates the negative impacts during years of drought.

At a time when we are in dire need of water, we must provide flexibility and allow water to flow around the state. Our legislation that is being developed would provide emergency drought relief for our state and our local communities.”

Sara Foster is Moving to Eye Kandi 510 Center Street

HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY NOON TO 9 P.M.

drought emergency and hinting that mandatory rationing may be required in the months ahead.

The California State Water Project, which serves twothirds of the state’s population, announced late last year an initial allocation of water for 2014 at just 5 percent of contracted amounts. Taft receives a portion of it’s water from the State Water Project.

Earlier this week, several Congressmen from the Centeral Valley held a news conference and announced proposed federal legislation to address the drought.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy said that he and several valley congressmen are developing emergency drought legislation to provide necessary water supplies throughout the state and the Central Valley. McCarthy was joined at the news conference joined by Speaker of the House John Boehner Wednesday to announce their legislative proposal to provide immediate relief from the ongoing drought in California.

The legislative proposal incorporates three main actions:

Senior Portraits Class of 2014 Fun and Easy

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Have Camera, Will Travel. Call today for more details and appointment 763-5429.

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www.kcphotographyandframing.com

For all your hair needs, call her at (661) 623-2385 or (661) 763-5445.

She specializes in hair color/weaves.

January 24 - 31, 2014

Miller Time

Hi Everyone, Went down to LA this past week to attend a funeral. Stayed with Ginny’s sister at of all places; Glendora. There was a terrible fire raging the day before and we were expecting fire trucks everywhere, traffic jams, and lots of smoke.

When we arrived the fire had roared up over the mountains and it left an eerie site; nothing but blue clear skies and nary a bit of traffic. Looking up at the foothills, you could see grey spots and no vegetation but it looked like nothing had happened at all. The fire was about 5-6 blocks away from their house but they were safe but a bit scared as well. Thankfully only the first lines of homes in the neighborhood up the slope were touched sparing the rest. You just never know when things will happen to you until they do. The funeral was sad but then we got to see many of Ginny’s family that we don’t normally get to see except for these kinds of occasions. Her cousin was a great gal, widely respected from her hometown, her classmates, and her family, she will be sorely missed.

I have been noticing lately that the old phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” has completely lost its meaning. What is causing much of the violence we are witnessing today, in my opinion, are words; how they are used, who they are used against, and what do they really mean. In society today you can’t have a bad day. You have to choose your words very carefully and how they are said, even though it comes out wrong, apparently you can’t be forgiven.

Disrespect is the new catch phrase now. It is also apparent that the use of some words can get you killed. Most of the street violence in our major cities is over words thrown about that will get you involved in a drive by shooting. In the olden days, two guys used to go out behind the gym and duke it out until the other quit. You were declared the winner and that was that. Now the loser goes and gets a gun, the great equalizer, and comes looking for you. The loser is willing to go to prison for the rest of their lives over some carelessly mouthed words. What the heck happened to us and how do we get off this train wreck ??

An example is from the recent Seahawks/49er game where Mr. Sherman stuck his big cleated shoe in to his mouth because he felt he was disked. When the play was over, he forgot to realize is that Mr. Crabtree felt he let his team down by not catching the pass, that Mr. Sherman knocked away, that could have won his team the game. Feeling mighty low walking off, he shoved Mr. Sherman away who was trying to goad him. Words; Sherman let them fly when he was interviewed, and now his words have branded him a thug and a very bad sport. He says it isn’t so, but he made it abundantly clear to everyone that he is a classless lout over words that should have never been spoken. Multiply his actions everywhere, and you start to get the picture that apparently words can get your bones broken or your reputation ruined. Printed or spoken words used in newspapers and on television reporting the same stories really bug me. Just change a few descriptive words in a story can change the whole meaning and put the whole thought process in a different light. Be careful out there if you are living by that old bygone phrase as we want to do, just now think before you speak.

There have been some stories that have recently popped up

Ben’s Books The Largest, Cheapest and Only Used Book Store in Taft

Hours Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday 10am to 3pm

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

TAFT INDEPENDENT

that gets you thinking. Do we really want boys going into girls bathrooms and locker rooms just because they think they want to be a girl ?? Do we want to completely lose our parental rights by allowing our underage daughters to have an abortion without our knowledge ?? Is it right that that we have to show ID’s for about everything we do but not when we show up to the polling place to cast our votes ?? Is it right that someone in this country illegally has the right to get a law degree in this state and practice law but does not have a social security number ??

Do we really need to spend 70 billion dollars or more for a high speed train running from nowhere to somewhere just because a few other countries have them ?? Our legislators are using printed words to promote and shove down our throats these and many more ideas that I believe that we the majority are totally against but they are allowed because we sit back and take it, not protesting, not writing or calling those legislators that promote this junk. What a world we are living in. Now, who doesn’t like the words I have just printed ??

As John Swearengin has been promoting for the past year, thankfully we live in a community that has much to offer, so much going for it, and is one of the safest places to live anywhere. Don’t let what I have written get you down, but do let it get you to thinking. You still have a say, you still have a vote, you are still free; life is good, could be better, could be worse, but be involved, take a stand, don’t just reside here, live here.

Randy Miller Livin’ in Taft

SoCal Forests Release Draft Record of Decision for Land Management Plan Amendment Forest Service officials today announced the release of the Draft Records of Decision (Draft RODs) for a Proposed Amendment to the Land Management Plans for the four Southern California national forests (the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino).

The publication of a legal notice in each national forest’s newspaper of record begins the 60-day objection period.

Objections will be accepted from individuals or entities who submitted substantive formal comments related to the plan amendment during previous opportunities for public comment. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted comments unless new information arose after the designated comment period concluded.

The objection process gives an individual or entity an opportunity for an independent Forest Service review and resolution of issues before the approval of the plan amendment. Objections must be filed within 60 days following the publication of the legal notice. Objections received prior to the legal notice publication will not be accepted, acknowledged, or reviewed.

For more information on the objection process, please visit the Forest Service National Objection webpage and select the link to the planning objections rules at 36 CFR 219: http://www.fs.fed.is/objections/objections_related. php#app_work The Draft RODs and Final SEIS can be found on the project

Chad Berry is WSRPD\Pizza Athlete of the Week Chad Berry is the athlete of the week. Chad is an outstanding student athlete that excels in both the classroom and the baseball field. Chad is a honor roll student at Mckitrick school and plays center field, Catcher and pitcher for the Taft Longhorns baseball team. This week Chad and the Taft Longhorns played against the Bakersfield Bombers. During the game Chad reached base 3 times while collecting 4 RBI. In Chads last at bat he came up to the plate with bases loaded 2 strikes with his team down 3 runs. Chad promptly hit the ball over the fence for a grand slam putting the Longhorns ahead in the game. Chad has a great attitude on and off the field .

webpage at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp. php?project=35130 This Proposed Amendment to the Land Management Plan is part of the Settlement Agreement approved January 3, 2011, in the case of California Resources Agency, et al vs. United States Department of Agriculture, and Center for Biological Diversity, et al vs. United States Department of Agriculture.

For additional information, contact Project Manager Bob Hawkins at socal_nf_lmp_amendment@fs.fed.us.

You Are Cordially Invited To Attend The “Friends of The Fort” Annual Dinner Membership Drive and 2014 Elections Installation and Awards Public Invited Thursday, January 30, 2014 Social Hour: 5:00PM Dinner: 6:00PM - $20.00 RSVP by January 27 The Fort Preservation Society 915 N. 10th Street, Suite 2 – 765-7371 “Preserving The Past For the Future”

8

Liberty Under Fire No one is fired in the Obama Administration except Generals

By Dr. Harold Pease

The list of political scandals runs long in the Obama Administration, unusually long, the multi-year Fast and Furious botched gun-running operation in the Justice Department, the IRS wasting obscene sums of money on staff parties, also its having targeted Tea Party organizations for extra scrutiny, the Benghazi affair in which Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans were killed during a terrorist attack in Libya, government’s monitoring of Associated Press phone records, the NSA collecting and storing electronic message on all U.S. citizens, the disastrous Healthcare roll-out and etc. One thing is common. No one is fired!! No heads roll! Those at the top are protected, defended and sometimes even promoted. Critics see a pattern in Mr. Obama’s management style—no one is punished.

Not so with the military. The president with probably the highest record in avoiding self-blame, or holding his leadership accountable, also has the highest record for firing his generals. Something does not feel right. This story broke in mid-October all over the Internet but was largely neglected by the establishment press. Dianne Sawyer of ABC News had the most complete report of the few that even covered it. She reported that two-star Major General Michael Carey, with 35 years of commendable service and responsible for 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles in silos in the northern plains, was fired for “loss of trust and confidence” and “personal misbehavior.” No further detail was provided. He was the ninth general axed by the Obama administration in as many months.

About the same time President Obama relieved of command the second in command at U.S. Strategic Command, Vice Admiral James Giardina, “following a criminal probe into his potential use of counterfeit poker chips at an Iowa casino.”

The firing of both generals was confirmed in short stories ran by both AP and Fox News but few additional details were provided. As reported by ABC “these officers have some of the highest security clearances you can get and have been in charge of the nations most sensitive nuclear arsenals.” Certainly Congress should be asking some big questions of the Administration respecting both generals sudden, and strange, fall from grace.

Three of the nine generals relieved of command have expressed opinions opposite the Administrations on Benghazi.

General Carter Hamm, United States Army in charge of the US African command, stated that the Administration “lied about not having reinforcements in the area on that night.”

Rear Admiral Charles Gaouette, United States Navy, was in charge of the Air Craft Carriers in the Mediterranean Sea with respect to the Benghazi debacle and in testimony, upon crossexamination, admitted that he could have had the aircraft launched had he been told to do so. He was removed for making “racially insensitive comments and abusive leadership.”

Major General Ralph Baker, United States Army, commanded the Joint Task Force-Horn at Camp Lamar, Djibouti, Africa said that his attack helicopters could have made it from his location to Benghazi in time. He was relieved of command “for groping a civilian.” According to the Free Patriot no assault

TAFT INDEPENDENT

charges or sexual misconduct charges were filed with JAG. Brigadier General Bryan Roberts, United States Army was relieved of command for adultery. Sources suggest that while adultery “is still on the books in the United States Code of Military Justice, it has rarely been used since President Bill Clinton’s indiscretions.”

In early spring 2013, two Marine Corps generals were relieved of command for “not providing proper force protection” in Afghanistan from a Taliban attack in 2012. They were Major General Gregg A. Sturdevant, and Major General Charles M.M. Gurganus. No explanation was given for what consisted of proper force protection.

Lieutenant General David Holmes Huntoon Jr, United States Army was forced into retirement for an “improper relationship” according to The Department of Defense. Nothing was released as to the nature of the improper relationship.

The Navy, alone, has fired at least 16 commanders of less rank in 2014 alone. The ABC Sawyer report saw this as good as it improved the moral character of the military.

Missed completely is the point that the Obama administration may have other motives—especially Benghazi—for these early retirements. Some critics see this as Obama weeding out commanders less friendly to his purposes—in short a purge.

In light of the observation that no heads roll in the numerous Obama scandals why are so many rolling in the military where no serious wrongdoing can be documented? Reasonable people ask why? As in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Napoleon may be building his own loyal army. Where is Congress and the establishment media on this story?

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com email us at Publisher@ taftindependent.com

January 24 - 31, 2014

February is Safely Surrender Baby Awareness Month

(Bakersfield, CA) – For most people, the birth of a child is a happy occasion celebrated with family and friends. But for some women, childbirth becomes a crisis - and the decisions made following an infant’s birth can be a matter of life or death for the child.

Again this year, the Safely Surrender Baby Coalition is planning a series of events throughout Kern County to bring attention to this important law. On Tuesday, February 4th, the Kern County Board of Supervisors will proclaim February as Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month at 9:00 am during their meeting held at 1115 Truxtun Avenue. The community is also invited to join us in celebrating the men and women who make this law possible as we hold a press conference at San Joaquin Community Hospital, where we will also honor those families blessed with the adoption of a child through the Safely Surrendered Baby Law. The Press Conference takes place at 1524 27th Street in the second floor Rio Bravo Room, on Thursday, February 6th at 10:30 A.M. The Safely Surrendered Baby Law responds to the situation of newborn infant deaths due to abandonment in unsafe locations. First signed into law in January 2001, the Safely Surrendered Baby Law became permanent in January 2006.

The law’s intent is to save the lives of newborn infants at risk of abandonment by encouraging parents or persons with lawful custody to safely surrender the infant within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked. The law exists so that these infants will not be harmed because the mother abandons them, or fails to provide them with care, sometimes leaving them to die.

To date, 39 babies have been safely surrendered in Kern County since we began tracking those babies in 2006.

The Safely Surrender Baby Coalition leads the effort of educating Kern County residents about this law. This group of dedicated individuals represents a long list of departments, non-profits, hospitals, and stakeholders. We hope that you can assist us with delivering this important message to the people of Kern County, all with the hope that no baby will be abandoned in our Community.

We hope that you can assist us again this year in our efforts to educate our community about this important option for any woman and her baby in a crisis situation.

Don’t abandon your baby. Safely surrender your baby into the hands of any fire station or emergency room personnel.

It’s safe, legal, and no one has to know.

For media arrangements, please contact Heidi Carter-Escudero at (661)633-7104.

Black Gold Brewing Company Cafe - Deli - Espresso - Craft Beers

Shop Downtown Taft for the Holidays!

Gift Certificates $10 and Up Try Our Ribs or our Excellent TriTip Sandwiches Served Daily 508 Center Street -765-6556

January 24 - 31, 2014

TAFT INDEPENDENT

Black Gold

Cafe & Deli Serving Since 1939

WE HAVE ALWAYS STAYED CONSISTENT! Double Gold Medal Winner and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show at the San Francisco International Wine Competition

Wine Tasting and Lunch Sat. & Sun. 11:30 to 5:00 pm. www.sagebrushannies.com

Now Celebrating Our 23rd Year

8 miles south of HWY 166 on HWY 33 in Ventucopa, Cuyama Valley, 4211 HWY 33. (661) 766-2319

MARICOPA QUILT COMPANY FABRIC • NOTIONS • GIFTS WED.-FRI. 10:00-5:30 SAT. 10:00-2:00

Check Out Our Website Maricopaquiltcompany.com And Facebook Page 370 CALIFORNIA • 769-8580

ROGER MILLER INSURANCE a division of DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Group

Rich Miller • Jordan Miller Kathy Devine • Shelly Hamilton

License # 0707137 • (661) 765-7131 531 Kern Street - P.O. Box 985 (661) 765-4798 FAX Taft, CA 93268 • (661) 203-6694 Cell E-Mail: Richrmia@bak.rr.com Your Hometown Insurance Store

Yates’ Detailing 600 Center Street Taft, California

(661) 623-0827 (661) 765-1171

All your detailing needs!

Wash, Wax, Shampoo, Buffing and Window Tinting.

Call for Appointment Today!

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

Ice Blended Mocha Fat Free and Sugar Free Available in Most Flavors

Open 7 Days - 765-6556 508 Center Street • Taft TAFT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” Pastor Cindy Brettschneider Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AM Adult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PM Wednesday Night Service 6:00 PM Praise Team meets on Thursday at 6:00 PM

St. Mary’s Church 110 E Woodrow Street • Taft 661 765-4292 Mass Schedule Tuesday-Friday 8:00 A.M. Sunday 8:30A.M. English 11:00A.M. Spanish

Charles V. & Jennifer Landwehr and Angie Milner

501 Lucard St., Taft • 765-4111 FD756 FDR50 FDR595 FDR618

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

Gateway Temple

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 Monday Evening Mens Prayer 7:00 Wednesday Evening Worship 6:30 For a ride: Call Dorine Horn 427-9722 Pastors Charle (Tommy) and Mary A. McWhorter

New Hope Temple “Connecting Lives” 308 Harrison Street 765-4572 Sunday Morning Worship Service 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship Service 6 p.m Bible Classes All Ages Wednesday 7 p.m.

Taft First Assembly Your Neighborhood Church 314 Asher Ave

Parish Hall Available for Rent

Join us for our Encounter Service Sundays 10:30 am

First Baptist Church

Where on Earth Are We? A sermon series on Prophesy Pastor Trent Meadors

Pastor Scott Pearson

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship Celebration 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6 p.m.

Awana Childrens Program Wednesday 6 p.m.

220 North Street - Taft 661 763-3138

Advertise In The Taft Independent

Visit Us Online taftindependent.com

Unlike other funeral homes we have retained • Our Same Name • Our Same Ownership • Our Same Management • Our Same Licensed Staff

Call Today!

765-6550

Community Christian Fellowship 631 North Street Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Bible Study 9 a.m.

Sunday Service - 10 a.m.

Clergy The Rev. Heather Mueller 703 5th Street - Taft (661) 765-2378

Trinity Southern Baptist Church 400 Finley Drive We invite you to join us each week as we worship

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 pm

Info call 765-7151

Peace Lutheran Church- LCMS Taft- 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

10 TAFT INDEPENDENT

Classifieds

Joyce Properties (661) 769-6469

Classified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for upAds to 5are lines, and $7line. per Phone, issue forfax, up mail to 10orlines.

Classified $2.00 per dropYard off Sale ads arethe free. fax, mail or drop off your ad to the your ad to TaftPhone, Independent.

Taft Independent.

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 Boxed are $5 $20 additional. (or bring to our lines, $16ads for 12 lines, for 15 lines,E-mail $25 forus 20 lines. office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll the rest.

Photodo 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 Yard Sale adscar, are $2 for 3 lines, additional lines of your home, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the $2 rest.each.

Classified ads is now Wednesdaysat at 12 2 p.m.

Classified addeadline deadline is Wednesday p.m. (noon) Fax: 765-6556 E-mail: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Email: Taftindypublisher@bak.rr.com Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

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

Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

YARD SALES Advertise 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.

Yard Sale 203 Buchanan street Saturday 1/25 and Sunday 1/26

Screen.

Application, Job Description and Salary Schedule are available at the TUHS Business Office, 701 Wildcat Way, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. M-F. Applications must be received in the business Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 5th. Written test will be given to ALL applicants submitting an application in the TUHS IRC Lecture Hall on Thurs., Feb. 6th, at 7:00p.m.

YARD SALE. 611 SOUTH ST. 9-4. 1-25.

ANNOUNCEMENTS HELP WANTED Licensed Tax Return Preparer, must be registered with CTEC and have a valid IRS PTIN, current bond. Experience with paper filed and computer filed returns is mandatory. Flexible hours, pay is “pay per return”. Apply via email - Johnny@ mygenestaxservice. com Interviews to begin immediately.

Full time Crane Operator needed!

Must have valid class A CDL and NCCO certification. Must pass drug test and physical. Excellent benefit package and competitive wages: 401K, paid vacation, paid holidays, and medical coverage offered. Apply at 25090 Hwy 33 Fellows Ca 93224 HELP WANTED Vacancy: Cafeteria - 5 Hour Food Service Worker - 2 Positions Taft Union High School District is accepting applications for two 5-hour Food Service Worker positions in the cafeteria, Pay Rate $13.81 - $16.82 p/hr.

E.O.E. Employment process includes: Application and resume, Written Exam, Interview, DOJ Clearance, Physical and Drug

experience necessary or perfect for a retired driver wanting to supplement income.

No DOT reporting.

Contact Steven Gentile at (714) 525-8816 or email to steve.gentile@ gfindustries.net

SERVICES CHILD CARE SERVICES FOR SALE Stove and couch. 313 Kern St. 765-2713.

West Kern Water District is looking for an individual with mechanical skills. This position requires ability to coordinate and maintain the inspection and maintenance of pump station facilities, record readings, perform minor maintenance of facilities and equipment, and maintain records accordingly. This is a Weekend Shift position (Wednesday through Sunday, with Monday and Tuesdays off).

An application and a complete job description can be obtained at the District office, 800 Kern Street, P.O. Box 1105, Taft, California, 93268.

Application and resume must include three (3) work related references, and must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2014. Resume will not be accepted in lieu of District application. The successful applicant will be subject to a background check, preemployment physical and drug screen, and must provide current DMV report. EOE. “Part time Class A Driver needed in McKittrick. 10 - 20 hours per week. No

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT HOMES FOR SALE House for Sale 400 Hillard 3BR/3BA, 2074 sq.ft.

Fireplace, indoor laundry; $225,000 Call for more information or to walk-thru 763-1222/Ext. 12 Real Estate eBroker Inc.

By Appointment Karri Christensen LIC# 01522411 & #01333971 661-332-6597 www.BuyTaft.com Real Estate Sales &

Find us on Facebook

Purchase Can’t make payments call me!! I can help direct you to a loan modification or assist you in your short sale!

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 417 Montview. 2bd. 1 ba. house. Fend yard. $15,000 cash or owner will carry with down payment for 5 years.. Land is on a lease for $314 per month.

Do not disturb tenant.s.

(661) 972-7807.

West Valley Real Estate (661) 763-1500.

Lic # 01525550 www.BuySellManage. com FOR RENT 224 B St #B 2/1 $550 203 W Ash #A 2/1.5 $600 203 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600 205 W Ash #D 2/1.5 $600 205 W Ash #C 2/1.5 $600 200 Philippine 2/1 $650 307 Philippine 1/1 $700 501 ½ Jackson 2/1 $700 326 Adeline 2/1 $750 320 E St 2/1 $750 714 Polk 2/1 $750 202 B St 2/1 $800 710 Buchanan 3/1 $800 528 D St 2/1 $850 602 Elkhorn 3/2 $850 111 Lexington 3/1 $875 508 F Street 3/1 $975 114 Franklin 3/1 $1,125 100 South Commercial Property/Yard $750 518 Center St Retail Space $500

Westside Real Estate 765-5000 1/1 319 1/2 San Emidio #A all utilities Included $550/$550 dep 3/2 27544 Hwy 119 Valley Acres on 3/4 Acre $925/$925 dep 401 1/2 Jackson new floors/paint $850/$850 dep Pick up a list at 322 Kern St. 661-765-5000 Westside Real Estate & Property Management Inc.

APART. FOR RENT Creekside Apartments.

1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr. MOVE IN SPECIAL! FIRST MONTH FREE. Based on approved credit.

No Application Fee. Pet’s OK. 108 Center Street Apartments. 1 bed room 1 bath.$475 per month. Plus Sec. Dep. Call (8661) 8466403 or (661) 765-7678.

Get Your Business in the Taft Independent.

Classifieds $2.00 per line.

Box it for $5.00 Classified Find us Ad Deadline. on Wednesday 2 p.m.

Facebook 765-6550.

G&S CARPET CO “No Job To Small” Immediate Installation!

Hours: T-F 9-5 Sat. 10-3 Closed Sun./Mon. Eve By Appt.

549-1068

Air Conditioning & Heating

Classified Ads $2.00 per line.

HOMES FOR RENT

PETS OPERATORWEEKEND DUTY Production Group – Operations Salary Range of $3,569 - $5,424 per Month Plus Benefits

Rentals Real Estate

MOBILE HOMES

AUTOMOBILES

Ken Shugarts

Preserving for the Future

(661) 769-6469

Phone: Phone:765-6550 765-6550

January 24 - 31, 2014

Carpet Vinyl Hardwood Laminate Ceramic Tile 661-398-3044

7000 District Blvd Bakersfield

Contractor’s Lic. #352844

Box it for

Plumbing • Septic • Rooter Framing • Electrical • Concrete We Do All Phases of Construction Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507 30 Plus Years in Construction License No. 927634

$5.00.

3,500 Issues Printed Every Friday.

Real Estate Services and Property Management Listings – Sales - Property Management Local Service You Can Depend On

322 Kern Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-5000

www.BuyKernCounty.com Best Price and

Thought of buying a house Not sure how it works

FREE VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS IT ALL

most Readers

Real Estate eBroker Inc. 432 Kern St., Taft, CA 93268 Karri Christensen 661-332-6597 call or text today!

CalBRE# 01333971

Andy’s Septic Tank & Sewer

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE

209 Harrison Street • Taft (661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

Diagnostic Specialists Service & Repairs • Smog Repairs Air Conditioning • Tune Up • Front End Brakes • Fuel Injection

(661)765-5000 or (661)343-0507

$15.00 OFF with mention of this ad* *1996 Vehicle or newer

Qik Smog & Tune

Black Gold Brewing Company An American Craft Brewery in Taft

Used to be Paul’s Bike KHS Mountain Bikes and 2014 BMX Bikes Are Here!

608 Center St.

745-4919

Devon’s Body Shop

(661)763-4445

Now Serving Our Original

25 Hill Blonde Ale

No Appointment Needed for Smog Check!

Debuting Our

Tool Pusher IPA

Now Servicing Japanese and European Motorcycles

General Automotive Repairs

• 661-763-4445 • 500 S. 10th Street

508 Center Street (661) 765-6556

Randy’s Trucking Cart-Away Concrete Mix Trailer • Hydraulic Rotation and Tilt for Mixing and Dumping • Mixes Concrete While Traveling • • Large Internal Blades • • Rear Operator Control Panel •

408 Main Street • (661)765-4337

Would you like to REDUCE OR ELIMINATE your STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY? If you own a business in the Taft area you may be eligible for tax credits up to $37,440 per qualified employee.

There are many advantages and cost savings for businesses in the Taft Enterprise Zone.

(661) 763-4773 1050 Wood Street

Call today for more information: 661763-1222, Ext. 12

The Tumbleweed Bar and Restaurant

Located in the Heart of Oil Country On the Petroleum Highway We Cater Your Place or Ours Full Bar Available For Your Special Event

Shop

Come and Join Us at The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed Cafe Reservations Recommended for Dinner

24870 Highway 33 in Derby Acres • (661) 768-4655

Owner Orchel Krier Welcomes You and Your Family - Dinner Reservations

FULL BAR

12 TAFT INDEPENDENT

January 24 - 31, 2014

Black Gold Brewing Company An Amercian Craft Brewery Try Our Locally Hand Crafted Beers

Tool Pusher IPA

25 Hill Blonde Al

$5 Beer Samplers

3 oz. tasting of five of our locally made brews

Growlers and Growler ReFills Support Your Local Craft Brewery 508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-6556